“When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new.” ~ The Dalai Lama . . You’ve probably heard people say such things as: “There’s no use talking to you… You never listen… Most researchers conclude that the average person listens to only 25% of…
Tag: Sensei
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…
“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…
Be proud of your character, not your Belt rank.
Be proud of your character, not your Belt rank. ?? . Adam Carter 7th dan Ryukyu Karate Jutsu ~ Shuri Dojo . . Some people seem to be focussed primarily on obtaining rank and status instead of working on themselves, their character, and their martial arts abilities. . Belts are not a trophy to display and…
Why you shouldn’t call yourself ‘sensei’.
Why you shouldn’t call yourself ‘sensei’. ?? . ‘Sensei’ (先生) is a Japanese word people all over the world use, in and out of the dojo, in place of ‘teacher.’ . But the word ‘sensei’ is much more than simply a synonym for ‘teacher’. When trying to understand a Japanese word, it’s always a good idea…
It is very difficult to keep tradition.
The difficulty of preserving tradition. ??� . “It is very difficult to keep tradition, not only in karate do, but also in other martial arts. In order to do so, both teachers and students seriously need to do their best. Students need to have an understanding of karate while enjoying it. Of course, teachers have to…
“Many Karate teachers teach a watered down style….”
“Many Karate teachers teach a watered down style – no hip action and no depth of punching – so it is easy to say that these teachers have no depth to their knowledge. You are what your teacher is, and if he knows a lot, you should be able to demonstrate this knowledge.” ?? . Yuchoku…
Make sure, as instructors, your students know exactly what they are being taught.
However keen you may be to begin teaching, before you venture on to the mat and attempt to teach any of the basic techniques (or advanced) to students, it is necessary to know something of the combative principles they contain. . The instructor needs to ask himself/herself what are they training for? Are you training…
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,…
You rank is not an entitlement.
“You rank is not an entitlement.” ?? . Kanei Uechi (上地完英, June 26, 1911 – February 23, 1991) was the son of Kanbun Uechi, founder of Uechi-Ryū, one of the primary karate styles of Okinawa. Kanei was instrumental in the growth of Uechi-Ryū after his father’s death. . . You rank is not an entitlement, nor…
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…