(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) When you are inexperienced in the martial arts, or anything really, there comes a point in time where you start asking questions. Some will question themselves, others will ask questions of their instructor, or someone outside their dojo or association. You may not get the answers you were looking […]
Structure, Curiosity, and Asking “Why?” – The Journey Continues. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute read) I thought I would write a follow-up to my article on kuzushi, as it was mentioned that there is a certain kata that teaches an unbalancing technique. . Balance is everything, right? The ability to maintain your own stability while breaking your opponent’s balance is a key factor in effective combat.
Kuzushi: A Universal Principle in All Kata – or Just One? Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 55 second read) Balance and stability are just as important as strength and endurance in the martial arts. It can make the difference between landing an effective punch or kick, evading a strike, or avoiding being taken to the ground, where in the real-world you don’t want to be. . Balance directly
Unlocking Kuzushi: From Balance to Advantage. Read More »
Does karate inherently improve your character? . Character traits can certainly be built, shaped, and even transformed with enough effort and willpower. However, the benefits of character building largely depend on your own values and personal goals. Karate – or any martial art – can serve as a tool for this growth, but it isn’t
Karate and Character: Does Training Forge a Better You? Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) In a recent article, I depicted a practitioner blocking a Bo with a ‘Jodan Age Uke,’ explaining that using this technique in the way depicted is likely to cause injury. One comment disagreed with my perspective, arguing that this is an appropriate defense against such a weapon. . The
The Flawed Approach to Blocking in Karate: Why Traditional Approaches May Fall Short. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) Throughout all of the martial arts and styles that exist, they were all created to make use of biomechanics and the weaknesses of human anatomy. Where the various arts differ is in the rules, the goals, and the context that they are trained for. . In competitions, or even
GET A GRIP: Using Your Techniques in the Right Context. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute read) We are all driven by a complex mix of instincts and fears. Among these, the instinct for survival is perhaps the most powerful – it’s why many of us practice karate, right? . In moments of extreme stress, when we sense that our life is at risk, our minds naturally react
Breaking the Cycle: The Art of Letting Go. Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 40 second read) As an instructor, if you have a goal when teaching your students, it’s important to ensure that the methods you use are the right ones for them. . There are levels to teaching students, no matter the subject. But just because some students are at a lower level or
Building on a Strong Foundation: Why Beginners Deserve the Correct Path. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 25 second read) When people say “enbusen” (演武線), they immediately think of the performance line of a kata. But Enbusen is more than this. . Toshihiro Oshiro 9th dan Shima-Ha Shorin Ryu wrote; “Enbusen isn’t just about where you face when you perform kata. Enbusen is the opponent themselves. Enbusen represents the
The Blueprint of Combat: Enbusen. Every Move Matters. Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 55 second read) I often receive questions from people I’ve never met – requests for knowledge from strangers with no introductions, no context, and often, no sense of respect. It’s a blunt, almost a transactional exchange: “I want information, give it to me, NOW!” . In my opinion sharing knowledge is one
Earning Every Step: Walking the Long Road to Mastery Through Your Effort and Hard Work. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) New karate students typically start by learning a block, a stance, a punch, a kick. Over time, their knowledge expands as they practice more of the same. They might also be introduced to simple escapes or self-defense techniques, followed by block and counter drills with a partner, moving across
Beyond the Basics: Kata as a Framework for Karate Proficiency. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 55 second read) Recently we had two students who were big guys they hadn’t been training very long. Occasionally, we have free drills where anything goes. Now, as they were inexperienced, their contact was heavily restricted. . It was interesting to watch as the exchange began to heat up, as invariably it
Beyond the Fight: What Happens When the Fight Changes? Karate, The Art of Balance. Read More »
