Zen

“Chibariyo”: The Okinawan way of encouragement through perseverance.

Buddhism, Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Learning, Martial Arts, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Sensei, Student /

(Approx 1 minute 10 second read) The Ryukyu Kingdom, the historical heart of modern-day Okinawa, fostered a unique culture distinct from mainland Japan. . This distinctiveness extends to language, with Okinawan dialects collectively known as Uchinaaguchi. . Many karate practitioners, myself included, appreciate using the Japanese terminology that’s part of our practice. While most practitioners […]

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“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”

Buddhism, Bushido, Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Learning, Martial Arts, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Sensei, Student /

(Approx 2 minute 15 second read) The internet age has brought many conveniences, but it’s also fostered a culture of “Get it Now” Mentality. . We see this in the way some people online demand information without a simple hello or a thank you. It’s as if they view the internet as a vending machine,

“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” Read More »

“The karate that high school students practice today is not the same karate that was practiced even as recently as ten years ago.”

Bunkai, Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Learning, Martial Arts, Masters, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Sensei, Student /

(2 minute 42 second read) My recent article about ‘bunkai’ exposed a litany of misconceptions in the comments. . The dedication of karate masters over the decades has ensured the transmission of kata. However, their true depth often remains undiscovered. . For many practitioners, karate remains a striking art. Blocking, punching and kicking. So when

“The karate that high school students practice today is not the same karate that was practiced even as recently as ten years ago.” Read More »

In the Shadows of Tradition: Challenging Misunderstandings in Karate.

Bunkai, Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Learning, Martial Arts, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Self-Defense, Self-Protection, Sensei, Student /

(2 minute read) Karate often finds itself mired in misconceptions and misunderstandings. . How many times have you watched a video or responded to a comment and cringed at what you have just witnessed or read? . Unlike other arts like MMA, Judo, Boxing, jiu-jitsu, etc., which seem to have clear purposes and methodologies, karate

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The Dojo. Where we inherit the wisdom of those who came before, and in turn, prepare to pass it on to those who follow.

Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Learning, Martial Arts, Masters, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Sensei, Student /

(2 minute read) The door to the dojo swings open with its familiar creak, and a wave of calm washes over you, a place when outside problems just fade away. . Do you still feel that rush of excitement when you step inside? . The answer, for most practitioners I would hope, is a resounding

The Dojo. Where we inherit the wisdom of those who came before, and in turn, prepare to pass it on to those who follow. Read More »

“There is a code of honor and if you don’t respect that code, you should be out of martial arts.”

Bushido, Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Learning, Martial Arts, Masters, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Sensei, Student /

(1 minute 50 second read) Once again, the concept of respect has reared its ugly head. . Someone left a brief two word comment on one of my articles. I won’t delve into the specifics of the conversation or name the individual involved. . However, in response, I asked several questions to gain clarity on

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Fall seven times, get up eight. Know when the fight is no longer yours to win. Because wisdom lies in choosing the right battles.

Bushido, Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Learning, Martial Arts, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Sensei, Student /

(2 minute 25 second read) ‘Knowing when to walk away is wisdom. Being able to is courage.’ This sentiment reflects a profound truth that extends beyond martial arts into the realm of life’s challenges. . In the martial arts, the mantra of never giving up is deeply ingrained in us all from the beginning of

Fall seven times, get up eight. Know when the fight is no longer yours to win. Because wisdom lies in choosing the right battles. Read More »

“Keep to your Path, and nothing else will matter.”

Bushido, Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Learning, Martial Arts, Masters, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Sensei, Student /

(1 minute 55 second read) I have been involved in traditional karate for over five decades, respect is a concept I hold dear. It’s the foundation upon which the martial arts are built upon. . The other day, a stranger called me “lad” (he didn’t know me), amongst other things. Apparently he took umbrage with

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Should you intervene to protect someone else if they are being attacked?

Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Learning, Martial Arts, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Self-Defense, Self-Protection /

(1 minute 55 second read) Should you intervene to protect someone else if they are being attacked? . Witnessing someone being attacked can evoke a strong impulse to intervene and protect the victim. . However, if you do decide to intervene, above all else, the first thing you have to consider is your own safety.

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Mastering any movement starts with the whole picture.

Bunkai, Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Learning, Martial Arts, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Sensei, Student /

(2 minute 2 second read) When reading anything, it’s crucial to approach it from start to finish, right? . Skipping to the end of a book might reveal “who done it,” but you’d miss out on all the best bits in-between. . Recently, a commenter on my article “The best fight is the one you

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The best fight is the one you avoid. So don’t start a fight you can’t finish, but if you do, finish it.

Bunkai, Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Learning, Martial Arts, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Self-Defense, Self-Protection /

(1 minute 30 second read) If you’re like most people, you probably hope you’ll never face a self-defense situation. But being prepared is key. . Self-defense is a critical skill, but it’s important to understand it’s not about winning a fight. It’s about neutralizing a threat and escaping safely. . Those that keep reminding me

The best fight is the one you avoid. So don’t start a fight you can’t finish, but if you do, finish it. Read More »

“It’s not what you know, but what you do with what you know.”

Bunkai, Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Learning, Martial Arts, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Sensei, Student /

(1 minute 55 second read) Practice has to go beyond rote repetition to a place of true comprehension and proficiency. . While repetition is undeniably important, without curiosity, how can you truly analyze your karate and delve into the depths of its principles, not just the techniques? . Curiosity is the key that unlocks a

“It’s not what you know, but what you do with what you know.” Read More »