A (word) picture paints a thousand words! Here are seven powerful metaphors from martial artists across different styles, to describe how being limited to online training during the COVID lockdown feels . . .
We’re used to doing many things virtually now – but is it really possible to teach or learn a martial art online? Matt Stait and I have co-written a new book which asks some searching questions about the essence and the future of the martial arts; and invites you to consider whether online martial arts are the death knell for authentic practice, or their much-needed saviour , , ,
How can you spot the difference between whether you’re offering, or being offered, fake empowerment or the real thing in your dojo . . . ?
Karate teacher Graham says:
“I’m curious about people who seem so locked into being “Sensei”? I love to forget I’m a teacher, and absorb others’ teaching when I get a chance; and I’m surprised when others don’t seem to feel the same way, Do you have any thoughts on what makes some people be like this . . . ?”
Budō Inochi reader, Dave (Tai chi / Karate / Aikido) writes: “I am looking for resources and thought you might know of some. I teach in a private special education school. Because of a need and student requests I’ll be teaching a basic self-defense course next semester . . . “
Do we sometimes unconsciously valorise more “masculine” ways of learning in the dojo – without even realising it . . . ?
[Photo credit: IMG_2415 by John Roberts via Flickr]. This post is dedicated to a friend of mine who runs his own dojo. He expressed frustration at the number of people who choose to take “Martial Arts Inspired” workouts, when they could be getting much deeper benefits from “real” martial arts training (at his dojo of course!) . . .
Some notes I made from a recent event for local female sports coaches. Topics covered include: Competition and self-esteem; Technology – help or hindrance?; Technology and gender . . . ?; Supporting women from minority ethnic and cultural backgrounds; The support of men
This is a follow-up to the post I wrote for Megan (A Martial Artist) last week, still on the theme of supporting girls and young women who lack confidence, or face other barriers to participating in the martial arts . . . [Picture credit: 101015_14 by Gary Smith via Flickr]
I recently attended a Project 500 Networking Day for female sports coaches called: “Women in Sport – The next steps”. A major highlight of the event was the opportunity to hear a presentation by guest speaker Mara Yamauchi, a retired British long-distance track and road running athlete, and the second fastest British woman over the marathon ever. She spoke to us about her experiences as a female athlete, and her more recent move into coaching . . .