Martial Arts

“The satisfaction of one answer merely leads to asking another question.”

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“The satisfaction of one answer merely leads to asking another question.” – Alberto Manguel . Questions are more important than answers because questions seek to understand, to clarify and frame and evaluate. While answers, at their best, are temporary responses whose relative quality can decay over time, needing to be reformed and remade and reevaluated […]

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What does it mean to be a Senpai (sempai)?

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

What does it mean to be a Senpai (sempai)? . Senpai (先輩) translates as “Senior” and can be applied in any situation where someone is senior to you. But the meaning for those in a traditionally run martial art school is far deeper than simply ‘Senior’. . The senpai of a dojo has usually trained

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Why do people quit and give up when they are so close?

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Why do people quit and give up when they are so close? . They want the outcome more than they want to obtain a skill. . How many people do you know that speak often of something prestigious they want to be…. gain a black-belt, become an instructor, and yet never actually take the necessary

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“I’ll never stop doing karate, it’s made me who I am…”

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Pushing through the difficult times, and the tough periods is something we all have to do. Whether it is personal, business, mental, or emotional, there are lots of variables, unknowns, and circumstances we all must handle and deal with. . “継続は力なり (keizoku ha chikara nari) – ‘consistent practice makes strength’ – these words are echoed

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“Karate is an integral part of my life and contributes meaning to my life.”

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“Karate is an integral part of my life and contributes meaning to my life.” – Shinjō Kiyohide 9th dan Uechi Ryu (rank updated to 10th dan November 3rd) . Have you ever fallen in love with a thing? Not a person or a place, but a thing? Well maybe not a thing but an activity;

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“There’s only one way to avoid criticism: Do nothing, say nothing, be nothing.”

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There is an increasing amount of hateful messages online, particularly on social media. The people that post these messages, are they just ‘lonely souls’ who are feeling bad about themselves and crave attention? . Whereas social media started as a way for friends and family to connect, it has evolved into a platform where people

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“Kyudomugen (there is no end to the way of martial arts).”

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“Many young today will train extremely hard for a little while and then stop. This is not good. You must train little bit, but you must train often. Consistency is what creates a great martial artist, not brute strength. Karate is not for a rank, glory or for revenge. It is a way of life:

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“Real Budo karate is about self-improvement, if you just want to win a fight, buy a gun.“

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“Okinawans recognize two kind of karate. One is sport karate, and one is called Budo karate. I choose Budo karate. Budo karate is commitment and dedication. In this case, the teacher has to pick those who want to learn true karate. These individuals train hard and are mannerly in their ways. Real Budo karate is

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“Invest time to try a method to see things how they are.”

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The more we define ourselves in relation to the people around us, the more lost we are. . We live in an unrestrained world, one that’s only getting louder, angrier, and more chaotic. Is there an answer? Often, it comes from all the ways we’re able to hold back…… Restraint. . “If something appears in

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“Karate makes true friends.”

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Making connections with students, through humor, kindness, likability, and more is important in any dojo. It can also be astonishingly rewarding. However, you should never be friends with students. Friendly, yes. Friends, no. There is a danger in building relationships with students and that line can never be crossed….. Be a teacher, mentor, and role

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“Ataishi turu atairu”

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  “Ataishi turu atairu” – is a Okinawan proverb meaning “We get along well with those we can get along with well.” . Theodore Roosevelt said that “the most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people.” Research shows how good relationships with people around us are

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