Kodokai Dojo

In the realm of martial arts, the journey toward mastery is not just about physical prowess but also about mental and emotional...

Karate, an ancient martial art originating from Okinawa, Japan, has garnered a fair share of skepticism in modern times. Despite its...

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it's easy to overlook the importance of local institutions that foster community, discipline,...

When we begin our martial arts training, the focus often lands heavily on learning an array of techniques. From kicks to take-downs, we...

In today's fast-paced world, where screens dominate our attention and there never seems to be enough time, the value of movement often...

At Kodokai Dojo we focus on self-defense skills. In doing so, we receive many other gifts from our efforts. Most of us continue with...

Mushin refers to a state of mind that is achieved through intense focus and discipline. The word "mushin" is derived from two Japanese...

Once upon a time, in West Germany, I was sleeping in a tent with my mummy sleeping bag zipped up to my nose to seal out the cold November...

Remember what it was like as a beginner? I don’t mean just in martial arts, but think about your first days of classes in school, your...

There are a lot of ways to improve your martial arts practice without spending more time practicing. Let’s think about ‘how’ you practice...

How we use our mind can have important effects on the results of our practice. We all know that repetition is important for our physical...

Here I go again, talking about footwork. Good footwork is essential in any standup martial art. It is how we control distance, timing,...

In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately...

The stances and footwork of Palace Hand seem unusual to those unfamiliar with this particular martial art style. The raised heels and...

Decades of training in karate, kenjutsu, kobudo and Okinawa-ti have shaped who I am. I've done some things right, made mistakes, wasted...

Many times, over the years, students of all ages have shared stories of unexpected falls occurring in their everyday lives. One fell from...

Don’t be concerned about rank. I say this often. Yet, how rank is used at some other schools, and what people have learned through...

A good training partner can make all the difference when it comes to making practice safe, productive and enjoyable. And, of course, when...