(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) “Osu”, a term I have written about before, used often by some and bemoaned by others, from beginners to seasoned practitioners. For many, it symbolizes perseverance, respect, or acknowledgment, and it’s often used as a greeting, a response to an instruction, or even as a show of enthusiasm. ….
Tag: Mind
The Courage to Ask: Breaking the Silence and Finding Value in Questions During Training.
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) Respect for your teacher is paramount and following instructions are instilled from day one. But does this culture of respect sometimes stifle learning? Could unwavering reverence prevent students from fully understanding what they’re taught? . I bring this up because, when I started training in 1974 under a Japanese…
The Evolution of Karate: Tradition and the Search for Authenticity.
(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) Recently, I received a message about an article I had written, which was about the karate being taught after WWII and propagated across the US and to the rest of the world. . The message said that their karate was immune to superficiality because they had regular visits back…
Commitment is the Key: Be There, Be Better, Have Passion.
Students today give up too easily. They expect everything to be perfect or effortless, and when it’s not, they quit. That’s a mistake. Sometimes you have to take a step back to move forward. . The most important thing is this: whatever you decide to do, take it seriously and do your best. . As…
Parting Ways: A Natural Turning Point in Training?
(Approx 1 minute 40 second read) Many instructors pour their heart and soul into their dojo, some with little or no financial gain. Yet, this dedication is frequently overlooked. A good instructor’s mission is to help students improve and grow in their martial arts journey – not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. . For…
Think Twice: Before You Throw a Punch, Learn Restraint When Fighting Is All You Know.
(Approx 2 minute 15 second read) If you know me or have read my articles, you probably already know that I prefer my karate to be practical and pragmatic. But on occasion, I write from a more philosophical side, aiming to add some balance and hopefully encourage readers to think and question. . It’s a…
“Any martial art without proper training of the mind turns into beastly behavior.”
Reflection: where we’ve been, where we are, even perhaps where we’re going. . Your body can stand almost anything. It’s your mind you have to convince. The biggest and toughest opponent you will ever face? Yourself. . Always see contemplation on your actions as an opportunity to improve. . Perhaps the martial arts are less…
“So I got no illusions about boxing, none. This is a brutal business. It’s the hurt business. But I’m a fighter – that’s all I can do.”
(Approx 2 minute 15 second read) The martial arts is about more than just fighting. It’s about learning to use your mind as your greatest weapon, staying calm in difficult situations, and making clear, rational decisions under pressure. Fighting, kicking, and punching are part of it, but you should strive to be much more than…
Just Relax! (Said No One Who Was Actually Relaxed).
(Approx 1 minute 40 second read) Karate, at its core, is a discipline built on efficiency – achieving maximum power and fluidity through minimal exertion. . A student recently commented while watching me demonstrate a movement, “We have a long way to go.” He was referring to how relaxed I seemed, compared to the tension…
Karate for Kids: Beyond Self-Defense – Building Confidence, Resilience and Responsibility
(Approx 1 minute 55 second read) One of the most heart-wrenching challenges for any parent is watching their child become the victim of bullying. It can leave parents feeling powerless, desperately searching for ways to protect their child. Many turn to kids’ martial arts classes, hoping it will equip their child with the skills to…
Fighting without compassion is just violence, fighting with it is true martial arts.
(Approx 2 minute 25 second read) The martial arts seen by many as being centered around combat and physical confrontation. . It’s in the name, after all – yet that’s only a small fraction of the truth. . When people think of martial arts, they often imagine aggressive individuals wanting to fight. But for those…
Staying the Course: Commitment, Resilience, Recovery, and No Shortcuts.
(Approx 1 minute 40 second read) 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’s that student telling us…