(2 minute 26 second read) Do you use the term ‘Osu’ (押忍) in your dojo? . The resonant echo of ‘Osu’ that reverberates through many martial arts dojo, a word far more complex than its two syllables suggest. . This seemingly innocuous term, does it belong in our traditional dojo as a symbol of respect,…
Tag: Lineage
Just because someone boasts an impressive lineage chart doesn’t automatically make them a good teacher.
(2 minute and 15 second read) Joining a martial arts school for the first time is an exciting and empowering endeavor for many individuals. The prospect of learning self-defense, perhaps wanting to compete, or just physical fitness, often attracts people to these schools. . However, a significant challenge arises when newcomers lack the knowledge to…
“Pre-war karate masters treated students harshly, and expelled them for the slightest reason. A student also had to have a good character or they wouldn’t teach him.”
(2 minute and 20 second read) Possibly one of the most famous quotes by Gichin Funakoshi is; “The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants.” . So, I would like to pose a question. Does karate improve your character? . The idea…
“We must be careful not to overlook the fact that kata, and the body positions that comprises them, are just templates of sort; it is their application in combat which needs to be mastered.”
(2 minute and 14 second read) Kata, the cornerstone of traditional martial arts, are intricate archives of combative movements, much more than just a physical solo exercise. They are a living legacy, passed down from teacher to student, generation after generation. . Each kata embodies the accumulated wisdom of past masters, a codified library of…
There is NO place for physical punishment or bullying in any form of discipline.
(2 minute and 16 second read) Things have changed over the years. When I began training in traditional karate, some of the instructors were downright mean. They went out of their way to inflict pain on you, and they made it clear that they were superior to you in every way. . Back then, in…
Grades, or belts, are without doubt one of the most controversial aspects of the martial arts.
(2 minute and 27 second read) Grades, or belts, are without doubt one of the most controversial aspects of the martial arts. They can cause many problems and any discussion, usually become extremely toxic. . For those of you that don’t know. A grade or belt, is an agreement between you and an instructor (or…
“Kata is handed down from the older generation,[…]we have a responsibility to hand it down to the next generation.”
“Kata is handed down from the older generation, and if you think, as a part of culture, we have a responsibility to hand it down to the next generation.” – Keiji Tomiyama 9th dan Shito Ryu Kofukan . Teaching is a profound act of sharing the knowledge we have acquired from others, with the sincere…
“In my life I do a lot of things but I never forget my training.”
It‘s that time of year again. Substantial snowfall, temperatures plummeting below freezing, and a polar wind that leaves you breathless. . The icy wind whips across your face, your fingers and toes numb from the cold, and your breath hangs heavy in the air. But you stand there, muscles burning, sweat freezing in your keiko-gi,…
My style of karate is the strongest.
Recently someone tried to argue with me that their style of karate was the strongest. Informing me that because their athletes were successful in competition going back to the 1960’s, it was the ultimate, the strongest, and the best martial art. . Karate, has evolved into a diverse and widespread discipline. It can be practiced…
“Through my years of training, the only thing I’ve learned is that I don’t know everything.”
Remember being in the dojo and feeling like you would absolutely die if you were called on when you didn’t know the answer? From an early age, we’re conditioned to be afraid of not knowing something we should. . Unfortunately, this fear often prevents us from seeking help when we need it. We worry that,…
“Nothing is more harmful to the world than a martial art that is not effective in actual self-defense.”
It is said that the Okinawan karate pioneers, Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957) and Choki Motobu (1870-1944), did not agree on many things and openly disliked each other. . Funakoshi became an advocate of Karate-do, while Motobu, an advocate of Karate-jutsu. . Motobu in his criticism of Funakoshi, stated that; “Nothing is more harmful to the world…
“Grades mean nothing; all that matters is to train hard.”
It’s the time of year for a “Rant”. . Imagine a shiny black-belt, dangling around someone’s waist like a “Master of Awesome” flag. Cool, right? Except, what if they got it for showing up to class a few times and making friends with the sensei’s dog? Kinda sad, don’t you think? . That’s the thing…