Thoughts on Kha's School of Karate

Character

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Before turning to another chapter of reflection, I would like to first complete this chapter on the development of character.

March 14, 2026

Houston, Texas

Dear Master Ron, Master Rusty, and Master Kha,

After many years of training, teaching, and observing people, I have often reflected on a simple but important question: What gives a person real value? Not the kind that comes from titles or recognition, but the kind that is built quietly through character and conduct over time.

Character

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Dear Master Ron, Master Rusty, and Master Kha,

I would like to share a few thoughts with the three of you—not as a formal lesson, but as something that has grown inside me through many years of training, teaching, and living.

I have always reflected deeply on one word: character.

Many people speak about character. They describe it with words such as honor, discipline, loyalty, or courage. But the longer I live, the more I feel that character cannot truly be explained by words alone. Words may point toward it, but they cannot fully reveal it. The real meaning of character only appears when a person lives through difficult moments and faces himself honestly.

Mindfulness

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Dear Master Ron, Master Rusty, and Master Kha,

In karate training, technique is important—but an excellent teacher understands that technique alone is never the goal. The real responsibility of a teacher is to guide students toward awareness, toward mindfulness. Without it, technique is only a shell.

Mindfulness begins with simplicity. Teach one technique at a time. Not many, not rushed, not layered. One. And when that technique is practiced, it must be complete. When a student punches, that punch should be the only thing in their mind. The body punches, the mind punches—nothing else. The mind should not be searching for the next movement, the next correction, or the next approval. Presence is the lesson.

Self Discovery

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Gentlemen!

I got locked in for another day. The weather is getting better. I was supposed to catch a flight on Monday and return on Tuesday, but I had to cancel the trip.

I got something and want to send it your way.

Master Thinh

 Understanding True Karate: A Path to Self-Discovery

Many students think that true karate training is measured by the number of days they attend the dojo or by how intensely they push themselves in class. In reality, this is not the case. True karate is not about quantity or extremes; it is about balance, consistency, and mindful practice.

Self Discovery

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Gentlemen!

I got locked in for another day. The weather is getting better. I was supposed to catch a flight on Monday and return on Tuesday, but I had to cancel the trip.

I got something and want to send it your way.

Master Thinh

 Understanding True Karate: A Path to Self-Discovery

In memory of Dao Thi Chinh

Sat, 17 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Dao Thi Chinh

January 17, 2026

In memory of Dao Thi Chinh, the mother of our founder, Kha’s Karate will be closed January 17, 2026

Thank you.

Silkisondan Karate Training

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Silkisondan Karate Training (Draft)

I would like to formally address the traditional framework by which a classical karate class is conducted. This structure reflects the core principles of Silkisondan Karate, which place primary emphasis on the cultivation of character, intellectual development, self-control, and disciplined conduct. This system is not designed for sport competition nor for fitness alone, but for the comprehensive development of the individual.

The Silkisondan Karate system is presently overseen by three senior masters: Master Ron Profitt, Master Rusty Burke, and Master Kha Nguyen. Each has received extensive training under my direct guidance. Their character, dedication, and commitment to the art of karate are of the highest standard. I have complete confidence in their leadership and judgment, and I am assured that they will faithfully preserve the integrity of our system while continuing to refine and adapt it responsibly in response to an evolving environment.

Silkisondan Karate Student’s Oath

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Silkisondan Karate Student’s Oath

A Reflection on Purpose, Training, and Living

As we step into 2026, I feel it is the right moment to bring together the full picture of what I have always intended to pass on to every student who has trained with us—both in the past and those who will come in the future. That picture is embodied in the Silkisondan Karate Student’s Oath.

Between 1980 and 1982, I worked closely with one of my early black belts and a dear friend, Mike Thompson. Together, we spent countless hours discussing, questioning, and refining what a student’s oath should truly represent. Our goal was never to create something ceremonial or repetitive, but rather something meaningful—an oath rooted in lived experience, responsibility, and the deeper purpose of martial arts.

Change

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

As the holiday season arrives and we stand at the threshold of a new year, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to each of you and your loved ones. As we prepare to welcome 2026, it is worth acknowledging that 2025 has been a challenging year for many—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. May this holiday season bring you peace, renewal, and moments of genuine connection, and may the coming year offer clarity, health, and steady progress.

Character, Intelligence, Control, and Discipline

Sat, 20 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Learning and the Development of Character, Intelligence, Control, and Discipline You may notice that the third line of our student’s oath references Character, Intelligence, Control, and Discipline. The word Character is listed first, leading the other three. This order is intentional and reflects my understanding of what character truly means.

Learning is not merely the accumulation of knowledge or the acquisition of skill. It is a lifelong process of shaping one’s character, sharpening the mind, mastering self-control, and cultivating discipline. These four elements are inseparable and deeply interconnected, yet they are not equal in weight or importance.

Happy Holidays

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Dear Masters, Instructors, Black Belts, and Fellow Students,

The holiday season is upon us, and I would like to take this moment to express my sincere appreciation for your dedication, hard work, and loyalty to the International Silkisondan Karate Association. It is through your commitment—day after day, class after class—that our art continues to grow, strengthen, and inspire. I also extend my warmest wishes to you, your families, and your loved ones for a joyful and meaningful holiday season.

Holiday season 2025

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Dear Masters,

As the holiday season approaches, I often find myself returning to a state of mind shaped by the vision and understanding I have followed throughout my life.

I would like to share with you a part of myself—what in Asia is called “Tâm.” In English, it carries many meanings: heart, mind, inner self, and spirit. When you are alone and have no one to turn to, you return to your Tâm.

The Three Timeless Virtues in Asian Culture

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Three Timeless Virtues in Asian Culture

There are three enduring qualities in Asian culture that shine through all people, regardless of background or generation.

Speak with care and respect

Words carry energy and consequence. What we say can either uplift or wound others, which is why in many Asian traditions, speech is treated as a reflection of character. Teachers, in particular, are held in the highest regard—not only for the knowledge they impart, but for the wisdom and restraint they model in their words.

Awareness

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Awareness

At its highest form, awareness is not merely a passive observation but an active and intimate engagement with the present moment. The most we can hope to achieve in cultivating awareness is to be fully present—as events are unfolding, not before or after, but precisely as they are. True awareness is not delayed by thought, nor clouded by anticipation or regret. It is grounded, clear, and rooted in the now.

In honor of Nguyen Van Thanh

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Nguyen Van Thanh

December 30, 1923 - June 6, 2025

In honor of Nguyen Van Thanh, the father of our founder and grandfather of our instructor, Kha’s Karate will be closed 06/22/2025- 6/28/2025.

Thank you for your understanding.

True Karate Training

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Dear Master Ron, Rusty, and Kha,
I wanted to share this piece I wrote in honor of my father, who peacefully left this world yesterday.

With respect and gratitude,

Master Thinh

True Karate Training: A Path to Inner Clarity

In the heart of true Karate training lies something far deeper than punches, kicks, or forms — it is the art of becoming fully awake.

As practitioners, we often move through life on autopilot. If we take a moment to quietly observe, we may notice how our thoughts, emotions, desires, fears, and attachments rise like shadows and subtly shape our decisions. We follow them unknowingly — a whisper of anger, a flicker of doubt, a craving for approval — and yet we believe we are in control.

The 3 bows

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The 3 bows

The first bow: Stay calm

How to achieve “inner stillness – a calm mind”?
Below are some specific and practical practices to help you nurture inner peace amid the busyness of life:

Learn to slow down

When everything outside is rushing, try to walk slowly, eat slowly, breathe slowly, and think slowly. Slowing down allows you to observe more deeply – both the world and yourself.

Practice: Every morning, spend 5–10 minutes just sitting in stillness, doing nothing. Simply sit and feel your breath.

Zen vs Meditation

Mon, 19 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Master Kha’s birthday and Megan’s high school graduation are both approaching—two meaningful milestones for individuals who have brought joy, dedication, and inspiration to our lives.

To honor them and express my deep appreciation and admiration, I would like to present them with the following gift. This gesture is a small token of gratitude for all they have accomplished and for the positive impact they continue to make.

Zen vs Meditation

What Is Zen?

Zen is a school of Buddhism that emphasizes

A journey - Karate Student Oath - Forever Karate Blue Print

Sun, 18 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A journey - Karate Student Oath - Forever Karate Blue Print

I want to take a moment to share a story with all of you—a story about how this journey of martial arts, discipline, and growth began for me. It’s a story that started on April 27, 1971, when I left Vietnam, heading to the United States with a clear mission in mind: to complete my Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering as part of the Vietnamization program, which aimed to replace U.S. military officers in South Vietnam.

Karate & Taeknowndo vs. Chinese martial arts

Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Karate & Taeknowndo vs. Chinese martial arts

Karate

Most modern Karate practitioners—especially casual or newer students—may not be aware that Karate was once referred to as “Kara Jūsudō” or understand its historical roots in Chinese martial arts. This is not necessarily a matter of “forgetting” but more often due to how Karate is typically taught today, with a focus on techniques, kata, and discipline rather than its deeper historical and philosophical evolution.

Silkisondan in Vietnamese

Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Siêu Khí Song Đan (Silkisondan)

Siêu means “super.” Khí is “energy” or “force”. Song is “dual”. Đan means “way”.

In life, we should recognize the mutual gratitude we share with each other.

reflection

Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

May 5, 2025
Houston, Texas USA

Dear Silkisondan Karate Masters and Respected Disciples, I hope this message finds you and your loved ones in good health, high spirits, and in harmony with the changing rhythm of the seasons.

There is no particular issue of protocol, regulation, or technical concern that prompts this message—no urgent matter of policy, nor any routine reminder. In truth, I reach out simply to share a reflection—a word that continues to echo deeply in my heart and, I believe, lies at the very center of our path: preparation.

Essential Elements of Silkisondan Karate Every Instructor Must Master

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Dear Master Ron, Rusty, and Kha,
I got a couple of lines that I want to share with all of you.
Master Thinh

The 5 Essential Elements of Silkisondan Karate Every Instructor Must Master

Class Environment:

Human nature thrives in environments where trust, growth, passion, and learning are prioritized. The dojo’s atmosphere plays a pivotal role in shaping the students’ development and creating a lasting impression. As an instructor, fostering an environment that supports these elements is vital for nurturing both skill and character. The right environment allows students to feel safe, challenged, and motivated to push their limits.

Class changes 2025

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

During recent classes I mentioned that I’ve had changes in my day job and subsequently need to make changes to the class schedule. Effective February 17, 2025, Tuesday and Thursday classes will no longer be available. I invite students to attend the 5:30 class if that better fits your schedule. I hope this change does not negatively impact you. Additionally the schedule - along with closings can be found at https://www.khaskarate.com/schedule/.

Message from Master Thinh - Lunar New Year 2025

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Dear Master Ron, Rusty, and Kha,

As the Lunar New Year approaches, I’d like to share some thoughts to start the year on a meaningful note.

There are certain things in life that we cannot make others change instantly—such as anger, emotions, thoughts, preferences, resentment, and hatred. Those who prepare for meditation learn to let go of these burdens in their minds while fostering an understanding of others. With this preparation, the benefits of meditation naturally begin to take root and transform the individual. This is one of the greatest realizations that meditation can offer.

In honor of Dao Thi Chinh

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Dao Thi Chinh

September 17, 1928 - January 15, 2025

In honor of Dao Thi Chinh, the mother of our founder and grandmother of our instructor, Kha’s Karate will be closed 1/21/2025- 1/28/2025.

Thank you.

Message from Master Thinh Holidays 2024

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Dear Master Ron, Master Rusty, Master Kha, and all Silkisondan Karate followers,

As the holiday season approaches, I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and your families. With Christmas ahead and the New Year on the horizon, I sincerely hope this season brings peace, joy, and growth to all.

This time of year always fills me with reflection and gratitude, and I’d like to share something deeply meaningful to me after having lived in the U.S. for over 53 years.

Thanksgiving 2024

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Dear Master Ron, Rusty, and Kha,

With Thanksgiving just around the corner and the holiday season following close behind, I want to take this opportunity to extend my warmest wishes to each of you and to all members of the Silkisondan Karate community. May you have a Happy Thanksgiving and a holiday season filled with love, peace, and blessings shared with your families.

I would also like to share the following thoughts with all members as a reminder of the importance of striving for self-improvement wherever possible.

Message from Master Thinh Q4 Black belt test

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Dear Master, Instructors, Black Belts, and Fellow Students, Last Saturday’s black belt test was a remarkable event to close out 2024, a testament to the hard work and dedication each of us has committed to our journeys. This occasion is truly a celebration of everyone’s commitment and growth.

Having participated in countless tests alongside Master Ron, Rusty, and Kha, I’ve come to recognize what truly stands out and what I’ve been seeking all along. While precise techniques and forms are vital, my focus goes beyond physical performance.

The Karate Bow

Wed, 08 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The Karate Bow

What does it mean to bow to another student or instructor? It means “teach me”.

You bow 3 times:
1 - When you come in
2 - To the teacher
3 - When you leave

The first bow means love
The second bow means “stay calm”
The third bow means enlightenment. Try to travel, find out how you are. Learn about yourself.

Thoughts from Master Thinh

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Thoughts from Master Thinh

December 22, 2023 Houston, Texas

Dear all Silkisondan Karate Students, Black Belts, Instructors and, Masters:

As the year is about to come to an end, and 2024 is right around the corner, I want to congratulate Master Ron Proffitt, Master Rusty Burke, and Master Kha Nguyen for taking the leadership role to move our training quality to a different level. Perhaps, all of these would not be possible, if there were no behind the scenes support from the spouses and other high ranking students. My deepest appreciation goes to these individuals.

Thoughts from Master Thinh

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Thoughts from Master Thinh (Draft)

Discussion topics

What is wisdon?

Wisdom and enlightenment is opp. Is he shy to your yourself? Wisdom you look outside? Never stop

But best way that’s where. If you if you keep doing it, there’s some point in time you become more aware where you don’t need to take time right? So you can react immediately but how do you get there? Teach them I just say hey let’s throw a punch. Keep punching you say no that’s wrong. That’s what’s right. Yeah that’s technical but what is beyond right? Because when you teach, you don’t really ask a student right? You walk with the student too. Find the answer for them. You you know the answer for you already correct? So when you teach martial art you are actually bring yourself to them level and to be one of them. So when you practice practice for both to get to that point and keep improving if that makes sense. You can take off the events no. But he’s saying bring it bring your level to their level. So if you are black belt to so they can figure it out on their own they can walk and they own with some of your instructions. But you don’t make them like behind a stick. Force them but help them encourage them. So so how do you get to the point that you be totally awaren? That’s the that’s the question. Okay let’s say you you play this right? Yes, you practice right so you keep practicing it and sometimes you make mistakes. Sometime you play better than the other. But when do you get to the point that you feel is right? I think it’s the same as as martial arts or play tennis. Or I mean you know the professional when they serve the ball goes so quick. If you think about it you done. Just no way that you can think of that. The ball goes so fast. So what is how do you get yourself to that level? Okay, when when you think about something when you think about something do not doing fully right? You need to learn to the point you don’t need to think about. First of all, like music, right? You don’t have to memorize right? You can just play it. So the first level you learn ABC right? And after ABC you play the song and after that you keep practicing and what from there? What above that teaching because people pick you out for you to play violin in that group. There’s a reason not just put what is that? When it come to an art when it come to performance dedication thing it’s it’s the top okay. When you listen to somebody who sing is that person in that song or the song in that person? Let me hear the thing karate the same way is karate in you or you in karate? Hello Sarah, what are you? What? What do you think so karate in you so it is on your mind right? But your mind is not on crying how about if we say this? This possibility karate is not even in you and you not even in karate because if the karate in you that just memory if you in karate if you are in karate in history, you’re not in presence. Is that right? Or is not right now where I can where I can talk to you this way inside and out. Okay let me ask you this. Okay? Let me just karate is the time bound that mean you have a time factor in karate just like love right? Just like if you love your dad or your mom, you don’t you don’t say hey. I only love you from 8:00 to 9:00 8:00 p.m. Right? You don’t so so is that love in you or you in love? To get a total picture right? Or the student in you? You in all the student? Can you see it so when when you’re in front of the class when you teach you feel like you should touch all of them and all of them should be in you. So what is attention? You want a student to pay attention to you right? So what is attention? What is focus? Don’t depend on words so much because one lead to another. What is attention? Okay attention mean total total total. Whatever it is that you attend nothing else. It present not in the past tension or attendance. Attention attention. What is paying attention exactly? That mean nothing in the past. Just here they they look at you. Whatever you say, whatever you do that’s they pay attention to it right now. Nothing else. No pass. No sorry no excuse

Thoughts from Master Thinh

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Thoughts from Master Thinh

A larger class moves slower.
A smaller class moves faster.
With a larger class, do fewer techniques. Sometimes doing less means doing more.

…on the topic of teaching, maintiaining good class rhythm and how to practice and present good technique.

Thoughts from Master Thinh

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Thoughts from Master Thinh

Dear Silkisondan Masters:

While the end of the year is fast approaching, I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season.

I like to share with you a few thoughts regarding meditation.

What is meditation? What does one need to meditate?

Let’s find out the answers.

Inwardly, the brain is for learning and the mind is for living. We are our memories and memories are us. Thoughts come from memories. When a thought arrives at your awareness, it involves a movement of time.

Q and A with Master Thinh

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Q and A with Master Thinh 2023 [Draft]

What is meditation?

What is awareness?

What is mindfulness?

What is enlightenment?

What is wisdom?

What is discipline?

What is control?

What is respect?

What is dedication?

What is strength and weakness?

and what is LOVE?

What does karate training mean to you? How do you train(hard/soft/both)? How do you train when teaching class? What is the most important part of training to you?

What percentage of your training should be hard/soft? What percentage of a class should be for techniques/basics/sparring/forms?

How do you run a class for kids under 12 years old versus teenage kids? versus adults? Do you teach differently? if so, how?

How can you teach karate without taking so much time to talk and explain techniques?

When you teach how do you get students to do what you want without explicitly asking them to do so?

What minimum standards do you set for techniques? How do you enforce those standards?

How often do you use the bamboo stick? When do you use the bamboo stick? How do you decide who gets the bamboo stick?

How do you feel about weapons training?

What are good women’s self defense techniques to practice?

Should you supplement karate training with other sports and activities or is karate training enough?

How do you feel about tournaments?

Thoughts from Master Thinh

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Thoughts from Master Thinh

Karate Teaching Ways and Types

Silkisondan Masters:

I think this is a good time for me to share a few thoughts with you.

Karate Teaching Ways and Types: I have seen many, probably too many. One might ask why so many. The right answer is that everyone is doing a little teaching everywhere. My question to me as to what I do with my Karate teaching has always existed. Here is my reply to my question.

Thoughts from Master Thinh

Sat, 01 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Thoughts from Master Thinh

Kicking with the back leg versus kicking with the front leg…

The front leg is meant as a means of checking your opponent. You generate the most power using your back leg.

Reset

The thought of the reset in sparring is similar to boxers throwing a number of punches at each other and then breaking for a moment before throwing another set of punches. In karate we call this the reset. During a sparring session students should be able to exchange a number of techniques before resetting.

Thoughts from Master Thinh

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Thoughts from Master Thinh

Thoughts from master thinh

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Thoughts from Master Thinh

If you can control yourself, you can control anything.

Q and A with Master Thinh

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Q and A with Master Thinh 2021

What do you think is the most impactful part of karate training?

It’s always on my mind when you have a room full of kids and adults, men and women that come from all walks of life. They come in and do the same techinque knowing they all will be diffrent even if they look the same but on their mind and their future what they do is different.