(2 minute 5 second read) Within the martial arts there are many types of people. Some have morals and are good people that you can rely upon, and others…….well, not quite so much. . You would think that historically, where character traits such as honor, integrity, courtesy, perseverance, and an unbreakable spirit, are held in […]
(1 minute 49 second read) What motivates you to practice karate, or any martial art? . That’s a question that echoes in every dojo. Karate, as rewarding as it is, can often feel like a battle against your own comfort zone. . The truth is, motivation isn’t some mystical gift bestowed upon a chosen few.
“Karate-do may be referred to as the conflict within yourself.” Read More »
(2 minute 15 second read) Anko Itosu, revered as the father (sometimes Grandfather) of modern karate, through his teachings, and writings, Itosu shaped the course of karate’s evolution. . Anko Itosu was born in 1831 in Shuri, the capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom, now Okinawa. Little is known about his childhood, but it is believed
(1 minutes 40 second read) Chōshin Chibana (1885-1969) stands as a pivotal figure in the history of Okinawan karate, earning the moniker “Last Warrior of Shuri” for his dedication and contributions to the martial arts. . Born in 1885, his life intertwined with the evolution of Okinawan martial arts, leaving an indelible mark on its
“In karate I live, in karate I die.” Read More »
(2 minute read) Many people tend to skim articles or posts rather than read them in full. Some may merely glance at the content or quickly view images and move on. . They may even leave comments without fully grasping the context or considering the content. . This makes me ask the question; do people
(1 minute and 13 second read) Knowing which battles to fight, is really knowing which battles to pick and which to walk away from. . If your response to all things is to fight, this is bad thinking, bad practice. After all, life isn’t measured by how many times you stood up to fight. .
Know which battles to fight, and which battles to walk away from. Read More »
(2 minute 5 second read) Karate-Do, the “way of the empty hand,” much more than the sum of its parts; a centuries-old tradition steeped in history, philosophy, and self-improvement. . Over generations, countless karate masters, including well-known figures such as Itosu, Higaonna, Funakoshi, Hanashiro, Kyan, Uechi, Miyagi, Toyama, Mabuni, Arakkaki, and many others, have dedicated
(1 minute 16 second read) Humility, a seemingly simple virtue, holds immense power, both within ourselves and in our interactions with the world. . Unlike arrogance, and there’s a lot of that about, which can halt learning, humility keeps you receptive to lessons, opportunities, and even criticism. . The journey from the novice white belt
“The wise win before the fight, while the ignorant fight to win.” Read More »
(1 minute 16 second read) Age, is a relentless opponent. It slows our reflexes, dims our fire, and forces us to confront the choices we’ve made. . Among the most profound realizations is the gradual understanding that life humbles you as you age. . In the early stages of training, youthful exuberance may lead you
Life humbles you as you age. You realize how much time you’ve wasted on nonsense. Read More »
(1 minute 34 second read) Both on the mat and in life, emotions can be a powerful force. They can fuel your movements, sharpen your focus, or cloud your judgment, leading to consequences you may not want. . The key to navigating this emotional landscape lies in training the mind to be stronger than your
(2 minute 21 second read) Many martial arts practitioners hold onto the belief that their training translates flawlessly to real-world self-defense. Unfortunately, this can be a perilous illusion. . The efficacy of your techniques will often fail when faced with a brutal, violent, resisting opponent. You should not overlook this fundamental fact. . As an
(2 minutes 21 second read) “Ikken hissatsu” (一拳必殺) – What does this maxim mean to you? How do you interpret it? . A Japanese term frequently encountered in the context of karate, carrying the weighty meaning of “to kill with one blow” or more literally, “one fist, certain death.”. . To interpret “ikken hissatsu” as
One Strike, One Kill: The Myth and Mastery of “Ikken Hissatsu”. Read More »
