“The humble man makes room for progress; the proud man believes he is already there.” ?? . Ed Parker American Kenpo (1931-1990) . In the martial arts world, I have noticed an undesirable trend with many practitioners and instructors. There are those who regularly talk about the things they have accomplished, they exaggerate their success and…
Tag: Motivation
Push yourself, because, no one else is going to do it for you.
“Push yourself, because, no one else is going to do it for you.” ?? . Tatsuya Naka 7th dan JKA Shotokan . No matter how hard you try, some days, your students aren’t engaged. There’s no way around it. Student apathy occurs when the student believes that their pedagogical success lies completely with the instructor, or…
If your first kata is sloppy and weak, there is no point learning a new one.
“I will train 365 days a year.” ?? . Ryo Kiyuna – 4 Times World Kata Champion – Ryuei-ryu – (劉衛流, Ryūei-ryū is an Okinawan style of karate. It was originally a family style of the Nakaima family of Naha). . “As a beginner, the first kata you learn is the foundation on which all other…
To survive as an instructor you have to understand human nature.
“To survive as an instructor you have to understand human nature. It is diverse and many people are not like you. Finding another person with a true MA’s spirit, with integrity, loyalty and a true heart is like finding a diamond on a beach of pebbles. . Many people you help will let you down,…
You rank is not an entitlement.
“You rank is not an entitlement.” ?? . Kanei Uechi (上地完英, June 26, 1911 – February 23, 1991) was the son of Kanbun Uechi, founder of Uechi-Ryū, one of the primary karate styles of Okinawa. Kanei was instrumental in the growth of Uechi-Ryū after his father’s death. . . You rank is not an entitlement, nor…
Who dares to teach, must never cease to learn.
“Who dares to teach, must never cease to learn.” ?? . Patrick McCarthy 9th dan Koryu Uchinadi . “Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire.” ~ Thomas Moore . Becoming a shodan or higher black-belt in karate will be a dream come true for some of you. In order to do…
You have to put in the EFFORT.
努力怠るなかれ ~ “Doryoku okotaru nakare” (Never neglect effort) ?? . Kenzo Mabuni (1927-2005) . “Never neglect the little things. Never skimp on that extra effort, that additional few minutes, [..] that delivery of the very best that you can do. . It does not matter what others think, it is of prime importance, however, what you…
Never neglect courtesy and etiquette.
礼儀怠るなかれ ~ “Reigi okotaru nakare.” (Never neglect courtesy and etiquette) ?? ~ Kenei Mabuni (1918-2015) . There is a cultural element to karate which should be well observed. This cultural element involves courtesy, humility, etiquette, rank, tradition, protocol and much more. . Whenever or wherever you train Karate, you should follow certain etiquette and manners called…
Knowledge is power.
“Although knowledge is power, applying knowledge is REAL POWER”. ?? . Kyoshi A. Tanzadeh 8th dan . “Knowledge is power.” – Or so many people say. . Personally I don’t agree. Knowledge isn’t power, knowledge has the potential to be powerful; and there’s a difference. It’s a small difference, but a difference nonetheless. Because knowledge is…
I love the term winning or learning.
“Why do I think it is important to study the fighting arts? . There’s a lot of challenges in the life we live. Nothing is easy in life and I think many of us learn very early in life, that failure is something that can destroy a person, or it can teach them a lesson….
To be a master you must be a great & humble student.
“To be a master you must be a great & humble student; being a great & humble student, you will never call yourself master.” ~ anon ?? . Humility is a very important human trait that all people should exercise in their lives. Being humble means you aren’t too big for any lesson that may come…
Facing the makiwara.
“Facing the makiwara.” ?? . Minoru Higa 10th dan Shorin Ryu Kyudokan Dojo Okinawa . The makiwara (巻藁) is a padded striking post used as a training tool in various styles of traditional karate. It is thought to be uniquely Okinawan in origin. The makiwara is one form of hojo undō (supplementary training) used by Okinawan…