Wabi Sabi Dojo

06/12/2026

Another principle associated with Musashi’s teachings is the importance of commitment—continuing along the path without being easily discouraged or pulled away.

Training is rarely a straight line. There are periods of steady progress, but also times where improvement feels slow or unclear. It is during these moments that consistency becomes most important.

Rather than focusing on short-term results, this way of thinking encourages a longer view. To continue practicing, refining, and showing up, even when progress is not immediately visible.

In karate, this can be seen in the repetition of kata, the gradual development of technique, and the patience required to build strong fundamentals. These things take time, and they cannot be rushed.

Staying the course does not mean training without thought. It means continuing with awareness—making small adjustments, learning from experience, and trusting the process over time.

This kind of commitment builds resilience. It allows training to continue through both strong and difficult periods, without becoming dependent on motivation alone.

And in the long run, it is this steady approach that leads to meaningful and lasting progress.

Share this with a fellow karateka. Learning together makes us stronger.

06/08/2026

Weekly Training Tip
Don’t Leave Yourself Stuck

A common habit in training is freezing after a technique. A punch lands, a block finishes, and for a split second the body just stops.
Sometimes we don’t even notice we’re doing it.

Karate should stay alive between movements. Even after a technique finishes, your posture, awareness, and balance should still be active and ready (Zanshin).

This week, pay attention to what happens right after you move. Are you stable? Can you continue moving if you need to? Or are you getting stuck in place?

This becomes especially important during partner work. Real movement is continuous. Situations change quickly, and stopping completely can leave you vulnerable.
That doesn’t mean rushing. It just means staying connected and ready.

A good way to practice this is to think less about “finishing” techniques and more about flowing naturally into the next moment. Keep your breathing steady. Stay balanced. Let the body remain available to move again.

Karate is not meant to be rigid. It should stay calm, aware, and responsive.

Please consider sharing this with classmates or students. When we learn and reflect together, we all improve.

06/08/2026

Cross-training in other martial arts was encouraged by Shoshin Nagamine, founder of Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate. In our class, I often compare and contrast the techniques and movements of Okinawan karate with othe martial arts, like Wing Chun kung fu. Karate and Wing Chun share common ancestry. Same tree, different branches. Training in other martial arts often leads us to new revelations pertaining to our own chosen art. This video by Sifu Keith Mazza is an excellent example of very similar movements used in a slightly different manner, but acheiving the same desired result. His use of Pak Sau/Garn Sau has similar applications in Okinawan Karate. Likewise, his emphasis on protecting the centerline is shared with Matsubayashi-Ryu. His footwork and body shifting are also used in Matsubayashi-ryu, and are referred to as Ashi Sabaki and 😊Tai Sabaki (Ashi Sabaki &Body Movement).

Saturday AFTERNOON WING CHUN CLASS 12:-1:00PM

06/07/2026

What a fantastic evening at our Matsubayashi International Karate Hombu Dojo a very warm welcome to Sensei Don Caponigro, Sensei Mike Webb, and Sensei Kent. We are very much looking forward to Sensei Don's Seminar on Saturday at our Hombu Dojo Athlone.

06/07/2026

06/06/2026

Taking Responsibility in Training

A key idea reflected in Musashi’s way of thinking is personal responsibility—understanding that progress is shaped by one’s own actions, not by circumstance or comparison.

In training, it can be easy to look outward. To focus on instruction, on training partners, or on external conditions. While all of these play a role, real development comes from how we choose to engage with them.

Progress in karate is not determined only by what is taught, but by how it is practiced. Attention, effort, and consistency are all within our control. Over time, these small choices begin to shape the direction of training in a meaningful way.

This also includes the willingness to reflect. To recognize mistakes without frustration, and to make adjustments without hesitation. Rather than placing responsibility elsewhere, the focus remains on what can be improved personally.

In the dojo, this mindset builds independence. It encourages students to take ownership of their development while still learning within the structure of the class.

And over time, this sense of responsibility creates a more thoughtful and engaged approach to training—one where progress is not left to chance, but guided with intention.

06/03/2026

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2026 May 22 - Instructors of Bubishi Team Ryukyu Kobudo Austria met...