Self-Protection

MMA undoubtedly showcases the prowess of its athletes, but it is essential to recognize that it may not be the ideal benchmark for evaluating the entire spectrum of the martial arts.

(2 minute and 20 second read) A comment on my article about the strongest karate, stated that; “it has already been addressed in the real world, by MMA”. . MMA has gained immense popularity in recent years, captivating audiences with its dynamic blend of various martial arts disciplines. . It undoubtedly showcases the prowess of […]

MMA undoubtedly showcases the prowess of its athletes, but it is essential to recognize that it may not be the ideal benchmark for evaluating the entire spectrum of the martial arts. Read More »

Choosing the right training, the right dojo, is critical, for your safety and for your peace of mind. Do not take that choice lightly.

In a previous article, I delved into a comment from an individual asserting that their karate was “the strongest.” While the article may have been somewhat lengthy for some (a 2 1/2 minute read – for those who prefer an easier read, coloring books are an option), it generated comments stating that numerous fake karate

Choosing the right training, the right dojo, is critical, for your safety and for your peace of mind. Do not take that choice lightly. Read More »

My style of karate is the strongest.

Recently someone tried to argue with me that their style of karate was the strongest. Informing me that because their athletes were successful in competition going back to the 1960’s, it was the ultimate, the strongest, and the best martial art. . Karate, has evolved into a diverse and widespread discipline. It can be practiced

My style of karate is the strongest. Read More »

‘Karate ni sente nashi’. Apparently some people interpret this literally and often profess that ‘one must not attack first’.

The phrase “Karate ni sente nashi,” (空手に先手なし) often translated as “there is no first attack in karate,” has resonated with karate-ka for generations. . Funakoshi Gichin made this principle the second of his “Niju Kun” (二十訓) (Twenty Precepts), reminding us that “karate begins and ends with courtesy”. . However, clinging to a literal interpretation can

‘Karate ni sente nashi’. Apparently some people interpret this literally and often profess that ‘one must not attack first’. Read More »

You must prioritize avoiding harm over protecting material possessions.

Someone commented on one of my articles recently that today, you don’t really need training for self-defense and violence is exaggerated. . I find this type of attitude very shortsighted. And while for some, you may be lucky enough to live your whole life without ever encountering violence of any kind, unfortunately, there are those

You must prioritize avoiding harm over protecting material possessions. Read More »

“Conceptually, the fence is simple and anyone, irrespective of their skill level, can adopt it.”

Let’s be clear, self-defense is NOT about brawling. It’s about preventing confrontation and staying safe. There’s nothing to gain and everything to lose by getting pulled into unnecessary fights. So remember this; avoidance is your best self-defense tool. . We know from previous articles that having a static high guard doesn’t translate well to real-world

“Conceptually, the fence is simple and anyone, irrespective of their skill level, can adopt it.” Read More »

Most people are not really prepared or trained, physically or psychologically, for a physical encounter, it’s best to concentrate on something that will work – beginning with avoidance.

My recent article about keeping your hands up in a guard in self-defense situations, featured several responses, some stating it works in MMA, or other sports. . You’re missing the point. . A guard IS applicable in consensual fights. . In self-protection, either, you are so close that BOTH HANDS SHOULD BE WORKING, or you

Most people are not really prepared or trained, physically or psychologically, for a physical encounter, it’s best to concentrate on something that will work – beginning with avoidance. Read More »

In real life, a raised guard just paints a bullseye on your forehead. A liability in the unpredictable chaos of reality.

Self-protection or inviting the fight? . In any sporting fighting arena, a tight guard is gospel. But in the real-world where self-defense maybe necessary, it could be a bad idea, both tactically and legally. Why? Because self-defense is NOT a controlled match. It’s messy, chaotic, and often over before you know it. . It should

In real life, a raised guard just paints a bullseye on your forehead. A liability in the unpredictable chaos of reality. Read More »

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.

In real world effectiveness, the ultimate goal is to be prepared, not just to perform. Read More »

“Nothing is more harmful to the world than a martial art that is not effective in actual self-defense.”

It is said that the Okinawan karate pioneers, Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957) and Choki Motobu (1870-1944), did not agree on many things and openly disliked each other. . Funakoshi became an advocate of Karate-do, while Motobu, an advocate of Karate-jutsu. . Motobu in his criticism of Funakoshi, stated that; “Nothing is more harmful to the world

“Nothing is more harmful to the world than a martial art that is not effective in actual self-defense.” Read More »

Self-defense is NOT about winning. You’re not in the dojo, on the mats, in a training hall, participating in a competition, rolling on the floor. Self-defense is about survival.

I have been writing articles for several years now and a misconception about self-defense continuously runs through the comments I receive. . Let’s attempt to clarify things. . Self-defense is NOT about winning. You’re not in the dojo, on the mats, in a training hall, participating in a competition, rolling on the floor. . Self-defense

Self-defense is NOT about winning. You’re not in the dojo, on the mats, in a training hall, participating in a competition, rolling on the floor. Self-defense is about survival. Read More »

“Training in karate ultimately means not having to fight anyone.”

Yoshio Kuba, 10th dan Goju-Ryu karate, once said, “Training in karate ultimately means not having to fight anyone.” This profound statement challenges the popular perception of martial arts as solely about physical combat. Instead, it highlights a deeper principle: true control lies in not needing to use force. . Forget the street-brawler mentality. True strength

“Training in karate ultimately means not having to fight anyone.” Read More »