“Inner to outer – we start by dissolving our attitude not by altering outer conditions.” . Bruce Lee . A real martial artist does the right thing, not what suits him. “Meiyo” (honor). It is the most important virtue of all. You only have one judge of your own honor, and that is yourself. The…
Tag: Okinawa
Principles vs Techniques.
Principles vs Techniques. . Okinawan karate is an art in which principles are more important than specific techniques. This does not mean that karate does not have techniques. It means that at the root of all techniques are underlying combative principles, and thus all techniques can be adjusted in accordance with those principles. . When…
There are no secrets.
“There are no secrets. Todays students only want sport. They don’t work to understand what lies behind the physical movements.” ?? . Kiyohide Shinjo 9th dan Uechi Ryu . . There are no hidden moves in kata…. there are parts you understand…and there are parts that you don’t understand. . When people don’t understand something, they…
Karate begins with courtesy and ends with it.
“Karate begins with courtesy and ends with it. Therefore, we must be courteous to seniors, juniors, friends and even foes.” . Shoshin Nagamine (15 July 1907 – 2 November 1997) 10th dan Matsubayashi-ryu . . Being courteous costs nothing but achieves a lot. It is a behavior that should be seen more often, because words…
The principles of “ashi sabaki.”
Practicing the principles of “ashi sabaki” 足捌き (foot-movement) and “tai sabaki” 休捌き (body movement). ?? . . Tai sabaki (体捌き) is a term which relates to ‘whole body movement’, or repositioning. Tai sabaki is usually used to avoid an attack, such that the receiver of the attack ends up in an advantageous position (angle). ….
Everyone you meet has something to teach you.
“Everyone you meet has something to teach you.” ?? . Adam Carter 7th dan Ryukyu Karate Jutsu . As you go through life, you will meet people whom you gravitate to, and those whom you would rather keep away from. . It is very interesting that you may see something in them that is a lesson…
Be passionate about everything to do with karate.
“Karate is an integral part of my life and contributes meaning to my life. Someone who establishes a dojo has a mission: and that is, to instruct and develop more students. . Opening a new dojo requires a lot of students, who will join and help run and maintain it. So in light of that,…
Allow yourself to be a beginner.
“The beginning is the most important part of the work.” ~ Plato . We often focus on endings, desired outcomes, the end of the road, how we want things turn out. Even when we practice our techniques, most students, and some instructors, focus on the end of the technique, forgetting that there is a beginning…
Difficult doesn’t mean impossible.
“Difficult doesn’t mean impossible. It simple means that you have to work hard.” ?? . Karate is not easy. Everything seems difficult the first time. But as you keep practicing, it becomes easier to accomplish. The task isn’t the one getting easier; it’s actually you who is improving. . Sometimes, we encounter a technique, a drill…
“Fighting is always last answer to problem.”
“Fighting is always last answer to problem.” ~ Mr. Miyagi ?? . To always want to ‘defeat’ someone; to always want to fight first; to always be right; to always come out on top; the building of a monumental ego;…. these are the goals of many practitioners. However, if these goals, are the only goals,…
Don’t underestimate the value of a good mentor.
Don’t underestimate the value of a good mentor, they will guide, support and champion you on the road to success. ?? . An open mind and a thirst for knowledge can take you a long way in the martial arts, IF you are willing to listen and learn from others. . Make sure you find and…
Kakie – It’s all about the feeling.
“Kakie – It’s all about the feeling.” ?? . Two of our most committed students having some fun with ‘kakie’ practice at the Shuri Dojo. . While Japanese Karate approaches combat from a long distance range, Okinawan Karate prefers a close range. . ‘Tuidi’ is the Okinawan method of grabbing, seizing, twisting and dislocating an opponent’s…