Comments on: The Best Advice My (Nutty) Karate Teacher Ever Gave Me

By: Katana Dave

Katana Dave — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 16:47:54 +0000

Thanks for sharing that meaningful story about your Sensei. It surely made a point and proved that in times of trouble or difficult situations, it is better to be calm and stay focused on the problem, trying to find every single possible way to wiggle out of the situation using whatever resources are in front of us at that time rather than focusing our energy on hopelessness and possible defeat. This goal-oriented way of thinking and sense of alertness is one of the most essential aspects of martial arts training which I believe is a lot more important than perfecting the fighting techniques. So I guess your nutty sensei really made a lot of sense and is not at all nutty, agree? :)

By: The Arts Of Fight

The Arts Of Fight — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 11:42:34 +0000

Karate is the one of best martial arts in this world.

By: Sangrail

Sangrail — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 09:44:28 +0000

If you’re interested, that’s a good example of ‘the bystander effect’ (the finding from psychological studies that you’ll often get less help from a crowd of people than you would from an individual), and how you overcome it (single someone out).

By: Randy Place

Randy Place — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 16:53:31 +0000

The good advice you received from the Karate Sensi wit the molereminded me of the days I studied Aikido, also in New York. I also lealrned how to pick a spot and work with it. As a beginning student during a practice session, my Aikido partner had me pinned to the floor.

I felt helpless. Couldn’t do a thing. Then the instructor came over and told me to move what I could — a finger. Then she told me to wiggle my hand, now move my arm, and before I knew it, I was able to slither out from under the opponent.

Thanks for reminding me of this experience that I used to share a lot, then forget about.

There is always a way out, isn’t there?

By: Kevin Xu

Kevin Xu — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 01:20:01 +0000

Very good read there! Perfect post for productivity with one specific example. Along with thinking fast, your karate teacher truly understands the idea of “focus” and that is the key to many aspects in life!

I’ll be sticking around to read more, great job on this blog!

By: David Moldawer

David Moldawer — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 17:03:00 +0000

LoveandSalt—well, the big hairy mole was a clue, but I’ve got another very story about her that better demonstrates the nuttiness. I just can’t think of how to tie it into productivity yet. More to come. Glad you liked the post.

By: LoveandSalt

LoveandSalt — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 11:32:06 +0000

Absolutely great post. This is a spot-on example of the kind of advice I’m always looking for: it’s specific, surprising, and metaphorical at once. That is, you can use it as it’s offered and also generalize back into the principle that forms it. This is one I’ll return to. Thank you! (But why do you call her “nutty”? She sounds practical and tough! And a good teacher, to tell you that story.