“Meditative Themes, Profound Thoughts, and Reflective Practices: A Guide for Inner Peace and Purposeful Living”
This book is a journey into timeless meditative insights, offering readers tools to cultivate clarity, resilience, and compassion amidst life’s challenges. Dive into reflective practices that empower you to discover inner peace and embrace a purposeful life.
I’m also so honoured that Shihan Grant Campbell (Kaicho, Ryuei-Ryu Karate USA and Executive Director, US Karate Federation), my good friend, mentor, and big brother in Budo, has written the Foreword for this book.
Key takeaways include:
Achieving clarity in moments of chaos
Building resilience through reflective practice
Nurturing compassion and kindness towards others
Available now! Get your copy today and start your journey towards a more peaceful and fulfilled life.
The Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do logo consists of six sections, each representing an essential area of focus for our students’ development.
1-Kihon: We have developed a framework of basic exercises that guide students from white belt to senior black belt levels. These exercises cover closed and open hand techniques, blocks, and kicks from various stances. They play a crucial role in developing students’ basic skills and confidence, with complexity increasing as they progress.
2-Kata: At every level, students learn new kata corresponding to their rank. We encourage purposeful practice of these movements and exploration of the bunkai (analysis) and ooyo (application) of the kata techniques. This instills a deeper understanding of the art and enhances their karate journey.
3-Goshin: In this area if focus, students acquire self-defense movements that build a diverse arsenal of techniques over time. We promote the application of these concepts beyond the dojo, encouraging students to apply them in our anti-bullying lessons, Empowerment Self-Defense courses, and personal protection/combative self-defense situations.
4-Kumite: Emphasizing sparring classes, our practice caters to students of all levels and ages. The classes include introductory sessions, strategy development, and high-impact training. While many of our students prefer to spar within the dojo, some of our students participate in tournaments, ranging from non-contact to semi-contact and full-contact events.
5-Bukijutsu: Reserved for our black belts, this focus area involves the practice of both Okinawan and Japanese weaponry, including bo/jo staff, bokken/iaito, sai, eku, tonfa, tenaka, and nunchaku. Our syllabus framework guides black belts from 1st-degree to 8th-degree over many years of training.
6-Budo Philosophy and Meditation: We teach and apply budo philosophy in all of our classes, encouraging students to tirelessly pursue their personal growth, despite the challenges of modern living. We also practice meditation regularly, which helps our students remain calm and mindful despite their busy schedules. Over time, our students develop a high level of resilience and a non-quitting spirit in all aspects of their lives.
Our logo symbolizes our approach to personal development, reflecting how we, as teachers, introduce materials to our students without prescribing the direction of a student’s personal journey. It beautifully captures the idea of ripples extending out from a raindrop, representing the limitless potential for growth and progress for a student of Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do.
In today’s fast-paced professional world, executives and professionals are constantly seeking ways to improve their performance and productivity. Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do offers a unique alternative to traditional gym workouts and cross-fit routines, with training methods that help students develop valuable mindfulness skills. These skills, such as focus and discipline, can be directly applied to the workplace, enhancing overall success.
Mindfulness involves being present and fully engaged in the moment, free from distractions and judgment. This skill is particularly valuable in the workplace, where distractions and stress can negatively impact performance. Let’s explore five ways Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do training fosters mindfulness and enhances workplace performance:
Cultivating Focus and Discipline: Students begin and end each training session by pausing to bow, signaling a shift in focus from the outside world to their practice. Busy executives can apply this practice to their work by taking a moment to center themselves before starting a task, enhancing their concentration and dedication.
Embracing Mindful Breathing: At the start and end of each class, students participate in mokuso, a practice of closing their eyes and focusing on their breath. This calming technique helps remove distractions and sets the stage for a focused training session. Similarly, incorporating mindful breathing in the workplace can help professionals manage stress and improve their focus on the task at hand.
Encouraging Mindful Interactions: During class, students work with multiple partners, pausing to bow and shake hands before collaborating. This practice emphasizes the importance of being present and considering the strengths and weaknesses of each partner. In the workplace, mindful interactions can lead to more effective communication, collaboration, and teamwork, as professionals learn to adapt their approach based on their colleagues’ unique perspectives and abilities.
Mastering Complex Techniques: As students progress in their training, they learn more intricate and challenging combinations of movements. Staying mindful during these activities is crucial for remembering, improving, and mastering these techniques. In the workplace, being mindful of complex tasks and projects can lead to better understanding and execution, helping professionals excel in their roles and make meaningful contributions to their teams.
Fostering a Mindful Community: Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do students are part of a supportive and respectful community. They are mindful of maintaining a safe and serene training environment, which translates into a more conscientious and aware attitude in the workplace. By applying this mindfulness, professionals can contribute to a positive work culture and strengthen relationships with their colleagues.
By incorporating Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do training into their daily routines, busy professionals and executives can unlock the benefits of mindfulness, elevating their performance in both their personal and professional lives.
If you are a professional or executive looking for a powerful addition to your daily routine, we invite you to try a class with us at Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do. Our instructors are committed to helping you improve your personal performance on the dojo floor and out in your communities.
Visit www.jinseiryu.com.au to learn more about our programs and experience the life-changing benefits of Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do training. Feel the transformative power of mindful and purposeful behaviour and become the outstanding professional you were meant to be.
Professionals and executives are constantly under pressure to succeed in both their professional and personal lives in today’s increasingly demanding world. By utilizing an invaluable resource: the transformative art of karate, Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do provides a powerful solution to help our students attain balance, focus, and personal development.
Many of our advanced students have held or are presently holding successful executive positions in fields such as finance, law, technology, and government service. Their karate journey has been the ideal antidote to the challenges and stress of their high-powered careers. They can refresh their thoughts and create a much-needed pause in their day by training in the morning or during lunch breaks.
The dojo provides a unique setting for professionals to get away from the stresses of the workplace and concentrate on something completely different. They improve their mental and emotional well-being by learning new skills, exercising, and releasing pent-up energy. Martial arts training develops discipline and concentration, which has a direct effect on their workplace performance.
The rich and diverse community fostered by Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do is a major benefit of practicing karate there. Students from various backgrounds come together to train, teach, and learn, bringing a diverse set of views and experiences to the table. This variety allows professionals to sharpen their communication and collaboration skills, which are critical for success in any industry.
In today’s competitive environment, resilience is an essential ability. Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do teaches busy professionals how to persevere through physical and emotional challenges through karate training. As students overcome obstacles and push themselves past their boundaries, they develop mental toughness, which translates into the ability to adapt and flourish in the workplace under pressure.
While many adults join our karate school originally for fitness or self-defense, they quickly discover additional benefits that enrich their lives. Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do teaches students how to refocus, stay present, accept lifelong learning, and find balance in their hectic lives. Furthermore, training with people from diverse backgrounds teaches students to be flexible in their approaches to individual and group achievements, fostering a feeling of camaraderie and teamwork.
Another important lesson taught through karate is the power of incremental progress. Students learn the importance of establishing achievable objectives and working steadily toward them by breaking down complex techniques into smaller, manageable components. This method instills a strong sense of accomplishment and confidence in professionals, which they can use to handle large projects and challenges in their careers.
We welcome you to experience the transformative power of Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do if you are a busy worker looking for ways to improve your performance in and out of the workplace. Our approachable and supportive instructors are dedicated to assisting you in reaching your goals in an uplifting and empowering atmosphere.
By incorporating karate into your life, you will develop important skills such as discipline, concentration, adaptability, resilience, and goal-setting, all of which will have a direct impact on your professional performance. You will also build a resilient mindset, which will enable you to thrive under pressure and gracefully overcome challenges.
Take advantage of the chance to boost your success and personal growth. Join us at Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do and discover how this powerful martial art can change your life. Visit www.jinseiryu.com.au to find out more about how we can help you find your hidden weapon for success. Accept your maximum potential and develop into the high-performing professional you were born to be.
Are you looking for a physical activity that’s adaptable for anyone? Look no further than traditional Japanese karate! Karate is a martial art that is truly a global activity. Over 100 million people in almost 200 countries currently practice some style of karate. At Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do, we believe that anyone can study and enjoy karate.
Have you ever wondered whether karate is right for you? Definitely! At Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do, the foundation of our school is based on practicing basic karate techniques, and we extend quickly into self-defense concepts and movements, kata (forms), sparring, and meditation. For black belts, we also begin teaching traditional Japanese weaponry. We’ve developed our training frameworks over 45 years, so they can guide students through their journey with us from a new beginner to very experienced black belts.
Karate is a perfect activity for kids because it improves flexibility, coordination, balance, and strength. Our programs also help kids develop focus, discipline, resilience, self-confidence, and self-esteem. Through the years, we’ve found that Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do helps students excel at school, in sports, and in creative endeavors. Although not a requirement, some of our students participate in tournaments and have become State, National, and International champions.
Our teens and adults also derive many benefits from their Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do training. Teenagers love coming to our dojo because it is a safe place to practice their karate without pressure or judgment. Many of our teenagers have gone on to university or other training courses, and some of our teens have even pursued their interests in music, drama, and dance. Our instructors and community accept students from all walks of life without any preconceived notions about their personal circumstances and allow students to practice karate with a joyful, yet serious heart. Even when students begin feeling more pressure in years 11 and 12, they view the dojo as a safe haven, where they can practice this activity in a serene environment. They often feel re-energized after each class!
Most adults start karate for physical fitness or self-defense. They quickly discover that karate-do provides a platform for personal growth and self-development. Our dojo is an excellent environment where a student can work on themselves. The physical practice of karate-do translates very well into other areas of one’s life, including work, family, and other hobbies. The saying, “Karate-Do is a way of life” certainly rings true.
At Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do, we provide a welcoming environment for personal growth, regardless of age, capability, culture, or beliefs. Our training focuses on overall individual development, and we encourage our students to overcome challenges and achieve personal goals. Our instructors are highly trained and skilled, and we have programs for different skill levels.
Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do offers many benefits, whether you’re a new beginner or an experienced student. Our classes challenge you at all levels, and are suitable for everyone, regardless of age, gender, fitness level, or personal belief. Join us by calling +61 411 821 631 or sending an email to frontdesk@jinseiryu.com.au and start your karate journey today!
As the world continues to evolve and change, more women are becoming empowered to take on new challenges and achieve their goals. Karate is one activity that has become increasingly popular among women. Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do, a Sydney-based dojo, is proud to be a part of this movement, helping to empower women and girls through the practice of karate.
So, is karate good for girls and women? Absolutely! Karate is a martial art that focuses on self-defense, physical fitness, and mental discipline. It can help women and girls develop confidence, strength, and self-control. Many women who practice karate find that it improves their overall sense of well-being and helps them feel more capable of handling challenges.
Every woman and girl can benefit from learning martial arts. Our dojo provides a safe and supportive environment where women and girls can learn and grow together. Our experienced instructors are dedicated to helping students reach their full potential, regardless of gender, age, or ability.
If you’re a woman or girl in Sydney, we highly recommend giving karate a try. Not only will you learn valuable self-defense skills, but you’ll also join a community of strong women who are committed to personal growth and empowerment.
One of the most common reasons women choose to practice karate is for self-defense. While we hope that no one ever has to use their self-defense skills in a real-life situation, it’s important to be prepared just in case. Karate teaches women how to defend themselves against attackers, using a combination of strikes, kicks, and other techniques.
But karate is about more than just physical self-defense. It also teaches women how to defend themselves mentally and emotionally. Through the practice of martial arts, women learn to develop inner strength and self-confidence, which can help them navigate challenging situations in all areas of their lives.
At Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do, we believe in the power of girl power! We’re dedicated to empowering women and girls through the practice of karate. Our dojo is a place where women can come together to support and encourage one another as they work towards their goals. We believe that every woman has the potential to be strong, confident, and empowered, and we’re committed to helping them achieve their dreams.
We’re proud to have a diverse group of women who come from all walks of life. Our strong women students include mothers, life-partners, teachers, medical practitioners, engineers, architects, lawyers, website designers, and even City of Sydney Councillors! Many of these women have been training in karate for over 20 years and serve as an inspiration to our other students.
Our women students are a testament to the power of karate and how it can benefit women from all backgrounds. They have learned to overcome challenges, build inner strength, and achieve their goals.
So, should women and girls do karate? Absolutely! Whether you’re looking to improve your physical fitness, develop self-defense skills, or simply connect with other strong women, karate is an excellent choice. At Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do, we’re excited to help women and girls unlock their full potential through their practice of karate-do.
“I’ve been thinking about the importance of Women’s History Month recently, and I’m very pleased to be part of an organization where there’s balance in leadership between women and men at all levels. I’m also honored to train with other women who have continued their training for long periods, spanning 40 to 50 years. I am constantly inspired by the development of all our students, regardless of their gender, age, physical capabilities, or beliefs.” – Shihan Leigh Maquirang
Martial arts training, particularly karate, is a fantastic way to instill self-confidence and discipline in children. At Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do, we believe that martial arts can have a positive influence on the lives of young ones, and we encourage individuals of all ages and skill levels to join our classes. In this article, we will address some of the most commonly asked questions about starting karate for kids, including the appropriate age to commence training. We will also discuss some of the other martial arts options available, such as BJJ, Judo, Aikido, Boxing, Taekwondo, and MMA.
The minimum age requirement for commencing karate training varies depending on the specific school and the child’s developmental stage. At Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do, we welcome children as young as 4 years old to our classes. Our experienced trainers personalize our programs according to each child’s unique needs, ensuring that they have a pleasurable experience while acquiring essential martial arts skills. However, it is important to note that younger children may have a shorter attention span, so our classes for this age group usually comprise activities and games that help enhance their coordination, balance, and motor skills.
Although children can start karate at any age, it is typically more beneficial for kids within the age range of 6 and 12 years. During this period, children have developed the physical and cognitive abilities required to derive maximum benefit from the structured classes and techniques of karate. Besides, this age range is a perfect time for kids to develop self-confidence and discipline, which can help them achieve success both inside and outside the dojo.
It’s never too late to commence karate training! Although it is true that children may learn new skills more quickly, adults can still benefit from the physical and mental training provided by karate. At Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do, we welcome adult students of all ages and skill levels to our classes, and our experienced instructors can modify the curriculum to meet each student’s specific needs and objectives. Martial arts can be a life-long pursuit, and it’s never too late to commence reaping the benefits.
Teenagers can also commence karate training at any time and can benefit from the same physical and mental training as younger children and adults. In fact, many teenagers find that martial arts can assist them in navigating the challenges of adolescence by providing a healthy outlet for stress, building self-esteem, and enhancing social skills. Additionally, teenagers who have experience in other martial arts such as BJJ, Judo, Aikido, Boxing, Taekwondo, or MMA, may find that karate complements their current skills and provides a new perspective on martial arts training.
Karate is an excellent way for children to develop self-confidence, discipline, and physical fitness. Although the ideal age range for starting karate is typically between 6 and 12 years old, children as young as 4 years old can still derive benefit from tailored classes, and adults of any age can commence karate training and reap the benefits of this lifelong pursuit. At Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do, we offer karate classes for kids and adults of all ages and skill levels. Call us on +61 411 821 531, or contact us at www.jinseiryu.com.au today to schedule a trial lesson and begin your martial arts journey.
At the end of Kagami Biraki this morning, I reviewed our meditative theme for 2023:
“三美 – 誠 善 仁”
“Always practice the three virtues of sincerity, kindness, and benevolence!”
These virtues are fundamental to the practice of our karate-do and our interactions with others and the world around us.
Sincerity and kindness are two virtues that must be intertwined in our daily practice. Sometimes we are somewhat genuine in our words and actions, yet not necessarily kind. Similarly, we can sometimes be polite or nice to others without truly being honest. However, when we can cultivate these virtues simultaneously and together within ourselves, our actions towards others no matter how small, become great acts of benevolence.
When we practice sincerity and kindness in the dojo every day, we create a positive and loving atmosphere. We genuinely practice our karate for ourselves and yet are kind to each other, especially those who may be less skilled. This truly creates a special place to practice our karate-do, where we can all learn and grow together.
But the benefits of these virtues do not stop at the dojo. When we embody sincerity and kindness in the dojo, we can easily apply them in other areas of our lives, such as at school, work, and home, amongst our friends, and within other social groups. Over time, these virtues define us as students, as a dojo, and as an organisation.
Not coincidentally, we represent these important virtues in the final two ripples of the Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do symbol, so that we never forget their importance in our daily practice as students and leaders.
Yesterday morning, Shihan Leigh and I decided to take a walk along Bondi Beach, something we haven’t done in a while. We were able to find a car space and paid for a 3-hour stay. We had a very nice stroll and stopped for a relaxing coffee.
After just over an hour, we decided to continue our morning by driving to Watsons Bay for another stroll and lunch. As we pulled out of our car space, I realised that almost 2 hours remained on our car space. I approached one driver to offer her our ticket. She thanked us but said she already had a beach parking pass. I then approached another driver – an older lady. She was pleasantly surprised and gratefully accepted the ticket. She then thanked us and wished us a very Merry Christmas.
We then drove to Watsons Bay. As we approached, it was difficult to find a space. First, we tried to find curbside parking to no avail, then we drove to the small local parking lot which was full. We pulled out of the car park and started to drive around, thinking that we might need to return home.
Just then, an elderly couple started to pack up their car, preparing to leave. We asked if they were leaving soon, and they said yes. However, cars started to pull up behind us, and another car pulled up by them to take their space. We drove away, thinking that we had missed that space, and tried to find another one elsewhere.
After about 10 minutes of driving around, we decided to circle back one more time as a last resort. As we drove along, we noticed the elderly couple was still parked in the same space! We slowly approached them, pulled down our window, and asked again if they were leaving soon. Amazingly, they said that they had been waiting for us to return and had waved away many other cars – for almost 15 mins! They said they knew we would return. As they pulled out, we thanked them for their kindness. For the rest of the afternoon, we were so grateful for the positive karma that had just returned to us!
Our experience at Bondi Beach, then Watsons Bay, is a perfect example of positive karma in action. Our small act of kindness at Bondi Beach brought a little bit of unexpected joy and convenience to another person’s day. Hopefully, they may have been more inclined to pass this gesture forward.
We then experienced an act of kindness at Watsons Bay when the elderly couple waited for us to return to their parking space. This thoughtfulness made our own day.
By being kind and considerate towards others, we can create a chain reaction of goodness and positive energy that has the potential to spread far and wide, in ways that we never could imagine.
According to Confucius, “The man who commits to studying himself will draw near to wisdom.”
Particularly at the end of the year, it is important to take a step back from our busy and hectic lives to reflect on all that has happened, considering both positive and negative experiences. This process of reflection allows us to learn from these experiences and grow as individuals.
During this period of self-evaluation and reflection, we remain mindful and in the present. We review our present situation and all the lessons we’ve learned without passing judgment. When we calmly observe our thoughts and actions with a clear and open mind, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves, and the world around us.
This is also an opportunity to review our current progress in many aspects of our lives and set new goals for the year ahead. In our practice of Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do, we strive for constant improvement through our daily training, and this requires a willingness to be honest with ourselves about our strengths and weaknesses. By reflecting on our personal training and identifying areas for growth, we can create a roadmap for continued self-improvement.
Ultimately, the end of the year is a time for reflection, growth, and renewal. By looking back at the past and setting intentions for the future, we can continue to cultivate our minds, body, and spirit, to reach our true potential.
Achieving clarity in moments of chaos
Order here: https://books.by/ino-maquirang
