Martial Arts

Not All Grades Are Equal: A True Grading Tests Understanding, Not Just Memory.

Bunkai, Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Learning, Martial Arts, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Sensei, Student /

(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) In an ideal world, a grading should reflect genuine progress in understanding and skill. A student advancing in rank should be able to demonstrate not just physical ability but a deeper comprehension of their art. . They should be able to apply what they’ve learned, adapt techniques under pressure, […]

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Knowing Isn’t Understanding: True Knowledge Takes Time.

Bunkai, Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Learning, Martial Arts, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Sensei, Student /

(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) I’m sure many people have experienced this. Years ago, when I was in school, I used to read books just to pass exams – and then that was it. I would mostly forget the content of those books afterward because I wasn’t really interested in the subject. . We

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“A student also had to have a good character or they wouldn’t teach him.”

Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Kobudo, Learning, Martial Arts, Masters, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Sensei, Student /

(Approx 2 minute 15 second read) Does a change of character begin when you commence karate training? Does karate improve your character? . It is often cited that one of the precepts of modern karate was to improve the character. But can karate truly shape who we are? . Character traits can be built, forged,

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More Than Childcare: Equipping Children for True Real-World Safety.

Bunkai, Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Learning, Martial Arts, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Self-Defense, Self-Protection, Sensei, Student /

(Approx 2 minute 40 second read) A little while ago I had a mother and young son join the dojo. I love it when families train together, it’s really enjoyable when we have a mixed class. . One evening, I was teaching the youngsters how to be an awkward, real pain, difficult ‘little ‘un’, if

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Inner Peace, Outer Strength: Exploring Buddhist Principles for Martial Artists.

Buddhism, Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Learning, Martial Arts, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy /

(Approx 2 minute 50 second read) I thought I would write a little more about “Buddhism”. . I’m not a buddhist by any means, but I like to think I practice some of their principles. I’m not here to preach or to convert anyone; I just want to share with you some of the principles

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The Mindful Path: Living in the Moment, A Glimpse at Buddhism.

Buddhism, Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Learning, Martial Arts, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy /

(Approx 2 minute 5 second read) I like to think that I follow some of the Buddhist principles. I’m not a Buddhist though, by any means. I make a lot of mistakes – probably more than would be tolerated within the principles they follow. But one idea that has always resonated with me is the

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‘Boketto’: The Absence of Thought, with The Clarity Found in Stillness.

Buddhism, Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Learning, Martial Arts, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy /

(Approx 2 minute 5 second read) Those moments of stillness are pretty rare these days aren’t they. Our minds are constantly occupied – planning, analyzing, worrying, reacting. Always doing something, always thinking. . There are times where we just need to switch off. . Have you ever caught yourself just staring into space, not thinking

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Guidance Matters: Walking Away and Moving Forward – Finding the Right Teacher in Karate.

Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Learning, Martial Arts, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Sensei, Student /

(Approx 1 minute 50 second read) Many years ago, when I lived in the UK, I had to move my dojo due to work commitments. Most of my students were able to move with me, but one, in particular, couldn’t. . He was devastated. When I spoke to the thirteen-year-old boy and to his parents

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Turning Setbacks into Strength: Injury Can Be Just Another Lesson.

Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Learning, Martial Arts, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Sensei, Student /

(Approx 1 minute 50 second read) Injuries are inevitable, and are usually perceived as a huge annoyance when time is needed off from training. But with every injury there could be an opportunity, and continuing to show up to class is one way of capitalizing on them. . We learn from watching, everyone is at

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Movement, Not a Catalog of Techniques: Reconnecting Karate with Practical Applications.

Bunkai, Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Learning, Martial Arts, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Self-Defense, Self-Protection, Sensei, Student /

(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) Can you think of another pastime, hobby, sport, or functional defensive practice where there is so much ambiguity? . If I was teaching you advanced ‘blue-lights and siren’ driving skills (I used to), and I answered a question that was so plainly incorrect it would put your life and

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Karate should be simple. That’s what makes it so difficult.

Bunkai, Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Learning, Martial Arts, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Sensei, Student /

Simplicity in karate doesn’t mean it’s easy – it means stripping away the unnecessary, refining movements until nothing is wasted, and ensuring every action has purpose. . But getting to that level takes years of self-discipline and understanding. Then, with that understanding, comes refined repetition. . The emphasis isn’t merely on countless repetitions, but on

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No, You Can’t Mug Me Today. I Just Train for Fun!

Bunkai, Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Learning, Martial Arts, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Self-Defense, Self-Protection, Sensei, Student /

(Approx 1 minute 50 second read) I recently had a persistent commenter on my Facebook page, a person who, every time I posted an article about self-defense, would jump in to say that in his 40 years of training, he has never had to use self-defense. He claimed that he trains purely for fun and

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