You have to put in the EFFORT.

努力怠るなかれ ~ “Doryoku okotaru nakare” (Never neglect effort) ?? . Kenzo Mabuni (1927-2005) . “Never neglect the little things. Never skimp on that extra effort, that additional few minutes, [..] that delivery of the very best that you can do. . It does not matter what others think, it is of prime importance, however, what you…

Never neglect courtesy and etiquette.

礼儀怠るなかれ ~ “Reigi okotaru nakare.” (Never neglect courtesy and etiquette) ?? ~ Kenei Mabuni (1918-2015) . There is a cultural element to karate which should be well observed. This cultural element involves courtesy, humility, etiquette, rank, tradition, protocol and much more. . Whenever or wherever you train Karate, you should follow certain etiquette and manners called…

Knowledge is power.

“Although knowledge is power, applying knowledge is REAL POWER”. ?? . Kyoshi A. Tanzadeh 8th dan . “Knowledge is power.” – Or so many people say. . Personally I don’t agree. Knowledge isn’t power, knowledge has the potential to be powerful; and there’s a difference. It’s a small difference, but a difference nonetheless. Because knowledge is…

“Do not put your main purpose in mastering Karate techniques themselves, you should instead study the way of life through Karate.” ?? . Meitoku Yagi (1912- 2003) 10th dan Goju Ryu Meibukan . Meitoku Yagi, was a karate master and teacher. He learned Goju-ryu from legendary founder Chojun Miyagi. On April 29, 1986, Emperor Hirohito named…

How can we teach others if you do not truly understand yourself?

“It is possible to learn the technique of all kata in two or three months. But simple ability to repeat them is not the point here. Years of practice and thorough training are necessary for deep understanding and mastery. . Nowadays even children get taught Suparinpei if it is needed for competitions. Well, a child…

“Okinawan Karate kata feature mostly low level kicks.”

“Okinawan Karate kata feature mostly low level kicks.” ?? . Paul Enfield 8th dan Goju Ryu – GKCglobal . In the modern dojo, practically every combination has a kick somewhere within it. This is primarily because kicking is very effective in the competitive environment. Also, because high-level competitors are amazing athletes, they can apply kicks in…

Always be ready to make a defense.

“In the real world, you can’t expect people to do what they’re supposed to do.” ?? . Sensei Johnny Lawrence . “Zanshin” can be translated literally as “the remaining mind” or “the lingering mind”. It is a concept found in Zen and Budo that emphasizes a continued alertness to an endeavor. In other words, it is…

I love the term winning or learning.

“Why do I think it is important to study the fighting arts? . There’s a lot of challenges in the life we live. Nothing is easy in life and I think many of us learn very early in life, that failure is something that can destroy a person, or it can teach them a lesson….

To be a master you must be a great & humble student.

“To be a master you must be a great & humble student; being a great & humble student, you will never call yourself master.” ~ anon ?? . Humility is a very important human trait that all people should exercise in their lives. Being humble means you aren’t too big for any lesson that may come…

Facing the makiwara.

“Facing the makiwara.” ?? . Minoru Higa 10th dan Shorin Ryu Kyudokan Dojo Okinawa . The makiwara (巻藁) is a padded striking post used as a training tool in various styles of traditional karate. It is thought to be uniquely Okinawan in origin. The makiwara is one form of hojo undō (supplementary training) used by Okinawan…

Make martial arts you way of life.

“I had a chance as a kid to walk in a boxing club and become who I am today… I want to give somebody else a chance to do the same thing because you never really know what a child can achieve, when given the opportunities….. I want to be positive and encourage kids to…