(Approx 2 minute 35 second read) I get quite a few comments and messages from people who insist that their technique is the answer to a punch, a grab, or any other kind of attack. . Their way is the right way – the only way – and they often go into lengthy explanations about […]
Beyond the One Right Way: Avoiding Bad Habits in Karate. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) Blocking – one of the most misunderstood actions in karate. . In Japanese terminology we use the word uke, but this little, seemingly simple term doesn’t mean “blocking” at all. Yet so many practitioners still use it that way, and much of their karate revolves around the idea of
Rethinking ‘Uke’ in Karate: Stop Blocking, Start Understanding. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 35 second read) Karate – the ultimate in self-defense, right? . That’s what nearly every dojo and school claims. But how useful is it really when it comes to real-world situations? . Yes, karate teaches you how to fight. You’ll learn how to punch, kick, and even apply joint locks. But is
Beyond the Punch: Why True Self-Protection Starts in the Mind. Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 50 second read) What exactly has happened in karate? . Somewhere along the way, it seems rank has outpaced skill, and titles are sometimes gained faster than true understanding. . We’ve all seen examples of people switching styles, bypassing normal grade progression, and suddenly holding highly senior positions. The problem isn’t just
Honesty, Integrity, and Skill: The Measure of a Martial Artist. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) For those of us in the UK old enough to remember going into Woolworths with a little paper bag to make our own pic’n’mix of sweets (candy), karate today isn’t that far off, is it? Everybody picks out the bits they like and then somehow assumes the finished assortment
Context Is Everything: Why Pic’n’Mix Doesn’t Always Meet the Goal. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 15 second read) Conviction. It’s crazy when people are so confident, so absolutely certain, so entrenched in their own ideas, that they just can’t see outside the box. Their way is the only way – end of discussion. . As well as the martial arts – with a little boxing thrown in
When Belief Becomes Dogma: The Danger of Being Certain. Read More »
(Approx 1 Minute 50 second read) I was asked a great question: “Do all kata start with a move to the left? Are there any kata that start to the right?” . Many beginners start off by learning maybe ‘Fukyugata’, ‘Gekisai’, the ‘Pinan’ kata, which all share one commonality – the first movement goes left.
Step Off the Center Line and Gain the Advantage. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 25 second read) As a follow-up to yesterday’s article, I thought I would share a couple of comments I received. . Now and then, I get odd messages from people – especially since I’m an advocate for using kata as a kind of practical Swiss Army knife. . Here’s one that shows
Labels, Myths, and the Loss of Function: The Death of Practicality? Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 40 second read) Take a single technique from any kata – a reverse punch (gyaku-zuki). Most people think of it as just a punch. But what if it’s more? What if that basic movement – seen in countless kata – is a tool that goes far beyond striking? And of course, gyaku-zuki
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) Imagine a drill that moves away from unrealistic stepping patterns and reflects the closeness of a real-world encounter. You’re not stepping away to avoid an attack – you’re already there, reacting. A drill that forces you to engage, not rehearse. Best of all, even beginners can practice it. .
Karate at Close Range: The Subtle Work of Kakie. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 35 second read) In the modern world of martial arts, we have more information than ever before – yet we cling to methods that seem to have lost all meaning. . So many facts and opinions are out there, but none of it really sticks. Many people continue to revolve around outdated
Tradition Isn’t the Problem – Repetition Without Reason Is. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 50 second read) Many of the comments and messages I receive about the continued use of step-kumite – which I’m against practicing – still leave me with the same questions. . Why punch, block, punch, block – moving backwards and forwards in a prearranged manner, with no basis in reality? . I’ve
Why Are We Still Doing Step-Kumite? Prearranged and Pointless? Read More »
