 Empty Mind
This means to be free from fear, worry or any thought. If you move, it is a
reacton or impulse. You do not strain or feel that you are trying hard. It just
happens. Make Empty Mind your goal.
If you allow yourself to attain a state of Empty Mind, not only will you
discover improvement in your techniques, but you will also discover that you
can improve still more, and then some more. This process continues without end.
That is, until you decide to end it, stop, or go back to your old ways.
 Meditation
Meditation should be performed on a daily basis. First thing in the morning and
again last thing at night. Even if you can only give yourself 15 minutes for
each session then do it. Again, an Empty Mind is your goal.
The Core Concepts of Life
All of your training, indeed all of your life will improve by the unconditional
adoption of three core concepts, ways or attitudes.
Awareness
You become more aware by watching yourself. What am I doing? How am I doing it?
Feel what you are doing. This is all easier with an Empty Mind to start with,
for if your mind is cluttered with fears, worries or persistant chattering
thoughts, you have lost your awareness of yourself. Become aware, that you can
become aware.
Honesty
By being aware you can gain true honesty in yourself. See, feel and know how
you are truely doing. The awareness of your honesty allows both your awareness
and honesty to develop to even greater levels. Making honesty as a way of life
prevents you from deluding yourself. You see your actions, techniques, or
anything you do, say or think, as it is. Then you can use the honesty to decide
how you want to improve.
Responsibility
When you are aware and honest with yourself, you can be responsible for
yourself. You can become responsible for the improvements you make in your
karate performance and you can take responsibility for improvements you make in
your life. By being responsible you give yourself the power to do what you
want. You will literally take charge of your ability and life by unconditonally
accepting responsibility.
WARNING
If you think that the Three Core Concepts of Life have no relevance to
improving your martial arts performance or to improving the quality of most
peoples lives, then stop and really think about it !
You could spend far too much time being frustrated in your training and in
your life if you pass up the opportunity to adopt the Three Core Concepts of
Life. Think about it and accept it. Do not miss the opportunity.
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