“Now use head for something other than target.” ~ Nariyoshi Miyagi Miyago-do Karate . . When people don’t understand things, they often find it easier to create their own explanations rather than to actually find out the real explanation. We see this all the time, in every part of society. . To psychologists, this behavior…
Tag: Black-Belt
“The meaning of the directions in kata is not well understood.”
“The meaning of the directions in kata is not well understood, and frequently mistakes are made in the interpretation of kata movements. In extreme cases, it is sometimes heard that “this kata moves in 8 directions so it is designed for fighting 8 opponents” or some such nonsense.” . Kenwa Mabuni (1889-1952) founder of Shito-Ryu…
“Do you want fries with that?”
“Do you want fries with that?” . There are some students after reaching the lower dan grades of karate, who believe they have enough knowledge to teach on their own, starting a dojo or school with just a fundamental knowledge of the martial arts. While there are some who can do this, unfortunately there are…
Nothing ever grows in the comfort zone.
“Everyone knows that karate is a martial art. But few people know what art really means. Art is not something you hang on the wall, art is something you do, and it always involves a learning process. The problem is, some people hate learning. I know why! Because to learn something new means admitting that…
Education should never be “just enough.”
“Karate training is a moral training, as well as a physical one for self-defense. It isn’t only concerned with developing fighting machines. Traditional karate, taught in the correct way, will cultivate people able to defend themselves, but just as importantly, it will cultivate within them a sense of responsibility, a sense of justice, and…
Revenge
Ever wanted to get revenge? You know that “letting go” is probably the healthiest move right, but wanting revenge is often much more appealing. It all starts with our nature, since humans are protective beings, especially when we feel threatened; “If what we care about ….. is harmed or threatened in any way, it is…
Rank Will Not Protect You
In a situation where you need to defend yourself, it is your skills, not your rank, that will protect you. Prevention is the best self-defense. Attackers, whatever their objectives, are looking for unsuspecting, vulnerable targets. Be aware of your surroundings, avoiding confrontation. If you can defuse a situation (talk someone down from physically…
A high and tight guard
Having the hands held high in a tight guard is not a very smart thing to do in a self-defense situation. . To understand why it’s a bad idea, you need to appreciate that not all violence is the same, and there are HUGE differences between consensual violence (fighting) and non-consensual violence (self-defense). . The…
When I teach I’m not trying to convince you of anything.
“When I teach I’m not trying to convince you of anything. Karate is not a religion, it doesn’t need to be defended. I’m simply presenting the information. What you do with that is entirely up to you.” ~ Jesse Enkamp . Great words by Jesse Enkamp ?? . . The ability to influence a student successfully…
You must become a great student
To become a martial arts master, or at the very least a great teacher, you must first become a great student. . You must take responsibility for your own learning and actively pursue knowledge and experience. . Recently I asked a black belt instructor from another ‘style’ to come train with us. He had the…
Should you ask for a black-belt?
Recently a nidan from another part of our association, with whom we had not seen train before, asked us to grade him to sandan. “I have done part of it”, with another instructor he said. “…are you going to be a good Shihan?”….”I will do [insert syllabus] for my sandan.”….. (Oh oh…this does not bode…
If you run after two hares, you will catch neither.
“There is a proverb that says – Nito oumono wa itto omo ezu (二兎追う者は一兎をも得ず). It translates to – If you run after two hares, you will catch neither.” ?? . Yasuhiro Uema 9th dan Shorin-Ryu Shubukan . A great master received a university professor who came to enquire about wisdom. . The master served tea….