(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 […]
(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
Rethinking Kata: The Beginning of a More Practical Approach. Read More »
(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
The Open Mind: Key to Unlocking Your Potential. Read More »
(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
Traditional Karate Training: Block, Counter, and Real-World Realities. Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 36 second read) In modern times, there is an emphasis towards performing kata aesthetically without grasping the underlying principles, and with more kata available to watch on video, or YouTube, many students now learn them this way. . For me, it’s not the number of kata you know, but the depth of
Be teachable. The world is full of lessons waiting to be learned. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute read) Karate, at its core, is a discipline built on efficiency. It’s about harnessing the body’s natural movements and channeling them into powerful techniques. . A student recently remarked while watching me demonstrate a movement, “We have a long way to go.” . He was referring to how relaxed I seemed compared
Tension vs. Flow: The Challenge of Achieving Efficient Movement. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) Nakasone Genwa (1895-1978), once said, “Karate has many stances; it also has none.” This seemingly paradoxical statement highlights a crucial concept in training: stances are not rigid, fixed positions, but rather dynamic movements that serve a specific purpose. . In everyday English, we use the word ‘stance’ to infer
“Karate has many stances; it also has none.” Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) Recently, a comment on one of my articles challenged the notion that kata originated from two-person drills, asserting that “there is no evidence” to support this claim. . This critic argued that kata were devised independently and later had practical applications extracted from them. However, this viewpoint overlooks critical
(Approx 2 minute 32 second read) Kata is often viewed as outdated, irrelevant, and, from many comments I receive, totally misunderstood. . It’s important to remember that kata were created in a time without social media, video, hardly any photography, and no books or artwork on the subject. . Most teachings occurred behind closed doors
(Approx 2 minute 25 second read) In the early to mid-1950s, when karate started to spread globally, the emphasis was heavily skewed towards striking and blocking techniques. . Many of the early Western instructors, who had spent varying amounts of time learning from their Japanese and Okinawan teachers, had a wide range of experiences. Some
Karate’s Missing Link: The Legacy of Tegumi and Its Relevance to Self-Defense Today. Read More »
(Approx 2 minutes 10 second read) One of the first things you learn as a beginner is a ‘block’. . Typically, it’s one of these: upper, middle inner, middle outer, or a down block. . You spend a significant amount of time practicing these blocks, focusing on the small details, making sure your pulling hand
(Approx 1 minute 35 second read) It’s interesting that in my articles about self-protection or self-defense, several comments seem to indicate that many people just don’t prioritize self-defense. . Some commenters suggest that because they live in areas with little violence, they feel they don’t need the protection offered by realistic self-protection training. . Additionally,
From Complacency to Overconfidence: The Many Different Views of Traditional Karate. Read More »
