Martial artists and warriors throughout the centuries have emphasized the importance of knowing yourself.
Sun Tzu, a Chinese military strategist from the 6th BC noted in his book the Art of War [1], “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.“
In Gichin Funakoshi’s, The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate [2], his fourth principle is “First know yourself, then know others”.
Mr. Kim, our Master and founder of our club, also emphasized this principle. When asked why we study martial arts, Mr. Kim would simply say, “To better ourselves”. A part of bettering ourselves is to know ourselves.
So one may ask why it is so important to know yourself and how does studying martial arts help one to do this?
Why Know Yourself?
From a self-defense perspective, it is critical you know your physical and mental strengths and weaknesses. This way you can fight to your strengths and avoid your weaknesses, as much as possible. If you know yourself, you know what your hot buttons are and how to avoid them or how to handle the situations where your hot buttons or triggers are pushed; whether it is in self-defense or in every day interactions with family, friends, colleagues, etc. Without knowing this, you leave yourself vulnerable.
How Can Martial Arts Help?
This brings us to how can studying martial arts can help you to know yourself. What I like to say is martial arts help us to discover what we are truly capable of physically, mentally, and emotionally.
How many of you can remember saying, I will never be able to do that – when learning a new technique or form (hyung). I recently taught Pyung Ahn 2 to a Green Belt. He said the night I introduced it, he was not sure he would ever learn it. A week later he could go through all the moves and knew them all without prompting. He discovered he was very capable of learning new concepts and physical techniques. He discovered in himself how much he was capable of learning.
When many students are first presented with breaking a board, they discover how much strength and power they are capable of. All of us (or almost all of us) have had similar experiences throughout our study of martial arts. We have learned that we are capable of doing something (like learning a new hyung or board breaking) that, at first, we did not think was possible.
You may also discover in yourself how much patience you are capable of as you struggle to learn a new technique, hyung, concept, etc. You discover more and more what motivates you, and what frustrates you as you are learning new concepts or trying to reach a new rank. You discover how much balance you can have, and how much force you can throw. You discover about yourself how much flexibility you have in mind and body. You discover some of your limitations and learn how to move past them, or compensate for them.
You discover and learn how your attitude affects your physical capability. You learn what events or how your attitude affects your ability to ground. And as you continue to study martial arts you learn other concepts like projecting energy that unlocks other capabilities within yourself. And as you continue to discover more about your capabilities, you realize how strong emotionally, mentally, and physically you truly can be.
I, personally, through the study of martial arts have discovered within myself an immense amount and have grown and continue to grow through discovering who am I and what I am capable of.
I encourage all of you to step back and recount through your martial arts studies what you have discovered about yourself. I also encourage you to continue your studies as you continue to learn “To Know Yourself”.
Regards,
Kelly
"If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle." ~ Sun Tzu (6th Century BC), Chinese General, military strategist, and author of The Art of War
References
1. The Art of War by Sun Tzu
2. The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate: The Spiritual Legacy of the Master by Gichin Funakoshi
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Free the Mind – Be Like Water - - Chief Instructor's Blog November 2010
In an earlier blog, I spoke of focus and concentrations as critical to becoming a better martial artist and improving your life in general. As you advance, the state you actually want to be in is a state of mushin.
As stated in Joe Hyams’ “Zen in the Martial Arts”, mushin is described by Bruce Lee as the following: “According to the Zen masters, mushin is operating when the actor is separate from the act and no thoughts interfere with the action because the unconscious act is the most free and uninhibited. When mushin functions the mind moves from one activity to another, flowing like a stream of water and filling every space.” [1]
In “Be Like Water: Practical Wisdom From the Martial Arts” [2], Joseph Cardillo describes mushin as “a calming technique”. He states that “The point is to free our mind of all assumptions and negative emotions such as anger, guilt, doubt, fear, and hatred. Whether on the mat or in everyday situations, a clear and still mind will react with more fluidity and efficiently”.
By being in a state of mushin with no negative thoughts or assumptions of what may or may not happen entering the mind, you are able to quickly react and perform smoothly; your body naturally reacts.
In order to get to this state, first you need to practice your techniques perfectly so when you do react the techniques are effective. You need to practice with complete focus and concentration so you learn not to let extraneous thoughts enter the mind. Once you start to master the techniques and concentrate fully, you may be able to enter a state of mushin where words, environment, negative emotions will not interfere with your ability to react and move effortlessly and effectively.
As in focus and concentration, a state of mushin can help you in your general life as well. For example, you would be able to achieve your goals and objectives more easily because you would not let any self-doubt enter your mind. For example, when in a business meeting with your customer you would not let their frustrations or emotions affect your ability to communicate your message.
You can learn to be in a state of mushin through the practice of martial arts, which will help you in general to improve mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Regards,
Kelly
“Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless — like water. Now you put water in a cup, it becomes the cup; You put water into a bottle it becomes the bottle; You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot. Water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.” ~ Bruce Lee, (1940 –1973) American-born Chinese Hong Kong martial artist, actor, and founder of Jeet Kune Do
Reference
1. Zen in the Martial Arts by Joe Hyams
2. Be Like Water: Practical Wisdom From the Martial Arts by Joseph Cardillo
As stated in Joe Hyams’ “Zen in the Martial Arts”, mushin is described by Bruce Lee as the following: “According to the Zen masters, mushin is operating when the actor is separate from the act and no thoughts interfere with the action because the unconscious act is the most free and uninhibited. When mushin functions the mind moves from one activity to another, flowing like a stream of water and filling every space.” [1]
In “Be Like Water: Practical Wisdom From the Martial Arts” [2], Joseph Cardillo describes mushin as “a calming technique”. He states that “The point is to free our mind of all assumptions and negative emotions such as anger, guilt, doubt, fear, and hatred. Whether on the mat or in everyday situations, a clear and still mind will react with more fluidity and efficiently”.
By being in a state of mushin with no negative thoughts or assumptions of what may or may not happen entering the mind, you are able to quickly react and perform smoothly; your body naturally reacts.
In order to get to this state, first you need to practice your techniques perfectly so when you do react the techniques are effective. You need to practice with complete focus and concentration so you learn not to let extraneous thoughts enter the mind. Once you start to master the techniques and concentrate fully, you may be able to enter a state of mushin where words, environment, negative emotions will not interfere with your ability to react and move effortlessly and effectively.
As in focus and concentration, a state of mushin can help you in your general life as well. For example, you would be able to achieve your goals and objectives more easily because you would not let any self-doubt enter your mind. For example, when in a business meeting with your customer you would not let their frustrations or emotions affect your ability to communicate your message.
You can learn to be in a state of mushin through the practice of martial arts, which will help you in general to improve mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Regards,
Kelly
“Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless — like water. Now you put water in a cup, it becomes the cup; You put water into a bottle it becomes the bottle; You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot. Water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.” ~ Bruce Lee, (1940 –1973) American-born Chinese Hong Kong martial artist, actor, and founder of Jeet Kune Do
Reference
1. Zen in the Martial Arts by Joe Hyams
2. Be Like Water: Practical Wisdom From the Martial Arts by Joseph Cardillo
Friday, October 1, 2010
No First Strike- - Chief Instructor's Blog October 2010
In The Art of War [1], Sun Tzu notes that one of five essentials to victory is “He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight”.
This is a general principle found throughout history of Warriors. It was part of the Samurai’s code of conduct “The Bushido”. Inazo Nitobe writes in Bushido, The Soul of Japan [2], “The question that concerns us most however, - Did Bushido justify the promiscuous use of the weapon? The answer is unequivocally, no! As it laid great stress on its proper use, so did it denounce and abhor it misuse.” He goes on to write “The popular apothegm-“To be beaten is to conquer.” Meaning true conquest consists in not opposing a riotous foe; and “The best won victory is that obtained without shedding of blood,” and others of similar import-will show that after all the ultimate ideal knighthood was peace”.
Martial Arts practiced in its true philosophy continue this concept as part of its underlying principles. In Gichin Funakoshi’s, The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate [3], his second principle is “There is no first strike in karate”.
Funakoshi writes that it is only as a last resort that one would use their skills. He writes “..when circumstances beyond control cause practitioners to have recourse to action, they must respond wholeheartedly and without concern for life or limb, allowing their martial prowess to shine to the best of their ability. This is indeed the true spirit of budo (the Way of the Martial Arts), and it is the correct spirit behind the second principle.”
Han Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do also has this principle at its core. In sparring, Mr. Kim never attacked first; he always waited for the other person to attack. This is one way Mr. Kim practiced the essence of use of martial arts for self-defense only.
Students of Han Moo Kwan should be aware of surroundings and avoid confrontation and try to de-escalate confrontation or conflict if possible. If options to avoid confrontation or conflict are exhausted, and no other option exists, then and only then, should the techniques learned in Han Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do be used to physically defend oneself. By doing so, we practice the true principle of our art form and follow in the tradition of the code of conduct of Warriors for centuries.
Regards,
Kelly
The correct understanding of Karate and its proper use is Karate-do. One who truly trains in this do [way] and actually understands Karate-do is never easily drawn into a fight. ~ Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957), founder of Shotokan Karate
References:
1. The Art of War by Sun Tzu
2. Bushido, The Soul of Japan by Inazo Nitobe
3. The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate: The Spiritual Legacy of the Master by Gichin Funakoshi
This is a general principle found throughout history of Warriors. It was part of the Samurai’s code of conduct “The Bushido”. Inazo Nitobe writes in Bushido, The Soul of Japan [2], “The question that concerns us most however, - Did Bushido justify the promiscuous use of the weapon? The answer is unequivocally, no! As it laid great stress on its proper use, so did it denounce and abhor it misuse.” He goes on to write “The popular apothegm-“To be beaten is to conquer.” Meaning true conquest consists in not opposing a riotous foe; and “The best won victory is that obtained without shedding of blood,” and others of similar import-will show that after all the ultimate ideal knighthood was peace”.
Martial Arts practiced in its true philosophy continue this concept as part of its underlying principles. In Gichin Funakoshi’s, The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate [3], his second principle is “There is no first strike in karate”.
Funakoshi writes that it is only as a last resort that one would use their skills. He writes “..when circumstances beyond control cause practitioners to have recourse to action, they must respond wholeheartedly and without concern for life or limb, allowing their martial prowess to shine to the best of their ability. This is indeed the true spirit of budo (the Way of the Martial Arts), and it is the correct spirit behind the second principle.”
Han Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do also has this principle at its core. In sparring, Mr. Kim never attacked first; he always waited for the other person to attack. This is one way Mr. Kim practiced the essence of use of martial arts for self-defense only.
Students of Han Moo Kwan should be aware of surroundings and avoid confrontation and try to de-escalate confrontation or conflict if possible. If options to avoid confrontation or conflict are exhausted, and no other option exists, then and only then, should the techniques learned in Han Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do be used to physically defend oneself. By doing so, we practice the true principle of our art form and follow in the tradition of the code of conduct of Warriors for centuries.
Regards,
Kelly
The correct understanding of Karate and its proper use is Karate-do. One who truly trains in this do [way] and actually understands Karate-do is never easily drawn into a fight. ~ Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957), founder of Shotokan Karate
References:
1. The Art of War by Sun Tzu
2. Bushido, The Soul of Japan by Inazo Nitobe
3. The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate: The Spiritual Legacy of the Master by Gichin Funakoshi
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Advancing in the Art Form - - Chief Instructor's Blog September 2010
As I mentioned at the Awards Night in June, everyone improved their skills or knowledge of the art form over the last session. In addition, every person improves at their own pace. Based on what we have experienced in the Club, as Instructors, we are not 100% accurate on who we think may reach certain levels or continue to work out with us in the Club. I personally, have been very surprised at times on who continues and makes this a part of their life versus something they do for a couple of years.
With that said, martial arts is a journey and commitment. We recognize, due to many reasons including life changes that continuing the practice within the Club can be difficult at times.
Since the Club started in 1973, we have on record 570 students testing (which means there have probably been close to 1000 students that at least signed up for the class, since our experience is about a 50% drop out ratio in the first semester).
Of those 570 students, the break out per rank is:
• 141 Green Belts (25%)
• 288 Blue (51%)
• 65 Brown Belts (11%)
• 13 Interim Black Belts (2%)
• 63 Black Belts (11%)
Based on information I have read in books and on martial arts website, around 11% for Black Belts appears to be consistent with other western martial arts clubs. Therefore, about 1 in 10 people who test in our Club reach the level of First Degree Black Belt.
Of the Black Belts, the break out per degree is:
• 49 First Degree Black Belts (8.6%)
• 8 Second Degree Black Belts (1.4%)
• 3 Third Degree Black Belts (0.5%)
• 3 Fourth Degree Black Belts (0.5%)
Therefore 1 of 40 people that tested reaches the level of Second Degree in our Club.
So, how long does it take to reach at least a First Degree Black Belt in our Club? The average in our Club based on our records is 4.5 years. However, the minimum time it took to date is 1.5 years and the maximum is 21 years. For those into mathematics and statistics, the standard deviation is 3 years.
Also, how you progress is different for each person. Each person takes their own path and it depends on what their time and effort in plus what else is going on in their life. The figure below traces four students’ scores until they reached first degree Black Belt and shows just that – students progress at their own pace.
Student 1 progressed quickly and steadily. Student 2 progresses as quickly as Student 1 at first but the progression slowed after that but was fairly steady until Black Belt. Student 3 started slower than Students 1 and 2 but then started on a slope similar to Student 2 after 1.5 years. Student 4 progressed at a slower rate from Green to Brown than the other students and then slightly slower afterwards but continued and eventually reached Black Belt.
So what does all this mean? It boils down to time and effort. Those that made it in a few years work very hard and dedicate themselves working out not just in class. The person that took 21 years took time off and was not part of the Club for years, but then came back and reached that level (if you took out the time that person took off, it was more like 5-6 years). Even for the four students in the figure, the slope or progression was most likely dependent on how much effort they were able to dedicate to practice over that time period.
The bottom line is it takes time and effort to progress and everyone progresses at their own pace and it takes dedication to continue on this journey to reach Black Belt. I encourage all of you to continue to train and continue to progress at your own pace.
Regards,
Kelly
Victory over oneself is the primary goal of our training. We focus on the spirit rather than the form, the kernel rather than the shell. ~ Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), founder of Aikido, from his book “The Art of Peace”
With that said, martial arts is a journey and commitment. We recognize, due to many reasons including life changes that continuing the practice within the Club can be difficult at times.
Since the Club started in 1973, we have on record 570 students testing (which means there have probably been close to 1000 students that at least signed up for the class, since our experience is about a 50% drop out ratio in the first semester).
Of those 570 students, the break out per rank is:
• 141 Green Belts (25%)
• 288 Blue (51%)
• 65 Brown Belts (11%)
• 13 Interim Black Belts (2%)
• 63 Black Belts (11%)
Based on information I have read in books and on martial arts website, around 11% for Black Belts appears to be consistent with other western martial arts clubs. Therefore, about 1 in 10 people who test in our Club reach the level of First Degree Black Belt.
Of the Black Belts, the break out per degree is:
• 49 First Degree Black Belts (8.6%)
• 8 Second Degree Black Belts (1.4%)
• 3 Third Degree Black Belts (0.5%)
• 3 Fourth Degree Black Belts (0.5%)
Therefore 1 of 40 people that tested reaches the level of Second Degree in our Club.
So, how long does it take to reach at least a First Degree Black Belt in our Club? The average in our Club based on our records is 4.5 years. However, the minimum time it took to date is 1.5 years and the maximum is 21 years. For those into mathematics and statistics, the standard deviation is 3 years.
Also, how you progress is different for each person. Each person takes their own path and it depends on what their time and effort in plus what else is going on in their life. The figure below traces four students’ scores until they reached first degree Black Belt and shows just that – students progress at their own pace.
Student 1 progressed quickly and steadily. Student 2 progresses as quickly as Student 1 at first but the progression slowed after that but was fairly steady until Black Belt. Student 3 started slower than Students 1 and 2 but then started on a slope similar to Student 2 after 1.5 years. Student 4 progressed at a slower rate from Green to Brown than the other students and then slightly slower afterwards but continued and eventually reached Black Belt.
So what does all this mean? It boils down to time and effort. Those that made it in a few years work very hard and dedicate themselves working out not just in class. The person that took 21 years took time off and was not part of the Club for years, but then came back and reached that level (if you took out the time that person took off, it was more like 5-6 years). Even for the four students in the figure, the slope or progression was most likely dependent on how much effort they were able to dedicate to practice over that time period.
The bottom line is it takes time and effort to progress and everyone progresses at their own pace and it takes dedication to continue on this journey to reach Black Belt. I encourage all of you to continue to train and continue to progress at your own pace.
Regards,
Kelly
Victory over oneself is the primary goal of our training. We focus on the spirit rather than the form, the kernel rather than the shell. ~ Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), founder of Aikido, from his book “The Art of Peace”
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Focus and Concentration - - Chief Instructor's Blog August 2010
As I have said in several of the blogs, martial arts in its true form is to assist one in improving oneself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
One of the elements that can assist in every area is focus and concentration. One needs to be able to concentrate fully and focus on the task at hand to be present and to be effective.
To be present is a state where you are totally aware of what is happening now; this instance. Many of you may have seen Brian Rainie’s license plate frame that states “You Must Be Present to Win”. That is the essence – if you are to win, you must be present (in the now).
In martial arts, the Japanese term that is used to describe this state of being is kime.
As stated in Joe Hyams’ Zen in the Martial Arts, kime is described by Bruce Lee as the following: “The secret of kime (tightening of the mind) is to exclude all extraneous thoughts, thoughts that that are not concerned with achieving your immediate goal.” [1]
A street fight or altercation can last 30 seconds to several minutes. It is critical that during an altercation, every moment you are 100% focused on the task at hand to stay safe. To reach that level of focus and concentration where a sight or sound does not distract oneself takes practice.
Every class session you should strive to be completely focused and concentrate on the drill at hand and not let what is happening in other aspects of your life, what is happening across the room, or what lies ahead of you after class be a distraction. If you do not practice a state of complete focus and concentration, you will not be able to easily get to this state when you absolutely need to.
Practicing forms (Hyung) are also a great way to practice concentration and focus and being in the moment. When practicing your forms you should be able to go through the forms with no extraneous thoughts entering your mind. You should focus and concentrate on each technique one at a time without thinking about the last technique or the upcoming technique until you finish the current technique. If you start going through the forms and other thoughts enter, stop and start over. See if you can get through your forms with no other thoughts entering and you are clear and present in the moment for each technique.
Meditation is one way to work on being able to concentrate and focus. There are many classes and sessions in meditation around the Bay Area if you would like to learn to meditate.
Regards,
Kelly
“When you train, do so as if on the battlefield. Your eyes should glare, shoulders drop, and body harden. You should always train with intensity and spirit as if actually facing the enemy, and in this way you will naturally be ready”. ~ Anko Itosu (1830–1915), Okinawan Karate Master, from his letter 10 Precepts of Karate written in 1908
Reference
1. Zen in the Martial Arts by Joe Hyams
One of the elements that can assist in every area is focus and concentration. One needs to be able to concentrate fully and focus on the task at hand to be present and to be effective.
To be present is a state where you are totally aware of what is happening now; this instance. Many of you may have seen Brian Rainie’s license plate frame that states “You Must Be Present to Win”. That is the essence – if you are to win, you must be present (in the now).
In martial arts, the Japanese term that is used to describe this state of being is kime.
As stated in Joe Hyams’ Zen in the Martial Arts, kime is described by Bruce Lee as the following: “The secret of kime (tightening of the mind) is to exclude all extraneous thoughts, thoughts that that are not concerned with achieving your immediate goal.” [1]
A street fight or altercation can last 30 seconds to several minutes. It is critical that during an altercation, every moment you are 100% focused on the task at hand to stay safe. To reach that level of focus and concentration where a sight or sound does not distract oneself takes practice.
Every class session you should strive to be completely focused and concentrate on the drill at hand and not let what is happening in other aspects of your life, what is happening across the room, or what lies ahead of you after class be a distraction. If you do not practice a state of complete focus and concentration, you will not be able to easily get to this state when you absolutely need to.
Practicing forms (Hyung) are also a great way to practice concentration and focus and being in the moment. When practicing your forms you should be able to go through the forms with no extraneous thoughts entering your mind. You should focus and concentrate on each technique one at a time without thinking about the last technique or the upcoming technique until you finish the current technique. If you start going through the forms and other thoughts enter, stop and start over. See if you can get through your forms with no other thoughts entering and you are clear and present in the moment for each technique.
Meditation is one way to work on being able to concentrate and focus. There are many classes and sessions in meditation around the Bay Area if you would like to learn to meditate.
Regards,
Kelly
“When you train, do so as if on the battlefield. Your eyes should glare, shoulders drop, and body harden. You should always train with intensity and spirit as if actually facing the enemy, and in this way you will naturally be ready”. ~ Anko Itosu (1830–1915), Okinawan Karate Master, from his letter 10 Precepts of Karate written in 1908
Reference
1. Zen in the Martial Arts by Joe Hyams
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Respecting the Art Form - - Chief Instructor's Blog July 2010
In Gichin Funakoshi’s, The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate [1], his first principle is “Do not forget that Karate-Do begins and ends with rei”.
He states that “Rei is often defined as ‘respect’, but it actually means much more. Rei encompasses both an attitude and respect for others and a sense of self-esteem.” He goes on to state “Combat methods that lack rei are not martial arts but mere contemptible violence” [1].
One reason we bow is to show respect. In our Club we bow at the beginning and end of each class to show respect for the Instructors and our fellow students. We bow to our partners before sparring and other drills to show respect for one another. We bow when we enter and leave the dojang to show respect for the space we practice and learn the techniques. As a side note, in Japanese art forms “Rei” is used as the command to bow.
I believe that one of the reasons martial arts masters used to be very selective in the students they took on to teach was to ensure they presented a sense of respect. For some masters, teaching their style was handing down “secrets” from a family or lineage. For many reasons for many years, martial artists trained secretly and in private. There were many instances where students were turned away from masters. To continue to train, students were obedient, and respectful. Not just respectful of to the instructors, but respectful of the knowledge that was shared with them.
Today, it is easier to find a martial arts school or club to learn from. The information is more open, but it is still a privilege to learn the information. Martial art students still should demonstrate respect: respect for the information and the training they receive by being responsible in how they use the art form as well as practicing the knowledge they have been handed.
To properly respect martial arts, students should strive to master all the techniques no matter how trivial they may seem. The information provided in martial arts training provides information and skills which can have deadly results if used improperly or with the intent of being deadly. Therefore it is crucial students should respect the information provided to them from their Instructors and practice what they have been taught diligently, seriously, and respectfully.
At our Club, the Instructors will provide training at a level appropriate for you, based on your skill set and experience. Appropriate also means you are ready to learn new information because you have gained appropriate proficiency in the techniques and forms you have been taught to date. We want to make sure you are ready to understand and respect any new material but also respect and understand the material you have been taught . In this perspective, we do hold back some information until you have shown you are ready to respect it.
Respecting it means not only respecting the use of it, but also respecting those that you train with, respecting the Instructors that provide the information, and respecting the information provided.
Regards,
Kelly
“All martial arts begin and end with rei." ~ Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957), founder of Shotokan Karate, from his book “Twenty Guiding Principled of Karate”
References:
1. The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate: The Spiritual Legacy of the Master by Gichin Funakoshi
He states that “Rei is often defined as ‘respect’, but it actually means much more. Rei encompasses both an attitude and respect for others and a sense of self-esteem.” He goes on to state “Combat methods that lack rei are not martial arts but mere contemptible violence” [1].
One reason we bow is to show respect. In our Club we bow at the beginning and end of each class to show respect for the Instructors and our fellow students. We bow to our partners before sparring and other drills to show respect for one another. We bow when we enter and leave the dojang to show respect for the space we practice and learn the techniques. As a side note, in Japanese art forms “Rei” is used as the command to bow.
I believe that one of the reasons martial arts masters used to be very selective in the students they took on to teach was to ensure they presented a sense of respect. For some masters, teaching their style was handing down “secrets” from a family or lineage. For many reasons for many years, martial artists trained secretly and in private. There were many instances where students were turned away from masters. To continue to train, students were obedient, and respectful. Not just respectful of to the instructors, but respectful of the knowledge that was shared with them.
Today, it is easier to find a martial arts school or club to learn from. The information is more open, but it is still a privilege to learn the information. Martial art students still should demonstrate respect: respect for the information and the training they receive by being responsible in how they use the art form as well as practicing the knowledge they have been handed.
To properly respect martial arts, students should strive to master all the techniques no matter how trivial they may seem. The information provided in martial arts training provides information and skills which can have deadly results if used improperly or with the intent of being deadly. Therefore it is crucial students should respect the information provided to them from their Instructors and practice what they have been taught diligently, seriously, and respectfully.
At our Club, the Instructors will provide training at a level appropriate for you, based on your skill set and experience. Appropriate also means you are ready to learn new information because you have gained appropriate proficiency in the techniques and forms you have been taught to date. We want to make sure you are ready to understand and respect any new material but also respect and understand the material you have been taught . In this perspective, we do hold back some information until you have shown you are ready to respect it.
Respecting it means not only respecting the use of it, but also respecting those that you train with, respecting the Instructors that provide the information, and respecting the information provided.
Regards,
Kelly
“All martial arts begin and end with rei." ~ Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957), founder of Shotokan Karate, from his book “Twenty Guiding Principled of Karate”
References:
1. The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate: The Spiritual Legacy of the Master by Gichin Funakoshi
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Benefits of Martial Arts Training- - Chief Instructor's Blog June 2010
There are many benefits from the practicing and studying of a martial art. These include physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual benefits.
Physical Benefits
There are many physical benefits from studying martial arts including, but not limited to:
• Aerobic conditioning which improves one’s cardiovascular system and is an important part of weight management [1];
• Anaerobic conditioning which is important for increasing stamina and endurance and ability to perform short, intense bursts of activity [2];
• Increased muscular strength which can decrease the risk of injuries, supports maintaining a healthier body mass, and allows one to perform daily tasks without being as tasked [1];
• Improved coordination which is a key factor in physical activities that require eye-hand, eye-foot, or rhythmic movements and plays a major role in developing agility [2];
• Improved balance in static and dynamic situations;
• Reduced stress;
• Improved flexibility which leads to, according to the American Council on Exercise (ACE) [1], greater freedom of movement and improved posture, increased physical and mental relaxation, release of muscle tension and soreness, and reduced risk of injury; and
• Improved agility.
Mental Benefits
The mental benefits from studying martial arts include, but are not limited to:
• Improved mental strength which allows gives one the ability to concentrate and focus longer and more intensely on given tasks, undertake obstacles, undertake challenges, and set high goals [2];
• Ability to shift attention and focus from one place to another; and
• Improved mental endurance which provides you the discipline, mental stamina and perseverance to compete difficult tasks at hand, finish what you start, overcome obstacles, and complete your goals [2].
Emotional
There are many emotional benefits from studying martial arts including, but not limited to:
• Increased self confidence;
• More effective breathing which ensures adequate oxygen to the brain [2];
• Reduced stress.
Spiritual
There are many spiritual benefits from studying martial arts including, but not limited to:
• Increased mind-body connection;
• More awareness of oneself and body;
• Discovery of one’s self and potential
If you are thinking that many of these are intertwined, you are right. There are also many causes and effects. Our emotional state can affect our physical. Our physical capability and performing techniques well can boost self-confidence which brings out a positive emotional state. A positive emotional state can make us physically more effective. If we have confidence, we are more focused. If we are more focused our physical techniques are better. If we start to recognize these connections, our mind-body connection is enhanced as is our awareness of our self. We can then discover our true potential and benefit spiritually. Martial arts training has a variety of benefits that support an overall healthier living.
Regards,
Kelly
“Given enough time, any man may master the physical. With enough knowledge, any man may become wise. It is the true warrior who can master both....and surpass the result.” ~ Tien T'ai (538-597 CE), founder of the Chinese T’ien-t’ai sect of Buddhism
“In the past, many masters of karate have enjoyed long lives. Karate aids in developing the bones and muscles. It helps the digestion as well as the circulation. If karate should be introduced, beginning in the elementary schools, then we will produce many men each capable of defeating ten assailants.” ~ Anko Itosu (1830–1915), Okinawan Karate Master, from his letter 10 Precepts of Karate written in 1908
References
1. http://www.acefitness.org
2. Ultimate Fitness Through Martial Arts by Sang H. Kim
Physical Benefits
There are many physical benefits from studying martial arts including, but not limited to:
• Aerobic conditioning which improves one’s cardiovascular system and is an important part of weight management [1];
• Anaerobic conditioning which is important for increasing stamina and endurance and ability to perform short, intense bursts of activity [2];
• Increased muscular strength which can decrease the risk of injuries, supports maintaining a healthier body mass, and allows one to perform daily tasks without being as tasked [1];
• Improved coordination which is a key factor in physical activities that require eye-hand, eye-foot, or rhythmic movements and plays a major role in developing agility [2];
• Improved balance in static and dynamic situations;
• Reduced stress;
• Improved flexibility which leads to, according to the American Council on Exercise (ACE) [1], greater freedom of movement and improved posture, increased physical and mental relaxation, release of muscle tension and soreness, and reduced risk of injury; and
• Improved agility.
Mental Benefits
The mental benefits from studying martial arts include, but are not limited to:
• Improved mental strength which allows gives one the ability to concentrate and focus longer and more intensely on given tasks, undertake obstacles, undertake challenges, and set high goals [2];
• Ability to shift attention and focus from one place to another; and
• Improved mental endurance which provides you the discipline, mental stamina and perseverance to compete difficult tasks at hand, finish what you start, overcome obstacles, and complete your goals [2].
Emotional
There are many emotional benefits from studying martial arts including, but not limited to:
• Increased self confidence;
• More effective breathing which ensures adequate oxygen to the brain [2];
• Reduced stress.
Spiritual
There are many spiritual benefits from studying martial arts including, but not limited to:
• Increased mind-body connection;
• More awareness of oneself and body;
• Discovery of one’s self and potential
If you are thinking that many of these are intertwined, you are right. There are also many causes and effects. Our emotional state can affect our physical. Our physical capability and performing techniques well can boost self-confidence which brings out a positive emotional state. A positive emotional state can make us physically more effective. If we have confidence, we are more focused. If we are more focused our physical techniques are better. If we start to recognize these connections, our mind-body connection is enhanced as is our awareness of our self. We can then discover our true potential and benefit spiritually. Martial arts training has a variety of benefits that support an overall healthier living.
Regards,
Kelly
“Given enough time, any man may master the physical. With enough knowledge, any man may become wise. It is the true warrior who can master both....and surpass the result.” ~ Tien T'ai (538-597 CE), founder of the Chinese T’ien-t’ai sect of Buddhism
“In the past, many masters of karate have enjoyed long lives. Karate aids in developing the bones and muscles. It helps the digestion as well as the circulation. If karate should be introduced, beginning in the elementary schools, then we will produce many men each capable of defeating ten assailants.” ~ Anko Itosu (1830–1915), Okinawan Karate Master, from his letter 10 Precepts of Karate written in 1908
References
1. http://www.acefitness.org
2. Ultimate Fitness Through Martial Arts by Sang H. Kim
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