New Kata Reference Video February 2014
NEW DVD - Complete Matsumura Shorin Ryu Kata DVD
This DVD reviews all of the kata in the Okinawan Matsumura Orthodox Shorin Ryu Karate System.
Now Available for immediate shipping! Click for details.
STUDENT TRAINING
Discipline is a term often thrown about in conjunction with the martial arts. It was always a great selling point to parents to have their children enroll in classes. "WE TEACH DISCIPLINE" is a common slogan found in advertisements for dojos across the country.
However, what does this mean exactly? Does discipline require pushups and punishments to motivate an individual to strive for improvement? While this may be a good way to instill a sense of responsibility in youth, it really defeats the entire purpose of self-discipline. As the name implies, true discipline must come from within.
That is why performing routine kata through countless repitition is such a good exercise for both physical and mental discipline. My instructor in Okinawa used to state that in order to truly learn the practical applications of a form, one had to perform it a minimum of 10,000 times. That is a tremendous effort that obviously would take years of commitment.
And that is the point, the martial arts is a lifelong study.
No matter how many belts or degrees one claims, we all must get on the floor everyday and train, train, train. True discipline is knowing that the art can never be mastered, yet continually striving for the unreachable. And be sure to enjoy the ride along the way and learn from the experience!
INSTRUCTOR TIPS
In the same vein as above, discipline with respect to instructors has two components. First, the Sensei must continue to diligently train for his own proficiency; then must also teach all of his students with equal motivation and dedication. This can be quite challenging, since students often have different levels of interest and desire to learn.
It is very easy for an instructor to give his best to the star students, and neglect the less talented and treat them merely as paying customers. A true Sensei must strive to get the best out of each and every student, regardless of their level of proficiency and motivation to the art.
STREET SURVIVAL
The knockout game has gained popularity in recent months. This involves assailants, normally teens, sucker punching unsuspecting people as they walk down the street. As martial artists, it is your duty to be aware of this attack and be prepared to counter it.
The best and safest method is to not make yourself a target in the first place. Maintain vigilance while out and about; if you look ready and prepared attackers of this type will likely not choose you as a victim. They tend to prey on the easy targets in these scenarios. If you must counter this type of attack, be sure to strike quick and strike hard. A quick offense is much better than waiting for the punch to be halfway home before taking action.
Next month, I will be releasing an eBook entitled STREET SHORIN RYU. This fully ilustrated training manual will cover TEN tried and true offensive techniques from our katat that are geared to stop a fight before it starts!
Special Offer of the Month
Order the Pasai Sho/Pasai Dai DVD this month at a SPECIAL REDUCED PRICE of only $20 with free shipping. (That is a 30% discount). Simply order the DVD here and use the Coupon Code 30PERCENT in the notes section of your Paypal transaction purchase. I will refund you the $9.95 to your paypal account upon receipt of the order.
