“Daniel-san, must talk. Walk on road. Walk right side, safe. Walk left side, safe. Walk middle, sooner or later, get squish, just like grape. Here karate, same thing. Either you karate do, yes, or karate do, no. You karate do, guess so, squish just like grape.” . . In its proper context, Miyagi’s speech is […]
Martial arts does take a commitment on your part. Read More »
I QUIT! . There’s no question that perseverance in the martial arts is an admirable quality. Persistence and determination are key to reaching a good standard. And though meeting the goals that we set may seem like the only option, the truth is that in certain circumstances, giving up is sometimes a viable choice. It’s
Why do you practice martial arts? . Historically, teachers taught the martial arts only to those students they believed deemed worthy. To endear themselves to the teacher, prospective students would often have to perform menial labor or perform the most basic techniques for hours–showing that they were humble, patient, and honest. . Today, most students
Why do you practice martial arts? Read More »
Traditional Karate’s forgotten training methods: “Hojo Undo” (補助運動) – supplemental training. . “Hojo Undo” are supplementary exercises where one uses various implements and aids to encourage and develop physical strength, stamina, muscle co-ordination, speed and posture. . Many of the older and more traditional forms of training have slipped from use. But in the dojo
Traditional Karate’s forgotten training methods: “Hojo Undo” Read More »
The martial arts have been my way of life, sometimes my profession, for many, many years. During that time, I’ve often been asked how a person can stay motivated. How does someone get up every morning and continue their training routine? How does a practitioner avoid becoming part of the majority, the people who give
Do it Now! Sometimes later becomes never. Read More »
Teaching is a highly social profession, so it would follow that all teachers are extroverts, right? Wrong. . Many successful teachers are self-described introverts, and one of the biggest misconceptions about this personality type is that they’re shy. . Introversion is more about how you respond to stimulation, including social stimulation. Where as extroverts really
Your sensei is an EXTROVERT! Read More »
When I learned martial arts in the 70’s and 80’s I went to lessons, took a notebook and took notes in my own way. Then when I went home I would practice from those notes I had taken earlier. The notebook went with me everywhere, and whenever the opportunity arose I would open it up
Take notes. Practice what you’ve been taught. Read More »
Most teachers of the martial arts do not enter teaching with the expectation that they will be working with consistently well-behaved, enthusiastic, successful students who enjoy standing quietly in rows listening to teachers lecture at them. . Nor do most teachers anticipate that all their students will dutifully use their highest cognitive processes to memorize,
“The journey has to be based on passion.” Read More »
The difficulty of preserving tradition. . (begin quote) “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
The difficulty of preserving tradition. Read More »
There are teachers where you can learn the techniques of karate, and there are teachers where you can learn the techniques and principles of karate. There are also teachers where you can learn the “Way of karate”, to develop physique, technique, principles, character, mind and spirit. . To me, the real teachers are those who
Your sensei will not always be there. Read More »
“Where there is no practice, there is no Karate practitioner. Never fail to practice.” (end quote) – Minoru Higa 10th dan Shorin Ryu Kyudokan . ‘究道無限’ (Kyudo Mugen) – (The Path of Study Never Ends) . It is easy to believe you know enough. You have reached all the knowledge you need or want. You
Never fail to practice. Read More »
“In Shogen-ryu there is no unnecessary movement. Everything is connected to the next move. And there is speed in that movement. I’m slow, but Taba Sensei’s karate was so fast, it was too quick to see with your eyes. I work hard to follow my teacher’s example, but it is very difficult.” (End quote)
“I work hard to follow my teacher’s example.” Read More »
