(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 –…
Tag: Fighting
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,…
Ego Always Wants the Fight – Wisdom Knows When to Walk Away.
(Approx 1 minute 50 second read) The martial arts teaches us many things, but one of the most valuable lessons is knowing when not to engage. You can spend years refining technique and self-discipline, but it takes real maturity to recognize that some battles just aren’t worth fighting. . And that maturity should come with…
Karate Then and Now: What Are We Really Studying?
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) When karate was widely introduced to the public through the school system in Japan in the early 1930s, it had to meet certain criteria. To be accepted, the curriculum needed to promote physical health, build confidence, improve endurance, enhance concentration, and so on. . It specifically could not be…
A Train Ride, Not a Showdown: Common Sense Before Combat.
(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) Most of the people who visit my page regularly – thank you, by the way – will know that aside from the header that clearly states Practical Karate, much of my writing centers around exactly that. . Recently, I received a message from someone who claimed that self-defense is…
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…
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…
Stop It Dead? No. Why “Block and Counter Is Not Enough.
(Approx 2 minute 50 second read) In a recent conversation about my article on preemption and self-defense, someone said to me, “There are some situations where a block and counter is your only option.” . At first glance, it sounds reasonable – but as a general principle for self-defense? It’s flawed. . There are moments…
Step-Kumite: Is It a Historical Misstep?
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) The article I recently wrote about karate not being purely defensive – that preemption is often necessary – and that, in my opinion, teaching step-kumite at any level is inconsistent with karate for self-defense, drew the usual responses. . People telling me how wrong I am. I get quite…
Don’t Wait to Get Hit: Karate Is Not Just Defensive.
(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) When I’ve conducted seminars or watch students from other dojo trying to work out movements to the bunkai in kata, it’s obvious that many of them have been taught to simply block, then counter. . Many instructors cite the reason for this, often referring to the saying ‘karate ni…
Before the Rebrand: Modern Isn’t Always Better – and Why That Still Matters.
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) What many people call traditional karate had its inception at the beginning of the 20th century. The method of practice changed almost completely with its introduction to mainland Japan in the 1930s. . Today, that is what most people think about when having conversations about traditional karate. . Using…
Sparring Isn’t Self-Defense: You Must Understand the Difference.
(Approx 2 minute 40 second read) I often receive messages from people that say that in their dojo, or school, their instructor doesn’t teach bunkai applications – or are not very realistic. . This isn’t unusual. Many instructors were brought up on the idea that you shouldn’t question. You just did as you were told….