(2 minute and 20 second read) Possibly one of the most famous quotes by Gichin Funakoshi is; “The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants.” . So, I would like to pose a question. Does karate improve your character? . The idea…
Month: January 2024
“We must be careful not to overlook the fact that kata, and the body positions that comprises them, are just templates of sort; it is their application in combat which needs to be mastered.”
(2 minute and 14 second read) Kata, the cornerstone of traditional martial arts, are intricate archives of combative movements, much more than just a physical solo exercise. They are a living legacy, passed down from teacher to student, generation after generation. . Each kata embodies the accumulated wisdom of past masters, a codified library of…
“I am a student, not a master. I am still learning, and I will never stop learning.”
(2 minute and 5 second read) The journey to becoming proficient in any field, especially the martial arts, begins with a fundamental truth: you must first become a great student. . Training and practice isn’t just about passively absorbing information; it’s about taking an active role in your own learning, and being fueled by a…
There is NO place for physical punishment or bullying in any form of discipline.
(2 minute and 16 second read) Things have changed over the years. When I began training in traditional karate, some of the instructors were downright mean. They went out of their way to inflict pain on you, and they made it clear that they were superior to you in every way. . Back then, in…
The techniques of karate are multi-purpose, born of principles. Just like all forms of art, you can make interpretations to fit the purpose.
(2 minute and 7 second read) Everyone aspires for advancement, everyone wants to wrap themselves in another black belt, while others just want to learn more. . Yet, few dare to confront their current limitations, reflected in the mirror of self-evaluation. This is where many karate practitioners and commentators stumble. . In the realm of…
“Don’t quit, keep going until you can turn something impossible into a reality”.
(2 minute and 1 second read) Sandra Sanchez, once told that she was too old to compete, stated; “Don’t quit, keep going until you can turn something impossible into a reality”. . Perseverance is an essential quality that fuels success in various aspects of life. The journey of a martial artist is laden with challenges,…
“I perform strength training with the following philosophy in mind; great technique in kata can only be achieved with having a solid foundation of strength.”
(2 minute and 25 second read) Many martial arts masters and practitioners believe that you cannot truly understand a martial art form without understanding and respecting the country, culture and history that gave rise to it. . Most people join a dojo to learn how to fight and/or defend themselves. But what few students realize…
Grades, or belts, are without doubt one of the most controversial aspects of the martial arts.
(2 minute and 27 second read) Grades, or belts, are without doubt one of the most controversial aspects of the martial arts. They can cause many problems and any discussion, usually become extremely toxic. . For those of you that don’t know. A grade or belt, is an agreement between you and an instructor (or…
MMA undoubtedly showcases the prowess of its athletes, but it is essential to recognize that it may not be the ideal benchmark for evaluating the entire spectrum of the martial arts.
(2 minute and 20 second read) A comment on my article about the strongest karate, stated that; “it has already been addressed in the real world, by MMA”. . MMA has gained immense popularity in recent years, captivating audiences with its dynamic blend of various martial arts disciplines. . It undoubtedly showcases the prowess of…
“Years of practice and thorough training are necessary for deep understanding and mastery.”
(2 minute and 2 second read) “Years of practice and thorough training are necessary for deep understanding and mastery.” – Masaaki Ikemiyagi 9th dan Goju Ryu . In today’s fast-paced world, people often overlook patience and understanding. This is especially noticeable in the martial arts, where everyone seems in a hurry to become skilled quickly….
“Kata is handed down from the older generation,[…]we have a responsibility to hand it down to the next generation.”
“Kata is handed down from the older generation, and if you think, as a part of culture, we have a responsibility to hand it down to the next generation.” – Keiji Tomiyama 9th dan Shito Ryu Kofukan . Teaching is a profound act of sharing the knowledge we have acquired from others, with the sincere…
“In my life I do a lot of things but I never forget my training.”
It‘s that time of year again. Substantial snowfall, temperatures plummeting below freezing, and a polar wind that leaves you breathless. . The icy wind whips across your face, your fingers and toes numb from the cold, and your breath hangs heavy in the air. But you stand there, muscles burning, sweat freezing in your keiko-gi,…