Claire's Weightloss Journey

There is no doubt that at present, many of the illnesses that befall us are down to poor diet, lifestyle and the rising cases of obesity.

However, often a major scare comes along which soon brings about positive changes; perhaps it’s the Doctor informing of a Diabetes diagnosis, or that sudden drop in energy was a miniature heart attack which has left permanent arterial scarring, or the damaged joints and tissues that have had to cope under the excess weight for a number of years.

Thankfully for Claire the incentive for change came from the disappointing thought that if she didn’t improve, she would not be able to take her Black Belt grading.

Diet & Nutrition, Fitness, LifestyleBenjamin Eayrs3 September 2019Health, Fitness, Karate Fit, Diet, ExerciseComment

Karate Ain't Your Crutch

Angry - Do more Karate. Frustrated - punch a Makiwara. Sad - another 5 Kata ought to do it. Family relationships breaking down - at least I have Karate.

Sounds familiar?

For some Karate is the default to life’s curve balls.

Stepping into the Dojo is like passing through a portal where one’s troubles vanish and for those 2 hours there is nothing else in the world except to train.

Well, is anything actually getting done about the issues that require disconnection from?

LifestyleBenjamin Eayrs9 April 2019Karate, Crutch, Self-Actualisation, Self helpComment

Self-Actualisation: Karate's Obvious Secret

For many, stepping into the Dojo and donning the white and black is the continuation of that elusive search for ‘perfection of character’, better technique, attainable skill and the mental calm that proceeds the enduring trial for the session.

From the first Kata to the many learnt thereafter Karate contains no secrets, only things not yet understood, left open to the imagination of the practitioner.

On the surface of the Karate training, to those not ready to receive the fullness of what Karate teaches, the physical and mental improvement is the goal. Beyond that, however, lies the greatest lesson for all who would strive on.

LifestyleBenjamin Eayrs19 February 2019Karate, Karatedo, Life, Self-ActualisationComment

What is Karate Worth?

Money and Karate are supposedly like chalk and cheese. They just don’t work together.

And yet, look closely into the history of Karate and you’ll see that money played a very important role, as it does with everything in life.

Sure, money can’t buy you the passion and dedication needed to become proficient in the art, but it certainly acts as a major source of exchange between student and teacher.

So, what is Karate worth?

Karate, LifestyleBenjamin Eayrs5 February 2019karate, Kung Fu, Bruce Lee, Value, Funakoshi, Mabuni, Kyan Comments

Riding Bikes and Practicing Karate

A 2015 estimate put the number of bicycles in use at around 2 billion, with it rising to 5 billion by 2050.

Karate only has an estimated 100 Million current practitioners - a paltry figure.

It’s highly likely that of those 100 Million Karateka, the majority also know how to cycle.

What does riding a bicycle have to do with Karate?

Lifestyle, KarateBenjamin Eayrs17 October 2018Karate, Cycling, Habit, Basal GangliaComment

Maximum Effort

Are you the type that must break a sweat, get out of breath, slump to the floor and crawl out of class? When your Sensei says "Ten more!" do you muster up every last ounce of muscle fibre to push it out? What about turning up to class sick, tired and injured... feeling drained but grateful for the supplements to get you through?

Well, if you haven't yet follow my advice regarding rest in last weeks blog, perhaps I can give you some thoughts on what I consider to be giving Maximum Effort!!

LifestyleBenjamin Eayrs16 January 2018Holiday, time off, celebration, out of the dojo Comments

Taking Time Off

The tree has been packed away, the cards removed, the tinsel hanging from every doorway no longer catching in my hair. All the rich foodstuffs, cheeses, chocolates and meats have been consumed - well almost - and I am now blowing the dust off my neatly folded Gi. Let's see if I remember any Kata!?!?!

You could say it’s been a while, almost 3 weeks in fact. Where have I been? Taking time off of course.

LifestyleBenjamin Eayrs9 January 2018Holiday, time off, celebration, out of the dojoComment