(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 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 »
(2 minute 26 second read) Do you use the term ‘Osu’ (押忍) in your dojo? . The resonant echo of ‘Osu’ that reverberates through many martial arts dojo, a word far more complex than its two syllables suggest. . This seemingly innocuous term, does it belong in our traditional dojo as a symbol of respect,
‘OSU’: a sign of respect or just empty tradition? Read More »
(2 minute and 15 second read) Joining a martial arts school for the first time is an exciting and empowering endeavor for many individuals. The prospect of learning self-defense, perhaps wanting to compete, or just physical fitness, often attracts people to these schools. . However, a significant challenge arises when newcomers lack the knowledge to
(2 minute and 28 second read) Imagine a set of precepts that’s not just about fighting, but about living with honor and respect. That’s ‘Bushido’ (武士道), the “way of the warrior”. . A code forged in the fires of battle, wielding both the noble ideals of chivalry and the harsh realities of violence. . Bushido
