Anyone teaching martial arts knows a student who talks about wanting to train, but can’t manage to show up on time to practice, or may not show up at all. . When someone doesn’t show up, they’ll certainly have an excuse of some sort. What that student is telling us is about their priorities. ….
Tag: Meditation
“There is no end in the journey of learning true karate.”
“Practicing karate improves your lifestyle through health and mental stability. Okinawan karate focuses on developing mental strength and willpower. There is no end in the journey of learning true karate.” – Ippei Yagi 8th dan Meibukan Goju Ryu . Many people rely on external things to bring comfort and happiness. This is because most of…
“When I look around, I always learn something, and that is to be always yourself. And to express yourself. To have faith in yourself.”
Something different. . Bruce Lee, a cultural icon and martial arts legend, has left an indelible mark on the world of combat sports and martial arts. His innovative techniques, philosophical approach, and dedication to self-improvement continue to inspire and influence generations of martial artists. Bruce Lee had a profound impact on generations of martial arts…
“Put karate into your everyday life and you will find its subtle secrets.”
For me, the martial arts have more to offer than just physical fighting skills. They should also be able to enhance life as well as preserve it. And of course the martial arts can mean different things to different people; culture, fighting, fitness, personal development, self-defense, or sport etc. . The martial arts should teach…
“Walk a single path, becoming neither cocky with victory nor broken with defeat, without forgetting caution when all is quiet or becoming frightened when danger threatens.”
One of the most recognizable aspects of karate is the black-belt, which is awarded to those who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the art. But the black-belt is more than just a physical accessory or a symbol of skill; it represents a journey of personal growth and development. Another beginning, not the…
Do you practise kata as moving meditation?
A person who is interested in karate for artistic or aesthetic reasons, is unlikely to find themselves caring to much about the “real-world” self-defense applications found in kata. Modern karate competition practitioners are also unlikely to care about these applications because it has little relevance to competitive ‘kumite’. . Much of what is referred to…
Concentrate the front of the mind with a mundane task so the rest of the mind can find peace.
Mushin (無心) is a concept in Japanese martial arts and Zen Buddhism that refers to a state of mind characterized by a complete absence of conscious thought and an intense focus on the present moment. The term “Mushin” is composed of two Japanese characters: “mu” (無 )meaning “without” or “non” and “shin” (心) meaning “mind”…
“Shoshin wasureru nakare.” – Never forget the spirit of first beginning.
Shoshin (初心) is a concept that is deeply ingrained in the philosophy of martial arts. It is a Japanese term that translates to “beginner’s mind” and refers to the attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions that a beginner has when they first start learning a new skill or discipline. . In the context…
‘Fudoshin’ is an essential mental state that is crucial for your wellbeing in both martial arts and everyday life.
‘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…
“I can see my strengths and weaknesses, and i’m not afraid to face my weaknesses.”
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…
“The quieter you become, the more you are able to hear.”
‘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…
You have to PUSH yourself, because, no one else is going to do it for you.
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…