Keiko (稽古) and Shugyō (修行) . Training in the martial arts is not just a hobby; we should contemplate our practice deeply. . The Japanese have six words for training, each signifying a deeper, more encompassing path: Keiko – practice; Renshu – training; Kunren – discipline; Tanren – forging; Kufu – struggling to solve a […]
Keiko (稽古) and Shugyō (修行) Read More »
Karate, its birthplace on the small island of Okinawa, created from indigenous fighting systems with influences from Chinese Kempo. . “Karate” (空手), meaning “empty hand”, the name was changed from Chinese hand or Tang hand (唐手), in the early part of the 20th century – both of which are pronounced karate in Japanese. . “Karate-Do”
Karate-do is the pathway of inner development… Read More »
If you call YOURSELF “master” or “sensei” you probably aren’t one. I see this so often, especially on social media. – Come on guys..… let go of that EGO! . If you teach karate and are using Japanese language in your dojo or school, then you should know how to use these titles, or specifically,
Stop calling yourself Sensei! Read More »
If you want to be skilled at karate, do what skilled karate people do: train each day! If you get into the habit of daily training, you will surprise yourself with how much progress you can make. . I often get asked “how can I improve my karate?” The answer is really very simple…… Practice.
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” Read More »
Passionately chase your dream. . In all honesty, this is the only way to do it. The mistake people make is trying to become motivated, they think it’s something you either have, or you don’t have. Unfortunately, you have to work at motivation. This means you have to actively tell yourself that you will go
The one word that separates the greats from the average. DISCIPLINE. Read More »
Shime (締め) testing is a two-person drill which serves as a way of testing a practitioner’s ability to apply the strategies and principles of Sanchin kata. . The idea behind the testing is to have the practitioner placed under a load, to evaluate their structure. . The testing involves putting pressure on the practitioner’s body.
Real fights are messy, full of uncertainty, sloppy, falling down and scrambling up, feints, lucky shots. Street fights are quick and aren’t run over several rounds like an arranged fight. . If you know for sure another person is going to attack you and is cornering you, you’ll be at a major disadvantage if that
Here is the bottom line: You DON’T want to get into street fights. Read More »
“We all have inner demons to fight, we call these demons, fear and hatred and anger. If you do not conquer them then a life of one hundred years is a tragedy. If you do, then a life of a single day can be a triumph.” – Yip Man . You run into lots of
Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood. Read More »
I love training. I love budo, it’s a major PART of my life….. but it’s not my whole life. Although at times I seem to think of nothing else. It enhances my life, makes my life richer, and enhances my health and sense of well-being. I enjoy it a lot. Training in budo, apart form
But believe it or not, there are other things in life besides the dojo. Read More »
Ojigi (お辞儀) – Bowing in Japan is the act of lowering your head or the upper part of the torso, commonly used as a sign of salutation, reverence, apology or gratitude in social or religious situations. . Bowing is extremely important in Japan, children normally begin learning how to bow at a very young age,
“Bu, starts with Rei and ends with Rei.” Read More »
Buddhism and happiness are complementary to each other. There is a lot to be learnt about happiness from Buddhist philosophies. . Buddha taught that happiness is one of the seven factors of Enlightenment. . Life Involves Suffering – Accept It. . According to Buddhist philosophy, acceptance to the truth of Life involving suffering is crucial
What is it you want out of the martial arts? What is the one thing that will get you to where you want to be? . Many people look to motivation to push them toward their destination. But what happens when that motivation wears off, when the excitement declines? How can you stay committed on
What is it you want out of the martial arts? Read More »
