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Inspiration to Never Give Up

8/21/2013

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    I stumbled upon a video recently that deeply moved me. A martial artist demonstrates kata and self defense. However, this was no ordinary martial artist... this is someone who has profound physical challenges. But yet, in this video there is power, strength, beauty, creativity, respect and amazing technique. I found myself cheering him on as I watched him perform. In the self defense portion, when he took on two men, there was emotional joy at seeing him perform.  
    The man's name is Said-Elmahmoudi from Morocco. Watch the video below (note the video is in another language, but you don't need to speak the language to understand what's going on.):
If you have trouble viewing the video here is a direct link: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkxteB67_Cs
    I am inspired by this man. He is proof that karate is for everyone, not just those who are privileged with perfect health.  Never say, "I can't!" As there are people who may have told this martial artist he couldn't do something, but as you can see, he is proof that nothing is impossible. I hope you are as inspired as I was after watching him perform.

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How To Tell If You Are Humble

8/6/2013

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"There are many people out there who accomplish a little bit and decide that they are an expert. Humility is knowing what you don’t know." ~
Mark Manson
(The 
Psychology of Life)

    In the martial arts world, I have noticed a trend with different practitioners and karate instructors. There appear to be two types of people, type A and B. 
    Type A, are the people who have a big mouth, who regularly talk about the things they have accomplished, they exaggerate their success and point out their trophies and belt ranks. Type A demands attention from those around them. They often dole out their sage wisdom to anyone and everyone who will listen.
     Then there is Type B, who downplay their successes or doesn't even mention them. Type B often admits when they don't know an answer, they aren't afraid to say when they make a mistake. They ask questions and learn from those in ranks below them and ahead of them. They regularly examine their own weaknesses and strive for constant improvement. They say very little, but demonstrate much through their actions. Although they may hold a very high rank in their primary martial art, they could be seen strapping on a white belt to learn a second, third or fourth martial art.
    The trend appears to be that the Type A's are only moderately successful in their martial arts. They may have had some accomplishments, but they had never achieved true master status or respect within the martial arts community. Where the Type B's are usually found to be legitimate masters in their art often with very high ranks. Not only were Type B's successful in their primary martial art, but in other arts as well. The Type B's had climbed to very peak of the martial arts community and achieved great respect from those around them. 
    Taking on a type B attitude, pun intended as reference to the Beatitudes, is necessary for true success. This humility separates the wheat from the chaff. 
    If you look through history and even the present, the greatest martial artists all have a humble spirit. Although many may not be widely known, they are at the top of their craft. They are male and female martial artists that have great knowledge, amazing levels of skill, true passion for their art and an ability to share their wisdom with others in ways that make their students passionate about the martial arts.
    Perhaps you don't have a deep desire to be a life-time martial artist. You can take these "Type B" traits and be a leader in any field, trade or industry. In summary, those traits are:
  • Learn from others, no matter their status in life
  • Don't be afraid to make a mistake, admit your wrongs
  • Maintain a humble spirit, even more so in the face of a great accomplishment
  • Be passionate about what you do, practice because you enjoy it
  • Find ways to help others succeed; In teaching others you learn even more
    Life is not about ranks, awards or accomplishments. It is about inner growth and sharing your God-given talents in ways that help others in some form or another. Be humble in the journey. Osu!
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The Budo Code Isn't Dead

11/11/2012

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    In today's martial art world, it seems the type of arts that get the most attention are the sports schools like MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), Tae Kwon Do and JuJitsu schools. I have found that although many of these schools have students (and instructors) that are technically and athletically quite good, it saddens me to see some of them have lost the essence of the martial way. I realize this isn't all martial arts schools, but I have seen a trend that has lead many martial artists away from the true meaning of karate do.
    The Martial Way, also called Budo, means "knowledge as a way to improve ones life and the life of others." Budo is a way of living and a way of dying.
    Let's look back to ancient Samurai warriors, they lived a dangerous life in which they were very aware that each day could be their last. Death was always in mind, day and night, with the understanding that with their great skill and importance as protectors of their community that they had a great responsibility. They lived each day as if it were their last day. Like the knights of the renaissance period, Samurai's followed a code of moral principals. This code of conduct or way of Samurai life was called Bushido or "the way of the warrior." Bushido tampered the violent existence of the Samurai warrior with wisdom and serenity. This code, is often unwritten and passed on verbally to be recorded on one's heart as a moral compass for living life.
    As a martial artist of today, I believe Bushido is still a vital part of our training. We are learning techniques that could severely injure, maim or even kill another human life. Without a strong moral compass to guide us, we risk being a danger to society. I believe that Bushido should still be taught in all martial arts schools. I feel so strongly on this that I believe students who do not exhibit the moral compass of Budo in their life should be restricted on what training they receive in the martial arts. The last thing an instructor wants to hear is that a student has become a trained bully or worse, a trained killer.
    If you aren't familiar with Bushido, here are the seven tenets that most martial arts circles believe were used by the Samurai:
1. Justice / Rectitude / Right Decision
2. Bravery / Courage
3. Benevolence/ Charity
4. Respect/ Courtesy
5. Honesty
6. Loyalty / Faithful / Devoted
7. Filial Piety (respect for your parents and ancestors)

I believe it is our duty, as martial artists, to ensure the Budo code isn't forgotten. We should do this not just with words, but through living out the tenets and traveling the Martial Way.

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First things first: Respect

1/19/2012

2 Comments

 
    I have a simple philosophy on what makes a good martial artist or martial arts school. It all comes down to one word, Respect.
    What exactly is respect? Looking it up in the dictionary you will find there are many uses and definitions of respect. It's a sophisticated word that can be used as both a noun and a verb. The simplified definition that I use is; To treat people, animals and yourself with kindness.
    When I teach karate, the most important lesson that I hope for all my students to learn is how to be a good person. Secondly, is how to be good at karate. Being a "good" person to me means being a person full of kindness who others admire. I call that being respectful. 
    Building respect starts in the dojo. Here are just some of the ways a student in karate can be respectful.
Ways to show respect in Karate:
  • Saying Osu! (yes, I understand and I’ll do the best of my ability) or Yes, Sir/Ma'am!
  • Lining up shoes neatly at the door (according to rank)
  • Bowing politely (hands on hips, eyes cast down, bend at waist, done slowly)
  • Not being disruptive in class (listening and only speaking when asked)
  • Meditating silently before class
  • Quietly getting changed in changing rooms  (also keeping clothing neat & organized)
  • Caring for your uniform (folding it nicely, making sure it is clean for each class)
  • Saying Arigato! (thank you) or Arigato Gozaimasu! (thank you very much) to your teacher
  • Calling your teacher(s) by the proper title (Sensei in most cases)
  • Being kind to other students (being a good Uke and Tori) Not deliberately hurting them
  • Offering a polite greeting (to other students, your Sensei)
  • Bringing your success notebook to class
Respect doesn't stop at the dojo. It is something that should become a part of who you are in life. Here are some ways to be successful outside of class.
Ways to show respect outside of Karate:
  • Saying Yes/No, Sir or Yes/No, Ma’me (when an someone calls you or asks you a question)
  • Holding a door open (especially for parents, elders, women)
  • When a senior enters a room, give up your seat to honor them
  • When someone is talking (especially an adult, elder or instructor) stop talking, stop moving and listen. Wait for breaks in the conversation to ask a question or say what you have to say. Do not interrupt.
  • When you meet someone new, look them in the eye, smile and give them a firm handshake. (A firm handshake is a nice squeeze, not finger crushing!)
  • Use polite manners (look people in the eye when they are speaking, say please if you want something, say thank you if you are given something)
  • Look for ways to help and serve others (help carry something, help pick up if they dropped something, hold the door if someone’s hands are full, help clean up if something is disorderly, make it your mission to find at least one way to help someone each day)
Note: This list doesn’t cover ALL ways to be respectful, but it should give you a good start. Feel free to add other ways to be respectful. Most importantly, try to practice respect every day. Before long, it becomes who you are.
2 Comments

    Author

    Vashon Borich, Sensei teaches traditional karate & kobudo in Branson, Missouri. She considers herself a life-time student of the arts. Her blog is an open journal of lessons learned in the martial arts. If you are a martial artist and would like to contribute to her blog please contact her.
    All blog entries are authored by Vashon Borich unless noted in the first line.

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