💡 Support Budo Mindset Magazine! 💡

If you enjoy Budo Mindset and believe in our mission to highlight traditional karate, inclusivity, and leadership, please consider supporting us! Every coffee fuels our work and keeps this platform thriving! ☕🥋

From white belt to black belt and beyond, the secret to loving your martial arts journey lies in one simple mindset: always be learning. In this inspiring piece, we look at how a spirit of curiosity and openness can keep your training fresh and joyful—no matter your age or experience. 

In January 1988, I embarked on one of the most physically demanding challenges of my karate career — a 30-person kumite. What began as a fundraising effort quickly turned into an intense test of endurance, strength, and willpower. This article takes you back to the brutal training of the 80s, revealing the full-contact sparring, the injuries, and the mental grit needed to push through it all. It’s a raw look at the trials of karate during that era and the lessons that still shape my approach today. 

 The karate dogi is more than just a uniform; it’s a symbol of our commitment to the art and our connection to tradition. But finding the perfect dogi that fits just right can be a real challenge, especially with the variety of styles, materials, and fits available. In this article, Sensei Hayden shares their personal journey of searching for the ideal dogi and the importance of finding one that feels natural and works with your body. It’s more than just a garment—it’s a part of your practice. 

This past weekend, I had the honor of training with two highly respected instructors in the world of karate: Richard Amos and Matt Price sensei. Their expertise, energy, and insight left me deeply inspired and reminded me of the power of dedication and discipline in the martial arts. In this article, I share my reflections on the camp, the lessons I learned, and the incredible experiences that came from training with these two legends. 

 Karate is more than just technique — it's about respect, growth, and unity. But what happens when politics get in the way of that spirit? This article shares a deeply personal journey through the political obstacles within the Karate world, from inspiring beginnings to disheartening confrontations and bold new starts. If you’ve ever felt the friction between tradition and progress, this one’s for you. 

Karate is more than just movement—it's a way of life. In this heartfelt reflection, Joe Al-Gharabally shares how the etiquette of karate shaped his journey from a bullied schoolboy to a global consultant and 3rd Dan instructor.

Click the link to read his powerful story of respect, resilience, and lifelong learning.

 We all have that one kata we connect with on a deeper level — the one that just feels right. In this personal reflection, we explore why having a favourite kata isn’t just natural, but also enriching. Whether it’s the rhythm, the bunkai, or simply the way it makes you feel, your favourite kata can reveal a lot about your journey in karate. So… what’s yours? 

 In Shotokan karate, earning a black belt is often seen as the pinnacle of achievement—a symbol of discipline, dedication, and technical skill. But beyond that coveted belt lie Dan ranks, markers of progression that can shape a practitioner’s journey in powerful ways. Yet as we climb the ladder of gradings, it’s worth pausing to ask: do these ranks truly reflect what matters most in karate? This article takes a closer look at the Dan system, questioning its significance and exploring what lies beyond the pursuit of rank. 

 Editor’s Note:
In this thought-provoking letter to the editor, the writer courageously lifts the lid on a subject many practitioners whisper about but few openly address—the hidden politics within the karate world. Highlighting personal experience, historical events, and the impact on both students and instructors, this piece invites us all to reflect on the kind of martial arts community we want to be part of. A must-read for anyone committed to the true spirit of karate. 

 When the world came to a standstill during the pandemic, the global karate community faced an unprecedented challenge: how to keep training alive without the dojo. In true martial spirit, practitioners around the world adapted, embracing technology to stay connected and continue progressing. This article explores how Zoom became an unlikely but powerful ally in karate’s ongoing evolution—bringing new opportunities, unexpected benefits, and a global sense of unity to an ancient tradition. 

While they offer structure and credibility, some become restrictive, controlling, or even abusive. If you've ever felt pressured, excluded, or unfairly treated, you're not alone. 

Unlike other kata, Ten No Kata does not contain complex movements or distinctive characteristics. Nor is it particularly 'flashy'. Compared to Unsu, Kanku Sho, or even Heian Nidan, it may seem almost too simple.

However, there is a beauty in the simplicity of Ten No Kata.

Click the link to read more!

 "When the master governs, the people are hardly aware that she exists. Next best is a leader who is loved. Next, one who is feared. The worst is one who is despised. If you don't trust the people, you make them untrustworthy. The master doesn't talk; he acts. When his work is done, the people say, 'Amazing—we did it all by ourselves!'"
— Tao Te Ching, Chapter 17

Read the article ⬇️

 Karate is built on respect, discipline, and personal growth—but what happens when ego and rank are used to intimidate rather than uplift? In this powerful article, Steve King sensei shares his personal experiences of facing and overcoming bullying in the dojo, the responsibility of a true Sensei, and the importance of standing up for what is right. 

Read the article ⬇️

In this powerful and personal article, Sensei Andy Patton shares his journey of adapting to a permanent hip injury while continuing to train, teach, and evolve in Shotokan Karate. Offering practical advice and honest reflections, he shows that injury need not mark the end of the martial arts path—but can instead lead to a deeper, more resilient practice. We're dedicated to helping you live your best life. From healthy recipes to travel tips, we've got everything you need.