(Approx 1 minute 30 second read) Wearing your dojo or association badge on your keiko-gi, is a significant tradition in the world of karate, or the martial arts in general. Echoing early medieval and martial arts schools where practitioners displayed or wore patches or symbols identifying their lineage, their clan. . Today, this seemingly simple […]
The Keiko-Gi Badge: A Symbol Worn With Pride. Read More »
Time is the one opponent we cannot defeat, yet it’s the one we often underestimate the most. . The reason why people keep saying, ‘the trouble is you think you have time,’ is because when we’re younger, time seems to move so slowly. But as we age, it speeds up. . You gain this new
The Greatest Opponent: The trouble is, you think you have time. Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 50 second read) “As up to now [1938] karate has only partly been introduced in Tokyo, people who exercise karate in Tokyo believe that it solely consists of punching and kicking techniques. When talking about ‘gyaku-waza’ (locks) and ‘nage-waza’ (throws) they assume that these only exist in jūjutsu and jūdō. This way
(Approx 1 minute 40 second read) In traditional martial arts, success shouldn’t merely be measured by trophies or titles. True success comes from within, from the dedication to improve yourself and the determination to give your best effort in every aspect of training. . If I’m on your case about doing better, it’s because I
Surpassing Expectations: Going Beyond Your Limits. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 5 second read) We had a great class on Saturday. Those moments where a student has a lightbulb moment and says; “Oh, I get it now.” . You can teach someone something, but quite often students have to ‘feel’ it for themselves, they have to experience it firsthand. . Now, I also
“Those who are possessed by nothing possess everything.” Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 58 second read) Zanshin (残心) is a term commonly used in Japanese martial arts to refer to a state of relaxed alertness. Literally translated, “zanshin” means “the mind with no remainder.” In other words, it is the mind completely focused on action and fixated on the task at hand. . Instructors often
The Mindful Warrior: Paying Attention to What’s Right in Front of You. Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 35 second read) The internet has become a vast arena for sharing ideas, knowledge, opinions, and video learning. Recently, I received a comment on one of my articles that stated, “The internet is a free world; you can think what you want.” . This comment came after I pointed out that the
Freedom of Expression: Respect Starts Here. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute read) A comment on one of my articles, which often inspire me to write another (thank you), stated; (expletive removed) “**** self-defense. I teach people to fight.” . Is this instructor right? After all you are learning a combat art not playing a game. . Much of what is considered modern karate
(Approx 2 minute 25 second read) A riddle I’m sure you have heard before: What is always coming but never arrives? The answer is; tomorrow. . What does this riddle tell us? Today, now, that’s all there is. Don’t dwell in the past, don’t dream of the future – concentrate the mind on the present
Living in the Moment: Quieting the Monkey Mind. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) “We must keep the spirit of Budo no matter how we practice.” – Yoshimitsu Yamada (1938-2023) . I received a comment on one of my recent articles about teaching in the martial arts. The basis of my article was to give appreciation to teachers who continuously share knowledge, foster
“We must keep the spirit of Budo no matter how we practice.” Read More »
“I started karate by practicing the Shorin-Ryu style under the supervision of my grandfather. After he passed away however, my family moved to Naha city, where I was acquainted with my new instructors. They taught me Goju-Ryu style karate as well as kobudo. Every day it was the same routine, train at school, train at
“I consider it my duty to pass on karate history to the next generation.” Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 44 second read) Many people, at some point in their lives, have been victimized, exploited, or bullied in some form or another. . Whether this relates to being bullied as a child, an adult being singled out at the workplace, bullying online, or in more serious cases, an individual being mugged on
The Balanced Warrior: Find Humility in Your Training. Read More »
