Sensei Michael's Musings

Over It (with Shout-Out)

Published on 2009-08-18 13:14:00

Okay, so I got up and ran 2 miles this morning. Knee is feeling like a million bucks. Sidekicks were working for me, kata felt great - what was I complaining about?It's not necessarily a bad thing to second-guess yourself, to feel behind in your training, and that you don't deserve your rank. Sometimes, it helps you to climb out of your head, concentrate on each and every muscle in a technique, rather than "going through the motions." I can't think of how many times I stopped during my kata

Plateau

Published on 2009-08-17 13:04:00

I'm at that crossroads again.My training feels like it has completely plateaued. I can tell that I'm losing power and form in my kicks, my kata don't seem to be quite as confident and powerful, and I second-guess myself when I teach.I've been told for years that this is common with blackbelt instructors, but I was hoping by the time I was a sandan that I'd be through this. Now I'm over halfway to yondan and I still have issues. It seems like the old knee injury wants to flare up with every ki

I'm baaaaaaaaaaaack

Published on 2008-11-05 12:34:00

Hello fellow bloggers and martial artists - Sensei Michael has returned!My ill-fated trip to Arizona left me with a lot to think about in regards to life in general - but one of the biggest things is that I missed my students and the karate school more than you can possibly imagine. West-coast clubs simply aren't the same, many seem to be in it for the money rather than the benefit of their students...it left a pretty sour taste in my mouth.Then, the company that moved me out there decided to l

Goodbye, my students

Published on 2007-09-20 23:15:00

It is with a very heavy heart that I must bit farewell to the dojo and town I have grown to love and call home. I have the fondest memories and wishes for the future growth of this one-of-a-kind group of people, led by the most excellent Master I have had the privelage of training under.I have accepted a position in Scottsdale, Arizona, a "mere" 1600 miles away. I am leaving friends, family, my dojo life, and my sanity behind me - and in many ways, my heart.However, this is the best thing I ca

Dojo Kun: Epilogue

Published on 2006-09-29 12:18:00

The basic precepts are there, and for our dojo, we expect every one of our students to accolocate them into their every-day lives. When we find a student has been blatantly, purposefully ignoring these precepts, it's not unheard of to take disciplinary action within our power, and can go as far as expulsion from the dojo. Disassociating ourselves with abuse, drug use, teenage alcohol use, and other such fallicies that we are to be above is critical in order to propogate an environment built ar

Dojo Kun: Part 4

Published on 2006-09-29 00:25:00

We're running out of these, don't worry. ;)The next of our precepts, symbolic with the maturity of knowledge into the strive for more; the passing into Autumn, and the Brown associated with the seasons, and Kyu, this precept focuses upon.Always train with an open mind.This is a fairly simple concept - no matter what our situation and in all walks of life, keep an open mind to different concepts and ideas. Don't be so quick to pass judgement on a situation you haven't examined from every angle.S

Dojo Kun: Part 3

Published on 2006-09-27 23:36:00

In keeping with this week's postings (and nearly doubling my blog entries) the series continues:Learn to respect myself and others.Synonymous with the Summer and the early steps of maturing as a karatekan, it is rather analagous with the Green kyus; of course, when I say things like this, I don't mean to imply that these ideas are only presented at that time - each of these are taught from day 1.Respect for the dojo and its teachers goes back to Japanese tradition. We remove our shoes and socks

Dojo Kun: Part 2

Published on 2006-09-26 17:45:00

This is the second of the primary lessons. The second precept, and in my mind the hardest one to learn.Never lose self-control, or act in a violent manner.Why do we study the martial arts? This is one of the first questions asked of a new student, and 90% of the time, the given answer is "self defense".This is true, to an extent. Many people begin the studies in order to learn how to protect themselves and others, and gain the self-confidence that comes with it. There is, however, so much mo

Dojo Kun, Part 1

Published on 2006-09-25 23:08:00

I actually hesitate to post this, but I consider an outlet for teaching. The philosophy and real-life application of karate is every bit as important as blood and sweat in the dojo. I will attempt to share with you some knowledge I've gained through personal study and years of having excellent instructors.Also, to my personal students; you've taught me more than you'll ever realize.Part 1: Always Strive to Achieve My BestThe first of our Dojo Precepts, or Dojo Kun.To always strive to achieve o

The new blog

Published on 2006-07-06 15:42:00

So, this is the new blog. This will be my complete, unedited, unadulturated thoughts, especially upon technology, gaming, the martial arts, and whatever else I happen to ramble about.I'm neat like that.Anyway, welcome to the blog.