Student

Is Modern Karate Right for You? The Critical Difference. Be Prepared, Stay Safe.

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

(Approx 1 minute 56 second read) When you’re looking for a martial arts school or dojo, it’s crucial to understand the differences and ensure you choose the right one. . There’s a critical distinction between self-defense, sport karate, and other forms of martial arts. Choosing the right training is vital. . Many instructors teaching karate […]

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Embracing the Present Moment. The Art of Mindful Living.

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

(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) In many aspects of life, we strive to learn, improve, and feel confident in our abilities. With each step, we inch closer to our goals. But sometimes, a nagging doubt creeps in: “Am I even getting better?” This feeling can be paralyzing, fueling anxiety and hindering progress. . Dwelling

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No One Knows (But Apparently Everyone Has An Opinion).

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

(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) I have been practicing and teaching karate for over 50 years now, and I frequently share my experiences and thoughts through these articles. . At times, I encounter individuals who persistently seek answers, stating the same question on several different articles and messaging me privately, yet they refuse to

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Real Karate is Messy: Effective in the Chaos.

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

(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) We all recognize, or at least we should, the value of our foundational techniques – the basics. It’s easy, though, to want to cast them aside in favor of the more complicated or interesting. While that’s a natural part of progression, neglecting a strong foundation can lead to poor

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Effort Echoes: Show Up, Try Hard, Make Progress.

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

(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) While some might think it takes grand gestures to impress a teacher, the reality is much simpler. . The key lies in a student’s willingness to put in a little effort. . For decades now I’ve been an instructor in the martial arts. Over the years, I’ve seen students

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Don’t Try This at Home: A Lesson in Common Sense.

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

(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

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The Dangers of Misinterpreting Traditional Martial Arts. Facing the Facts of Karate’s Practical Limits.

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

(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

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Rethinking Kata: The Beginning of a More Practical Approach.

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

(Approx 2minute 5 second read) Many readers of my articles have asked for more insights into interpreting kata, feeling stuck with their current understanding. Let’s try to clarify some concepts. . Firstly, you have to change your mindset from block and counter to something more practical. . Let’s start at the beginning, always a good

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The Open Mind: Key to Unlocking Your Potential.

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

(Approx 1 minute 40 second read) I receive numerous comments on my articles from people struggling to decipher their kata. This is understandable, especially when considering the implausibility of many modern performance ‘bunkai’ demonstrations. . A good starting point is to understand that “uke” does NOT mean block. Unfortunately, almost everyone is taught that it

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Traditional Karate Training: Block, Counter, and Real-World Realities.

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

(Approx 2 minute 40 second read) Many believe “traditional karate” is a direct descendant of ancient, battle-tested martial arts. However, the karate popularized and taught in schools and universities in Japan during the early 20th century underwent significant changes with many of the so-called ‘dangerous’ techniques removed. . Karate became a way to develop strong

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Building Foundations. Chasing Knowledge, Not Rank.

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

(Approx 2 minute read) Reaching the level of Shodan black belt is often considered a significant milestone in the martial arts. . However, it’s essential to understand that this achievement represents just a new beginning. Shodan should signify the end of your initial training and the start of building upon a solid foundation. . In

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From Art to Act: The Theatrical Turn of Modern Karate.

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

(Approx 1 minute 40 second read) We’ve all been there: scrolling through the internet, minding our own business, when BAM! A video pops up that makes us snort our coffee out in disbelief. . These clips are often so baffling, so gloriously out-of-touch with reality, that they could make even the most dedicated karate enthusiast

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