Karate Can Show the Way, but Only You Can Walk the Path.

(Approx 1 minute 50 second read) People often say that karate builds character. I don’t think so. Your character is shaped over many years and through many different experiences in life – not just by what you do in the dojo. . The Japanese term shūyō (修養) refers to the steady refinement of mind and…

The Most Underrated Skill in Martial Arts: Stop Talking. Start Listening.

(Approx 1 minute 50 second read) In the martial arts, one of the greatest skills we can develop has nothing to do with speed, strength, or technique. It’s the ability to truly listen. . Too often, conversations between martial artists – whether about training methods, kata interpretation, or self-defense – turn into battles of conviction….

Protect Yourself – But Think First: The Art of Avoiding Trouble.

(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) It seems that self-defense is a topic people just can’t get their heads around, if my recent articles are anything to go by. . Instructors in particular often seem convinced that you have to fight first. Yet, many tell me they understand the importance of avoiding the fight, but…

A Quiet Strength, a Will to Endure: The Strength That Waits Within.

(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) The dojo has a way of revealing what you’re really made of. It strips away excuses, exposes your habits, and tests your resolve. But it also offers something deeper – an opportunity to see what’s inside. . Marcus Aurelius once wrote, “Look well into thyself; there is a source…

Ego Always Wants the Fight – Wisdom Knows When to Walk Away.

(Approx 1 minute 50 second read) The martial arts teaches us many things, but one of the most valuable lessons is knowing when not to engage. You can spend years refining technique and self-discipline, but it takes real maturity to recognize that some battles just aren’t worth fighting. . And that maturity should come with…

Who Are You When No One’s Watching? Do You Train to Build Character?

(Approx 2 minute 35 second read) A recent comment I received said, “Most karate classes are not for self-defense. It’s about the long-term development of your character.” . I’m not sure I agree. The majority of dojo today advertise self-defense classes. So which is it – self-defense, self-improvement or something else? . It’s sad to…

At the Summit: Where the Trail Becomes Your Own.

(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) I wrote the other day that one of my teachers – someone I respect deeply, not just for his karate but for how he lives – once told me, “Carry the tradition into the future”. After more than fifty years of training, he said it was time for me…