Originally Posted on August 13, 2014 by Karri So there is this idea that somehow if you go to Japan, you will be bestowed with secret knowledge and somehow be transformed into a martial arts master of mythic proportions. The same I guess can be said about going to the Shaolin temple or Wudan mountain.… Continue reading Training in Japan.
Tag: Martial Arts
Something to prove.
Originally Posted on June 29, 2013 by Karri There is something especially difficult about turning down a challenge to prove yourself as a martial artist. Whether it’s because you want to put to bed any doubts about your skill, or someone is just talking crap about your system/dojo, the compulsion to go toe to toe… Continue reading Something to prove.
The Problem of Pain.
Originally Posted on March 14, 2013 by Karri Martial artists often deal with pain. It’s part of the human experience, but we learn to think of it differently than others. Probably just from repeated exposure. For most of us there are two very different things going on at the same time. First is the nerve… Continue reading The Problem of Pain.
Shokunin Kishitsu
Originally Posted on July 13, 2012 by Karri Japanese culture is certainly different from ours. There are a lot of things which I see as being difficult to understand much less appreciate, and there are a few that we could stand to learn ourselves. Specifically, I am talking about the “craftsman spirit” or shokunin kishitsu.… Continue reading Shokunin Kishitsu
The Problem of Privilege.
Originally Posted on March 23, 2012 by Karri There is no getting around it, our lives have gotten easy. There have been plenty of other times in history where people have had it good. The wealthy and powerful from Rome and Egypt to aristocrats in Europe and ruling classes the world over shared a secret… Continue reading The Problem of Privilege.
A nod to tradition.
Originally Posted on February 22, 2012 by Karri There seems to be a lot of misconceptions about the purpose of rei, or bowing at the beginning and end of our martial arts practice. I’ve heard students confuse it with worship, prayer or showing subservience to the instructor. Depending on the cultural and historical background you… Continue reading A nod to tradition.
No one is coming to save you.
Originally Posted on November 10, 2011 by Karri It’s hard to believe, and even harder to accept. Contrary to what Hollywood would have us believe, the odds of a hero coming around the corner to take on the mugger/rapist/burglar/car-jacker/murderer it’s tragically unlikely. You can call the police, but odds are they won’t make it there… Continue reading No one is coming to save you.
Tiny Revelations.
Originally Posted on June 6, 2011 by Karri Martial arts is a fascination of mine. Like most men, it has been since I was a boy. I dreamed of becoming Bruce Lee, a Ninja Turtle, a Samurai, Mr. Miyagi and all manner of other heroes from pop culture. I never thought though that I would… Continue reading Tiny Revelations.
Martial Arts in a Small Town.
Originally Posted on June 1, 2011 by Karri Every once in a while I get someone who gives me a funny look when I tell them I teach martial arts in Gig Harbor, WA (pop. 7240, area 4.4 sq mi). It’s not too terribly small, but pretty quiet. People are active in the community, the… Continue reading Martial Arts in a Small Town.
Ninjas and Cowboys
Originally Posted on May 26, 2011 by Karri I read a blog post recently asking how someone can become a ninja. The best way I can explain this is by sharing a little bit of understanding my instructor gave me. Ninjas are to Japan what cowboys are to Americans. We love cowboys, and as kids… Continue reading Ninjas and Cowboys