(Approx 2 minute 35 second read) ‘Fighting’. If you think about it, it’s not difficult, is it? Most of us had scraps as kids, play fights with parents, siblings, or mates down the park. We all had a fight now and then. . Then we joined a karate club, and suddenly it became difficult. We…
Tag: Black-Belt
Educating the Ignorant (That Would Be Me): Apparently, I Need to Be Educated.
(Approx 2 minute 50 second read) Apparently, I need to “be educated”. . The saga about step-kumite will not leave me alone, it seems. Another high-ranking instructor from a well-known association sent me a Facebook message to tell me how wrong I am because, wait for it… step-kumite was never designed to be effective (in…
Are We Still Afraid to Ask? Why Karate Needs More Questions, Not Fewer.
(Approx 1 minute 45 second read) Sometimes you can really see why karate has been stuck in the doldrums for so long, especially when questions aren’t allowed to be asked. . I remember back in the 1970s and early 1980s, asking questions of senior instructors was just not done. “Shut up and train” was the…
Old Masters, New Lessons: The Endless Path, Not a Finish Line.
(Approx 2 minute 35 second read) We call them the old masters, but what did that title truly mean? In an era before standardized ranks, how was genuine mastery actually measured? . Mastery in the martial arts is a touchy subject. There are self-proclaimed “masters” that we tend to sneer at. Some styles call instructors…
If This Is the Standard for Practical Karate, the Bar Isn’t High – It’s Buried.
(Approx 1 minute 55 second read) A friend of mine recently sent me a video of a JKA Shotokan Dan test weekend seminar, taught by a senior JKA instructor. And guess what, five step-kumite was being practiced and taught. . Now, I have written about step-kumite extensively, and in my opinion, if you need reminding,…
Back to the Future: Still Teaching Step-Kumite? Why?
(Approx 2 minute 5 second read) Imagine you’ve spent months waiting for a black belt-only weekend course with your favorite Japanese sensei. A teacher as highly regarded as anyone could be. You apply early, pay your hard-earned fee, and look forward to some advanced karate. . For those who follow my page, you can probably…
How Many Kata Do You Really Need? One Kata, Three Years – Still Enough Today?
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) As I’ve mentioned before, the comments section of my articles often inspires me to write again, and my recent article on kata’s true purpose was no different. . This time, a reader asked a very thoughtful question. They explained how, despite training kata in both Shotokan and Kyokushin, they…
Karate, Context, and the Critics Who Miss the Point.
(Approx 1 minute 45 second read) My recent article about not working hard for a black belt, paying for it, or getting it too easily brought a lot of thoughtful comments. Many people shared their own journeys, what the belt meant to them, and the effort behind it. . But there’s always one (usually more…
Black Belts for Sale: What Happened to Earning It?
(Approx 2 minute 35 second read) When I took my shodan (a long time ago) I had no idea it was happening. I turned up for class as normal, always early, the first to arrive, as I helped teach the children class. . My instructor then informed me, “you’re taking shodan tonight.” Wait, what? There…
Come on Guys, Karate Deserves Better Than Choreography.
(Approx 1 minute 35 second read) Recently I was sent a video to view of two high ranking Goju-Ryu dan grades practicing step-kumite (again). Forwards and backwards, blocking and punching. . Why punch, block, counter, punch, block, counter, moving backwards and forwards in a prearranged manner, with no basis in reality? . I’ve yet to…
Building on Fundamentals: Why Withholding Techniques Until Black Belt Fails Students.
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) A comment on one of my recent articles said that they don’t train throws in karate until students reach black belt. Really? Why? . I’ve never understood this mentality as a teacher. I’ve been teaching a long time, both in martial arts and outside of it. If I only…
Honesty, Integrity, and Skill – What Gives a Martial Arts Title Meaning?
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) In recent years, it seems that rank and titles in the martial arts have become surprisingly easy to obtain – and very controversial. . Certificates can be printed, titles adopted, and positions claimed with little more than a website and a few followers. . But when we lose sight…