Okinawa Karate Podcast

We all have a mind’s eye. It’s the eye that our mind uses to create an image how we are doing something or more specifically, what we look like when we are doing something. Think about those times when sensei says “Do it like this” and you respond “I am doing it like that.” That’s because your mind’s eye has you convinced that is how you are doing it and gosh dang it, you look damn good doing it. Sadly your mind’s eye is probably lying to you. 

We all have that one friend that always has the good ideas for creating some fun, that might be a bit on the edge and could come across as not appropriate or down right controversial. That friend that seems to always have a great idea that somehow ends you in the hot seat while they sit by looking like the perfect angel. You know who you are. Well I am not falling for it, buddy. You can discuss those topics on your own podcast. Or, if you're not scared, we can do a collaboration where we discuss some of these touchy subjects together. This time you're throwing the toilet paper too.

We all know and can define a Sensei and Student relationship. One is teaching and the other is learning. Typically our sensei is the one we learn from and also from whom we receive rank or promotions. What if you learn from someone, not once or twice, but very often, however you do not receive rank or any recognition of a rank, title, or anything else? Is that person your sensei, just 'a' sensei, a training partner, or some person you bounce around with while wearing white pajamas?

June 23 is known as Irei no Hi here on Okinawa. Irei no Hi is the Okinawa Memorial Day and, just like Memorial Day observed in many other countries, is held to honor those that perished during war. I cannot imagine a karate-ka around the world that does not know at least something about World War II. But I think many do not understand the significance World War II, and specifically the Battle of Okinawa (aka The Typhoon of Steel), had on the spread of Okinawa Karate around the world. As always, thank you for listening to the Okinawa Karate Podcast.

Training in martial arts should be fun. If it’s not fun, something needs to change, and that might be you. 

There's a meme that bounces around the social media platforms that reads "10 minutes with the right sensei is worth more than 10 years with the wrong sensei." Here I discuss my thoughts on that meme and my 10 minute conversation with the right sensei. Or was it just the right 10 minute conversation?