(Approx 2 minute 15 second read) The way that karate is mostly taught today seems to always start with blocking. Any step-kumite, drill, or application from kata is shown with a defender blocking an attack before performing a counter. . In my opinion, this is an overemphasis on blocking as the primary means of defense. […]
(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) I often receive comments on my articles that tell me that you don’t need self-defense, you’re never going to need it. Just practice for fun and competition. . Er, no. . As an example, literally a block away from me this morning at 6:30am, there was a carjacking. A
Guard Up? Think Again: A Stark Reminder of Self-Defense Reality. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 35 second read) Kenwa Mabuni, one of Okinawa’s great karate masters, once said, “The karate that has spread to Tokyo is incomplete. Those who believe that karate consists only of kicks and punches, and think throws and joint locks are exclusive to judo or jujutsu, have been misinformed. We should have an
The Missing Pieces: Beyond Judo. The Forgotten Throwing and Grappling of Karate. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) Years ago, while I was living in the UK, someone trespassed into my garden. I heard a noise and went outside to investigate. There he was, perched in a tree. I gave him a piece of my mind, to which he shouted back, ‘Come and get me, old man!’
Just Know – Old Age and Treachery Will Always Outsmart Youth and Enthusiasm. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) Let’s start the New Year by addressing (again) something that so many people seem to get wrong, especially on social media. . The increasing use of the word ‘Osu’ (or ‘Oss’, or a million other incarnations) has become strangely common. It’s often used as a catch-all greeting or acknowledgment.
Respecting Cultural Context: ‘Osu’: It Isn’t Always Appropriate. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute read) A comment on my recent article where I was pushed into the road while out for a run read: “Well written but your first mistake was not crossing the road in anticipation, but sometimes in life our senses do not tell us.” . It’s a valid observation, but it highlights an
The Road Ahead: The Choices We Make in the Moment. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 35 second read) What does personal protection mean today? Let’s face it, it often has little to do with what happens in most martial arts classes. . If you’re thinking about self-protection and you’ve got no choice but to fight, you need to act. Take control, dominate the attacker, and get out.
The Road Home: Staying Safe, One Step at a Time. Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 45 second read) The beginning of a New Year is a time when many set resolutions and goals, hoping to start strong and make meaningful changes. Yet, so often, these aspirations fall by the wayside. Why? Life gets in the way, and for many, the mental resilience to push through challenges hasn’t
Where Commitment Finds a Home: Dedication. Read More »
The journey in the martial arts, like life, is not just about physical techniques. It’s about the personal growth that comes with the process. When you commit to the path, you’re committing to becoming a better person, day by day, year by year. . It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the demands of others or
The Martial Arts Are Like a Mirror: They Reflect Your Strengths and your Weaknesses. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 40 second read) There comes a point in time, after many years of hard work, teaching, and dedicated training, when instructors begin to entertain the idea of going it alone. It’s a natural progression in any art or profession. After decades of practice and immersion, the question arises: What’s next? . What
The Crossroads of Independence: Breaking Free and Knowing When It’s Time to Go Alone. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute read) Can you remember starting a martial arts class as a beginner? I can, even though it was way back in 1974. . If you’ve never experienced any form of martial art or physical fighting activity, it can feel overwhelming – like stepping into an entirely new world. Starting out can be
The Beginning of Transformation: The Path Ahead Starts Here. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) In 1908, Anko Itosu wrote a letter called the “Ten Precepts (Tode Jukun) of Karate” to draw the attention of Japan’s Ministry of Education and Ministry of War toward karate. . One particular point in Itosu’s fourth precept stands out: the importance of the makiwara. “In karate, training of
