Fighting

Training Hard, Learning Little: Not All Effort Leads to Effectiveness.

(Approx 2 minute 40 second read) The dojo, it should make you sweat and demand discipline – but what about when the instructor truly believes they’re teaching the pinnacle of self-defense, yet their methods fall painfully short in real-world violence? . Some dojo pride themselves on intensity. Students train hard, push limits, and earn their […]

Training Hard, Learning Little: Not All Effort Leads to Effectiveness. Read More »

Hard Conditioning Has Its Place: Self-Protection Isn’t a Contest – It’s Not Just About Taking the Hit.

(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) The funny thing about writing on the martial arts is that sometimes people read what you said, nod in agreement – then repeat it back to you, only louder, rougher, and with more bravado. . I recently wrote that the martial arts aren’t about looking for a fight –

Hard Conditioning Has Its Place: Self-Protection Isn’t a Contest – It’s Not Just About Taking the Hit. Read More »

Restraint Is a Technique Too: Training to Fight, Learning Not To.

(Approx 2 minute 40 second read) In karate, a term that’s not heard very often is “Jissen” (実践 – じっせん). It translates directly to “actual fighting” or “real combat” – as in applying theory in real-world, practical situations. . This approach prioritizes what genuinely works in a real confrontation, often incorporating elements like grappling, throws,

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If It’s Not Real, Why Are You Teaching It? Tradition Isn’t an Excuse for Ineffective Teaching.

Approx 2 minute 40 second read) Kata, kihon, and two-person drills are part of the language of karate. But none of these should be practiced in isolation or merely for tradition. They should all have a connection – each part serving a purpose, forming a blueprint for learning how to deal with violence. If it

If It’s Not Real, Why Are You Teaching It? Tradition Isn’t an Excuse for Ineffective Teaching. Read More »

Revisiting Step-Kumite: Because “Beginners Have to Start Somewhere” Isn’t Good Enough.

(Approx 2 minute 40 second read) With regard to my recent article on step-kumite, someone argued that beginners need a starting point, and that step-kumite is often seen as an entry-level method. . He made the comparison to teaching a child how to catch a baseball – starting with a tennis ball at a short

Revisiting Step-Kumite: Because “Beginners Have to Start Somewhere” Isn’t Good Enough. Read More »