Meaning of Kaizen

• Literal Translation: “Kai” (change) + “Zen” (good) = continuous improvement for the better.

• It emphasizes making small, steady progress rather than expecting overnight transformation.

• The mindset is about focusing on details, learning from mistakes, and striving to be just 1% better each day.

• Apply ZENTENSITY

Application at Viola Karate

1. On the Mats (Martial Arts Training)

   • Students apply Kaizen by refining their stances, punches, kicks, and kata — never settling for “good enough.”

   • Every class is about building on yesterday’s effort: sharper technique, deeper focus, stronger spirit.

   • Testing and belt progression reflect Kaizen — advancement isn’t about rushing but about consistently improving.

2. Life Skills & Character

   • Viola Karate uses Kaizen as part of its Black Belt in Life® and Sensei Says® curriculum.

   • Students learn that this concept applies outside the dojo: in school, at home, and in relationships.

   • It’s tied to concepts like respect, perseverance, and responsibility — aligning with the dojo’s philosophy that martial arts is about building character as much as skill.

3. The “1% Better” Philosophy

   • Kaizen is often explained as striving to be just 1% better each day.

   • Over time, those small gains compound into huge growth — whether in martial arts, academics, or personal goals.

   • Viola Karate ties this into motivational themes like Zentensity (focus + intensity) and the motto: Practice. Practice. Practice.

At Viola Karate, Kaizen ensures that students, from white belts to black belts, understand that the journey never ends. Mastery isn’t about perfection; it’s about steady, lifelong improvement.  The methodology is outlined in Sensei Bill Viola Jr.’s book COMMONSENSEI

Bill Viola Jr.’s 864 Seconds of Kaizen 

The 864 Second concept is built on one simple truth and foundation of SENSEI SAYS ®:

There are 86,400 seconds in a day.
If you dedicate just 1% of your day (864 seconds) to intentional self-improvement, you change your life.

864 seconds = 14 minutes and 24 seconds.

That’s it.

It doesn’t mean being perfect.
It doesn’t mean winning every time.
It means getting a little better every single day.

Just 1%.

What Can You Do in 864 Seconds?

Here are some ideas:

• Practice your kata

• Throw 100 extra punches

• Stretch your splits

• Read a chapter of a book

• Review homework

• Practice gratitude

• Help a teammate

• Work on balance drills

• Visualize your next competition

Small work. Big results. 

Why It Works

Most people think they need hours to improve.

They don’t.

They need consistency.

When you improve 1% every day:

• You build confidence.

• You build discipline.

• You build winning habits.

• You become unstoppable.

That’s how champions are made. 

Champions Don’t Wait

They don’t wait for motivation.
They don’t wait for perfect conditions.
They don’t wait for someone to tell them to work hard.

They use their 864 seconds.

Every. Single. Day. 

Sensei Says:

“Big goals are built from small daily actions.”

You don’t have to be the best today.
You just have to be better than yesterday.

That’s Kaizen.
That’s 1%.
That’s 864 seconds.

The Beauty of Zentensity + Kaizen

Calm Fire. Daily Growth.

At Viola Karate, two powerful ideas work together:

Zentensity – The mindset.
Kaizen 1% (864 Seconds) – The method.

One fuels the moment.
One builds the future.

Together?
Black belt in Life

At Viola Karate, we teach more than punches and kicks.

We teach mindset.

Two of the most powerful principles in our culture are Zentensity and Kaizen 1% (864 Seconds). Individually, each is powerful. Together, they create something extraordinary.

They create black belts in life. 

What Is Zentensity?

Zentensity is calm intensity giving you the rare ability to PUSH PAST POTENTIAL.

It’s the ability to stay composed while performing at your highest level. It’s focused energy without panic. It’s confidence without chaos.

You’ve seen it before:

• The athlete who looks relaxed before stepping onto the mat.

• The student who takes a deep breath before a big test.

• The competitor who blocks out the crowd and locks into the moment.

Zentensity is controlled fire.
It’s intensity guided by discipline.

It allows students to perform under pressure with clarity and confidence.

Kaizen?

Kaizen means continuous improvement.

Not dramatic overnight transformation.
Not motivational hype.
Not shortcuts.

Just small, consistent daily progress.

• Extra reps after class

• Reviewing techniques

• Stretching

• Reading

• Studying

• Practicing gratitude

Small efforts, repeated daily, create powerful results.

Kaizen builds skill.
Kaizen builds discipline.
Kaizen builds habits.

Why They Work Best Together

Here’s the beauty:

Kaizen builds you.
Zentensity reveals you.

Kaizen is preparation.
Zentensity is performance.

Kaizen happens quietly — every day, when no one is watching.

Zentensity shows up when it matters most — test day, tournament day, game day, presentation day.

Without Kaizen, there is no foundation.
Without Zentensity, there is no edge.

Together, they create:

• Calm confidence

• Mental toughness

• Long-term growth

• Focused execution

• Elite performance

In the Dojo

A student who commits to 864 seconds a day develops real skill. Over time, that discipline becomes identity.

Then when they bow onto the mat?

They don’t hope they’re ready.
They know they’re ready.

That’s Zentensity.

Beyond Martial Arts

This philosophy extends far beyond the dojo.

Zentensity helps students:

• Stay calm during exams

• Speak confidently in class

• Handle pressure

• Lead with presence

Kaizen helps students:

• Improve academically

• Develop discipline

• Build strong habits

• Grow 1% every day

Together, these principles create what we call a Black Belt in Life® mindset.

The Bigger Lesson

Success isn’t built in one big moment.

It’s built in small daily decisions.

Improve daily.
Perform calmly.
Compete confidently.

That’s the beauty of Zentensity and Kaizen.

Calm fire.
Daily growth.

And when practiced consistently, it doesn’t just build better athletes — it builds stronger leaders.