(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) For those of us in the UK old enough to remember going into Woolworths with a little paper bag to make our own pic’n’mix of sweets (candy), karate today isn’t that far off, is it? Everybody picks out the bits they like and then somehow assumes the finished assortment […]
Context Is Everything: Why Pic’n’Mix Doesn’t Always Meet the Goal. Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 50 second read) In the martial arts, one of the greatest skills we can develop has nothing to do with speed, strength, or technique. It’s the ability to truly listen. . Too often, conversations between martial artists – whether about training methods, kata interpretation, or self-defense – turn into battles of conviction.
The Most Underrated Skill in Martial Arts: Stop Talking. Start Listening. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 15 second read) Conviction. It’s crazy when people are so confident, so absolutely certain, so entrenched in their own ideas, that they just can’t see outside the box. Their way is the only way – end of discussion. . As well as the martial arts – with a little boxing thrown in
When Belief Becomes Dogma: The Danger of Being Certain. Read More »
(Approx 1 Minute 50 second read) I was asked a great question: “Do all kata start with a move to the left? Are there any kata that start to the right?” . Many beginners start off by learning maybe ‘Fukyugata’, ‘Gekisai’, the ‘Pinan’ kata, which all share one commonality – the first movement goes left.
Step Off the Center Line and Gain the Advantage. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) I’m sure many of you are aware of the Dunning–Kruger effect – I’ve written about it before. It’s the tendency for people with limited knowledge or skill to overestimate their ability. . But without the ability to recognize your shortcomings, how can you hope to improve? . Here lies
When Confidence Becomes a Barrier: Learning to Question Yourself. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) Have you ever wondered why so many techniques in kata seem aimed at the chudan (mid-level)? . Guess what? Perhaps they’re not. . What if the real purpose is to provoke a predictable reaction from your opponent – one that opens up the head or neck as the actual
What Happens After the Strike? Control Them, Don’t Let Them Control You. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 25 second read) As a follow-up to yesterday’s article, I thought I would share a couple of comments I received. . Now and then, I get odd messages from people – especially since I’m an advocate for using kata as a kind of practical Swiss Army knife. . Here’s one that shows
Labels, Myths, and the Loss of Function: The Death of Practicality? Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 40 second read) Take a single technique from any kata – a reverse punch (gyaku-zuki). Most people think of it as just a punch. But what if it’s more? What if that basic movement – seen in countless kata – is a tool that goes far beyond striking? And of course, gyaku-zuki
(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) Someone sent me a personal message saying that I “don’t understand the martial arts” and that if I did, I would “show respect”. . I have no idea what article he was referring to – he didn’t say. He just launched into several accusations. . Assumptions like that usually
Respect Isn’t Silence. Martial Arts Without Question Is Just Obedience. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) Imagine a drill that moves away from unrealistic stepping patterns and reflects the closeness of a real-world encounter. You’re not stepping away to avoid an attack – you’re already there, reacting. A drill that forces you to engage, not rehearse. Best of all, even beginners can practice it. .
Karate at Close Range: The Subtle Work of Kakie. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 35 second read) In the modern world of martial arts, we have more information than ever before – yet we cling to methods that seem to have lost all meaning. . So many facts and opinions are out there, but none of it really sticks. Many people continue to revolve around outdated
Tradition Isn’t the Problem – Repetition Without Reason Is. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 50 second read) Many of the comments and messages I receive about the continued use of step-kumite – which I’m against practicing – still leave me with the same questions. . Why punch, block, punch, block – moving backwards and forwards in a prearranged manner, with no basis in reality? . I’ve
Why Are We Still Doing Step-Kumite? Prearranged and Pointless? Read More »
