BODY - MIND - SPIRIT

PROMISE YOURSELF

Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel there is something in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

To think only the best, to work only for the best and expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

Source: Presented to Sensei Juha Halttunen from Master Benny Rudolph of "Benny's House of Karate in Peterborough ON Canada.

See link:" in Peterborough ON Canada Link; http://mcgillshouseofkarate.com/?page_id=584

SISU: A Unique Finnish Concept For Today’s Karateka.

SISU (see soo) is a special Finnish word and a unique Finnish concept which is very difficult to translate. No other language has a word or concept quite like SISU .

It stands for the philosophy that whatever must be done will be done, regardless of the cost and sacrifice, no matter what it takes. It requires a special strength and persistent determination and resolve to continue. Especially if the situation is desperate, SISU comes out, resulting in a mental and often also in a physical victory. At least one wins him/herself.

In the past, Finns struggled against the nature and foreign armies. Despite all of the drawbacks along the way, the struggle produced much strength. Today’s struggle takes place mostly in sports. With SISU it is possible to overcome impossible challenges and obstacles. “I may not win, but I’ll do my best and even give up my life for what I believe in”. “ And I’ll take down ten of them along the way….”.

SISU means guts, perseverance, courage, grace, stick-with-it-ness, never letting go, being the underdog and still not accepting defeat, having a big heart and showing it even in defeat. Every Finnish person knows the meaning of this word as a psychological characteristic or an indomitable will. Yet, words, regardless of quantity, quality or descriptiveness, do not replace what a Finn feels, it can only be experienced as a Finn.

The movie character, Rocky Balboa had SISU; facing a certain defeat and viscious beating in his first championship bout, he summoned an almost magical quality, a combination of stamina, perseverance, courage, and determination and continued to give his everything, never thinking or fearing a loss. Rocky had SISU.

For today’s Karateka, to have SISU is to face everyday training and combat with inner peace, harmony, truth and perseverance. “ I may not win this time, but I’ll do my very best and show my dignity”.

SISU is the foundation of the Kyoku Bu Kai dojo, and its guiding principle in all aspects of practice.

SISU, A unique Finnish concept for today’s Karateka.

BELT TYING:

YouTube: How to tie a belt by Rener Gracie - Gracie Jiu Jitsu

Or see these belt tying images at Kataaro Custom Martial Arts Products.

MEDIA

Book - Scientific Karatedo by Masayuki Kukan Hisataka

Book - Essential Shorinjiryu Karatedo by Masayuki Kukan Hisataka