Can you block a punch? . As an experiment, I told one of my students where I was going to strike him, which hand I was going to use, and the type of strike I intended to try and hit him with. I asked him to block it….. Nine times out of ten, he couldn’t. […]
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“Karate is not for a rank, glory or for revenge. It is way of life: A way to protect yourself, a way to build health, and a way to bring people together.“ – Minoru Higa 10th dan Shorin Ryu Kyudokan . Ever wanted to get revenge? . The first thing many of us think of
Ever wanted to get revenge? Read More »
“Sword and mind must be united. Technique by itself is insufficient, and spirit alone is not enough.” – Yamada Jirokichi (1863-1930) . One of the most important benefits of martial arts training is that it teaches practitioners how to maintain focus. . Martial arts has a lot to do with our mental state in order
“It is not how much you have learned, but how much you have absorbed in what you have learned.” – Bruce Lee . Most people try but some of them just don’t get there…… The reason…. Because they are only trying. . Using the verb “to try” in your sentences is self-sabotage, because before trying
“NO!… Try not!… DO or DO NOT, there is no try.” Read More »
“I hope that the next generations will not only improve technically but also know how to share their knowledge. People must pass on the traditions and not lose them.” – Teruo Chinen 9th dan Goju Ryu (1941-2015) . What does it mean to leave a legacy? . In simple terms, a legacy is passed from
What does it mean to leave a legacy? Read More »
Look at your reflection… that’s your competition. . Humility is a very important human trait that all of us should exercise in our daily lives. Being humble means you aren’t too big for any lesson that may come your way. . The core significance of being humble is that humility keeps you constantly receptive to
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Are the martial arts all about fighting? Some people seem to think so. (Even on social media it seems.) . The traditional martial arts originated to satisfy a need for self-preservation during difficult times…… “[Karate] is not intended to be used against a single opponent [consensual] but instead as a way of avoiding injury by
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The truth of being a karate teacher is that students will come, and they will go. Karate training, in a good dojo, is not easy. It is demanding, exacting, you have to be determined, committed…… and not everyone is cut out to be a black belt. . When I accept a new student I usually
It’s never about you… it’s always about your students… Read More »
“In karate, the most important thing is kata. Into the kata of karate are woven every manner of attack and defense technique. Therefore, kata must be practiced properly, with a good understanding of their bunkai meaning. There may be those who neglect the practice of kata, thinking that it is sufficient to just practice [pre-arranged]
“Real karate is for self-defense and kata bunkai is the main tool for this.” Read More »
“From the moment we are born to the moment we die, we must constantly try to improve. If we do not, we die. It is our obligation as human beings…” (End quote) – Joon Pyo Choi 10th Dan SongMooKwan . We had a great class on Saturday. Those moments where a student has a lightbulb
…“ah, I get it now….” Read More »
“My police work influenced my drive to seek practical application practices and not be content with simplistic explanations that might not survive the rigor of an actual confrontation.” (End quote) – Taira Masaji 9th dan Goju Ryu . A technique might work very well against somebody who is your friend in the dojo, using only
“No fight [is] perfect that is not done in force and true time.” Read More »
Kamiza, Shimoza and Tokonama. . The kamiza (上座) is the “top seat” within a room, meaning the seat of honor; the opposite, the shimoza (下座) meaning “bottom seat. Tokonoma (床の間) means “space of display””. . In Western culture, the most important person traditionally sits at the head of the table, whether the occasion is a
Kamiza, Shimoza and Tokonama. Read More »
