2026-01-12

Teaching my regular classes at the Ross Farnsworth - East Valley YMCA.

Back in October of 2024, I wrote “Spirit first; technique second”, a look at the fifth principle of Funakoshi’s Niju Kun, and it came to mind again last night. I can (and do) teach my students the physical techniques of karate. It’s not easy, but it’s much easier than teaching them mental toughness and a never-give-up attitude.

After kumite drills last night, I mentioned this to my students, and asked them if they sensed a difference in intensity between partnering with a brown or black belt and partnering with anyone else. (They agreed that they did.)

If so, it’s because we senior students practice the mentality along with the physicality, because we know that how you practice is how you’ll perform. If your mental intensity and the ferocity of your kiai is enough to make your attacker reconsider before ever attacking, that’s not only good, that’s the goal. Nobody goes to the hospital and nobody goes to jail.

Thanks in advance to Sensei Barry O’Brien and Sensei Dave Bracklow for covering my classes while I’m on vacation for the next several weeks.