Sensei Preston Barrett, 5th Dan – The Difference Between Training/Sparring Before and After Black Belt

Sensei discusses the similarities between all the Arts – Martial Arts and Creative Arts.

Sensei discusses the way to do really well….let go of Ego. The difference between doing and being comes out in sparring. Sensei discusses the importance of recognizing the connection with an opponent.

Mushin Do means “empty heart” or “empty mind.” When you suspend conscious thought and the mind is wide open you are in a state where everything is known. When you are confronted by an attacker in the state of mushin, you become relaxed.

What comes after attaining Black Belt? After the apprenticeship of the kyu ranks, you become an initiate to the higher skills within karate - an initiation into the mental skills of karate. In the end, if you can learn to use your mind correctly, you wouldn't need karate. Karate isn't really about fighting, it's about learning how NOT to fight.

Synchronizing the body, mind and breathing to develop ki.

Ki cannot be seen, but you can see the effects of it. Being a person with strong ki will protect you. You can transmit this feeling of relaxation into your opponent. Ki allows you to use your body more effectively. Sensei talks about developing “mind strength.”

In today’s interview Sensei talks about the purpose and importance of lineage. Join us next time for another interview in this series. Please go to http://shotokankaratecarbondale.blogspot.com or call 618-561-1111.

In today’s interview Sensei talks about training children, the differences between male and female students and working with a special needs person. Join us next time for another interview in this series. Please call 618-561-1111.

In today’s interview you will learn about how studying karate goes beyond self defense against an opponent and can save your life in other ways. Join us next time for another interview in this series. Please go to http://shotokankaratecarbondale.blogspot.com/ or call 618-561-1111.

In today’s interview you will learn the difference between karate training and self-defense and the importance of confidence. Join us next time for another interview in this series. Please go to http://shotokankaratecarbondale.blogspot.com/ or call 618-561-1111.