What does it mean to be a Senpai (sempai)? . Senpai (先輩) translates as “Senior” and can be applied in any situation where someone is senior to you. But the meaning for those in a traditionally run martial art school is far deeper than simply ‘Senior’. . The senpai of a dojo has usually trained…
Category: Bushido
“Sword and mind must be united. Technique by itself is insufficient, and spirit alone is not enough.”
“Sword and mind must be united. Technique by itself is insufficient, and spirit alone is not enough.” – Yamada Jirokichi (1863-1930) . One of the most important benefits of martial arts training is that it teaches practitioners how to maintain focus. . Martial arts has a lot to do with our mental state in order…
The Way of the Warrior.
The 7-5-3 code is very much influenced by the Bushido codes of honor that dictated the Samurai, or Japanese warriors, way of life. Bushido is a code of conduct that emerged in Japan from the Samurai who spread their ideals throughout society. They drew inspiration from Confucianism, which is a relatively conservative philosophy and system…
Keep your word, integrity matters.
“In my dream I was sharpening my katana.” ~ Adam Carter 7th dan Ryukyu Karate Jutsu ~ Shuri Dojo . What does it mean? Preparing for battle, or conflict? . Dreams about sharpening a sword could be a sign for your never-ending quest in acquiring knowledge and a deeper understanding. To dream of yourself holding…
A man’s word is his honor.
Bushido is a code of conduct that emerged in Japan from the Samurai, or Japanese warriors, who spread their ideals throughout society. They drew inspiration from Confucianism, which is a relatively conservative philosophy and system of beliefs that places a great deal of importance on loyalty and duty. The Bushido code contains eight key principles…
Any fool can know. The point is to understand.
“Any fool can know. The point is to understand”. ~ Albert Einstein . The quote attributed to Albert Einstein can apply to many things, karate included. For many karate practitioners, one of the most challenging elements of karate is learning the nuances found deep within the techniques, drills and principles. Few have the time or…
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…
“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…
You must make ‘mushin no shin’ (mind of no mind).
“You must make ‘mushin no shin’ (mind of no mind).” ?? . Minoru Higa 10th dan Shorin Ryu Kyudokan . . The word “mushin” is comprised of two kanji characters: 無 (mu), meaning “nothingness”, and 心 (shin), meaning “heart,” “spirit,” or, in this case, “mind.” In this way, mushin can be roughly translated to “nothing mind”…