“Karate training is a moral training, as well as a physical one for self-defense. It isn’t only concerned with developing fighting machines. Traditional karate, taught in the correct way, will cultivate people able to defend themselves, but just as importantly, it will cultivate within them a sense of responsibility, a sense of justice, and…
Tag: Learning
Okinawa is the birthplace of karate.
“Some people say that karate is moving zen. The mind is the most powerful weapon I have. I was in karate from 9 years old. I spent my life learning the techniques, now I am 72 (76 in Aug 2020). I am the highest master in all of Okinawa. Karate helped me to be a…
Trust the process.
I’m going to ask you to trust me on this. ? What I’ve realized over the years in working with countless people, is that there is nothing as vital to a relationship, with your sensei, students, friend or family, as fragile as trust. Psychologists tell us that the first emotional bond we all develop is…
You will not be punished for your anger…
“You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger.” ~ Buddha Poison isn’t always something you eat or drink – it can be an emotion. And hate is one of them, eating you up inside and causing destruction. . Hatred is a feeling that we all have felt and…
The only limit is you.
“The limit is not in the sky. The limit is the mind.” Those with limited mindsets will work within their limits and stay within the comfort zones that allow them to feel contentment with a sense of conformity. But pushing our minds beyond their own limits can give us an indescribable sense of joy by…
Once learned never forgotten
“If you want to be skilled at karate, do what skilled karate people do: train each day! If you get into the habit of daily training, you will surprise yourself with how much progress you can make.” Tatsuya Naka 7th dan Shotokan JKA. I often get asked “how can I improve my karate?” The answer…
You must become a great student
To become a martial arts master, or at the very least a great teacher, you must first become a great student. . You must take responsibility for your own learning and actively pursue knowledge and experience. . Recently I asked a black belt instructor from another ‘style’ to come train with us. He had the…
Karate has many stances; it also has none.
“Karate has many stances; it also has none”. Genwa Nakasone wrote explaining Gichin Funakoshi’s 17th precept; ”Kamae wa shoshinsha ni ato wa shizentai”. (Fixed positions are for beginners: later, one moves naturally) . So there are no stances in karate? . A common complaint about karate, and its kata, is that the stances are impractical–that…
Your sensei taught you everything you know…
“Your sensei may seem old and frail. Keep in mind, he taught you everything you know…… but not everything he knows.” . Prince Loeffler Shugyokan Dojo Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu . . “A teacher is never a giver of truth; he is a guide, a pointer to the truth that each student must find for himself.”…
If you run after two hares, you will catch neither.
“There is a proverb that says – Nito oumono wa itto omo ezu (二兎追う者は一兎をも得ず). It translates to – If you run after two hares, you will catch neither.” ?? . Yasuhiro Uema 9th dan Shorin-Ryu Shubukan . A great master received a university professor who came to enquire about wisdom. . The master served tea….
Okinawan karate is more than martial arts
“Okinawan karate is more than martial arts. It is a way of cultivating the spirit.” . “We avoid conflicts and prefer peace — that is the legacy of Miyagi Sensei, founder of Goju-ryu. Karate is not for attacking people, there is no way you will deal the first blow in a fight. The greatest secret…
Control your ego
“Control your ego properly because the true enemy is inside yourself and this is the toughest opponent to beat.” ?? . Have you checked your ego lately? Keeping ego in check means we must examine who we are, what we want, how we treat others, and our overall actions. Keep self-importance under control: . Who are…