Martial Arts

“He who does not understand your silence will probably not understand your words.”

Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Learning, Martial Arts, Motivation, Okinawa /

(1 minute 31 second read) Martial arts training; principles, techniques, strategies, fitness, they’re all important. But mastering your mind is just as crucial; and for me, that includes avoiding pointless arguments. . It’s easy to get caught up in pointless debates about which style is the best, or which is the strongest, the most effective, […]

“He who does not understand your silence will probably not understand your words.” Read More »

Are you a traditionalist, a pragmatist, or both?

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

(2 minute 41 second read) From the comments on a recent article, many people seemed to be offended because of my use of the word “traditional”, some calling me insulting, rude, offensive and more. . I wrote the article with the intention of shedding light on instructors who falsely claim to teach self-defense, who are

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It’s high time to confront a harsh reality: the karate you’re practicing, being taught, is a sham.

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

(2 minute 14 second read) It’s high time to confront a harsh reality: the karate you’re practicing, being taught, is a sham. It’s utterly ineffective when it comes to actual real-world combat. . The crux of the issue lies in the fact that people are being duped into believing that traditional karate will protect you,

It’s high time to confront a harsh reality: the karate you’re practicing, being taught, is a sham. Read More »

“To understand breathing is to understand Karate. It’s a direct connection between your body and mind.”

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

(1 minute 22 second read) Breathing in the martial arts. Easy right? . The most basic function of our body, part of an autonomous system. We don’t have to learn how to do it, we just breathe automatically, we don’t have to think about it. . However, the way you breathe can make a significant

“To understand breathing is to understand Karate. It’s a direct connection between your body and mind.” Read More »

“We are made to persist. That’s how we find out who we are.”

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

(1 minute 41 second read) There is something very different about being a martial artist; it makes you different from other people, it sets you apart from the crowd. . We all know that anything great requires hard work and sacrifice. It will be tough, difficult, challenging, and it’s going to stretch you and make

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“Flow with whatever may happen and let your mind be free: Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing. This is the ultimate.”

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

(1 minute 25 second read) Do you ever experience those fluttering butterflies? That exhilarating sensation that arises when you’re eagerly anticipating something you’re about to do or witness? . The martial arts conjures up images of stoic composure, unwavering focus, and nerves of steel. . Yet, beneath the outward calm of experienced practitioners, often lies

“Flow with whatever may happen and let your mind be free: Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing. This is the ultimate.” Read More »

“Everyone thinks Shuto is a technique that uses the hand like a sword or knife. As the definition implies; therefore, the technique becomes deadlocked.”

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

(2 minute 3 second read) The effectiveness of karate for self-defense hinges on a fundamental principle: simplicity. . In the face of a sudden threat, clear, concise movements hold the key to an effective response, even if that response is simply to escape. . In the face of a sudden threat, you will experience a

“Everyone thinks Shuto is a technique that uses the hand like a sword or knife. As the definition implies; therefore, the technique becomes deadlocked.” Read More »

“It is obvious that kata must be trained and practiced sufficiently, but one must not be ‘stuck’ in them.”

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

(2 minute 26 second read) For me if you have a true interest in the martial arts, I believe it is important that practitioners have some understanding of the history of your art. . And while studying that history, the claim of practicing an “original” kata, as taught by a specific master, raises a crucial

“It is obvious that kata must be trained and practiced sufficiently, but one must not be ‘stuck’ in them.” Read More »

“Kata without bunkai is like a shamisen; Nice sound, but empty on the inside.”

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

(2 minute read) A comment on one of my articles stating, “I don’t believe in bunkai,” sparked a heated conversation and many comments, about its fundamental role in karate. . Such disregard reflects a misunderstanding of the art itself. . What is Bunkai and why is it necessary? . Bunkai (分解), literally translating to “analysis”

“Kata without bunkai is like a shamisen; Nice sound, but empty on the inside.” Read More »

“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”

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

(1 minute 37 second read) While we may sometimes choose to follow the current and see where it leads, ultimately, our choices have lasting consequences. . Something that pops up with regularity is the decision for a practitioner to leave the dojo, and it is rarely a simple one. . It’s a complex and highly

“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” Read More »

“The true warrior is not one who seeks to conquer others, but one who seeks to conquer himself.”

Buddhism, Bushido, Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Learning, Martial Arts, Masters, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Student /

(1 minute 45 second read) “Put your everyday living into Karate and you will find “Myo” (subtle secrets).” . The word “Myo” (妙) can have various meanings in Japanese, including “subtle,” “mysterious,” or “esoteric.” This leads to the term “Myojutsu” potentially referring to a deeper understanding or hidden secrets within a martial art. . One

“The true warrior is not one who seeks to conquer others, but one who seeks to conquer himself.” Read More »

“The loudest claims of ‘no ego’ often echo with the loudest need to shift blame.”

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

(1 minute 35 second read) Recently someone commented that they have “no ego”, and I wondered why he would state this. . “I have no ego,” the words tumble out, a disarmingly humble shield against the rising tide of blame. But beneath this seemingly self-effacing declaration, a different truth might lurk: the art of shifting

“The loudest claims of ‘no ego’ often echo with the loudest need to shift blame.” Read More »