(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 40 second read) There are levels to teaching students, no matter the subject. But just because some of the students are at a lower level, or children, or beginners, what I do not agree with, is teaching something that is fundamentally flawed because of that level. . A comment on a recent article
Building Confidence & Safety: Why Children’s Self-Defense Matters. 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 minutes 15 second read) It’s very common in traditional karate to see practitioners performing a technique, while pulling back/drawing back the other hand and placing it on the hip, or with the knife hand, across the abdomen. . In Japanese, the ‘pulling hand’ is called ‘hikite’, and it’s evident in most of the receiving
(1 minute 45 second read) “Without context words and actions have no meaning at all.” . This is a major problem today where so many individuals, many without experience of other martial arts, confuse their own ‘way’ as the one and only ‘way’. . Cricket is an amazing sport, but would a cricket player excel
“Without context words and actions have no meaning at all.” Read More »
(1 minute 35 second read) Have you ever encountered someone who seems completely stuck in their ways? Someone who refuses to consider any viewpoint but their own? That’s the hallmark of a closed mind. . And boy, have I had a few of these in the comments on my articles lately. . A closed-minded person
“Know the cause of your ignorance.” Read More »
(1 minute 45 second read) Recent comments on one of my articles, dismissed self-defense as unnecessary; “self defense never really necessary – [snip] – if someone want to rob my wallet or phone with knife, I will just give them away”. . Good tactics, but what if they want more? What if you are in
WHAT?… Self-defense is not necessary? Read More »
(2 minute 7 second read) A commenter on one of my articles challenged me: “Step onto a jiu-jitsu mat and get humbled.” . This sentiment highlights a common desire in martial arts – to find the ultimate fighting method. But the truth is, and I have written about this extensively, there’s NO single “best” martial
Jiu-Jitsu enthusiast challenges me!…..Hold My Beer. Read More »
(1 minute 45 second read) Let’s talk about something crucial – if you teach the martial arts, it’s not just about teaching your students how to fight. Fighting isn’t always the answer. Especially if you’re dealing with kids. . Teaching your students how to avoid trouble is extremely important, this is the first line of
(1 minute 35 second read) Just like any other pursuit, true learning in the martial arts goes beyond rote memorization. It’s not about simply accumulating facts, but about developing the ability to use, analyze, and adapt the skills you’re taught. . Rote memorization may have its place in the initial stages of learning, providing a
Memorization Isn’t Enough: Master the Art of Using, Analyzing, and Adapting Your Skills. Read More »
(2 minute read) Some of the comments on my articles recently seem to be producing quite a range of interesting views. . One such comment seemed to suggest that the methods of pressure testing I mentioned in an article; – “to include in your practice pressure testing; unknown wild attacks, pushing, pulling, grabbing, verbal escalation,
Chaos Training: Building Confidence Under Pressure. Read More »
(2 minute 28 second read) If often receive damming comments when I write an article which has anything to do with belts, grades or titles. . The whole system of awarding belts, grades and titles, seems to be a sensitive topic for many karate practitioners….. and for those that don’t practice. . The “Shogo” (称号)
Sensei Under Fire: The Unexpected Downside of Karate Titles. Read More »
