Reflection: where we’ve been, where we are, even perhaps where we’re going. . Your body can stand almost anything. It’s your mind you have to convince. The biggest and toughest opponent you will ever face? Yourself. . Always see contemplation on your actions as an opportunity to improve. . Perhaps the martial arts are less…
Category: Bushido
What Really Counts: The Unsung Heroes. Success Without the Spotlight.
(Approx 2 minute 12 second read) Recently, I came across a post on social media that made me stop and think. It said people are only worth engaging with if they’ve met specific criteria: if they’re champions, if their students are successful, or if they’ve earned respect through verifiable accomplishments – whether in competition or…
Karate and Character: Does Training Forge a Better You?
Does karate inherently improve your character? . Character traits can certainly be built, shaped, and even transformed with enough effort and willpower. However, the benefits of character building largely depend on your own values and personal goals. Karate – or any martial art – can serve as a tool for this growth, but it isn’t…
Breaking the Cycle: The Art of Letting Go.
(Approx 2 minute read) We are all driven by a complex mix of instincts and fears. Among these, the instinct for survival is perhaps the most powerful – it’s why many of us practice karate, right? . In moments of extreme stress, when we sense that our life is at risk, our minds naturally react…
“Those who are possessed by nothing possess everything.”
(Approx 2 minute 5 second read) We had a great class on Saturday. Those moments where a student has a lightbulb moment and says; “Oh, I get it now.” . You can teach someone something, but quite often students have to ‘feel’ it for themselves, they have to experience it firsthand. . Now, I also…
The Mindful Warrior: Paying Attention to What’s Right in Front of You.
(Approx 1 minute 58 second read) Zanshin (残心) is a term commonly used in Japanese martial arts to refer to a state of relaxed alertness. Literally translated, “zanshin” means “the mind with no remainder.” In other words, it is the mind completely focused on action and fixated on the task at hand. . Instructors often…
Freedom of Expression: Respect Starts Here.
(Approx 1 minute 35 second read) The internet has become a vast arena for sharing ideas, knowledge, opinions, and video learning. Recently, I received a comment on one of my articles that stated, “The internet is a free world; you can think what you want.” . This comment came after I pointed out that the…
“We must keep the spirit of Budo no matter how we practice.”
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) “We must keep the spirit of Budo no matter how we practice.” – Yoshimitsu Yamada (1938-2023) . I received a comment on one of my recent articles about teaching in the martial arts. The basis of my article was to give appreciation to teachers who continuously share knowledge, foster…
The Balanced Warrior: Find Humility in Your Training.
(Approx 1 minute 44 second read) Many people, at some point in their lives, have been victimized, exploited, or bullied in some form or another. . Whether this relates to being bullied as a child, an adult being singled out at the workplace, bullying online, or in more serious cases, an individual being mugged on…
Don’t Try This at Home: A Lesson in Common Sense.
(Approx 2 minute read) Continued from my recent article in response to reader comments about the idiotic idea of catching a sword, a ‘katana,’ in the palms of the hands. Mostly, the comments were sensible. However… you know what’s coming, right? . One comment suggested that I was mistaken, claiming it is entirely feasible. He…
From Respect to Rifts: The Role of Negativity in Karate.
(Approx 2 minute 15 second read) Traditional karate, with its rich tapestry of styles and history, is often seen as a domain of discipline and unity. However, beneath the surface lies a landscape fractured by disagreements and divisions. . A poignant example is the notable dislike between two karate legends, Funakoshi Gichin and Motobu Choki….
“Fleeing combat is not shameful. Shame lies in starting it for no reason.”
(Approx 1 minute 35 second read) When I teach, or when I write an article, my goal isn’t to persuade anybody of anything; I’m here to present information or my opinion. What you do with that information is entirely up to you. . However, if I can help just a few people consider something different,…