In fighting, other than eyesight, footwork is the most important aspect to insure success. As General George Patton said, “Fixed fortifications are monuments to man’s stupidity.” Standing and slugging it out with an opponent is an ineffectual and mindless recipe for disaster. How many times has history witnessed a guy getting knocked out because he never moved on his opponent but just stood, anchored like a rock in cement, relegating himself to being nothing more than a practice dummy in the gym or dojo?

In many schools of Okinawan karate, before the development of the formal styles known today (e.g., shorin-ryu, goju-ryu, or uechi-ryu), naihanchi shodan was often the first kata learned by a novice karateka. It introduces the concepts of generating power in a small space with isolated movements as well as the way to block an attack while delivering a counterattack simultaneously. Naihanchi was originally created as a single kata, practiced for between one and three years under the tutelage of a teacher, until it was mastered.

Four Star General Norman Schwarzkopf is one of America’s most vaunted military leaders and a true hero. As commander of the United States Central Command, he orchestrated and led the quick and decisive defeat of one of the world’s most notorious villains, Saddam Hussein, during the Gulf War in 1990. “Stormin' Norman,” as he was known by his men, was a tough and valiant warrior, having served in the Vietnam War as a battalion commander.

One of the greatest gifts of martial arts is that rising to any rank requires struggle. It is struggle that makes us stronger, sharper, more skilled, refined, tough and enduring. Rising to the level of Black Belt in the Kiado-Ryu System of Martial Arts demands years of study and thousands of hours of practice—always refining and developing our technique and character. Martial Arts is Life and as martial arts is full of struggles and challenges, so is life.

Source: The Black Belt Book of Life – Secrets of a Martial Arts Master By: Richard Andrew King, Grandmaster, Karate Institute of America and Kiado-Ryu Martial Arts Available in paperback and Kindle: Amazon & RichardKing.net/Books Download this article As the greatest gift exacts the greatest price, the greatest accomplishment exacts the greatest sacrifice. — Richard Andrew King Spiritual development requires great sacrifice. — Saint Sawan Singh

Alexander the Great was one of history’s greatest military leaders. He lived in the 3rd Century BC and was never defeated in battle. As King of Macedon, Alexander created one of the largest empires in the ancient world. The following quote (or a facsimile) is attributed to Alexander. It emphasizes the immense power of leadership.