Podcast: Sensei Says - The Difference Between Training/Sparring Before and After Black Belt

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.

Thank you for listening!
Sensei Preston Barrett
Shotokan Karate of Carbondale, IL
618-561-1111

Podcast: Sensei Says - What is Mushin Do?

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.

Thank you for listening!
Sensei Preston Barrett
Shotokan Karate of Carbondale, IL
618-561-1111

Podcast: Sensei Says: Black Belt is Just the Beginning

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.

Thank you for listening!
Sensei Preston Barrett
Shotokan Karate of Carbondale, IL
618-561-1111

Podcast: sensei Says: Other Ways to Develop Ki

Synchronizing the body, mind and breathing to develop ki.

Thank you for listening!
Sensei Preston Barrett
Shotokan Karate of Carbondale, IL
618-561-1111

Podcast: Sensei Says: What is the Importance of 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.”

Thank you for listening!
Sensei Preston Barrett
Shotokan Karate of Carbondale, IL
618-561-1111

Podcast: Sensei Says: Cultivation of Ki

Not every martial arts teacher focuses on this, so listen carefully.  Meditation is the main avenue to cultivate ki.  Visualization helps develop concentration. By focusing on the breath we allow thoughts to pass by.  This causes your mind to be more focused.

Thank you for listening!
Sensei Preston Barrett
Shotokan Karate of Carbondale, IL
618-561-1111

Podcast: Sensei Says: Aesthetics, Creativity and the Martial Arts

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

Thank you for listening!
Sensei Preston Barrett
Shotokan Karate of Carbondale, IL
618-561-1111

Podcast: Sensei Says - The Compassionate Warrior

In today’s interview Sensei talks about the spiritual aspects of karate.

Thank you for listening!
Sensei Preston Barrett
Shotokan Karate of Carbondale, IL
618-561-1111

Podcast: Sensei Says - Karate and Spirituality

In today’s interview you hear Sensei Barrett talk about the Quest within karate.

Thank you for listening!
Sensei Preston Barrett
Shotokan Karate of Carbondale, IL
618-561-1111

Podcast: Sensei Says - What Karate Teaches about Life Outside the Dojo

In today’s interview you will learn what karate teaches you about confidence, presence and life outside the dojo.

Thank you for listening!
Sensei Preston Barrett
Shotokan Karate of Carbondale, IL
618-561-1111

Podcast: Sensei Says - Karate Training vs. Self-Defense

In today’s interview you will learn the difference between karate training and self-defense and the importance of confidence.

Thank you for listening!
Sensei Preston Barrett
Shotokan Karate of Carbondale, IL
618-561-1111

Podcast: Sensei Says - How Karate Can Save Your Life

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.

Thank you for listening!
Sensei Preston Barrett
Shotokan Karate of Carbondale, IL
618-561-1111

Podcast: Sensei Says - How to Be Successful at Karate

In today’s interview you will learn what it takes to be successful at karate, what Sensei looks for in a student and why you shouldn’t quit at Black Belt. 

Thank you for listening!
Sensei Preston Barrett
Shotokan Karate of Carbondale, IL
618-561-1111

Podcast: Sensei Says - Who Can Learn Karate?

In today’s interview Sensei talks about training children, the differences between male and female students and working with a special needs person.

Thank you for listening!
Sensei Preston Barrett
Shotokan Karate of Carbondale, IL
618-561-1111

Podcast: Sensei Says - The Purpose and Importance of Lineage

In today’s interview Sensei talks about the purpose and importance of lineage. Sensei is a student in direct line from Guchin Funakoski.

Thank you for listening!
Sensei Preston Barrett
Shotokan Karate of Carbondale, IL
618-561-1111

Podcast: Sensei Says - What Are The Benefits of Karate

Sensei Preston Barrett discusses both the physical benefits of studying karate and the lessons it teaches you about life.

Thank you for listening!
Sensei Preston Barrett
Shotokan Karate of Carbondale, IL
618-561-1111

Shotokan Karate - Green Belt Test

Here is an example of the test to earn a Green Belt.  The kata is Heian Yondan, followed by kumite (one-step sparring).  Notice there is no contact allowed at this level.

Podcast: Sensei Says - How I Became Interested in Karate

Sensei Preston Barrett talks about his initial interest in karate and how he came to teach.

Watch here for more podcasts about once a month.

Thank you for listening!
Sensei Preston Barrett
Shotokan Karate of Carbondale, IL
618-561-1111