(Approx 1 minute 40 second read) When practitioners perform set kumite, drills, or sparring, they stand facing an opponent. . Why then do some practitioners, when performing applications to kata, wait for an opponent to attack from the side, anticipating blocking an attack? . It makes no sense does it? Yet this is how modern […]
(Approx 2 minute 5 second read) Think of the massive advantage you’d have if you knew what your opponent was going to do before it happened. You’d be able to react in an instant. . This is, of course, the case in pre-arranged kumite drills. Since you know the attack is coming, you can react
Kata: Training for More Than Blocks. Exploiting Predictable Responses. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 15 second read) I used to love sport karate. In my late teens and twenties I just wanted to spar, fight in the dojo, and compete in tournaments. . In those early days, there was a stark contrast to the safety measures and equipment we see today. Those of us who have
(2 minute 42 second read) My recent article about ‘bunkai’ exposed a litany of misconceptions in the comments. . The dedication of karate masters over the decades has ensured the transmission of kata. However, their true depth often remains undiscovered. . For many practitioners, karate remains a striking art. Blocking, punching and kicking. So when
(2 minute read) Karate often finds itself mired in misconceptions and misunderstandings. . How many times have you watched a video or responded to a comment and cringed at what you have just witnessed or read? . Unlike other arts like MMA, Judo, Boxing, jiu-jitsu, etc., which seem to have clear purposes and methodologies, karate
In the Shadows of Tradition: Challenging Misunderstandings in Karate. Read More »
(2 minute 35 second read) Many people seem to grapple with the core purpose of karate. Is it a sport, a means to follow a legacy or tradition, a way to develop character, self-defense, or more? . In the early stages of my karate journey, competitive fighting was my primary focus. I eagerly awaited the
Beyond the Spectacle. Performance Art or Martial Art? Read More »
(2 minute 2 second read) When reading anything, it’s crucial to approach it from start to finish, right? . Skipping to the end of a book might reveal “who done it,” but you’d miss out on all the best bits in-between. . Recently, a commenter on my article “The best fight is the one you
Mastering any movement starts with the whole picture. Read More »
(1 minute 30 second read) If you’re like most people, you probably hope you’ll never face a self-defense situation. But being prepared is key. . Self-defense is a critical skill, but it’s important to understand it’s not about winning a fight. It’s about neutralizing a threat and escaping safely. . Those that keep reminding me
(1 minute 55 second read) Practice has to go beyond rote repetition to a place of true comprehension and proficiency. . While repetition is undeniably important, without curiosity, how can you truly analyze your karate and delve into the depths of its principles, not just the techniques? . Curiosity is the key that unlocks a
“It’s not what you know, but what you do with what you know.” Read More »
(2 minute 30 second read) Many of the articles that I write are created to ask the reader to view, perhaps something different, and discuss the content in a polite discussion. . Yeah right, who am I kidding? This is social media. . An opinion is this: the beliefs of a single person based on
“We do not see things as they are, we see them as we are.” Read More »
(2 minute 26 second read) Punch, block, punch, block; moving backwards and forwards – prearranged step-sparring. . Learning the basics to become proficient requires repetition, over and over again. However, it’s crucial that basics are realistic, wouldn’t you agree? . The movements contained within karate were never meant to receive an attack from another martial
Five Steps to Nowhere? The Hidden Flaw in Traditional Five Step Sparring. Read More »
(2 minute read) The comments on my articles often inspire me to write another, whether those comments are good or bad. Many are interesting and show a diverse understanding, and sometimes highlighting misunderstandings too. . So, thank you to everyone who follows and comments on my articles. . The foundation of any karate technique lies
