(Approx 1 minute 30 second read) “If you know the Way broadly, you will see it in everything.” – Miyamoto Musashi . Someone commented on one of my articles saying that practical karate people are just looking for moves in MMA to match what they do. . Actually, no. That’s the wrong way around. You…
Tag: Meditation
In the Silence, the Lessons Begin: A Reminder That the Sensei Won’t Always Be There.
There are instructors who teach you how to learn the techniques of karate, making them inch perfect, and there are instructors who teach the techniques alongside the underlying principles. Helping you find a deeper understanding. . But to truly grasp all that karate has to offer – for genuine proficiency – I believe you also…
Where Commitment Finds a Home: Dedication.
(Approx 1 minute 45 second read) The beginning of a New Year is a time when many set resolutions and goals, hoping to start strong and make meaningful changes. Yet, so often, these aspirations fall by the wayside. Why? Life gets in the way, and for many, the mental resilience to push through challenges hasn’t…
The Martial Arts Are Like a Mirror: They Reflect Your Strengths and your Weaknesses.
The journey in the martial arts, like life, is not just about physical techniques. It’s about the personal growth that comes with the process. When you commit to the path, you’re committing to becoming a better person, day by day, year by year. . It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the demands of others or…
The Crossroads of Independence: Breaking Free and Knowing When It’s Time to Go Alone.
(Approx 2 minute 40 second read) There comes a point in time, after many years of hard work, teaching, and dedicated training, when instructors begin to entertain the idea of going it alone. It’s a natural progression in any art or profession. After decades of practice and immersion, the question arises: What’s next? . What…
Echoes of Loyalty: The Honor and Discipline of Yue Fei.
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) Yue Fei, a legendary general from the Song Dynasty, is a figure whose legacy resonates across cultures and martial traditions. . Though Yue Fei lived in 12th-century China, his story symbolizes universal martial virtues. He is remembered for his loyalty, discipline, and moral integrity – principles echoed throughout the…
The True Opponent: Ourselves – The Silent, and Sometimes Not-So-Silent, Enemy.
(Approx 1 minute 55 second read) At some point in our lives, we’ve all held grudges. It’s a natural reaction when someone wrongs or frustrates us. But as martial artists, we are taught to rise above our emotions, to channel them constructively rather than letting them control us. Yet, grudges and resentment can creep in,…
Let Humility and Respect Guide Our Actions: Imagine Approaching Every Interaction with the Mindset of Helping Others, Expecting Nothing in Return.
Ego can be a significant challenge in martial arts. Earning a new rank, like a black belt or high dan grade, is a proud moment, but it’s easy for that pride to turn into arrogance. . Rank is just a symbol of progress; it doesn’t define who you are as a person or a martial…
‘Ishiki’ – Awareness.
“‘Ishiki’ (意識) is very important. ‘Awareness – Take more attention and focus’. Without ‘Ishiki’: you wouldn’t realize what is happening here and there. By doing it you see and realize things happening. During everyday training with more attention and focus you will see and realize how your stance, form and technique are. Do not ignore…
Embracing Different Perspectives: Why Listening is Key to Understanding.
(Approx 2 minute read) Close-mindedness isn’t always as obvious as we think. It doesn’t just show up as stubbornness or refusal to change. Sometimes, it hides behind the belief that you already know enough – enough about your martial arts, enough about the world, enough about yourselves, enough about others. . Ask anyone if they’re…
Don’t get set into one form, adapt it and build your own, and let it grow, be ready to throw away what you know.
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) Recently, I read an article about certain aspects of Buddhism, and one of the key points made was that in the heart of the Buddha’s teachings lies a profound caution: . “To seek truth is not to entangle oneself in concepts or to cling to views. Words, descriptions, and…
Letting Go: Breaking Free from the Opinions of Others.
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) We all want to be liked. Whether it’s for our many talents, sharp intelligence, warm personalities, or – okay, maybe not for our amazing dance moves – it’s natural to seek validation from others. . But when we start depending on what people think of us to feel happy,…