Courtesy

Shihan Brian Cyr – The Academy of Martial Arts – Founder kur-tuh-see (a courteous, respectful, or considerate act or expression) “Karate begins and ends with courtesy” Gichin Funakoshi Over the years I have heard the term courtesy used to define a particular quality of the Traditional Martial Arts; but does anyone truly understand what this…

Details

Patience

Shihan Brian Cyr – The Academy of Martial Arts – Founder [pey-shuhns] (an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay) In a world of instant gratification, now even the microwave oven is too slow. With our modern conveniences we have become unaccustomed to having to wait for anything. As life…

Details

Time

Shihan Brian Cyr – The Academy of Martial Arts – Founder [tahym] (A finite duration) In my Dojo there are four Japanese Kanji characters found framed in a place of prominence. These characters represent the four possessions of the Samurai: Honour, Integrity, Loyalty, and Time. If we think about it, Time is truly the one…

Details

Assertive

Shihan Brian Cyr – The Academy of Martial Arts – Founder [uh-sur-tiv] (the quality of being self assured) Assertiveness is the ability to think for ourselves, ask for what we need, and to stand up for ourselves. Many definitions of assertiveness include the term aggressive; however, it is important to understand hat there is a…

Details

Confidence

Shihan Brian Cyr – The Academy of Martial Arts – Founder [kon-fi-duhns] (belief in oneself and one’s powers or abilities) Confidence is cultured through knowledge and skill. It is a firm belief in the result of years of trials and tribulations. It is developed by accomplishing something today that you did not feel or know…

Details

Karate, Teaches More than Karate

Kevin Cyr – First Degree Black Belt – Central Academy of Martial Arts Martial arts is more than kick and punch. Martial arts is a life style, a code, a moral compass. Beginners see karate as a way to defend yourself physically, which is right, but it goes much deeper than this. It has unique…

Details