‘Fudoshin’ (不動心) is a term used in the martial arts to describe a state of mind that translates to “immovable mind” or “unshakable spirit.” It is a mental state that is characterized by an unwavering determination to achieve a goal, regardless of the obstacles that may arise. . Fudoshin is not only important in martial […]
Growth in the martial arts comes through repetitive daily practice and studying at every opportunity. Today, society finds repetition boring and stifling. The self-discipline of repetition is at the heart of the martial arts. Through repetition, you can quiet the inner dialogue between the ego and the over-thinking mind. . Everything is a test….. and
“I can see my strengths and weaknesses, and i’m not afraid to face my weaknesses.” Read More »
‘Mokuso’ (黙想) is a Japanese term that is commonly used in the martial arts. The term refers to a period of silent meditation that is practiced at the beginning and end of a training session. . Commonly translated as “meditation”, the literal translation means “silence/still” (moku 黙) and “think/focus” (so 想). . Mokuso is often
“The quieter you become, the more you are able to hear.” Read More »
PUSH Yourself: Karate in Daily Life . I can no longer separate my advancing years from my almost 50 years of Karate training. Even if I never put on my karate-gi again, I would never be able to separate them. . Those of you who have trained for many years will understand what I’m talking
You have to PUSH yourself, because, no one else is going to do it for you. Read More »
“You think it’ll last forever, people and cars and concrete, but it won’t. One day it’s all gone. Even the sky”. . Time does not care about anything but moving forward. What do the martial arts offer the aging student? . Young practitioners mostly see karate, or the martial arts in general, as something I
The beginning of a New Year and everyone wants to start out the year strong, but it’s finishing strong that’s also important. Many resolutions and goals are never reached because people get caught up in what’s happening in their lives, and because they haven’t developed the mental strength to keep themselves going when the momentum
We all have had something upsetting or disappointing happen, it’s life after all, and sometimes we get frustrated at ourselves or others. We wish things could be different. . Our interpretation of events plays a large role in how we experience them. We get ill, have accidents and get emotionally wounded for numerous reasons, and
The Second Arrow of Suffering. Read More »
Mental training in the martial arts is often overlooked, with many practitioners spending very little time on this important aspect of training. . According to oriental culture, what affects your mind affects you body, and this can be seen and experienced in everyday life. . Negative thinking rewires your brain and makes you miserable, makes
Remind yourself daily: “I AM WHAT I THINK”. Read More »
Many of you who have spent a good number of years studying the martial arts have probably heard the term “Bun Bu Ryō Dō” (文武両道). . Bun Bu Ryō Dō is a term which has been in use throughout Japanese history, possibly going back further than the Heian period (794 – 1185). In a simple
“Bun Bu Ryō Dō” – The “Education of Body and Mind”. Read More »
When you finally find what’s absolutely right for you in your martial arts training and you internalize it, you don’t need to rationalize why you do it. . I practice every day religiously, I train for me. Not to fight anymore, not for how it looks and not for what others might think of me,
Find your own art, don’t be afraid to do your own personal study Read More »
The practice of martial arts is deeply rooted in philosophy, tradition, and culture. It teaches not only self-defense but also discipline, focus, and respect. Many people start their martial arts journey with a specific goal in mind – perhaps to earn a black belt, or win a world title, to learn self-defense, etc. . It
The practice of martial arts is deeply rooted in philosophy, tradition, and culture. Read More »
The Pinan (平安) kata series, Shodan-to-Godan (Pinan is often translated as ‘peaceful/tranquil mind’), are widely taught to students in a variety of karate styles. They are attributed to Itosu Yasutsune ‘Anko’ (1831-1915) who is said to have adapted them from older kata. However from which kata is less than certain. . Itosu introduced karate into
“The most important thing is the kata.” Read More »
