Snow shoveling and the Warrior Mindset

It snowed all through the night. By noon, 12" of snow sat on the ground. The snow glistened and the wind blew serpents of slow through the streets as they piled billowing towers of drifted snow on the sides of the road.

Looking at the snow, I asked myself, "How would a karate master like Funakoshi view this blizzard?" The answer shot quickly into mind - they'd view it as a training opportunity.

I armed my myself with a shovel and took my first shovel full of snow. It occurred to me that a true karateka (karate student)would view the shovel as a possible weapon. Each thrust (tsuki) with the shovel was like practicing a thrust with the bo/ staff - even better yet with resistance.

I remembered to work my stance and use my legs by stinking into a sochin dachi(rooted stance) in coordination with each stoke of the shovel. In rhythm with tossing the snow on the mounting pile, I would push of the back leg and rotate my hips to generate the force of the throw. I thought of our martial arts concept of Kime or concentration of power. Kime happens when our stance - Sochin dachi, our technique - throwing the snow, and our breath come together at the end to execute the perfect movement.

As I worked on my kime and focused on achieving the perfect technique, I felt myself slip in the zone and effortless working toward the goal of clearing the driveway. As I completed the job, I slipped into a reverie of my old training when we would stand in lines throwing a hundred punches. I could almost hear the ichi, ni, san... of my Sensei counting as I pumped out each rep until I finished the job.

Sensei Tim Rosanelli
Maximum Impact Karate
(215) 249-3532
www.maximpactkarate.com
timrosanelli.blogspot.com
60situpschallenge.blogspot.com

↑ Grab this Headline Animator

The Secret Word ~ Discipline

In starting, my year living like a karate master. I've kept up with the training requirements for over two weeks now.

I asked my adult black belts, "If you were going to live like a karate master, what would that require?" Stan Broskey piped in instantly, "Discipline." The word reverberated through the dojo as if attempting to shake down the walls.

Ah yes, the good old word discipline. Looking at the world we live in, I am quickly realizing that this quest to live a year like a ancient karate master requires more discipline then even the ancient masters needed.

Why? Well, think about it...

We have so many more distractions in our lives - cars, TVs, cell phones, internet, facebook, etc., etc., etc. The list goes on and on. The ancient karate masters like Master Funakoshi didn't need to worry about these distractions because they lived in poverty and these other things were not available. Their way of life that we respect so much was forced upon them by circumstance.

On the other hand, my year is going to require tremendous discipline to cut through all the distractions. To keep up with my quest, I already needed to make some sacrifices like cutting out TV and some computer time. I guess time management will be key.

Sensei Tim Rosanelli
Maximum Impact Karate
(215) 249-3532
www.maximpactkarate.com
timrosanelli.blogspot.com
60situpschallenge.blogspot.com

↑ Grab this Headline Animator

Living a Year like a Karate Master

I read an inspirational book by Ed Dobson called The Year of Living like Jesus. I thought it was a great idea for self-discovery. It was such an interesting idea that I thought I would do something similar ~ to live a year like a karate master… Similar to Master Funakoshi, Master Itsou, and Master Matsumura.

I finished another book called Shotokan's Secret that got my creative juices flowing even further. Although I would never call myself a karate master, I feel that I could glean many valuable life lessons and insights about myself, karate, and the thoughts of the old masters by attempting to live the way they did... sort of getting into their mind.

In order to emulate their lifestyle, I decided on some rules that I will call daily habits to get me started. As I continue, I may add additional habits as I see needed.

Habit #1 – I’ll spend 5 minute per day in prayer or meditation.

Habit #2 – I’ll perform 100 strikes and kicks per day preferably into makiwara or heavy bag
or… 200 Strikes with staff or sword.

Habit #3 – I’ll perform all advanced kata once per day. Shotokan has 20 Advanced kata.

Habit #4 – Sunday will be a break from the physical training and mental training will be pursued on this day. I will spend time reading and studying on Sundays.

Habit #5 – I’ll eat 5 to 6 small meals per day and avoid overeating at any single meal.

Habit #6 – Once a month, I’ll engage in some sort of outside training.

Habit #7 – I’ll maintain a training regiment of 3 days of cardiovascular exercise and 3 days of strength training.

Sensei Tim Rosanelli
Maximum Impact Karate
(215) 249-3532
www.maximpactkarate.com
timrosanelli.blogspot.com
60situpschallenge.blogspot.com

↑ Grab this Headline Animator