(Approx 1 minute 55 second read) Balance and stability are just as important as strength and endurance in the martial arts. It can make the difference between landing an effective punch or kick, evading a strike, or avoiding being taken to the ground, where in the real-world you don’t want to be. . Balance directly […]
Unlocking Kuzushi: From Balance to Advantage. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) In a recent article, I depicted a practitioner blocking a Bo with a ‘Jodan Age Uke,’ explaining that using this technique in the way depicted is likely to cause injury. One comment disagreed with my perspective, arguing that this is an appropriate defense against such a weapon. . The
The Flawed Approach to Blocking in Karate: Why Traditional Approaches May Fall Short. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) Throughout all of the martial arts and styles that exist, they were all created to make use of biomechanics and the weaknesses of human anatomy. Where the various arts differ is in the rules, the goals, and the context that they are trained for. . In competitions, or even
GET A GRIP: Using Your Techniques in the Right Context. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 25 second read) When people say “enbusen” (演武線), they immediately think of the performance line of a kata. But Enbusen is more than this. . Toshihiro Oshiro 9th dan Shima-Ha Shorin Ryu wrote; “Enbusen isn’t just about where you face when you perform kata. Enbusen is the opponent themselves. Enbusen represents the
The Blueprint of Combat: Enbusen. Every Move Matters. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) New karate students typically start by learning a block, a stance, a punch, a kick. Over time, their knowledge expands as they practice more of the same. They might also be introduced to simple escapes or self-defense techniques, followed by block and counter drills with a partner, moving across
Beyond the Basics: Kata as a Framework for Karate Proficiency. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 55 second read) Recently we had two students who were big guys they hadn’t been training very long. Occasionally, we have free drills where anything goes. Now, as they were inexperienced, their contact was heavily restricted. . It was interesting to watch as the exchange began to heat up, as invariably it
Beyond the Fight: What Happens When the Fight Changes? Karate, The Art of Balance. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) An interesting comment said, “Maybe in order to truly understand and utilize kata, we need to reduce the number. Think about it – most martial arts are pressed for time. We are trying to teach people to win competitions, pass gradings, and possibly add applications/bunkai/self-defense. Usually, on a couple
Beyond the Surface: Choosing Depth Over Superficiality. Read More »
(Approx 1minute 40 second read) We live in an age where any idea, concept, theory, principle, or fact from history is just a click away. . With such unprecedented access to information, one might expect that opinions about martial arts, especially karate, would be grounded in a solid understanding of its rich history and evolution.
Reconnecting with Karate’s Origins: Understanding its roots. Read More »
Many practitioners are searching for more in their karate practice. They’ve seen modern disciplines like MMA and realized that the karate they’ve been learning doesn’t quite measure up to what they’ve witnessed. . If we want our students to truly grasp the concepts, principles, and ideas of realistic karate, they must experience these things in
Fast Isn’t Always Better: Speed vs. Substance. The Timeless Depth of Karate. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) Karate over the decades has been significantly diluted, which means that today, regardless of the reason you’re learning, you might not be getting the full benefit of what this art truly offers. Karate is not just about competition, health, or even the martial art itself – it’s about mastering
(Approx 1 minute 30 second read) If you promote your martial art to include self-defense, then it’s essential that you incorporate high-intensity, realistic training. This might seem obvious, but often this isn’t the case. . When demonstrating practical applications, the techniques must be shown with a resisting opponent. Initially of course, static training is necessary
The Reality of Resistance: When Realism Matters. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute read) Today, my focus is on the more practical and pragmatic side of karate. However, back in the 1970s and 1980s, I loved the thrill of competition. I’m not talking about street fights of course, but sport karate tournaments. . I wasn’t world champion material, but in my mind, I was. Yes,
Driven to Win: Chasing Victory, The Drive and Discipline of Sport Karate Competitors. Read More »
