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
When you’re pursuing a worthwhile goal it’s almost inevitable that at some point you’ll think one or more of the following: “This is harder than I thought it would be.” – “Why is this taking so long?” – “I’m getting nowhere with this.” – “I keep failing at this goal.” – “I can’t do this.
Nana korobi ya oki Read More »
The martial arts require demonstration to supplement the whole teaching process. I get it. I demonstrate to my students. However, I always incorporate some level of failure into my demonstrations. Why? Because a real life attack is unpredictable, chaotic, vicious, and brutal. Your techniques will probably not go as planned and you may have to
You have to factor in your opponents reaction. Read More »
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
Most instructors are not trained to observe intentionally. . When students are in your presence, not just when they are training, practicing or competing, it’s a time to see, evaluate and give feedback. . As instructors you need to learn to become a good watcher and listener, you’ll be rewarded with a wealth of information.
Most instructors are not trained to observe intentionally. Read More »
Mental training in the martial arts is often overlooked, with many practitioners spending very little time on this important aspect of training. . According to oriental culture, what affects your mind affects you body, and this can be seen and experienced in everyday life. . Negative thinking rewires your brain and makes you miserable, makes
Remind yourself daily: “I AM WHAT I THINK”. Read More »
To improve at anything, you must push yourself beyond your comfort zone. When you put sustained effort toward improving, you will grow. This is the logic behind ‘deliberate practice’, a research-backed tool introduced by researcher Anders Ericsson. His research has shown that HOW you practice matters much more than how MUCH you practice. Real martial
You have to look deeper, the next level Read More »
All of us live in a world which is filled with conflict. The vast majority of us like to believe we’re open-minded toward individuals and other martial artists who may see the world differently to how we do. In the martial arts dojo, teaching respect is one of the core tenets most students learn. Students
Within the martial arts, being respectful is paramount. Read More »
Is it accurate to say that no martial art is necessarily better than another? . To provide an answer, you need to first complete the question. Define “better”. A martial art is better at what? Cardio? Sparring? Ground-work? Winning trophies? Self-defense? Street combat? etc. etc. . I think it is safe to say yes, that
“Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” Read More »
Happy World Karate Day. . “In 2005, the Okinawa Prefecture Assembly passed the resolution declaring October 25th ‘Karate no hi’, (空手の日) ‘the day of karate’. . Some 700 years ago, karate was born in this land, Okinawa. Coexisting with the beautiful nature and climate of Okinawa, our predecessors created karate, a traditional culture that Okinawa
Happy World Karate Day. Read More »
