(Approx 1 Minute 50 second read) I was asked a great question: “Do all kata start with a move to the left? Are there any kata that start to the right?” . Many beginners start off by learning maybe ‘Fukyugata’, ‘Gekisai’, the ‘Pinan’ kata, which all share one commonality – the first movement goes left….
Tag: Fighting
What Happens After the Strike? Control Them, Don’t Let Them Control You.
(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) Have you ever wondered why so many techniques in kata seem aimed at the chudan (mid-level)? . Guess what? Perhaps they’re not. . What if the real purpose is to provoke a predictable reaction from your opponent – one that opens up the head or neck as the actual…
Kata Without Labels: Rethinking What You See – Discovering the Function Within the Movement.
(Approx 2 minute 40 second read) Take a single technique from any kata – a reverse punch (gyaku-zuki). Most people think of it as just a punch. But what if it’s more? What if that basic movement – seen in countless kata – is a tool that goes far beyond striking? And of course, gyaku-zuki…
Karate at Close Range: The Subtle Work of Kakie.
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) Imagine a drill that moves away from unrealistic stepping patterns and reflects the closeness of a real-world encounter. You’re not stepping away to avoid an attack – you’re already there, reacting. A drill that forces you to engage, not rehearse. Best of all, even beginners can practice it. ….
Facing a Blade? The Freeze That Kills – Self-Defense Starts in Your Head.
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) I was recently sent a video of a thug attacking a guy with a machete – a blade over 12 inches long. As you can imagine, a frightening experience. . As I watched the video, it looked as if the person being attacked froze in place while the attacker…
When Older Eyes Meet Unpredictable Hands – Karate, Age, and the Untrained Threat.
(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) As we get older, our karate should change. We no longer need to prove ourselves like we did in our twenties. . Instead, we add another layer to our practical, pragmatic training – moving meditation, more introspection, and a sense of dignity. We begin to think about the legacy…
The Warrior Within: Quiet Strength, Ready When Needed.
(Approx 2 minute 25 second read) Some people look like they were born fighters. Of course they’re not – but it feels that way when you see how they step forward while others shrink back. . That’s the warrior within – something you either have or you don’t. . For those of you who aren’t…
Revisiting Hikite: The Human Body, Nakayama’s Vision, and the Revolving Door.
(Approx 2 minute 50 second read) Much of today’s karate comes from the modernization that took place in the early part of the 20th century. Instruction by prominent sensei from the 1960s shaped what many still teach today. . One such method – which I’ve written about extensively – is hikite. – Not again. ….
Self-Defense: Fight When You Must – Escape When You Can.
(Approx 1 minute 55 second read) The fear of an attack can make many of you want to fight back immediately. But in the real world, the best defense often lies not in fighting it out, but in cultivating other tactics. . Many people send me videos to comment on – usually it’s some guy…
Why Kata Still Matters: You Just Don’t Understand It.
(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) In a recent article, I wrote about how a single movement from a kata could be so much more than just a punch – a grab, a push, a setup for a throw and much more. . I explored the idea that kata isn’t just a rigid performance, but…
Karate: Stop Bowing to Dogma – Question Everything.
(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) The majority of karate today is plagued by dogma. Let me explain. . After the Second World War, Okinawa was in ruins. Many of the teachers who started up again back then had learned the ‘school karate’ model – all about building strong bodies and disciplined minds. Not every…
When the Enemy Comes, Greet Him with a Smile.
(Approx 1 minute 35 second read) A reminder that the real fight is often won in the mind. . For those of us interested in self-defense, awareness is key – being aware of yourself, your surroundings, and your environment. . But what does that really mean? . It’s about spotting pre-incident indicators, practicing good positioning,…