Some Karate Gems That Work For Everyday Living


 What the heck is this? What does this mean?

I was leafing through some of my notes tonight and came across these gems from a seminar that my co-instructor and myself went to about 5 years ago. It was a good seminar with an emphasis on traditional meets new. North Vancouver was cool and beautiful and made the perfect backdrop for a weekend of training with friends. I learned a few things and took notes like a madman like I do at all the seminars I attend. The picture is just a couple gems I think really resonate to me on a personal level with my training. 

Bunbu Ryodo. 

This is a statement of balance. When you practice or train in Martial Arts you become stronger, sharper, faster and more efficient. Kind of like wielding a sword. You master the weapon. it becomes an efficient tool. This is all fine and dandy but do you understand the importance of the process? Do you know the weapon's history and how it has developed into what it is now? How about when you practice karate? Where did your particular "style" originate? What is it derived from? These are not Bunbo Ryodo but are what bunbu ryodo can be derived from through realization.... if that makes sense. 

The pen is balanced with the sword. Finding that balance can not be forced. For some, it comes later in life. for others, it just happens. I realize it now in my life after approx 35 years of training. I enjoy the balance of study and training. I only realized this when I started looking deep into how I teach my students. I found an amazing comfort in the balance of study and training. 

This isn't just for karate though. This is a way of life for many Japanese students in schools too. 

This may be wrong in its application but for this old Canadian it's working. 

See you in the next one when we talk about On Ko Chi Shin.

Until then, stay amazing!


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