Student

Once you learn to QUIT, it becomes a habit. The real training starts, when YOU want to stop.

If your instructor PUSHES you. If your instructor DISCIPLINES you. If your instructor DEMANDS the best from you, ALL the time… Then he or she truly CARES….. . Life presents us with a multitude of choices and challenges, often leaving us torn between our capabilities and limitations. The phrases “I can” and “I can’t” shape […]

Once you learn to QUIT, it becomes a habit. The real training starts, when YOU want to stop. Read More »

“Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher.”

The martial arts is a discipline that extends far beyond physical combat; for many it embodies a way of life that cultivates self-discipline, respect, and personal growth. And at the core of every martial arts journey lies the martial arts teacher. . A great martial arts teacher is not merely an instructor but a mentor,

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The Master is not a form, nor a name, it’s an indication that directs you to where you come from.

Karate, has been passed down from generation to generation, and with each new generation building on the knowledge and experience of the previous one. . One of the fundamental aspects of traditional karate is its emphasis on lineage and the importance of maintaining the teachings of our predecessors. . Traditional lineage refers to the transmission

The Master is not a form, nor a name, it’s an indication that directs you to where you come from. Read More »

“Self-praise and over-confidence is a sickness that corrupts training.”

The martial arts are more than just physical techniques used for self-defense, or competition. It is a way of life that involves self-discipline, respect, self-awareness and more. . One of the most important aspects of martial arts is understanding the role of ego and its impact on both personal development and martial arts practice. .

“Self-praise and over-confidence is a sickness that corrupts training.” Read More »

“We should open karate to the public and receive criticism, opinions and studies from other prominent fighting artists.”

The modern interpretation of karate, and its many variations, has evolved in to something quite different to which the original pioneers had in mind when it was first developed. . Many of the techniques of karate have become completely unrealistic in application, which unfortunately, are often passed off as real-world practical self-defense techniques. . What

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“Walk a single path, becoming neither cocky with victory nor broken with defeat, without forgetting caution when all is quiet or becoming frightened when danger threatens.”

One of the most recognizable aspects of karate is the black-belt, which is awarded to those who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the art. But the black-belt is more than just a physical accessory or a symbol of skill; it represents a journey of personal growth and development. Another beginning, not the

“Walk a single path, becoming neither cocky with victory nor broken with defeat, without forgetting caution when all is quiet or becoming frightened when danger threatens.” Read More »

Kata is NOT merely a formalized pattern of movements with blocks, punches, and kicks, containing simulated fights with multiple attackers from multiple directions.

What is karate? Originating on the small island of Okinawa, created for its effectiveness in self-defense. But today, is it sport, self-defense, a way to improve character, a martial art? . It can be many or all those things, but for me there has to be a distinction between them all and an understanding which

Kata is NOT merely a formalized pattern of movements with blocks, punches, and kicks, containing simulated fights with multiple attackers from multiple directions. Read More »

Kata is a fundamental component of traditional martial arts.

Kata is a fundamental component of traditional martial arts. . However, in recent years, there has been a growing trend among some practitioners to ignore kata, or at least consider it of low importance compared to other aspects of the art. . It is my belief that this trend is due to several reasons, which

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“Many Karate teachers teach a watered down style – no hip action and no depth of punching – so it is easy to say that these teachers have no depth to their knowledge.”

The proverb “Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself”, is a powerful reminder of the role that teachers play in our lives. Teachers are there to provide us with knowledge, guidance, and support, but ultimately, it is up to you to take responsibility for your own learning and growth. . In today’s

“Many Karate teachers teach a watered down style – no hip action and no depth of punching – so it is easy to say that these teachers have no depth to their knowledge.” Read More »

“The meaning of the directions in kata is not well understood, and frequently mistakes are made in the interpretation of kata movements.”

Enbusen (演武線 – embusen) is a term commonly used in the martial arts world. In its simplest form it refers to the pattern or shape of the movements that make up a particular kata. . The enbusen of a kata is an important aspect of its execution, as it provides a visual representation of the

“The meaning of the directions in kata is not well understood, and frequently mistakes are made in the interpretation of kata movements.” Read More »

WAIT. You’ve only been taught to fight? NOW WHAT?

A comment on one of my articles about ‘self-defense or fighting’ said that “if you’re young enough [snip] why can’t you do both? (self-defense and sparring)”. . Well of course, you can. You can do both provided you understand the differences and you are aware of the dissimilarities. . But it’s not wise to do

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Self-defense or fighting? Do the research. Be aware of the differences, and be ever mindful of them.

Anyone claiming to teach self-defense has a moral obligation to do the research. . Sport training is created to ensure success in sport. It makes little sense to train to develop one set of skills when they are not the skills you wish to actually attain. If you want self-defense skills, then you should be

Self-defense or fighting? Do the research. Be aware of the differences, and be ever mindful of them. Read More »