The Japanese technical terms that we use for our techniques came about a long time after the actual creation of the techniques themselves. . Karate, as we know (or should do), originally came from Okinawa, but in the early days the karate environment was very different compared to the modern day karate environment. The Dojo, […]
When and why did people start using these Japanese phrases for techniques? Read More »
The martial arts are largely unregulated here in the US. There are seldom background checks carried out on teachers like there are in other countries. Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check or Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (UK), you don’t need anything special to open a dojo or school. . You don’t even need to
Do you want fries with that? Read More »
“Even if you have been practicing for 5 or 10 years, there is a big difference between once a week and 2 or 3 times a week. The quantity and quality of practice is very important.” – Shirakawa Ryuji Shihan – Aikido Shinburenseijuku . I believe this applies to everything that we do in life.
Why people fail to question what they believe, very often to their own detriment, surprises me again and again (it shouldn’t). . Growth is part and parcel of being a martial artist. Learning is a life-long process and the knowledge that you have is never enough. There is always more to know. The desire to
“Studying karate nowadays is like walking in the dark without a lantern.” Read More »
Does karate improve your character? . Cooperation and sharing are basic life skills that enable us to make friends, work successfully in groups, and get along well with others. . Martial artists have many things in common – their values, beliefs, goals, and dreams….. and these common goals should bring each of us closer
Does karate improve your character? Read More »
Teaching the martial arts is difficult. It demands a broad knowledge of subject matter; you have to show enthusiasm, discipline, have a caring attitude, a love of learning…. and perhaps dojo management and marketing; but most of all….. you have to have a desire to make a difference in the lives of others. . There
It’s never about you… It’s always about your students. Read More »
Okay, so it seems I need to clarify the use of the word “sensei” as many people still do not understand its correct usage, or even how to introduce themselves without using the term. . Sensei (先生) is a Japanese word people all over the world use in place of “teacher.” But the word “sensei”
“Don’t pretend to be a great master and don’t try to show off your strength.” Read More »
The Pinan (平安) kata series, Shodan-to-Godan (Pinan is often translated as ‘peaceful/tranquil mind’), are widely taught to students in a variety of karate styles. They are attributed to Itosu Yasutsune ‘Anko’ (1831-1915) who is said to have adapted them from older kata. However from which kata is less than certain. . Itosu introduced karate into
“The most important thing is the kata.” Read More »
One of the things that I’ve learned over the years is that it’s important to not only learn something, but to reinforce it as well. How much you practice is just as important as how you learn. We’re all a little guilty of doing things just enough to be proficient without truly mastering a skill.
I’m a strong believer in that if you are passionate about something, the martial arts or otherwise, you should also study its history. Understand the context to which something was created. . What can an individual learn from history? Through history, we can learn how past societies, systems, and ideologies were built, and operated in
Combative function or symbolic gesture? Read More »
“Japan judo hits crisis point as bullied, burnt-out children quit.” . “Japan is the home of judo but a brutal win-at-all-costs mentality, corporal punishment and pressure to lose weight are driving large numbers of children to quit, raising fears for the sport’s future in its traditional powerhouse.” – Andrew McKirdy Japan Today June 2022 .
Japan judo hits crisis point as bullied, burnt-out children quit. Read More »
If you call YOURSELF “master” or “sensei” you probably aren’t one. I see this so often, especially on social media. – Come on guys..… let go of that EGO! . If you teach karate and are using Japanese language in your dojo or school, then you should know how to use these titles, or specifically,
Stop calling yourself Sensei! Read More »
