(1 minute and 13 second read) Knowing which battles to fight, is really knowing which battles to pick and which to walk away from. . If your response to all things is to fight, this is bad thinking, bad practice. After all, life isn’t measured by how many times you stood up to fight. ….
Category: Bushido
“The wise win before the fight, while the ignorant fight to win.”
(1 minute 16 second read) Humility, a seemingly simple virtue, holds immense power, both within ourselves and in our interactions with the world. . Unlike arrogance, and there’s a lot of that about, which can halt learning, humility keeps you receptive to lessons, opportunities, and even criticism. . The journey from the novice white belt…
In meditation, the warrior hones not just their blade, but their spirit. In the Way of Bushido, this is the path to true strength.
(2 minute and 28 second read) Imagine a set of precepts that’s not just about fighting, but about living with honor and respect. That’s ‘Bushido’ (武士道), the “way of the warrior”. . A code forged in the fires of battle, wielding both the noble ideals of chivalry and the harsh realities of violence. . Bushido…
“Pre-war karate masters treated students harshly, and expelled them for the slightest reason. A student also had to have a good character or they wouldn’t teach him.”
(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…
“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,…
“Nothing is more harmful to the world than a martial art that is not effective in actual self-defense.”
It is said that the Okinawan karate pioneers, Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957) and Choki Motobu (1870-1944), did not agree on many things and openly disliked each other. . Funakoshi became an advocate of Karate-do, while Motobu, an advocate of Karate-jutsu. . Motobu in his criticism of Funakoshi, stated that; “Nothing is more harmful to the world…
The pristine white belt isn’t just an accessory; it’s a symbol of the beginner’s mind. “Shoshin”.
Should you wear a white belt when you visit or join a new dojo? . Why? Because you would be expressing ”Shoshin” (初心) – The Beginner’s Mind. You’re not there to “prove” anything… You’re there to LEARN! This requires an attitude of humility and lack of preconceptions. . Wearing a white belt when at a…
“Karate aims to build character, improve human behavior, and cultivate modesty; it does not, however, guarantee it.”
Personally I believe being polite serves us best. I receive many messages on social media with just a couple of words. As an example: “where are you?”, “who taught you?”, “how can I learn karate?”, “what is your style?”, “what black-belt do you have?”. And many, many more. . Nothing promotes silence from me more…
“The true science of martial arts means practicing them in such a way that they will be useful at any time.”
The realm of martial arts is vast and diverse, encompassing various styles and techniques, each with its unique history and purpose. While tournaments serve as platforms for martial artists to showcase their skills and compete, the line between tournament techniques and self-defense is often blurred. Incorrectly teaching tournament techniques as self-defense can have serious consequences…
“Do you really want to spend even a few precious moments of time worrying what other people think?”
In the world of martial arts, long-term practitioners embark on a journey that transcends physical training and self-defense skills. This journey is also one of self-discovery, discipline, and personal growth. . To truly excel in the martial arts, you must grapple with the question: “Do you really want to spend even a few precious moments…
“Seek not to follow in the footsteps of the men of old but rather continue to seek out what they sought.”
Karate, is not merely a physical discipline; it is a living embodiment of tradition and lineage. This ancient art has been passed down through generations, preserving not only its techniques but also the cultural and philosophical values that define it. . With its roots in the Ryukyu Kingdom, the historical context of Okinawa, with its…
“Sonkei” – 尊敬 (そんけい): meaning ‘respect’ in Japanese.
The martial arts, beyond being a physical discipline, are a way of life. They embody a code of conduct that transcends the boundaries of the training hall and extends into everyday life. . At the core of this code is ‘respect’ – a fundamental principle that forms the foundation of all martial arts. . “Sonkei”…