(2 minute read) The technical terms we readily use in traditional karate today, bear a surprising secret: they emerged long after the techniques themselves. . Imagine stepping into an early Okinawan karate dojo. Unlike today’s regimented classes, this environment was very different. . The teachers of the time passed down their knowledge to only a…
Tag: Meditation
“What you leave behind is not what is etched in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”
(2 minute 5 second read) Within the martial arts there are many types of people. Some have morals and are good people that you can rely upon, and others…….well, not quite so much. . You would think that historically, where character traits such as honor, integrity, courtesy, perseverance, and an unbreakable spirit, are held in…
“Karate-do may be referred to as the conflict within yourself.”
(1 minute 49 second read) What motivates you to practice karate, or any martial art? . That’s a question that echoes in every dojo. Karate, as rewarding as it is, can often feel like a battle against your own comfort zone. . The truth is, motivation isn’t some mystical gift bestowed upon a chosen few….
“You should always train with intensity and spirit as if actually facing the enemy, and in this way you will naturally be ready.”
(2 minute 15 second read) Anko Itosu, revered as the father (sometimes Grandfather) of modern karate, through his teachings, and writings, Itosu shaped the course of karate’s evolution. . Anko Itosu was born in 1831 in Shuri, the capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom, now Okinawa. Little is known about his childhood, but it is believed…
To be a great student, you need to be a good listener. If you’re not listening, you’re not learning.
(2 minute read) Many people tend to skim articles or posts rather than read them in full. Some may merely glance at the content or quickly view images and move on. . They may even leave comments without fully grasping the context or considering the content. . This makes me ask the question; do people…
Know which battles to fight, and which battles to walk away from.
(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. ….
“How far does the way continue? How far can I go? What happens if I keep going? What did the generations of masters attain?”
(2 minute 5 second read) Karate-Do, the “way of the empty hand,” much more than the sum of its parts; a centuries-old tradition steeped in history, philosophy, and self-improvement. . Over generations, countless karate masters, including well-known figures such as Itosu, Higaonna, Funakoshi, Hanashiro, Kyan, Uechi, Miyagi, Toyama, Mabuni, Arakkaki, and many others, have dedicated…
“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…
Life humbles you as you age. You realize how much time you’ve wasted on nonsense.
(1 minute 16 second read) Age, is a relentless opponent. It slows our reflexes, dims our fire, and forces us to confront the choices we’ve made. . Among the most profound realizations is the gradual understanding that life humbles you as you age. . In the early stages of training, youthful exuberance may lead you…
Train your mind to be stronger than your emotions or else you’ll lose yourself every time.
(1 minute 34 second read) Both on the mat and in life, emotions can be a powerful force. They can fuel your movements, sharpen your focus, or cloud your judgment, leading to consequences you may not want. . The key to navigating this emotional landscape lies in training the mind to be stronger than your…
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…