“Self-praise and over-confidence is a sickness that corrupts training.” – Hohan Sōken (1889-1982) Matsumura Seito Shōrin-ryū Are you consumed by the desire to want other people’s grade or title? . Comparing yourself to people around you is a trap you can easily fall into. But, trying to get ahead, or measuring your success in karate […]
“Self-praise and over-confidence is a sickness that corrupts training.” Read More »
“I truly believe it’s important to honor tradition, but never be limited by it.” – Cezar Borkowski 10th dan Northern Karate Schools . In addition to the kyu/dan grading system used by most Japanese and Okinawan martial arts, there is a parallel system called “shogo” (称号). This is the teaching title-system originally set up by
“I truly believe it’s important to honor tradition, but never be limited by it.” Read More »
“A black belt is nothing more than a belt that goes around your waist. Being a black belt is a state of mind and attitude.” – Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) . Many people feel like they deserve the belt, deserve the rank (I don’t like the term ‘rank’ btw). “I can beat this guy, I can
“A black belt is nothing more than a belt that goes around your waist.” Read More »
“I always say that it is not about grade, but about substance. Even if wearing a white belt, doing your best is what matters most. This is what I try to pass on.” – Yasuhiro Uema 9th dan Shubukan Shorin Ryu . If you are visiting another dojo outside of your group, or changing
“I always say that it is not about grade, but about substance.” Read More »
“Friendship and cooperation are the most important part of karate.” – Seikichi Iha 10th Dan Shorin Ryu Shidokan . Nothing feels more disappointing than watching your peers get promoted ahead of you – especially if you’ve been training the same amount of time or even longer. . Instead of throwing in the towel, or
“Friendship and cooperation are the most important part of karate.” Read More »
This week we were asked if we could grade someone to “Shodan” (a non member), who was a fighting champion, won many awards and championships, but did not want to do kata. . Kata is a library of self-protection techniques in Karate. Each kata creator encoded their specific knowledge into the motion of the kata
“Kata without bunkai is like a ‘shamisen’; Nice sound, but empty on the inside.” Read More »
YOU’VE GOT YOUR BLACK BELT! GREAT……. . Now what? . You see, the day after you get your black belt, when all the partying and celebrations have stopped, you undoubtedly came to a pretty disturbing realization: . Nothing changes…. Let me repeat that…. Nothing changes. . You may have a few more bruises. Maybe even
YOU’VE GOT YOUR BLACK BELT! GREAT……. Read More »
“Practicing karate improves your lifestyle through health and mental stability. Okinawan karate focuses on developing mental strength and willpower. There is no end in the journey of learning true karate.” (End quote) – Ippei Yagi 8th dan Meibukan Goju Ryu . . Learning anything requires commitment and the ability to push through the uncomfortable feeling
“Okinawa traditional karate is budo.” Read More »
“Self-praise and over-confidence is a sickness that corrupts training.” – Hohan Sōken (1889-1982) Matsumura Seito Shōrin-ryū . . They once began as humble students. Although they didn’t necessarily have “talent”, they have some limited martial arts training and then self-promote themselves to a Dan [black belt] rank. After which, they open a school proclaiming to
“Self-praise and over-confidence is a sickness that corrupts training.” Read More »
Imagine the fear. You have been training in your dojo for a few years, but a weird feeling is slowly creeping up on you, giving you that uncomfortable sensation in the pit of your stomach. . You gradually start noticing things. You start seeing stuff in a new light, and day by day you realize
Fake black belts and McDojo’s; Should We Get Angry? Read More »
“The most advanced thing you can do, are the basics, consistently.” ~ Morio Higaonna 10th Dan Goju Ryu . Train your basics everyday to improve in your karate training; it sounds so logical and makes so much sense. Now, it’s up to you, the student(s), to rise to the challenge. . It’s true, through daily
The most advanced thing you can do, are the basics. Read More »
You see and hear a lot of different titles in Japanese martial arts. Unfortunately, a lot of people have little or no idea how these titles and honorifics are actually used. . Now, if you are following Karate and using Japanese language in your dojo or school, then you should know how to use these
You never call yourself sensei. Read More »
