Isoshi Kai Karate
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Big Rocks and the Jar - A Return from Hiatus

1/1/2016

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A master wanted to demonstrate a concept to his disciples. He takes a large-mouth jar and places several large rocks in it. He then asks the class, "Is it full?

"Unanimously, the class reply, "Yes, Shihan!"

The master then takes a bucket of gravel and pours it into the jar. The small rocks settle into the spaces between the big rocks.

He then asks the class, "Is it full?"

This time there are some students holding back, but most reply, "Yes, Shihan!"

The master then produces a large can of sand and proceeds to pour it into the jar. The sand fills up the spaces between the gravel.

For the third time, the master asks, "Is it full?"

Now most of the students are wary of answering, but again, many reply, "Yes, Shihan!"

Then the master brings out a pitcher of water and pours it into the jar. The water saturates the sand. At this point the master asks the class, "What is the point of this demonstration?"

One bright young student raises his hand and then responds, "No matter how full one's schedule is in life, he can always squeeze in more things!"

"No," replies the master, "The point is that unless you first place the big rocks into the jar, you are never going to get them in. The big rocks are the important things in your life... your family, your friends, your personal growth. If you fill your life with small things, as demonstrated by the gravel, the sand, and the water... you will never have the time for the important things."

So, what are the "Big Rocks" in your life? Spending time with your children, your parents or your spouse? Taking the seminar or class to get the information and perspective you need to succeed? Making the time to set goals, plan or evaluate your progress? When you are hassled because there is no time, remember the story about the Big Rocks and the Jar!
We apologies for an absence in blog entries. In life, we all have big rocks we must first place in our jars. Every master and disciple of Isoshi Kai recognizes the importance of these big rocks teaches patience with ourselves and each other in making the time for them. Please continue to look for new blog entries from our masters.
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Color Belt Ranks of Karate: Part 2

3/1/2014

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Where Did They Come From and Are They Really Worth Anything?

Part I of this discussion is based in history and practice.  Part II is vastly different.  I believe that this part of the article will offend a great deal of instructors.  Be that as it may, this part is based off of my personal and professional opinion only.  It in no way has any bearing on the thoughts and opinions of my counterpart Wolf Isomoto or the karateka we teach.  Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion with regards to what value, if any, a color belt rank carries with it and this happens to be mine.

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Color Belt Ranks of Karate: Part 1

2/1/2014

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Where Did They Come From and Are They Really Worth Anything? 

When I started training in karate, the first rank that our dojo awarded was a black piece of electrical tape attached to the end of our white belts. We worked very hard to earn these first ranks. We were very proud of ourselves for having received our first rank certifications. 

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The 11th Precept

12/1/2013

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"Genuine karate is like hot water; It cools down if you don't continuously keep it over heat." 
If you have been practicing karate for any length of time you have undoubtedly heard the 11th of Gichin Funokoshi Sensei’s twenty precepts of karate. “Genuine karate is like hot water; it cools down if you don’t continuously keep it over heat.” It is a precept with an exceptionally profound connotation.

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The concept of "No First Strike in Karate"

11/1/2013

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As students of the Way, we have all heard the same precept repeated time and time again by our Sensei the world over, “There is no first strike in Karate,” which is the second of Gichin Funakoshi Sensei’s twenty karate precepts.  This is all well and good.  However, there seems to be a common misconception about what this statement actually implies.  If asked the meaning behind this precept, the vast majority of answers regardless if the karateka level ranges from novice, intermediate, advanced or instructor, will be that it implies that one should never, “throw the first punch.”  This interpretation is because we have all been taught that the techniques and tactics learned through karate training are to be used for defense only.  Even when observing kata we notice that the first technique executed is usually a blocking technique.

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    The two species of wolf native to Japan until their extinction in the early
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