(Approx 1 minute 55 second read) At some point in our lives, we’ve all held grudges. It’s a natural reaction when someone wrongs or frustrates us. But as martial artists, we are taught to rise above our emotions, to channel them constructively rather than letting them control us. Yet, grudges and resentment can creep in,…
Let Humility and Respect Guide Our Actions: Imagine Approaching Every Interaction with the Mindset of Helping Others, Expecting Nothing in Return.
Ego can be a significant challenge in martial arts. Earning a new rank, like a black belt or high dan grade, is a proud moment, but it’s easy for that pride to turn into arrogance. . Rank is just a symbol of progress; it doesn’t define who you are as a person or a martial…
‘Ishiki’ – Awareness.
“‘Ishiki’ (意識) is very important. ‘Awareness – Take more attention and focus’. Without ‘Ishiki’: you wouldn’t realize what is happening here and there. By doing it you see and realize things happening. During everyday training with more attention and focus you will see and realize how your stance, form and technique are. Do not ignore…
Back to White: When Values Matter Most.
(Approx 2 minute 35 second read) A couple of years ago, I was going through a moment of madness – I seem to have many of them. I felt like I needed a new challenge and briefly considered swapping styles. A new organization had just been established, and I had a massive amount of respect…
Choosing the Wrong Battle: Knowing When to Walk Away.
(Approx 2minute 30 second read) Choosing your battles wisely isn’t just a saying – it’s a skill, one that can mean the difference between escalation and resolution, between staying safe and putting yourself or others in harm’s way. . When I joined the ambulance service and began my training, one part of the curriculum was…
Embracing Different Perspectives: Why Listening is Key to Understanding.
(Approx 2 minute read) Close-mindedness isn’t always as obvious as we think. It doesn’t just show up as stubbornness or refusal to change. Sometimes, it hides behind the belief that you already know enough – enough about your martial arts, enough about the world, enough about yourselves, enough about others. . Ask anyone if they’re…
Never wrestle with pigs. You both get dirty, and the pig likes it.
(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) I used to have an abundance of patience. My career demanded it. I would give people the benefit of the doubt, tolerate more than I should, and work hard to maintain peace in challenging situations. . But as I’ve grown older, I’ve noticed a shift. My filters have all…
Earned or Given: The Belt Without Merit. Is A Grade for Sale?
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) In the world of martial arts, grades, are viewed as a reflection of a practitioner’s journey – a combination of technical ability, deeper understanding, and personal character. . Yet, there are times when we encounter individuals whose grade seems to far outshine their skills, knowledge, or behavior. Such instances…
Kata: The thread that connects it all.
(Approx 2 minute 25 second read) There are plenty of reasons why kata has become somewhat disconnected from real combat. From philosophical and political decisions made by Funakoshi and others following WWII to common training methods, distorted views of how fighting works, and the spread of information lacking depth. . I get so many…
‘Banpen Fugyō’: Ten Thousand Changes, No Surprise – Life often surprises us. The key is to remain unshaken and not stirred.
(Approx 2 minute read) Think about the last time you had to deal with a problem but couldn’t come up with a single possible solution. Sometimes making any decision, even if it’s not the best, is better than freezing and making no decision. Indecision is bad. . A student in our dojo was practicing a…
You need great passion because everything you do with great pleasure, you do well.
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) Apart from my interests and passion for karate, I have another wild passion: Formula 1. . My interest started when I was in my early teens, and it has not wavered since. I follow not just the races but also the technical information, the teams, the drivers, and the…
Don’t get set into one form, adapt it and build your own, and let it grow, be ready to throw away what you know.
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) Recently, I read an article about certain aspects of Buddhism, and one of the key points made was that in the heart of the Buddha’s teachings lies a profound caution: . “To seek truth is not to entangle oneself in concepts or to cling to views. Words, descriptions, and…