Sensei says (insert dogma), so it must be true and this is the way I will do it, until the end of time. . One problem which constantly crops up in the martial arts, is that often students, and some instructors too, have an idealized image of a sensei. Once a student gives his, or…
Tag: Sensei
If you don’t give anything TO the martial arts, don’t expect anything FROM the martial arts.
No matter your age or occupation, every day you are confronted with unexpected challenges. You either accept these challenges and meet them head-on, or you resist them, wishing they would just go away. Yet challenges are woven into the fabric of our lives. They are the tests we all have to face daily. . No…
There are NO shortcuts. Hard work and training. There’s no secret formula.
There are NO shortcuts. Hard work and training. There’s no secret formula. . Social media is a powerful communications medium, with widespread influence. Online communication has brought information to people and audiences that previously could not be reached. . Previous generations looked up to genuine experts, who had spent decades perfecting their art. Now, anyone…
Your bunkai needs to be effective, it must be applicable to real situations.
When you analyze kata, breakdown the movements within, your bunkai needs to be effective, it must be applicable to real situations. The kata were created for this reason. . Some of the applications put forward as interpretations of kata movement vary from the wonderful to the ridiculous, and unfortunately it is often hopelessly inadequate. ….
Do you only know one way?
Do you only know one way? Have you only been taught to fight? . For all the importance we place on learning how to fight and defend ourselves, the martial arts should at their core, teach that it is best NOT to get into a fight in the first place. . There are dojo and…
“The satisfaction of one answer merely leads to asking another question.”
“The satisfaction of one answer merely leads to asking another question.” – Alberto Manguel . Questions are more important than answers because questions seek to understand, to clarify and frame and evaluate. While answers, at their best, are temporary responses whose relative quality can decay over time, needing to be reformed and remade and reevaluated…
What does it mean to be a Senpai (sempai)?
What does it mean to be a Senpai (sempai)? . Senpai (先輩) translates as “Senior” and can be applied in any situation where someone is senior to you. But the meaning for those in a traditionally run martial art school is far deeper than simply ‘Senior’. . The senpai of a dojo has usually trained…
Why do people quit and give up when they are so close?
Why do people quit and give up when they are so close? . They want the outcome more than they want to obtain a skill. . How many people do you know that speak often of something prestigious they want to be…. gain a black-belt, become an instructor, and yet never actually take the necessary…
“Real Budo karate is about self-improvement, if you just want to win a fight, buy a gun.“
“Okinawans recognize two kind of karate. One is sport karate, and one is called Budo karate. I choose Budo karate. Budo karate is commitment and dedication. In this case, the teacher has to pick those who want to learn true karate. These individuals train hard and are mannerly in their ways. Real Budo karate is…
“Karate makes true friends.”
Making connections with students, through humor, kindness, likability, and more is important in any dojo. It can also be astonishingly rewarding. However, you should never be friends with students. Friendly, yes. Friends, no. There is a danger in building relationships with students and that line can never be crossed….. Be a teacher, mentor, and role…
Creating your own style of martial art.
Creating your own style of martial art. . Why is this frowned upon? What makes us any different from the old masters? Didn’t they spend time with several teachers and then after a time, “go out on their own”? . Understanding our lineage, and the traditions that have been passed down over generations is of…