Knowing your past is necessary to moving towards your future.

Karate has a storied history. But, I find less martial artists truly know their roots. Shorin Ryu is an ancient Okinawan art. If you don't know much about Okinawa, karate or its history, this video provides a good foundation. It's amazing to learn that the same art we practice today shares deep roots with karate masters of the past. I hope you enjoy this video as much as I did:
http://youtu.be/s83yIq4O5Sw

If you enjoyed the video you may also enjoy seeing the lineage of our Seiyo No Shorin-Ryu organization.

http://www.malineage.com/martial-artists/Vashon-Borich?section=lineage

If you are compelled, sign up on malineage.com (it's free) and add your name to the lineage tree. The tracks each of us make may one day be a legacy. Honor your roots and make a difference in the future.

There is one word that can set me off quicker than a hungry wolf on a fat squirrel. Just a mention of the word lights a fire under me. My children have learned that if I hear them say it I will immediately stop what I'm doing and a Mom lecture will ensue. My karate students have also heard me correct them if they say it.

The word I speak of is "can't."

I believe that if a person says "I can't," it is a self defeating phrase. Once said, it puts a mental block in place that prevents improvement. It sets off a chain of negative excuses as to why you believe you "can't" do something. It restricts progress and limits possibilities.

Yes, there will be challenges in life. Yes, some things you try to do may be incredibly difficult to accomplish. Yes, it's possible you will fail once, twice or even hundreds of times. But, the fact that you didn't give up by saying "I can't" speaks volumes!

I teach my children and students this: Instead of saying "I can't", replace that with "I will, I'll try or will you help me?" By thinking in this way, suddenly you open up new possibilities in your life. The only exception would be if it's something you have no desire to do. If that is the case, then the phrase "I won't" is still better than "I can't."

By removing this word from your vocabulary you change your attitude and your life. This opens up a world of possibilities. What if you could achieve your deepest desires and dreams? What if you knew you really will succeed? In overcoming the mental obstacle you are already more than half way to your goal. You can do it!

The only difference between someone who achieves black belt in karate and someone who doesn't is the black belt never gave up. When the going got tough, the black belt said "I can" and kept going.

Change your attitude and you will succeed in ways you may never had thought possible.