There is something very different about being a martial artist; it makes you different from other people, it sets you apart from the crowd. Anyone can go to a gym, a fitness class or a sports center, but to continue to black belt and beyond takes someone special. . But after weeks, months and sometimes…
Tag: Masters
“We avoid conflicts and prefer peace.”
“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 is defense. One should think of karate as of a culture that encompasses self-defense methods.” –…
“The practice of the hakutsuru form forced me to learn better balance.”
“The crane’s beak is long and pointed, a stabbing weapon useful for self-defense. She is calm and poised, balanced and disciplined. When attacked, she knows she cannot meet force with force. She therefore controls the fight by yielding, until an opening appears, then counters immediately.” Fred Absher – Kojosho Kempo . . The White Crane…
Karate and kobudo are difficult……
“Karate and kobudo are difficult, if you do not practice seriously with a traditional approach, you may miss the important points.” – Fumio Demura 9th dan Shito-Ryu . . The truth is to become good at karate, to get anywhere near being proficient with your techniques, drills and kata, you need to do hundreds and…
“If you train only kobudo it’s ok, but if you do both karate and kobudo then you will be better.”
“If you train only kobudo it’s ok, but if you do both karate and kobudo then you will be better……… Both karate and kobudo influence how you hold and use the weapons. So it’s best to do both to understand each one.” (End quote) – Takehiro Gaja 9th dan Uechi-ryu . . Karate and…
Every kata move is designed for use in combat.
“Unfortunately, many experienced karateka, having learnt numerous kata, mistakenly believe they have mastered them when, in truth, they are merely dancing. To ensure kata are what they should be, you must completely understand the significance of the movements.” – Masutatsu Ōyama . . The principal purpose of the movements and techniques in kata is to…
Martial arts does take a commitment on your part.
“Daniel-san, must talk. Walk on road. Walk right side, safe. Walk left side, safe. Walk middle, sooner or later, get squish, just like grape. Here karate, same thing. Either you karate do, yes, or karate do, no. You karate do, guess so, squish just like grape.” . . In its proper context, Miyagi’s speech is…
“You are what your teacher is…”
“You are what your teacher is, and if he knows a lot, you should be able to demonstrate this knowledge.” – Yuchoku Higa 10th dan (1910–1994) founder of Kyudokan Dojo, Okinawa. . If you decide you are going to do something, then you have to do it well and to the best of your ability,…
Why do you practice martial arts?
Why do you practice martial arts? . Historically, teachers taught the martial arts only to those students they believed deemed worthy. To endear themselves to the teacher, prospective students would often have to perform menial labor or perform the most basic techniques for hours–showing that they were humble, patient, and honest. . Today, most students…
Traditional Karate’s forgotten training methods: “Hojo Undo”
Traditional Karate’s forgotten training methods: “Hojo Undo” (補助運動) – supplemental training. . “Hojo Undo” are supplementary exercises where one uses various implements and aids to encourage and develop physical strength, stamina, muscle co-ordination, speed and posture. . Many of the older and more traditional forms of training have slipped from use. But in the dojo…
“You are good at some things not because you were born with it.”
“You are good at some things not because you were born with it, but because you have the one talent you need – perseverance.” – Masaaki Ikemiyagi 9th dan Goju-ryu . Do you agree with Ikemiyagi sensei? Are we born with talents or do we have to develop them? . The short answer, in my…
“In budo karate we all train to make ourselves a better person.”
“In budo karate we all train to make ourselves a better person. The only competition is within yourself.” – Tomoyose Ryuko (1928-2019) 10th dan Uechi Ryu . Masters of the martial arts believe that a strong body and mind go together: you can’t improve one without working on the other. Martial arts are just as…