“Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfills the same function as pain in the human body; it calls attention to the development of an unhealthy state of things.” – Winston Churchill (New Statesman interview, 7 January 1939) . Winston Churchill compared criticism to physical pain, and of course, he was absolutely […]
“So my pathetic friend… is there anything that you can do well?” Read More »
“Today, there are many instructors who boast of heroic episodes to their students. They are not qualified to be instructors.” – Eiichi Miyazato 10th dan Goju Ryu from the book Okinawa Den Gojuryu Karate-do . Humility is a very important human trait that all people should exercise in their lives. The core significance of being
“It is unwise to be too sure of one’s own wisdom.” Read More »
The aim of education should be teaching students how to think, rather than what to think. But more than that, to create the “spark” – the curiosity, the passion, for further knowledge that helps them grow as martial artists. . The task of instructors is not just to educate students to perform techniques, drills, kata,
“Education means inspiring someone’s mind, not just filling their head.” Read More »
To truly understand your karate, look beyond the technique. . Often, we get fixated on what we’re going to do in order get the result we want. Most people tend to ask the question; “How do I do that?” . I view all techniques and drills to be a means to impart a principle. It’s
“Karate is more than simply fighting, it’s a whole art.” Read More »
Many people are in denial of the inherent benefits of kata for self-defense, partly because its performance is seen solely as a succession of moves. Without understanding the combative applications they contain, the importance of kata has diminished. If people don’t understand what and why they are doing something, they won’t invest the necessary time
“Karate at its heart is not about sport or beauty. Karate is about SURVIVAL.” Read More »
Why do so many young students quit at brown belt? . There are so many adults that regret quitting the martial arts when they are young. I can almost guarantee that anyone who quits training at a brown belt level will one day regret it. . So why do so many young people give up?
Why do so many young students quit at brown belt? Read More »
As human beings we consists of many instincts and fears. As most of us know, the strongest ones are the instincts for survival. . In very stressful situations, a human mind can react with a high dose of fear when we feel like our life is in danger. It’s just a natural human reaction. .
For many people, the status of their martial art is something of great importance. For others, it’s not important at all. Is your art sport, or does it have a deeper meaning for you? . Having success in an arena or being able to break boards, ice, bricks etc., or to fight in a controlled
Is your art sport, or does it have a deeper meaning for you? Read More »
“I always say that it is not about grade, but about substance..” – Yasuhiro Uema 10th dan Shubukan Shorin Ryu . Grades, or belt ranks, are without doubt one the most controversial aspects of the martial arts. They can cause many problems and focussing overly on your belt rank, can become extremely toxic. . A
“I always say that it is not about grade, but about substance..” Read More »
“Any martial art without proper training of the mind turns into beastly behavior.” – Shoshin Nagamine (1907-1997) . If you draw inaccurate conclusions about what you’re capable of doing, you’ll limit your potential. . Karate practitioners the world over spend so much time strengthening their bodies, improving their techniques and drills, but so many neglect
“Any martial art without proper training of the mind turns into beastly behavior.” Read More »
You want to karate quit? Again? . How many students do you know that quit only to return for a little while and then quit again? . Here are a few reasons why people quit: They get bored with it. Financial issues. They move to a different area. They realize it requires more effort
You want to karate quit? Again? Read More »
Can you learn karate by watching videos? . Let’s be honest. You will never, ever become a great martial artist just from watching videos! To become a great martial artist, you need a real-life teacher and real-life training partners. . Videos are a goldmine of information and inspiration. They are a learning tool that no
Can you learn karate by watching videos? Read More »
