Fighting

Ditch the perfect demo and embrace the glorious messiness of real-world failure.

(2 minute 13 second read) The martial arts require demonstration to supplement the whole teaching process. I get it. I demonstrate to my students. However, I always incorporate some level of failure into my demonstrations. . Why? Because a real life attack is unpredictable, chaotic, vicious, and brutal. Your techniques will probably not go as […]

Ditch the perfect demo and embrace the glorious messiness of real-world failure. Read More »

Many dismissive comments I receive state; “Good luck fighting with your kata”.

(2 minute 55 second read) Many dismissive comments I receive state; “Good luck fighting with your kata”. . Kata, often viewed as a choreographed routine, for passing a grade, showing no relation to actual combat. . “The other day I posted a video where I was applying the uppercut technique and a person in his

Many dismissive comments I receive state; “Good luck fighting with your kata”. Read More »

“If practiced properly, two or three kata will suffice as ‘your’ kata; all of the others can just be studied as sources of additional knowledge.”

(2 minute 10 second read) How many kata are enough? . Over the years I have collected probably way too many, and although I have a core that I teach deeply, many of them are probably redundant, or at least very similar to each other. . What I find most interesting about kata is how

“If practiced properly, two or three kata will suffice as ‘your’ kata; all of the others can just be studied as sources of additional knowledge.” Read More »

The one who controls the distance in an encounter, is the one who controls the situation.

(1 minute 56 second read) The one who controls the distance in an encounter, is the one who controls the situation. . “Maai” (間合い) is a Japanese term that means “interval” or “space between”. It refers to the optimal engagement distance in combat, encompassing both physical separation, and the timing of the attack and defense

The one who controls the distance in an encounter, is the one who controls the situation. Read More »

It’s high time to confront a harsh reality: the karate you’re practicing, being taught, is a sham.

(2 minute 14 second read) It’s high time to confront a harsh reality: the karate you’re practicing, being taught, is a sham. It’s utterly ineffective when it comes to actual real-world combat. . The crux of the issue lies in the fact that people are being duped into believing that traditional karate will protect you,

It’s high time to confront a harsh reality: the karate you’re practicing, being taught, is a sham. Read More »

“Everyone thinks Shuto is a technique that uses the hand like a sword or knife. As the definition implies; therefore, the technique becomes deadlocked.”

(2 minute 3 second read) The effectiveness of karate for self-defense hinges on a fundamental principle: simplicity. . In the face of a sudden threat, clear, concise movements hold the key to an effective response, even if that response is simply to escape. . In the face of a sudden threat, you will experience a

“Everyone thinks Shuto is a technique that uses the hand like a sword or knife. As the definition implies; therefore, the technique becomes deadlocked.” Read More »

“It is obvious that kata must be trained and practiced sufficiently, but one must not be ‘stuck’ in them.”

(2 minute 26 second read) For me if you have a true interest in the martial arts, I believe it is important that practitioners have some understanding of the history of your art. . And while studying that history, the claim of practicing an “original” kata, as taught by a specific master, raises a crucial

“It is obvious that kata must be trained and practiced sufficiently, but one must not be ‘stuck’ in them.” Read More »

“Kata without bunkai is like a shamisen; Nice sound, but empty on the inside.”

(2 minute read) A comment on one of my articles stating, “I don’t believe in bunkai,” sparked a heated conversation and many comments, about its fundamental role in karate. . Such disregard reflects a misunderstanding of the art itself. . What is Bunkai and why is it necessary? . Bunkai (分解), literally translating to “analysis”

“Kata without bunkai is like a shamisen; Nice sound, but empty on the inside.” Read More »

“The true warrior is not one who seeks to conquer others, but one who seeks to conquer himself.”

(1 minute 45 second read) “Put your everyday living into Karate and you will find “Myo” (subtle secrets).” . The word “Myo” (妙) can have various meanings in Japanese, including “subtle,” “mysterious,” or “esoteric.” This leads to the term “Myojutsu” potentially referring to a deeper understanding or hidden secrets within a martial art. . One

“The true warrior is not one who seeks to conquer others, but one who seeks to conquer himself.” Read More »