(2 minute 17 second read) We shouldn’t just do martial arts; we should contemplate them deeply. Keiko (稽古) often translated as “practice”, has two kanji, the first Kei (稽) meaning ‘to think or to consider’. The second, ko (古) means ‘old’. . When we perform keiko, we are refining and considering the things that came…
Tag: Meditation
Finding Calm amidst the Chaos.
(1 minute 30 second read) Finding Calm amidst the Chaos. . In today’s frenetic world, anxiety seems to be a constant companion. With so many people these days leading hectic, over-stimulated, and sleep-deprived lives, it’s no wonder that worry and anxiety are at an all time high. . Our brains are hard wired to be…
“He who does not understand your silence will probably not understand your words.”
(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,…
“To understand breathing is to understand Karate. It’s a direct connection between your body and mind.”
(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…
“We are made to persist. That’s how we find out who we are.”
(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…
“Flow with whatever may happen and let your mind be free: Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing. This is the ultimate.”
(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…
“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”
(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 true warrior is not one who seeks to conquer others, but one who seeks to conquer himself.”
(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 loudest claims of ‘no ego’ often echo with the loudest need to shift blame.”
(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 technical terms we readily use in traditional karate today, bear a surprising secret: they emerged long after the techniques themselves.
(2 minute read) The technical terms we readily use in traditional karate today, bear a surprising secret: they emerged long after the techniques themselves. . Imagine stepping into an early Okinawan karate dojo. Unlike today’s regimented classes, this environment was very different. . The teachers of the time passed down their knowledge to only a…
“What you leave behind is not what is etched in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”
(2 minute 5 second read) Within the martial arts there are many types of people. Some have morals and are good people that you can rely upon, and others…….well, not quite so much. . You would think that historically, where character traits such as honor, integrity, courtesy, perseverance, and an unbreakable spirit, are held in…
“Karate-do may be referred to as the conflict within yourself.”
(1 minute 49 second read) What motivates you to practice karate, or any martial art? . That’s a question that echoes in every dojo. Karate, as rewarding as it is, can often feel like a battle against your own comfort zone. . The truth is, motivation isn’t some mystical gift bestowed upon a chosen few….