The aim of education should be teaching students how to think, rather than what to think. But more than that, to create the “spark” – the curiosity, the passion, for further knowledge that helps them grow as martial artists. . The task of instructors is not just to educate students to perform techniques, drills, kata,…
Tag: Philosophy
“Karate is more than simply fighting, it’s a whole art.”
To truly understand your karate, look beyond the technique. . Often, we get fixated on what we’re going to do in order get the result we want. Most people tend to ask the question; “How do I do that?” . I view all techniques and drills to be a means to impart a principle. It’s…
“Karate at its heart is not about sport or beauty. Karate is about SURVIVAL.”
Many people are in denial of the inherent benefits of kata for self-defense, partly because its performance is seen solely as a succession of moves. Without understanding the combative applications they contain, the importance of kata has diminished. If people don’t understand what and why they are doing something, they won’t invest the necessary time…
BAD GUYS DON’T STAND STILL.
“Kata, as a demonstration, is but a shallow and limited usage of kata” – Donn Draeger (1922-1982) . If you promote your martial art as self-defense, or pragmatic with combative real-world methods of training, then you MUST demonstrate and include high intensity realistic training….. Obvious right? . But….. BAD GUYS DON’T STAND STILL. . If…
Why do so many young students quit at brown belt?
Why do so many young students quit at brown belt? . There are so many adults that regret quitting the martial arts when they are young. I can almost guarantee that anyone who quits training at a brown belt level will one day regret it. . So why do so many young people give up?…
You can’t live in the past. You can’t live in the future. You can only live for today.
As human beings we consists of many instincts and fears. As most of us know, the strongest ones are the instincts for survival. . In very stressful situations, a human mind can react with a high dose of fear when we feel like our life is in danger. It’s just a natural human reaction. ….
Is your art sport, or does it have a deeper meaning for you?
For many people, the status of their martial art is something of great importance. For others, it’s not important at all. Is your art sport, or does it have a deeper meaning for you? . Having success in an arena or being able to break boards, ice, bricks etc., or to fight in a controlled…
“I always say that it is not about grade, but about substance..”
“I always say that it is not about grade, but about substance..” – Yasuhiro Uema 10th dan Shubukan Shorin Ryu . Grades, or belt ranks, are without doubt one the most controversial aspects of the martial arts. They can cause many problems and focussing overly on your belt rank, can become extremely toxic. . A…
“Any martial art without proper training of the mind turns into beastly behavior.”
“Any martial art without proper training of the mind turns into beastly behavior.” – Shoshin Nagamine (1907-1997) . If you draw inaccurate conclusions about what you’re capable of doing, you’ll limit your potential. . Karate practitioners the world over spend so much time strengthening their bodies, improving their techniques and drills, but so many neglect…
You want to karate quit? Again?
You want to karate quit? Again? . How many students do you know that quit only to return for a little while and then quit again? . Here are a few reasons why people quit: They get bored with it. Financial issues. They move to a different area. They realize it requires more effort…
You must take failure into account.
Is the demonstration of techniques by your instructor successful….. every-time? . Why this could be a problem?….…. Because those techniques will often fail, more often than you think….. and students need to understand this, and practice and prepare for failure. . The success of any demonstrated technique is largely dependent upon having predetermined knowledge of…
Can you learn karate by watching videos?
Can you learn karate by watching videos? . Let’s be honest. You will never, ever become a great martial artist just from watching videos! To become a great martial artist, you need a real-life teacher and real-life training partners. . Videos are a goldmine of information and inspiration. They are a learning tool that no…