“Nintai” (忍耐) is a dynamic Japanese term that the dictionary simply describes as; “to persevere”. But it is more than that. . Nintai is an adherence to a course of action, belief, or purpose without giving way. Perseverance, persistence, tenacity, steadfastness and patience all define Nintai. Each of these conveys a sense of endurance in […]
Of course your opinion MATTERS. Just not to ME. . . People will talk. They always have. And they always will. No matter what you do or say, how you behave, how you act, or the decisions you make, will always be scrutinized by others. It’s the nature of the masses. And social media is
Of course your opinion MATTERS. Just not to ME. Read More »
“If you hate a person, you hate something in him (or her) that is part of yourself. What isn’t part of ourselves doesn’t disturb us.” – Hermann Hesse (German-born Swiss poet, novelist, and painter. 1877-1962) . At some point in life, all of us have held grudges against people. Why? The simplest explanation is that
If there is no enemy within, the enemy outside can do us no harm. Read More »
Choose the positive. You have choice, you are master of your attitude, choose the positive, the constructive. Optimism is a faith that leads to success.” – Bruce Lee . We can always choose to perceive things differently. You can focus on what’s WRONG in your life, or you can focus on what’s RIGHT. You have
“As You Think, So Shall You Become.” Read More »
“Better learn balance. Balance is key. Balance good, karate good. Everything good. Balance bad, better pack up, go home. Understand?” – Miyagi Nariyoshi – Miyagi-do Karate . . Balance obviously means something different to everyone, yet most of us are seeking it in some way or another. . Balance is not something we can get;
“Better learn balance. Balance is key.” Read More »
I QUIT! . There’s no question that perseverance in the martial arts is an admirable quality. Persistence and determination are key to reaching a good standard. And though meeting the goals that we set may seem like the only option, the truth is that in certain circumstances, giving up is sometimes a viable choice. It’s
Why do you practice martial arts? . Historically, teachers taught the martial arts only to those students they believed deemed worthy. To endear themselves to the teacher, prospective students would often have to perform menial labor or perform the most basic techniques for hours–showing that they were humble, patient, and honest. . Today, most students
Why do you practice martial arts? Read More »
Traditional Karate’s forgotten training methods: “Hojo Undo” (補助運動) – supplemental training. . “Hojo Undo” are supplementary exercises where one uses various implements and aids to encourage and develop physical strength, stamina, muscle co-ordination, speed and posture. . Many of the older and more traditional forms of training have slipped from use. But in the dojo
Traditional Karate’s forgotten training methods: “Hojo Undo” Read More »
“You are good at some things not because you were born with it, but because you have the one talent you need – perseverance.” – Masaaki Ikemiyagi 9th dan Goju-ryu . Do you agree with Ikemiyagi sensei? Are we born with talents or do we have to develop them? . The short answer, in my
“You are good at some things not because you were born with it.” Read More »
“In budo karate we all train to make ourselves a better person. The only competition is within yourself.” – Tomoyose Ryuko (1928-2019) 10th dan Uechi Ryu . Masters of the martial arts believe that a strong body and mind go together: you can’t improve one without working on the other. Martial arts are just as
“In budo karate we all train to make ourselves a better person.” Read More »
“Friendship and cooperation are the most important part of karate.” – Seikichi Iha 10th Dan Shorin Ryu Shidokan . Nothing feels more disappointing than watching your peers get promoted ahead of you – especially if you’ve been training the same amount of time or even longer. . Instead of throwing in the towel, or
“Friendship and cooperation are the most important part of karate.” Read More »
Many people have conformed to accepting low-level information on their karate. Sticking with the punching, kicking, “blocking” and the step (insert number here) “kumite” we see in dojo everywhere. . For most people who are caught in the addiction-loop of consuming this low-quality information, it will take years to transform their brains into a state
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” Read More »
