Karate Bites — May 2026
Welcome to Issue #3 of Karate Bites — a monthly newsletter from Karate Explained featuring insights, articles, and resources to support your karate journey.
Welcome to Issue #3
Welcome to Issue #3 of Karate Bites.
This month’s edition is about something that sits at the heart of traditional karate: sincerity.
In training, it can be easy to focus only on technique, kata, grading, or performance. But karate has always asked something deeper of us — not just what we do, but the spirit in which we do it.
This month I’m sharing a personal reflection connected to Mabuni Kenzo Soke, lineage, friendship, and the quiet message preserved in a piece of Japanese calligraphy.
It is a reminder that while our technique may continue to develop, the heart of our karate should remain sincere.
Because no matter how far we progress, we are always Forever a Student.
Always Maintain Sincerity in Your Heart
This month’s featured article shares the story behind a framed piece of Japanese calligraphy written by Mabuni Kenzo Soke and received during my visit to Japan in 2023.
The message is commonly understood as:
“Always keep sincerity in your heart.”
For me, this calligraphy is more than a beautiful artifact. It is a reminder of lineage, friendship, responsibility, and the inner attitude we should bring to our karate practice.
Without sincerity, technique can become empty. With sincerity, even simple training becomes meaningful.
Take Karate Explained With You
You can now access the Karate Explained community and learning resources through the Karate Explained app on Android and iOS.
This makes it easier to stay connected, read articles, continue discussions, and access Karate Explained from your phone or tablet wherever you are.
The app is another step toward building Karate Explained as a living learning platform — a place where traditional karate knowledge, community, and structured resources can continue to grow.
With the app, you can:
• stay connected with the Karate Explained community
• access learning resources on the go
• continue your study between training sessions
• keep Karate Explained close at hand
What Does Sincerity Mean in Your Karate?
This month’s featured article is also a good topic for reflection.
What does sincerity mean in your own karate practice?
It may show itself in how we bow, how we train, how we respond to correction, or how we support others on the same path.
Karate becomes deeper when sincerity is present — not only in the techniques we practise, but in the way we carry ourselves as students.
Join the Karate Explained Community
Karate is not meant to be learned in isolation. Inside the Karate Explained community, you can continue the journey with others who value thoughtful training, respectful discussion, and deeper understanding.
Until next time, train hard, stay thoughtful — and always remember you are Forever a Student.
Mike Williams Kyoshi
Karate Explained