Talk to anyone about the martial arts and it is very likely that they will ask you, “what style do you practice?”. . How did all these various styles come into existence? Are they really that important? Should the existing styles be preserved? . It’s often stated that as you gain experience over the years […]
“There are no styles of karate-do, just varying interpretations of its principles.” Read More »
If you’re an instructor in the martial arts then you will have a system that you use to instruct your class. It is more than probable that you learned this from observing your own instructor, in whatever style of the martial arts that you study and are now teaching. . As an instructor, it’s important
The Japanese concept of “Shu-Ha-Ri” (守破離), applies to the practice of learning, from beginner to a level of mastery. . “Shu-Ha-Ri” is a way to think about the levels of learning that we progress through as we gain knowledge through our practice. The idea is that in order for a person to master something they
“Shu Ha Ri” (守破離) The path to mastery. Read More »
What does “do your best” really mean? How can you do your best? Why would you not want to do your best, in anything? . I receive so many comments from people on my articles that basically comes down to saying; “so what!”, in deference to learning something new or different. . In my mind
Discover the “meaning” in what you do. Then give it everything you’ve got. Do your BEST. Read More »
In the 60’s and 70’s martial arts were a cult. If you missed a session everyone would want to know where you were. Training practices were harsh and very dangerous and injuries commonplace. . Everyone attended every seminar and every tournament. Barefoot runs to warm up, barefoot running in the snow during winter just wearing
In the 60’s and 70’s, there was a “atmosphere” to a traditional dojo. Read More »
What is the purpose of kata in karate? For most traditional karate-ka, kata is the foundation of karate. But why is that? . The trouble with determining the purpose of kata, is that the purpose you find in kata is directly related to your understanding and your training focus. The key to the purpose of
For most traditional karate-ka, kata is the foundation of karate. Read More »
There are a number of reasons why you might want to take up a martial art. The regular physical practice can help you keep fit, build confidence, and let off steam. In the right environment you can learn effective self-defense, or become a tournament competitor (they are different). A martial art can also be a
Don’t just practice at a specific time of the day or week…. Live your art. Read More »
Teachers teach content then test students. This cycle of teaching and testing is familiar to anyone who has been a martial arts student. Tests seek to see what students have learned. . Tests are supposed to be evaluations that see what you know at a particular point in time. But teaching students to practice for
Kata are not simply a bunch of techniques one after the other;…. no, each and every kata were created to record the key principles and strategies of a complete fighting system. . Historically, an individual would formulate a kata to record their own personal fighting methods, the styles of the time. . It obviously would
We know injuries are inevitable, and are usually perceived as a huge bummer when time is needed off from training. But with every injury is opportunity, and continuing to show up to class is one way of capitalizing on them. . We learn from watching, everyone is at least somewhat of a visual learner, and
You can still get things out of attending class just as a spectator. Read More »
Karate has an Okinawan/Japanese cultural background, thus it is common to use Japanese terminology and cultural characteristics in the dojo. It’s important that if someone uses Japanese terms that this someone is using them right and knows what they are saying. . In every field of interest, there is a certain risk in using technical
Some people just can’t be taught. Not because they think they know it all, but because they are stuck in their ways. Their way is the best and only way. . Someone actually has to WANT to be taught. Everything can be taught, but not everything can be learned. . If someone thinks that the
Some people just can’t be taught. Read More »
