(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…
Tag: Masters
“I am a student, not a master. I am still learning, and I will never stop learning.”
(2 minute and 5 second read) The journey to becoming proficient in any field, especially the martial arts, begins with a fundamental truth: you must first become a great student. . Training and practice isn’t just about passively absorbing information; it’s about taking an active role in your own learning, and being fueled by a…
“Don’t quit, keep going until you can turn something impossible into a reality”.
(2 minute and 1 second read) Sandra Sanchez, once told that she was too old to compete, stated; “Don’t quit, keep going until you can turn something impossible into a reality”. . Perseverance is an essential quality that fuels success in various aspects of life. The journey of a martial artist is laden with challenges,…
“I perform strength training with the following philosophy in mind; great technique in kata can only be achieved with having a solid foundation of strength.”
(2 minute and 25 second read) Many martial arts masters and practitioners believe that you cannot truly understand a martial art form without understanding and respecting the country, culture and history that gave rise to it. . Most people join a dojo to learn how to fight and/or defend themselves. But what few students realize…
“Years of practice and thorough training are necessary for deep understanding and mastery.”
(2 minute and 2 second read) “Years of practice and thorough training are necessary for deep understanding and mastery.” – Masaaki Ikemiyagi 9th dan Goju Ryu . In today’s fast-paced world, people often overlook patience and understanding. This is especially noticeable in the martial arts, where everyone seems in a hurry to become skilled quickly….
“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…
‘Karate ni sente nashi’. Apparently some people interpret this literally and often profess that ‘one must not attack first’.
The phrase “Karate ni sente nashi,” (空手に先手なし) often translated as “there is no first attack in karate,” has resonated with karate-ka for generations. . Funakoshi Gichin made this principle the second of his “Niju Kun” (二十訓) (Twenty Precepts), reminding us that “karate begins and ends with courtesy”. . However, clinging to a literal interpretation can…
“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,…
“Conceptually, the fence is simple and anyone, irrespective of their skill level, can adopt it.”
Let’s be clear, self-defense is NOT about brawling. It’s about preventing confrontation and staying safe. There’s nothing to gain and everything to lose by getting pulled into unnecessary fights. So remember this; avoidance is your best self-defense tool. . We know from previous articles that having a static high guard doesn’t translate well to real-world…
“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…
“Training in karate ultimately means not having to fight anyone.”
Yoshio Kuba, 10th dan Goju-Ryu karate, once said, “Training in karate ultimately means not having to fight anyone.” This profound statement challenges the popular perception of martial arts as solely about physical combat. Instead, it highlights a deeper principle: true control lies in not needing to use force. . Forget the street-brawler mentality. True strength…
The pristine white belt isn’t just an accessory; it’s a symbol of the beginner’s mind. “Shoshin”.
Should you wear a white belt when you visit or join a new dojo? . Why? Because you would be expressing ”Shoshin” (初心) – The Beginner’s Mind. You’re not there to “prove” anything… You’re there to LEARN! This requires an attitude of humility and lack of preconceptions. . Wearing a white belt when at a…