I Don’t Call Him Sensei
In this powerful and deeply personal reflection, a senior female Karateka shares her story of navigating a male-dominated martial arts world. From black eyes to broken bones, silence to survival, and ultimately, strength and wisdom—this is a story about voice, resilience, and the importance of women claiming their place in all spaces, including the dojo.
Interview
Introducing Bregje Kaars Sijpesteijn Sensei – A Karateka with Creativity, Depth, and Heart
A conversation with Bregje Kaars Sijpesteijn Sensei
Interview by Yanti Amos
When I saw my name on the teaching schedule for the WTKO Summer Camp in Scotland last year, I knew I had to make one more request: to invite Bregje Kaars Sijpesteijn sensei to be part of the instructor lineup. She’s not only an incredibly skilled karateka but also a deeply original thinker with a refreshingly creative approach to training and teaching. More people need to know her and learn from her.
In this interview, Yanti Amos sensei sits down with Bregje sensei for a rich and thought-provoking conversation that touches on karate, creativity, and the power of staying true to yourself. It’s an inspiring read from start to finish—enjoy!
My Martial Arts Journey
Are you looking for inspiration and insight from someone who truly understands the journey of karate? In this article, Dawn Adam shares her personal story of training with remarkable instructors, overcoming challenges, and finding her passion for karate again. Click the link to read about her experiences with Sensei Chrissie Howard, her journey to Black Belt, and the sense of community she found at Sakura Dojo. Don't miss this heartfelt journey back to the dojo!
To the women and to the leaders in our community
Benefits of Women-Only Karate Classes
Having trained in martial arts for 40 years as a woman, I can confidently say that there are real benefits to women training in women-only karate classes
Breaking Barriers in Martial Arts
In this article, Natasha shares her journey as a professional martial arts instructor, tackling the challenges of leadership as a woman in the dojo. She sheds light on an often-overlooked topic—menopause—and why understanding it matters for both women and men in martial arts. A must-read for anyone serious about creating a more inclusive and informed training environment!
The Sword Polisher
💡 What is the meaning of life?
Yanti Amos shares a profound reflection on teaching, mentorship, and the art of transformation—drawing parallels between the craft of a sword polisher, the discipline of karate, and the wisdom of yoga.
Read the article ⬇️
About Budo Mindset
Fear in the Dojo: A Menopausal Sensei’s Perspective
Fear is a natural part of training—whether it’s stepping onto the tatami for the first time, facing an opponent in kumite, or learning a new technique. As a lifelong martial artist and instructor, I’ve come to see fear not as an enemy but as a teacher. In this piece, I reflect on the many ways fear shows up in the dojo and how we can use it to grow, both as martial artists and as people.
Karate: Has It Helped My Mental Health or Caused Me Issues?
Are we truly supporting our students’ mental well-being in the dojo, or could our training culture be adding unnecessary stress? This thought-provoking article explores the mental challenges that can arise in martial arts training—guilt, pressure, and the struggle to find balance.
Join me as I reflect on my own experiences, the lessons I’ve learned, and the changes we can make to create a healthier training environment for everyone.
Click the link to read more!