KICKIN' IT! BLOG

3 Ways Karate Develops Discipline!

People often ask me about the ways karate develops discipline. Having taught martial arts for nearly 20 years I’ve spoken with thousands of people about why they’re beginning to train. What I’ve learned from that is that confidence, focus, discipline, and fitness are EASILY the four most popular reasons why people start.

Now, before I go any further, I have a couple of disclaimers. First, I don’t think that the style matters. You can get any and all of these benefits from Karate, Judo, Kung-fu, Tae Kwon Do, boxing or any other style that you study. The key to getting the benefits comes from enjoying your training and doing it for a long time. That can only happen if you like your school and teachers. If you can find a school that you enjoy training at, over time, you will definitely gain benefit from your training.

Trying to learn a new skill?

Consistency is one of the keys to success in any endeavour, which also holds true for karate. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced student, the only way to improve your skills is through consistent effort. Consistent effort leads to consistent results, which all karate students need to keep in mind.

For example, if you want to improve your kicking technique, you need to practice it consistently. You can’t expect to become a master of kicks overnight. It takes time, practice, and effort to perfect your technique. If you consistently work on your kicks every day, you will eventually see improvement in your form, power, and accuracy.

When will we start sparring?

As a member of WAKO (World Association of Kickboxing Organizations), we are a part of a sports organization that is recognized by the Province of Ontario (PSO – Provincial Sports Organization). As a member of a PSO, we are now allowed to start making contact during our training.

We will begin reintroducing some drills that involve contact during the next few weeks, including self-defence, bags drills, partner work, and sparring. Initially, all these drills will be of low intensity as we reacquaint ourselves with working with a partner.

The Power of Being a Good Finder in Karate and in Life.

I want to share an important message with all of you about being a good finder. A little while ago, a close friend of mine was presented with an incredible opportunity. It was something truly amazing, but instead of embracing it wholeheartedly, they doubted whether they deserved it. This got me thinking about how often we tend to focus on our flaws and overlook our achievements. That’s why I want to emphasize the concept of being a good finder and how it can positively impact our training and our lives.

Inevitably, as we progress in our karate journey, we will encounter obstacles and challenges along the way. When faced with such roadblocks, we are faced with a choice: to see them as either positive or negative experiences. The beauty of this choice is that it lies solely within our control.

How FAST can I get in shape?

Every year, around this time, people start looking in the mirror and thinking “I need to get in shape”. Inevitably, the next question that I get asked is, “How fast can I get in shape?” and “What’s going to get me in shape the fastest?”

What I believe is that it doesn’t acutally matter what you do to get in shape. What will get you in shape the fastest, is the activity that you enjoy the most and will do CONSISTENTLY. If you can find an activity that you enjoy doing and will do reguarly, that it what will get you in shape the fastest.

I don’t think I can do it.

Feeling overwhelmed or defeated in your karate journey? Don’t worry, it’s all part of the process! In this blog post, we’ll explore the empowering mantra, “When you can’t, you MUST,” and how it can transform your mindset, ignite your determination, and help you achieve greatness. Ready to tap into your inner strength? Let’s dive in!

Crushing Your Limits:
Struggling with your roundhouse kick? Don’t give up! Embrace the “When you can’t, you MUST” mindset. Practice relentlessly, seek guidance, and conquer that kick with determination.

Look for the Learning Opportunity

“When you can’t, you must.”

This is a powerful statement that emphasizes the importance of perseverance and determination in the face of challenges. It implies that when we encounter obstacles, we should not give up but instead, we should push ourselves harder to overcome them.

Know to pick your battles!

Are you picking the right ones?

My wife often says to me “Pick your battles”. Last week my daughter and I were clashing heads. This tends to happen because we’re similar personalities. If you’re a parent, you can certainly relate to this. If you’re not a parent, you still can because I don’t know anyone who has gone through life and not disagreed with someone. Eventually, my wife gave me the signal to drop the fight and move on. When she did that, that got me thinking about my Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training and a basic principle that we have in it. That’s what this week’s message of the week is all about.

Heather’s Competing at Worlds!

Just a warning…we’re going to ask for some help.

If you’ve been with us for any length of time, you know what a big part of the dojo Heather is. She’s taught here forever, coached the Demo Team, Tournament Team, run Power Weekend and, MUCH MORE. Certainly, without her, the dojo and all of us would be a little less.

“Why Not Me?” – Unleashing the Black Belt Within

Karate is not just a physical art form; it’s a journey of self-discovery, perseverance, and personal growth. As beginners, we often find ourselves in awe of the Black Belts, viewing them as extraordinary beings who have accomplished the impossible. But what if we asked ourselves a simple question:

“Why not me?”

By embracing this mindset, we can transform our martial arts experience into an enjoyable and fulfilling endeavour, paving the way towards becoming Black Belts ourselves.