Student

Beyond the Fight: What Happens When the Fight Changes? Karate, The Art of Balance.

Bunkai, Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Learning, Martial Arts, Masters, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Self-Defense, Self-Protection, Sensei, Student /

(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 […]

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As we age, the focus should shift from physical prowess to mental and spiritual growth, embodying the true spirit of karate.

Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Learning, Martial Arts, Masters, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Sensei, Student /

(Approx 1 minute 50 second read) The islands at the southern end of Japan, once known as the Ryukyu Islands, have historically been known for longevity – once called the land of immortals. . People in Okinawa live longer than almost anyone on earth. This Japanese region has the highest proportion of people over 100

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The Importance of Context: How It Shapes Our Understanding Beyond Style.

Bunkai, Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Learning, Martial Arts, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Self-Defense, Self-Protection, Sensei, Student /

(Approx 2 minute read) Whenever people ask me about karate or inquire about joining our dojo, the question I get asked most often is, “What style of karate do you practice?” It’s a question that reveals a lot about the way people perceive martial arts. But what does this information really tell us? Does knowing

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Beyond the Surface: Choosing Depth Over Superficiality.

Bunkai, Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Learning, Martial Arts, Masters, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Self-Defense, Self-Protection, Sensei, Student /

(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) An interesting comment said, “Maybe in order to truly understand and utilize kata, we need to reduce the number. Think about it – most martial arts are pressed for time. We are trying to teach people to win competitions, pass gradings, and possibly add applications/bunkai/self-defense. Usually, on a couple

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Reconnecting with Karate’s Origins: Understanding its roots.

Bunkai, Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Learning, Martial Arts, Masters, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Self-Defense, Self-Protection, Sensei, Student /

(Approx 1minute 40 second read) We live in an age where any idea, concept, theory, principle, or fact from history is just a click away. . With such unprecedented access to information, one might expect that opinions about martial arts, especially karate, would be grounded in a solid understanding of its rich history and evolution.

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Fast Isn’t Always Better: Speed vs. Substance. The Timeless Depth of Karate.

Bunkai, Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Learning, Martial Arts, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Self-Defense, Self-Protection, Sensei, Student /

Many practitioners are searching for more in their karate practice. They’ve seen modern disciplines like MMA and realized that the karate they’ve been learning doesn’t quite measure up to what they’ve witnessed. . If we want our students to truly grasp the concepts, principles, and ideas of realistic karate, they must experience these things in

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Beneath the Surface: Kata’s Hidden Wisdom and the Lessons of Karate’s Most Misunderstood Practice.

Bunkai, Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Learning, Martial Arts, Masters, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Self-Defense, Self-Protection, Sensei, Student /

(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) Karate over the decades has been significantly diluted, which means that today, regardless of the reason you’re learning, you might not be getting the full benefit of what this art truly offers. Karate is not just about competition, health, or even the martial art itself – it’s about mastering

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Karate: The Art of Common Sense?

Bunkai, Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Learning, Martial Arts, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Self-Defense, Self-Protection, Sensei, Student /

(Approx 2 minute 15 second read) If you regularly read my articles, I’m sure you recognize that I prefer my karate to be pragmatic and practical rather than for any kind of competition. In the comments section I often find myself bewildered by the lack of common sense and logic that sometimes pervades discussions and

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The Keiko-Gi Badge: A Symbol Worn With Pride.

Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Learning, Martial Arts, Masters, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Sensei, Student /

(Approx 1 minute 30 second read) Wearing your dojo or association badge on your keiko-gi, is a significant tradition in the world of karate, or the martial arts in general. Echoing early medieval and martial arts schools where practitioners displayed or wore patches or symbols identifying their lineage, their clan. . Today, this seemingly simple

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The Reality of Resistance: When Realism Matters.

Bunkai, Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Learning, Martial Arts, Masters, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Self-Defense, Self-Protection, Sensei, Student /

(Approx 1 minute 30 second read) If you promote your martial art to include self-defense, then it’s essential that you incorporate high-intensity, realistic training. This might seem obvious, but often this isn’t the case. . When demonstrating practical applications, the techniques must be shown with a resisting opponent. Initially of course, static training is necessary

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Driven to Win: Chasing Victory, The Drive and Discipline of Sport Karate Competitors.

Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Learning, Martial Arts, Masters, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Sensei, Student /

(Approx 2 minute read) Today, my focus is on the more practical and pragmatic side of karate. However, back in the 1970s and 1980s, I loved the thrill of competition. I’m not talking about street fights of course, but sport karate tournaments. . I wasn’t world champion material, but in my mind, I was. Yes,

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“Kakie. You have to rely on your senses, not power.”

Bunkai, Development, Dojo, Japan, Karate, Learning, Martial Arts, Masters, Motivation, Okinawa, Philosophy, Sensei, Student /

(Approx 1 minute 30 second read) “Kakie (カキエ). You have to rely on your senses, not power. Targets open up during an exchange, so strike as they open up. You can sense what’s coming even if you’re looking away. It’s all about this feeling.” – Minoru Higa, 10th Dan Kyudokan Shorin Ryu . Kakie, often

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