What is the Code of Bushido? The Code of Bushido is an old code, originating in Japan during the feudal period which lasted from the 12th to the 19th century. It was followed by the samurai warriors who were the ruling class of Japan during that time. The principles of Bushido have been passed down Read More ...
Category: Mindset
Mindset, thoughts about martial arts.
Funakoshi Niju kun
Gichin Funakoshi wrote the Nijū kun principles, which he likely developed through his personal experiences and contemplation of karate’s practice and philosophy. The principles serve as guidelines for practitioners to follow not only in their training but also in their daily lives. Here is a detailed elaboration of each Nijū kun principle along with its Read More ...
Dojo Kun
The creator of Dojo Kun. While it is difficult to say for certain who the creator of the Dojo Kun principles was, it is widely accepted that the Dojo Kun principles that are commonly recited in modern Karate schools were developed by Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan Karate. Choshin Chibana, the founder of Shorin Read More ...
The value of Karate, part 2
Physical training In Karate, all the limbs of the body are used to perform fast movements involving kicks, punches, and blocks, while maintaining a proper posture and balance. It requires agility, flexibility, speed, endurance, strength, and concentration. This is not something that will come to you easily within a few weeks, and as I have Read More ...
The value of Karate, part 1
When we speak of Karate values, we refer to traditional values such as respect, honour, integrity, loyalty, and the development of other personal qualities such as humility, maturity, a disciplined character, and inner peace. These elements together form a solid foundation that helps to build and strengthen the character of the Karate practitioner, both physically Read More ...
Karate styles, take a slice
After 25 years of sportskarate, and standardization of Shotokan, I had to acknowledge that Shotokan no longer was an option for me. My personal development in Karate has stopped, and we only did stuff that was allowed by the organization. Everything was characterized by competition, and the fact that Karate is a martial art has Read More ...
Ten Precepts of Karate
In October 1908, Anko Itosu (1831-1915) wrote a letter, “Ten Precepts of Karate,” to draw the attention of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of War in Japan. This document is probably one of the most important historical texts written ever. This letter was contributing, perhaps decisive, to make Karate widely known. Most of Read More ...
The invisible bond – Giri
The invisible bond – The way of life! In Japan, they have a concept called Giri (duty, sense of duty, honor, decency, courtesy) Giri is an invisible thread, a bond that connects important parts of our lives. This could be the relationship between teacher and student, or the relationship between two friends, or the relationship Read More ...
Lifestyle Karate
After practicing Karate for many years, it becomes a part of one’s life. Thus, Karate is no longer a physical sports discipline, as it was at the beginning. Karate becomes a lifestyle as time goes by. It’s like a drug! You will become addicted to it. Many factors have influenced my Karate before it evolved Read More ...