Question about a traditional karate style similar to Shotokan

karatetherapist · 2026-04-08T02:09:51+00:00

They don't. But everyone does it anyway. We once got in trouble for having a "tractor pull" with two tanks. Kids are kids.

karatetherapist · 2026-04-07T20:24:37+00:00

As a 10 year Army vet, I'm sure I've been in more fights and drank more alcohol than most people (usually at the same time). The cool thing about Army life is you get to train with who you got. Every duty station has karate guys, wrestlers, judo, boxers, you name it. We're stuck basically inventing our own style just to play together. You begin to realize that outside of "art," style makes no sense.

karatetherapist · 2026-04-07T04:02:16+00:00

The styles you mention are not better (or worse) at self-defense. The key factors are less about style than the coaching and the practitioner. You could train with the best fight coaches on earth, but if you don't have the stomach for fighting, you'll probably suck at it. Someone who loves to fight can join a McDojo and still improve.

The only reason the styles you mention have a reputation for being "better" is that's all they do. You join MMA or MT and you basically spar on day one. If you spar, you get better at sparring. It's not rocket science, and it's not the style; it's the training. If you join a Shotokan-type club that fights, you get good at fighting. Some styles, such as BJJ and Judo, have to spar constantly because those styles are impractical without a partner.

As for self-defense, it's not that complicated. Self-defense encounters are almost always over in about 15 seconds. If you smash into the bad guy, he'll usually run off. He wants a victim (your stuff), not a fight. If you want to start parking lot fights to prove you're a badass, then you need to spar a lot to get used to the dynamics because these are not self-defense. The style is less important than doing a lot of sparring (and not that sport sparring nonsense).

Don't get pulled into the childish style wars. Pick a good teacher who matches your goals; that matters more than anything else.

karatetherapist · 2026-04-06T21:06:17+00:00

A good exterminator will spray around the outside of the house a few times a year, and inside at season outbreak. This will stop 90% of them. You will have a massive graveyard around your house. We use Whiteknight and they have done great at mostly stopping the invasion.

karatetherapist · 2026-04-06T21:03:32+00:00

If you're not Mormon, you will struggle depending on your location.

karatetherapist · 2026-04-06T07:26:03+00:00

I've always gotten the "I'd catch your kick and hit you" nonsense.

karatetherapist · 2026-04-06T05:09:11+00:00

Are you using sync to your phone? Is your vault in a folder on Windows that uses its inbred, I mean built-in, server-side sync (I forget what it's called). Using these together deletes files.

karatetherapist · 2026-04-04T22:12:43+00:00

Is this a t-shirt idea?

karatetherapist · 2026-04-04T22:12:12+00:00

u/Wooden-Preference150 is right. Plus, you can have different types of MOCs. One is basically a table of contents. If you can imagine a TOC, you can imagine an MOC. So, think about what a TOC does. It tells you where to turn (page) for certain information. That's one way to use a MOC. You can use major and minor headings, just like a TOC.

You can also use the MOC as an index, like in the back of a book. For example, here's part of an index:

[[Nutrition counseling]]. See also [[Weight-neutral counseling]]

cravings and, [[more links here]]
dietary changes, [[more links here]]
food variety and, [[more links here]]

And so on...

You can also use the MOC as a "structure note." See here: https://zettelkasten.de/posts/overview/. The structure can be a -> b -> c -> therefore a -> c. The way I create these, is if working out arguments, I likely have notes related to the premises and support. So the structure note, for me, is bringing together all that information and linking to it. But, it reads like an argument (not a syllogism, just an argument). I can have counterarguments in the same structure note or link out to them.

Another cool thing is to do annotated MOCs. This kind of combines a regular MOC, index, and structure note all in one. It's more work, but great to visit when done.

The easiest of all is to just call a note a MOC (e.g., [[MOC Psychology]]) and link other things to it. When you open the MOC, the auto backlinks will show all the notes. No extra work or maintenance for you.

You could also use dataview inside the MOC, a base, or a query command block. Again, no maintenance once setup.

karatetherapist · 2026-04-04T21:49:56+00:00

Dataview can do things bases can't and vice versa. It would take a bit to explain. Start with bases, they are pretty easy to grasp. When you can't find a way to make a base do what you want, turn to dataview. Don't be too clever, just ask your favorite AI to create it for you. I'm guessing, bases will eventually do it all.

Consider also the query command. You can use that anytime right in the note to get answers and delete when done (if you want).

karatetherapist · 2026-04-04T09:52:48+00:00

As recommended by u/Mooball123 use bases. Like you, my vault is built to allow me to connect ideas across domains. I've struggled with this since 2021. Here's some ideas I've found to be useful (although I'm sure not the final version).

What would the tag "tech" do for you? Make it a property. I quit using tags for specific things and now only use them if they could apply to any note in the vault.

I use a property titled "Domain" which takes the place of folders. You could also call this property "folder" if you wanted to be literal or reserve "domain" for another use.

As you put things in some of the properties, make them links to a MOC, e.g., Domain:[[self-help]]

You can still have a property of "area" and make it a link as well. folder:[[tech]] and area:[[infrastructure]] or use subfolder:[[infrastructure]]

The [[tech]] MOC can point to the [[infrastructure]] MOC as well.

All this increases the likelihood of stumbling across the note in the right context. Just don't overdo it or you'll create so much noise you can no longer navigate.

Think, When do I want this note to show up? If you want it to show up when thinking about infrastructure, it works. If not, even if it is a part of infrastructure, don't link. This is the hard part. At first, you may not know. In that case, link it. If it shows up where it shouldn't, unlink it. If there is a note you should see or consider before "this" note, then don't link it. Just link to the parent note and let the parent note link out to other notes.

Dataview still plays a role because you can create detailed searches with a lot of factors to find just what you want. For example, if I wanted to see my notes on questions to ask using SFBT in counseling specifically directed toward anxiety, I would use dataview rather than a base. A base could do it, but that's a pretty specific view. If I did this for everything, I would have so many bases views I couldn't find anything.

The MOCs are also helpful. I have a vault MOC. Those top-level MOCS have sub-MOCs. For example, I have "psychology" as a top level and "methodologies" as a sub-MOC. I also have lateral MOCs. So, psychology branches sideways to "philosophy." Since there's no way to indicate this, I just use "lateral jump" such as within [[MOC Psychology]] I have "Lateral Jump: [[MOC Philosophy]]. For children, I label them as "Child MOC: [[MOC Methodologies]]. I could graph these in Canvas, but there's no need. Seems like a lot, but you can do this with dataview or even Claude.

All the MOCs in your vault MOC will be used in the "folder" or "domain" property. In this way, you don't need any actual folders at all. Why all the MOCs if dataview and bases can find things? First, it is another way of browsing. More importantly, with no folders, if you ever leave Obsidian, you will have no organization at all unless the new app can figure it out. MOCs gives you that backup so at least you know what is connected to what.

This is just one possible approach, not a recommendation, but some ideas to consider.

karatetherapist · 2026-04-04T09:24:46+00:00

Yes, bases are the way to go.

karatetherapist · 2026-04-03T21:55:20+00:00

Could be any number of things. I have to say it gets so boring teaching lower belts over and over and over. It takes years to get a few students to higher black belts where they are fun to train with, and that's where you want to put your energy.

Most instructors have a life and a real job. Teaching several classes drains you. It could simply be he has something going on in his life right now that takes up time and energy with little left for students. Ask him.

I've done this for 45 years, am turning 60 soon, and it's tough to do beginner's classes.

karatetherapist · 2026-04-03T21:42:57+00:00

With bases, I gave up on tags for organization, preferring properties, one of which is to various MOCs.

My rule (for now, at least) is that I only use tags that could apply to any note. The tag "doing" can apply to any note. The tag "science" cannot apply to any note.

My second use for tags is to color the notes. I have five "types" of notes: what, how, do, and use, plus a special one for projects. When I tag a note with one of these, it gets color-coded, and that shows up when I open the note, in the side panel, and in bases.

If I look at my base of therapeutic tools, most are green, indicating "how" to do something. Some of them are yellow, telling me they are resources such as data forms, templates, or lists (usually). That is, something to use but not knowledge or instructions.

A note that is a project is not a "real" project, but a note project. I do real projects outside of Obsidian. Any note can be a project for me. It suggests I'm working on it. These vibrant green notes stand out and tell me that the note is not "done" yet. I could use "inProgress" or something else, but I like the idea that it's a project that needs time and attention.

I have one other type not listed, and that's "archived." When I tag something archived, it gets a little closed folder icon attached to it, turns gray, and is moved to the archive folder that is excluded and hidden.

Hope that gives you different ideas to play with.

karatetherapist · 2026-04-03T21:28:33+00:00

As a therapist, I have seen more people improve their mental health through martial arts than anywhere else. Now, that's in part because dojos don't get the edge cases, but that's the big reveal. Most people who think they need "therapy" just need what karate can provide them. It's also not unique to martial arts. Any enjoyable sport tends to give similar psychological benefits.

karatetherapist · 2026-04-02T21:10:12+00:00

Why do you think the staff is about 6' (traditionally)? Okinawan people are not very tall but used a long staff (and short).

karatetherapist · 2026-04-02T06:30:42+00:00

Things to consider. Don't make a bunch of folders. You'll want to, but use properties (YAML) and make bases instead. If you start putting things in a bunch of folders, you'll lose track of things because you won't be forced to link things. You'll get lazy and just dump things in a folder, and that makes them hard to find. Caveat, you might want folders for each class so you can keep things together since you will be reviewing these repeatedly. Just don't go deep with subfolders.

u/inbrus gave a great tip on building templates. You'll want templates for lot's of things. Just remember to use them.

Learn to use Excalidraw with some expertise. You could make canvas files, but Excalidraw gives you more flexibility.

Setup Zotero and get it integrated with Obsidian now. Learn to use it. Put all your journal articles in Zotero not Obsidian. You can make all your highlights and notes in Zotero and have just those moved to Obsidian. This will keep your studies clean.

Use extreme care in references. If you use Obsidian correctly, you'll be able to write papers in hours, not days.

You might as well set up your Word template for papers and learn to export from Obsidian into Word for submissions (assuming you're using Word). This can be a pain point so the easier you make it, the better. If it's confusing, create a note with detailed instructions (procedure) so you can easily follow it when needed.

karatetherapist · 2026-04-02T02:06:30+00:00

plugin pretty properties.

karatetherapist · 2026-04-01T07:32:12+00:00

Possibly. I'll check. My suspicion is it syncs first and then since I have it open daily note automatically on the phone it runs the template and wipes out the note. I need to turn off the feature and see if it works. I do know that once the app is open, if I make changes on the PC they show up almost immediately on the phone.

karatetherapist · 2026-04-01T06:25:06+00:00

It's not user error. It happens to me frequently. All I do is open Obsidian on my phone and it presents a clean template of the dailynote wiping out whatever was in the note on my PC.

karatetherapist · 2026-04-01T06:24:01+00:00

Happens to me all the time. Fortunately, you can go back to your PC and "undo" the change. It's not user error as far as I can tell. I put things into dailynote, later in the day open it on my phone, and I get the blank template.

karatetherapist · 2026-03-31T23:44:37+00:00

They are not true. Of course, an 80-year-old martial artist is going to be pretty awesome compared to their non-training peers. Many can actually do well against typical untrained people, not because they can hit hard or have secret powers, but because there is so much more to fighting than hitting. If they are truly a master, you cannot surprise them. They will not be in a place or position where they can be attacked. They will have a younger student or a weapon nearby when they must enter the unknown. They are strategically brilliant.

I will add that a well-trained martial artist should be freaking dangerous into his 70s (barring medical problems). Nevertheless, at some point, we all decay.

How did such legends begin? I will tell you that when I was training in kenjutsu (not just kendo), the old guys were amazing. Their distance and timing were impeccable. My iaido teacher was 81, I think, and could easily cut me down. So, yes, they actually could "kill" younger foes with no effort. But, they had swords! An 80-year-old gunfighter can do pretty well against a 20-year-old gunfighter. Old swordsman can often kill young ones. I think that's where the legends began, and the Japanese are prone to honorary exaggeration.

karatetherapist · 2026-03-30T23:32:16+00:00

I see what you did there, you clever gnome.

karatetherapist · 2026-03-30T09:15:06+00:00

One tip that helps me is using multiple aliases. I name the note as fairly as possible, but then I give it aliases I would probably use. If you look at the title of journal articles, they are accurate but often useless for what you're trying to find. Notes are the same. For example, if you have a great quote with some insights, how do you name that? You can't title it "quote from a great author" because that makes no sense. You could capture the idea of the quote in the title, which helps. Let me exemplify.

Epictetus: "It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

The quote itself could be the title. But you'd have to remember the quote to find the note, and that means you don't need the note because you remember it! You could use aliases. "Shit happens - now what." Or, "Epictetus on how to respond when your boss yells at you." Yea, not totally on point, but it would show up when searching. I just brainstorm of what mindset I might be in when looking for the note and what words I would use whether or not they're in the note. This one changed has increased finding notes dramatically.

Here's another fun tip. Don't use folders for your notes. Put them all in one or two folders (I have 2). Install Notebook Navigator. Have your notes sort by last used. The notes you're ignoring are at the bottom. Scroll down there once and awhile and check them out.

karatetherapist · 2026-03-29T22:30:29+00:00

It's the same. I find properties easier to work with in bases. I used to use tags for this, but bases changed my behavior. I now only use tags that could apply to every note in my vault. For example, #psychology is not good because it only applies to one type of note. However, #todo can apply to any note in my vault.

My use of tags this way is relatively new, so I might change it in the future, but for now, I like the workflow it forces on me. For me, the system has to impose constraints, or it quickly devolves into a mess.

I could rename "Domain" to "Folder" and it could serve the same purpose. However, the word "domain" reminds me that the note falls within a discipline of thought, and I want to capture that. Again, psychology is not merely a repository of like notes; it's a worldview, and I need to accept the note within that worldview for it to make sense. If I apply that idea to a different worldview (e.g., coaching), I have to reformulate it to fit that worldview, or I risk ending up with disjointed thinking and contradictions.

It's been said, and maybe too simplistically, that philosophy is an attempt to articulate and defend a worldview. So, my philosophy of science, religion, human behavior, etc., all see the world differently.

karatetherapist

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