By Sensei Serge Sognonvi and Carmen Sognonvi
Originally published at http://www.urbandojo.com/blog

Here’s a round-up of the best martial arts-related news stories and blog posts that we came across this week.

Boost Your Karate Talent the Spartan Way
In this funny post, martial arts blogger Jesse Enkamp wonders if there’s a correlation between the condition of the facilities at a martial arts school and the quality of the students. In other words, do you need a run-down, “butt-ugly dojo” (his words) to develop the most skilled practitioners?

A Lesson About Character
Martial arts writer and researcher Charles C. Goodin shares a simple but profound story that illustrates what it really means to be a successful martial arts student. Hint: It’s not about how many trophies you have.

Karate: Is It About Fighting or Self-Defense?
Almost every martial arts school touts the benefits of learning how to defend oneself. But isn’t point sparring, for example, more about fighting? In this post, martial arts student and blogger Sue C. explores the blurry line between self-defense and fighting in karate.

The Most Important Thing…
What’s more important? Footwork or stance? Stand-up or ground? Whatever aspect of martial arts you seem to be lacking in will be the thing you think it’s most important. But that’s the wrong approach. In this post, Charles C. Goodin argues that in fact, “everything is important in karate. And character is always the most important and essential thing of all.”

The 5 Essential Elements of Martial Arts
The elements that are most essential to martial arts are just as essential in everyday life. In this post, martial arts blogger and instructor Andy Dickinson breaks down the importance of awareness, breaking balance, distance, breath, and eyes.