Karate Teaches Fitness: A Before and After Portrait
My fitness improved considerably just by going to class and advancing through the ranks. I was consistently challenged, but not too much so. As I became an advanced student, I realized the importance of practicing my moves at home and on my own time.
Read MoreConfidence and Conversations
Before karate, I lacked confidence. I dreaded when people talked with me. If I didn’t know the person well, I felt uncomfortable, even pained by talking with them.
Read MoreKarate Teaches Focus: Here’s How
Karate teaches focus with goals such as belts, stripes, great job tickets, and instruction in goal setting. When students learn to target specific goals, this helps build a focused foundation.
Read MoreWhen is the Best Time to Begin Martial Arts?
he good news is that karate is year-round so you can start at any time. The bad news is karate is year-round so you don’t have an external push to sign up.
Read MoreSymbol for Ryukyu on Karate Book Cover
The name for this symbol for Ryukyu is the mitsudomoe. Mitsudomoe has a literal meaning of “three comma-looking shapes.” The Ryukyu island chain makes up what used to be an independent country called the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Read MoreKempo Fist Symbolism on Book Cover
In karate, the fist is a symbol for the style of kempo. It may look like a punch coming at you and a violent symbol. But there’s more to this fist symbol.
Read MorePositive Attitude Portrait Before & After
Before I started training in traditional Okinawan karate at our dojo, I didn’t really think or care about having a positive attitude. Where I grew up, this was not important.
Read MoreSecret Teachings of Karate
Many of the secret teachings of karate cannot be transferred by books and writings. Many lessons must be learned in your heart by doing, by being there.
Read MoreMartial Arts Teach Peace
The statement that martial arts teach peace may sound self-contradicting. Martial arts are, literally, arts of war. They teach how to fight. But when the teacher of a martial art is following a moral path, they also teach how to prevent conflict and how not to fight.
Read MoreKarate Teaches Respect
Karate teaches respect by requiring listening to the instructor and focusing on yourself doing your best. In classes students are required to keep their hands to themselves. When working with partners, students are expected to follow the rules of conduct.
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