(Approx 2 minute 50 second read) Being attacked with a knife, terrifying. I have seen the results of many of these attacks in my past careers. Some of them fatal. . Very few instructors have experience with defending against knife attacks, yet they teach it in their dojo. . But most knife defense training has…
Category: Kobudo
‘That’ll Do’? No – Not Just Any Tool Will Do.
(Approx 2 minute 15 second read) Maybe it’s just me, but I’ve never liked the attitude of “that’ll do”. . To me, it says “I can’t be bothered” – and that speaks volumes. I’ve always believed in doing things right the first time, or at least giving your best effort. You won’t always succeed, but…
Karate and Kobudo: Two Paths, One Tradition – Complementary, Not Opposing.
(Approx 2 minute 15 second read) Someone commented on my recent article, suggesting that styles also reflect the “weapons reality” that an opponent might use. . He stated that “Okinawan Karate focused on empty hand fighting against weapons such as Bo, Jo, Nunchaku, Sai and Tonfa. This ‘weapons reality’ led to direct, close quarter, power…
“A student also had to have a good character or they wouldn’t teach him.”
(Approx 2 minute 15 second read) Does a change of character begin when you commence karate training? Does karate improve your character? . It is often cited that one of the precepts of modern karate was to improve the character. But can karate truly shape who we are? . Character traits can be built, forged,…
GET A GRIP: Using Your Techniques in the Right Context.
(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…
“I consider it my duty to pass on karate history to the next generation.”
“I started karate by practicing the Shorin-Ryu style under the supervision of my grandfather. After he passed away however, my family moved to Naha city, where I was acquainted with my new instructors. They taught me Goju-Ryu style karate as well as kobudo. Every day it was the same routine, train at school, train at…
Don’t Try This at Home: A Lesson in Common Sense.
(Approx 2 minute read) Continued from my recent article in response to reader comments about the idiotic idea of catching a sword, a ‘katana,’ in the palms of the hands. Mostly, the comments were sensible. However… you know what’s coming, right? . One comment suggested that I was mistaken, claiming it is entirely feasible. He…
The Dangers of Misinterpreting Traditional Martial Arts. Facing the Facts of Karate’s Practical Limits.
(Approx 2 minute 5 second read) Some of the comments on my articles are really interesting to read, often inspiring me to write more. Many of them offer insight into the training of friends and colleagues from all over the world. . On the other hand – OMG. . The article in question was where…
It’s the Journey, Not the Belt: The True Meaning of the Black-Belt in Karate.
(2 minute 4 second read) It’s the Journey, Not the Belt: The True Meaning of the Black-Belt in Karate. . ‘Shodan’ (初段), first-degree (first-level) black-belt, is the bedrock of your karate practice. It’s the foundation you build upon, the launchpad for your continued development. . Earning your Shodan signifies the completion of your initial training,…
The one who controls the distance in an encounter, is the one who controls the situation.
(1 minute 56 second read) The one who controls the distance in an encounter, is the one who controls the situation. . “Maai” (間合い) is a Japanese term that means “interval” or “space between”. It refers to the optimal engagement distance in combat, encompassing both physical separation, and the timing of the attack and defense…
In real world effectiveness, the ultimate goal is to be prepared, not just to perform.
Emotions are powerful, but are they always the best guide in the martial arts? . While passion fuels our training, logic and common sense should offer a crucial perspective for developing functional combat skills. . The journey towards effective martial arts (if this is your goal), involves not just rote repetition, but also genuine understanding….
“If there is effort, there is always accomplishment.”
In the martial arts, achieving the highest rank is a testament to an individual’s skill, dedication, and mastery. The 10th Dan represents the pinnacle of accomplishment. . However, the awarding of the 10th Dan has become a subject of intense debate and controversy within the karate community. . One of the key sources of contention…