Posts Tagged ‘balance’
Great Dojo Mystery Musings
In my nearly 20 years of dojo involvement, I have seen some strange things. The ones that have continued, been reinforced or grown over the years are each a dojo mystery. They are just strange little things that make me wonder. THE SPARRING GLOVE MYSTERY Why do we have seven extra right hand sparring gloves…
Read MoreHolidays are Here
It is fitting that we have cheerful, bright, loud holidays to finish out December. And even more suitable that they encourage us to be together with friends and family. The longest, darkest weeks of the year are upon us, with the longest night of winter equinox, being around December 21st. We need the holidays as…
Read MoreSelf-Control How-to, Part Two
Welcome to the second part of a three-part series on using self-control. Last time, we looked at step number one in my formula for following Dojo Kun #5: Fire Hazard Prevention. I covered ways of daily living and attitudes that will keep “tinder” to a minimum. They prevent and help us use self-control on the…
Read MoreSelf-Control How-to, Part One
Welcome to the first of a three-part series on how to use self-control. Following Dojo Kun #5 can help us in our daily lives. Today, let’s focus on becoming more calm, cool, collected, and happy! Translated literally, Dojo Kun #5 (Keiki no yu o imashimeru koto) means: “It’s important to be cautious of/admonish the fire…
Read MoreCHARACTER INFLUENCES
By Jenifer Tull-Gauger Dojo Kun #1 is more literally translated from Japanese as “It is important to use perseverance in the completion of human standards.” The Dojo Kun goes on to talk about the virtues of honesty, perseverance, respect and restraint. Some say those are the human standards or moral character traits referred to in…
Read MoreHealth through Balance
By Jenifer Tull-Gauger We can focus on all the germs that are going around in the world. Or we can take positive actions to improve our overall health. With support, our immune systems can combat things we may not be able to avoid. When I think of healthy, I think of the Okinawan elders. These…
Read MoreFollow What?
By Jenifer Tull-Gauger “Follow what you love, and it will take you where you need to go.” -Natalie Goldberg Then there’s the quote attributed to David Gerrold, “Life is hard and then you die.” Following what you love will not take away the hard times and difficult things in your life. Following your bliss is…
Read MoreThis Little Black Belt…
By Jenifer Tull-Gauger The dojo had six people testing for black belt that year. The teacher and fellow students were so proud of them. The whole dojo helped with fundraisers to help the test candidates with the costs associated with testing. All six students, comprised of male and female, adults and kids, tested at headquarters…
Read MoreEVERYTHING I NEED FOR KINDERGARTEN, I LEARNED IN KARATE
By Jenifer Tull-Gauger Years ago, my husband and I decided not to put our oldest in preschool. We put much thought into this decision – touring several preschools, and crunching our budget. We couldn’t afford both preschool and a Little Dragons karate program (even though karate was more affordable than preschool.) We finally decided on…
Read MoreThe Dojo Kun
By Jenifer Tull-Gauger I was first introduced to the Dojo Kun when our dojo became affiliated with the United Ryukyu Kempo Alliance. I liked it right away and couldn’t help comparing it to the Dojo Creed which had hung in our dojo. The Dojo Kun was shorter and to-the-point in valuing some high principles. The…
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