(2 minute 4 second read) It’s the Journey, Not the Belt: The True Meaning of the Black-Belt in Karate. . ‘Shodan’ (初段), first-degree (first-level) black-belt, is the bedrock of your karate practice. It’s the foundation you build upon, the launchpad for your continued development. . Earning your Shodan signifies the completion of your initial training,…
Tag: Rank
The techniques of karate are multi-purpose, born of principles. Just like all forms of art, you can make interpretations to fit the purpose.
(2 minute and 7 second read) Everyone aspires for advancement, everyone wants to wrap themselves in another black belt, while others just want to learn more. . Yet, few dare to confront their current limitations, reflected in the mirror of self-evaluation. This is where many karate practitioners and commentators stumble. . In the realm of…
Grades, or belts, are without doubt one of the most controversial aspects of the martial arts.
(2 minute and 27 second read) Grades, or belts, are without doubt one of the most controversial aspects of the martial arts. They can cause many problems and any discussion, usually become extremely toxic. . For those of you that don’t know. A grade or belt, is an agreement between you and an instructor (or…
The measure of a martial artist lies not in the color of their belt, but in the depth of their skill.
The black belt, often the coveted symbol of martial arts mastery, draws students with the promise of an ultimate destination. . Yet, reaching “shodan,” the first degree, reveals a profound truth: the path of martial arts is not a linear ascent to a summit, but a continuous, humbling journey of self-discovery and ever-deepening knowledge. ….
Failing is a moment, quitting is a choice. In karate and life, resilience is forged in setbacks, not in the absence of them.
Failing is a moment, quitting is a choice. In karate and life, resilience is forged in setbacks, not in the absence of them. Quitting is the only true defeat. . The dojo floor used to be your sanctuary, every strike, drill, and movement, was a meditation, a focus that pushed anxieties to the periphery. ….
The pristine white belt isn’t just an accessory; it’s a symbol of the beginner’s mind. “Shoshin”.
Should you wear a white belt when you visit or join a new dojo? . Why? Because you would be expressing ”Shoshin” (初心) – The Beginner’s Mind. You’re not there to “prove” anything… You’re there to LEARN! This requires an attitude of humility and lack of preconceptions. . Wearing a white belt when at a…
“Grades mean nothing; all that matters is to train hard.”
It’s the time of year for a “Rant”. . Imagine a shiny black-belt, dangling around someone’s waist like a “Master of Awesome” flag. Cool, right? Except, what if they got it for showing up to class a few times and making friends with the sensei’s dog? Kinda sad, don’t you think? . That’s the thing…
“You must remember that physical training is just the gateway to mastery of the mind.”
Every day we are confronted with unexpected challenges. Either we accept these challenges and meet them head-on, or resist them, wishing they would just go away. Yet challenges are woven into the fabric of our lives. They are the tests we all have to face daily. . Stepping onto the tatami for the first time,…
It is useless to explain to a person who is already holding a conclusion.
If someone thinks that a lesson is useless, then teaching them will be a waste of time. If the desire doesn’t come from the inside, the person will just go through the motions.….. they will never truly learn or understand. . What I have found over the years is that some people just want to…
“Instead of being afraid of the challenge and failure, be afraid of avoiding the challenge and doing nothing.”
Someone made a comment on one of my articles that stated your not an instructor if you look to fail people for a black-belt test and break them down as individuals, that life is tough as it is. . While I understand this perspective, and it’s true that a positive and supportive learning environment is…
How many kata is “enough”?
How many kata is “enough”? . Of course this is very subjective. What are your goals in training? What are your goals in teaching? How many are contained in your syllabus? Etc. etc. . If you want your students to quickly learn self-defense skills, then a smaller amount is obviously going to be more efficient,…
‘Shoshin wasureru nakare.’ It is a call to preserve the purity of the beginner’s mind, embracing each lesson with humility and an unwavering commitment to continuous learning.
“Shoshin” – the evergreen state of having a beginner’s mind. . This principle, drawn from Japanese philosophy, encourages practitioners to approach each moment with an open and receptive mind, unburdened by preconceived notions. . In essence, it urges practitioners to embrace the learning process with the same enthusiasm and openness that they had as beginners….