With its origins tracing back to ancient times, martial arts were developed in order to protect oneself and others from harm. Bunbu Ryodo was an idea that loosely emerged in the Middle Ages of Japan. Largely borrowed from the ancient Chinese concept of warrior scholar. An individual who possessed knowledge of combat and general...
READ MOREPracticing martial arts the WuWei way
To the followers of Tao, the concepts of WuWei might mean ‘non-doing’ or ‘not-acting’. On a cursory look, it might appear as an invitation to relax or worse, fall into laziness or apathy. To lag behind. However, in the practice of Budo WuWei 無為is paired with Shisen 自然 or naturalness. It combines into a...
READ MOREHansei 反省 – taking stock of oneself
Mental preparation allows the martial athlete to ‘quiet the mind’ from worldly distractions. It also allows the individual to be fully present without the impediments of falsely projected needs, desires and fears. Most followers of the traditional path of Budo and Bugei are familiar with the concept of Mokuso. It’s made up of two...
READ MORESeven Japanese concepts for the New Year
Ikigai Follow your passion. Life is about living, not surviving. What’s that something special you that aligns your needs with wants? That ‘something’ that would make you jump out of bed in the morning, with a smile on your face. Passion is energy. Focus on the positive energy that fuels you. Change your thought...
READ MOREKitai o koeru ~ 期待を超える… to transcend expectations
It’s easy to make something out of something, but make something out of ‘nothing’… then you’re a true sensei. The Statue of David was originally commissioned in 1464 by the Opera del Duomo, as part of a series of large statues for the Florence Cathedral. These were meant to be sculpted on the ground,...
READ MORENext Postcards from the Path
Phoenix rising, the reconstruction of Shuri castle. The highest point of Shuri elevation holds historical significance for the Ryukyu Kingdom, and indeed modern day Okinawa. The location was first seized upon as an ideal strategic location by regional warlord Shun Bajunki, in early 13th century. It should be noted that it was Urasoe that...
READ MORETo compete or not compete, that is the question.
As a former internationally ranked competitor, I understand the benefits tournaments provide. Sport karate can help us prepare for life as we develop discipline, confidence, and resilience, and recognize the importance of time management, goal setting, individual achievement, teamwork and a positive mindset. Competition, however, is often a double-edged sword. Winning feeds the ego,...
READ MOREThe Need to Remember
The kanji character 祖 “so” means ancestor, pioneer, founder, innovator, and grandparent. If you’re of Asian origin or have Asian friends of a certain age, you will hear them say “our ancestors are always with us.” We owe a debt of gratitude to blood relations who gave us our DNA and characteristics. Great, good...
READ MOREKotowaza 諺 Proverbs for Martial Practice and Daily Life
Kotowaza, Japanese proverbs, may take the form of a short saying, idiomatic phrase, or four-character idiom like On Ko Chi Shin 温故知新, “learn from the old to understand the new.” These maxims express common truths or wisdom as guiding principles founded on concepts or shared experiences, i.e., “learning from those who have gone before.”...
READ MORE誠~ Sei or Makoto…Sincerity
Sincerity ~ noun 1- the quality of being free from pretense, deceit, or hypocrisy. Sincerity is a mix of genuineness and honesty. Being your true authentic self. If you do things with sincerity, people will trust you, students and colleagues will respect you. Along with patience and compassion, sincerity is one of those qualities...
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