(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) In the world of martial arts, grades, are viewed as a reflection of a practitioner’s journey – a combination of technical ability, deeper understanding, and personal character. . Yet, there are times when we encounter individuals whose grade seems to far outshine their skills, knowledge, or behavior. Such instances […]
Earned or Given: The Belt Without Merit. Is A Grade for Sale? Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 25 second read) There are plenty of reasons why kata has become somewhat disconnected from real combat. From philosophical and political decisions made by Funakoshi and others following WWII to common training methods, distorted views of how fighting works, and the spread of information lacking depth. . I get so many
Kata: The thread that connects it all. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute read) Think about the last time you had to deal with a problem but couldn’t come up with a single possible solution. Sometimes making any decision, even if it’s not the best, is better than freezing and making no decision. Indecision is bad. . A student in our dojo was practicing a
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) Apart from my interests and passion for karate, I have another wild passion: Formula 1. . My interest started when I was in my early teens, and it has not wavered since. I follow not just the races but also the technical information, the teams, the drivers, and the
You need great passion because everything you do with great pleasure, you do well. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) If there’s one recurring theme in the comments on my articles, it’s the difference between techniques for self-defense, sport, ‘bunkai’, or some form of ‘kumite’ in the dojo. . Over the years, I’ve addressed misconceptions about self-defense that often lead people to confuse what works in a controlled environment
Teaching Self-Defense? Make It Real. Not a Performance. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 35 second read) A key element in any self-defense situation is self-control. It’s not just about staying calm – it’s about staying in charge of yourself. . You can’t allow someone else to manipulate you by pushing your emotional buttons. I’ve been in situations where people have tried to provoke me, using
Finding Clarity in the Red Mist: Self-Control. Remaining Calm in the Chaos. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 35 second read) In a recent article, I shared an example from my time as an EMT, where I encountered a patient under the influence. I noticed he was about to ‘kick off’, based on his aggressive language, posturing, and movements. . Someone commented, asking how you train for awareness – how
(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) If someone thinks that a lesson has no value, or is not relevant to them, then teaching them will be a waste of time. That person will simply go through the motions. . What I’ve found over the years is that some people just want to keep doing the
When Confidence Becomes Complacency: Locked Minds, Limited Skills. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 15 second read) Someone commented on one of my articles: “Forget about learning self-defense techniques, which you are likely to forget anyway. Just run away.” . Terrible advice. . Learning to escape is paramount in self-protection, but reducing it to just “running away” oversimplifies a much more complex and nuanced skillset. .
More Than a Sprint: Running Away vs. Escape Skills. They’re Not the Same. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 35 second read) We live in an age where knowledge is everywhere. The tools to enhance your martial arts practice – videos, books, apps, online courses – are more accessible than ever before. Yet, with all this information, why do so many karateka and dojo seem to struggle with defining what it
Karate in Context: It’s Not What You Know, But How You Apply It. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute read) Losing interest in martial arts training happens to everyone at some point. It’s inevitable, and there are countless reasons why. . How often have you heard someone say, “I used to do karate”? The decision to stop often happens in an instant. Sadly, years of hard work can be undone just
Staying the Course: Making Martial Arts a Part of Who You Are. Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 40 second read) Imagine the massive advantage you’d have if you knew what your opponent was going to do before it happened. It would allow you to react instantaneously, adapting to their moves with precision. . A person’s unconscious, instant reaction to a stimulus is known as a reflex. If you touched
Predicting the Unpredictable: Every Movement in Combat Tells a Story. Read More »
