Kobudo

In real world effectiveness, the ultimate goal is to be prepared, not just to perform.

Bunkai, Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Kobudo, Learning, Martial Arts, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Self-Defense, Self-Protection, Sensei, Student /

Emotions are powerful, but are they always the best guide in the martial arts? . While passion fuels our training, logic and common sense should offer a crucial perspective for developing functional combat skills. . The journey towards effective martial arts (if this is your goal), involves not just rote repetition, but also genuine understanding. […]

In real world effectiveness, the ultimate goal is to be prepared, not just to perform. Read More »

“Never raise your sword in anger”.

Bushido, Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Kobudo, Learning, Martial Arts, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy /

Okinawa is rich in moral stories, and karate masters enjoy the telling of these stories. One such story is that of the poor fisherman, whose shrine stands today in a small area south of Naha, Itomen. . Prior to annexation by Japan, Okinawa was known as the Ryukyu Kingdom. The legend of two men whose

“Never raise your sword in anger”. Read More »

“Bu, starts with Rei and ends with Rei.”

Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Kobudo, Learning, Martial Arts, Masters, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Sensei, Student /

Ojigi (お辞儀) – Bowing in Japan is the act of lowering your head or the upper part of the torso, commonly used as a sign of salutation, reverence, apology or gratitude in social or religious situations. . Bowing is extremely important in Japan, children normally begin learning how to bow at a very young age,

“Bu, starts with Rei and ends with Rei.” Read More »

What works best…. is what works best.

Bunkai, Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Kobudo, Learning, Martial Arts, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Self-Defense, Self-Protection, Sensei, Student /

Human beings are emotional creatures. In the battle between emotions, common sense and logic, emotions win, always . I prefer to look at my karate from a logical and common sense perspective, with a view to developing functional combative skill. . Logical thinking is a process of exploring different solutions to a given problem. .

What works best…. is what works best. Read More »

Always do your best, learn everything you can…. Enjoy the journey.

Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Kobudo, Learning, Martial Arts, Masters, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy /

“There is a saying; ‘Shikin nu tiyaui’ which means however much you train and get stronger, there is always someone who is better than you. So, we should always remember the time we first started karate, and be humble when dealing with the martial art.” (End quote) – Hiroshi Akamine 9th dan Ryukyu Kobudo &

Always do your best, learn everything you can…. Enjoy the journey. Read More »

Are traditional martial arts dying?

Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Kobudo, Learning, Martial Arts, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Self-Defense, Self-Protection /

Are traditional martial arts dying? . Most martial arts were created at a specific period in time in ancient history to protect its practitioners from a civilian, non-consensual attack. Times have changed to a point where some martial arts training is no longer practical for today’s world. There are many martial artists who are unaware

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“It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows.”

Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Kobudo, Learning, Martial Arts, Masters, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Sensei, Student /

  “It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows.” – Epictetus . There are situations that arise in which we wish to influence other people and make them understand something that we believe to be important. . But no matter how hard we try, we cannot force people to

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“Enbusen is the opponent themselves.”

Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Kobudo, Learning, Martial Arts, Masters, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy /

  “Enbusen (演武線) (embusen) isn’t just about where you face when you perform kata. Enbusen is the opponent themselves. Enbusen represents the opponent’s attacks or movements, the practitioner must move accordingly to the movements of the opponent, and react to said attacks accordingly….. Enbusen is the opponent.” (End quote) – Toshihiro Oshiro 9th dan Shima-Ha

“Enbusen is the opponent themselves.” Read More »

“Trouble comes to those who don’t have courtesy.”

Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Kobudo, Learning, Martial Arts, Masters, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy /

  “If you have good manners, you can survive anywhere. Trouble comes to those who don’t have courtesy.” – Masahiro Nakamoto 10th dan Okinawa Dentou Kobudo . . In society a general definition of courtesy would be polite behavior that is well accepted in the society. This value holds great importance in the correct development

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Progress comes to those who train and train.

Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Kobudo, Learning, Martial Arts, Masters, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy /

The martial arts requires practice (shock)…… And the way anything is developed is through regular, consistent practice. It is that simple….. But how many hours a day should you practice? 2 hours? 4 hours? 8 hours? 12 hours? How much is enough? Is there an optimal number of hours that you should practice? . Have

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You think training once a week is enough?

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  “At the world level, with the spreading Covid-19 pandemic, we are in a situation in which many have to refrain from going out. I think many will spend more time practicing at home. Taking advantage of the characteristics of karate that are that anyone can practice anytime, anywhere and even alone, let’s do our

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Are you an instructor, a teacher, both, or something else?

Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Kobudo, Learning, Martial Arts, Masters, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Sensei, Student /

“A teacher is never a giver of truth; he is a guide, a pointer to the truth that each student must find for himself.” – Bruce Lee . Strictly speaking, education and instruction are mutually exclusive. You instruct soldiers. You teach students. An instructor lays down rules to be obeyed; a teacher strews ideas to

Are you an instructor, a teacher, both, or something else? Read More »