Some of you know that I

have practiced Shotokan

for many years. In many

respects, this is a private

art and I choose to keep

it that way. Still, there

are many truths that I 

learn from this that can

benefit others. So, I have 

decided to write a series

of BEAMS (posts) to share 

some of these thoughts.

     Recently, I shared some

of these general concepts

in free flowing Twitter

tweets.  These thoughts are

below.  You may look 

forward to reading about

these and other life

lifting lessons, I have 

learned from my Shotokan

training in gutsisthekey.  I 

will be BEAMing about them,

periodically.

1- Power & Patience seem unlikely to go together but I have found that they do.

2- Some people worship only n a church. I worship when I train. To bring mind,

body & spirit together n a focused effort needs the help of God.

3- When you feel bad; train. When you feel good; train. In Shotokan,

training is important in every mindset. Same in life. Show up every day.

4- Mind like the water. Means in Shotokan to be so placid that any

disturbance can be felt from anywhere in the lake. Open awareness in life.

5- Mind like a moon. In Shotokan, this means to be so aware that you see and feel

everything around you like the transparency of a moonlit nite.

6- Seek perfection of Character. Be faithful. Endeavor. Respect others. Refrain

from violent behavior are Shotokan rules that must be learned.

7-  When the channel is open, the energy flows so rapidly it overflows; the real

goal of Shotokan & life mastery is to keep the channel open.

8- We come to conscious roadblocks in training and life that only deep inner  

release will solve.

9- The body possesses many deep resources, such as endorphins and adrenaline.

Learning to let inner power flow helps release these.

10- A student once called me @ 1 a.m. & said I’ve got it Sensei! He finally 

discovered the explosive power of letting go & letting energy flow.

11- Releasing, relaxing, letting it flow is as important as tensing. No deep

Shotokan or life power, without moving beyond conscious restraints.

12- The normal, undamaged body will move faster than the mind can consciously

think. So it is necessary in Shotokan & life to release power to move more

efficiently.

13- In Shotokan & life-The most efficient, kinetic, synergistic movements R 

always preferred 2 more elaborate, showy efforts.