Remember being in the dojo and feeling like you would absolutely die if you were called on when you didn’t know the answer? From an early age, we’re conditioned to be afraid of not knowing something we should. . Unfortunately, this fear often prevents us from seeking help when we need it. We worry that,…
Tag: Philosophy
“Conceptually, the fence is simple and anyone, irrespective of their skill level, can adopt it.”
Let’s be clear, self-defense is NOT about brawling. It’s about preventing confrontation and staying safe. There’s nothing to gain and everything to lose by getting pulled into unnecessary fights. So remember this; avoidance is your best self-defense tool. . We know from previous articles that having a static high guard doesn’t translate well to real-world…
Most people are not really prepared or trained, physically or psychologically, for a physical encounter, it’s best to concentrate on something that will work – beginning with avoidance.
My recent article about keeping your hands up in a guard in self-defense situations, featured several responses, some stating it works in MMA, or other sports. . You’re missing the point. . A guard IS applicable in consensual fights. . In self-protection, either, you are so close that BOTH HANDS SHOULD BE WORKING, or you…
In real life, a raised guard just paints a bullseye on your forehead. A liability in the unpredictable chaos of reality.
Self-protection or inviting the fight? . In any sporting fighting arena, a tight guard is gospel. But in the real-world where self-defense maybe necessary, it could be a bad idea, both tactically and legally. Why? Because self-defense is NOT a controlled match. It’s messy, chaotic, and often over before you know it. . It should…
In real world effectiveness, the ultimate goal is to be prepared, not just to perform.
Emotions are powerful, but are they always the best guide in the martial arts? . While passion fuels our training, logic and common sense should offer a crucial perspective for developing functional combat skills. . The journey towards effective martial arts (if this is your goal), involves not just rote repetition, but also genuine understanding….
“Nothing is more harmful to the world than a martial art that is not effective in actual self-defense.”
It is said that the Okinawan karate pioneers, Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957) and Choki Motobu (1870-1944), did not agree on many things and openly disliked each other. . Funakoshi became an advocate of Karate-do, while Motobu, an advocate of Karate-jutsu. . Motobu in his criticism of Funakoshi, stated that; “Nothing is more harmful to the world…
The measure of a martial artist lies not in the color of their belt, but in the depth of their skill.
The black belt, often the coveted symbol of martial arts mastery, draws students with the promise of an ultimate destination. . Yet, reaching “shodan,” the first degree, reveals a profound truth: the path of martial arts is not a linear ascent to a summit, but a continuous, humbling journey of self-discovery and ever-deepening knowledge. ….
Self-defense is NOT about winning. You’re not in the dojo, on the mats, in a training hall, participating in a competition, rolling on the floor. Self-defense is about survival.
I have been writing articles for several years now and a misconception about self-defense continuously runs through the comments I receive. . Let’s attempt to clarify things. . Self-defense is NOT about winning. You’re not in the dojo, on the mats, in a training hall, participating in a competition, rolling on the floor. . Self-defense…
“Learn, unlearn, relearn: Growth is a journey, embrace change, step beyond your comfort zone, evolve your understanding.”
Remember that time you “just couldn’t make class”? . But here’s the thing: in the world of martial arts, excuses are the enemy of progress. And trust me, I’ve faced them all – work, family, illness, weather, the allure of my comfy couch. But let me tell you, walking through those dojo doors five decades…
Failing is a moment, quitting is a choice. In karate and life, resilience is forged in setbacks, not in the absence of them.
Failing is a moment, quitting is a choice. In karate and life, resilience is forged in setbacks, not in the absence of them. Quitting is the only true defeat. . The dojo floor used to be your sanctuary, every strike, drill, and movement, was a meditation, a focus that pushed anxieties to the periphery. ….
The pristine white belt isn’t just an accessory; it’s a symbol of the beginner’s mind. “Shoshin”.
Should you wear a white belt when you visit or join a new dojo? . Why? Because you would be expressing ”Shoshin” (初心) – The Beginner’s Mind. You’re not there to “prove” anything… You’re there to LEARN! This requires an attitude of humility and lack of preconceptions. . Wearing a white belt when at a…
Symbolic gesture or combative function?
The martial arts world can be a tapestry woven with intricate traditions and practices. . One intriguing thread that runs through the practice of kata, specifically, the enigmatic movements often interpreted as “salutations.” . These seemingly ritualistic gestures have some practitioners attributing them to hidden meanings and even ancient Chinese symbolism. . However, perhaps a…