“To all those whose progress remains hampered by ego-related distractions, let humility – the spiritual cornerstone upon which Karate rests – serve to remind one to place virtue before vice, values before vanity and principles before personalities.” – Sokon Matsumura (1809-1899) . . “A good instructor teaches students how to fight, a great instructor teaches…
Tag: Passion
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,…
Be kind to everyone.
Everything is about energy. . The energy introduces you before you even speak. The moment you meet someone, you simply know what type of person you are dealing with. You know it from a body language, posture, behavior, the way they look, walk or smile. . Some people can make you feel happy, enthusiastic, calm,…
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…
Make martial arts you way of life.
“I had a chance as a kid to walk in a boxing club and become who I am today… I want to give somebody else a chance to do the same thing because you never really know what a child can achieve, when given the opportunities….. I want to be positive and encourage kids to…
Assumptions are ALWAYS wrong.
“I stopped explaining myself when I realized people only understand from their level of perception.” ?? . It’s easy to make assumptions. All you need is incomplete information about a situation or person, and an unwillingness to ask the questions you need to complete the information. . You fill in the blanks with YOUR interpretation of…
“Sometimes we’re tested not to show our weaknesses, but to discover our strengths.”
“Sometimes we’re tested not to show our weaknesses, but to discover our strengths.” ?? . Adam Carter 7th dan Ryukyu Karate Jutsu ~ SHURI KARATE DOJO . When we are tested or challenged by something, often we find that our weaknesses seem exaggerated. However, during this time, we can learn to focus and discover what our…
Knowing when to walk away is wisdom.
“Knowing when to walk away is wisdom. Being able to is courage.” ?? . Seikichi Odo 10th dan Okinawa Kenpo Karate & Kobudo (1926-2002) . In martial arts we are always told never give up, keep going, no matter what. Is this the right attitude? . The problem with persistence is that every decision you make…
You must make ‘mushin no shin’ (mind of no mind).
“You must make ‘mushin no shin’ (mind of no mind).” ?? . Minoru Higa 10th dan Shorin Ryu Kyudokan . . The word “mushin” is comprised of two kanji characters: 無 (mu), meaning “nothingness”, and 心 (shin), meaning “heart,” “spirit,” or, in this case, “mind.” In this way, mushin can be roughly translated to “nothing mind”…