(Approx 2 minute 35 second read) I get quite a few comments and messages from people who insist that their technique is the answer to a punch, a grab, or any other kind of attack. . Their way is the right way – the only way – and they often go into lengthy explanations about…
Tag: Lineage
Rethinking ‘Uke’ in Karate: Stop Blocking, Start Understanding.
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) Blocking – one of the most misunderstood actions in karate. . In Japanese terminology we use the word uke, but this little, seemingly simple term doesn’t mean “blocking” at all. Yet so many practitioners still use it that way, and much of their karate revolves around the idea of…
When Students Leave: Teaching and Letting Go – Some Stay, Some Leave, Reflections on the Path of Teaching.
(Approx 2 minute read) In the martial arts, a few students will stay with their teacher for what seems like forever, and those relationships become rare treasures. But many will leave, sometimes suddenly, sometimes gradually, and that too is part of the journey. Both paths carry value, and both shape what it means to teach….
Beyond the Punch: Why True Self-Protection Starts in the Mind.
(Approx 2 minute 35 second read) Karate – the ultimate in self-defense, right? . That’s what nearly every dojo and school claims. But how useful is it really when it comes to real-world situations? . Yes, karate teaches you how to fight. You’ll learn how to punch, kick, and even apply joint locks. But is…
礼儀怠るなかれ (Reigi okotaru nakare): Never neglect courtesy and etiquette.
Personally I believe being polite is the way to go. . I receive many personal messages on social-media and email with just a couple of words. As an example: “where are you?”, “who taught you?”, “how can I learn karate?”, “what is your style?”, “what black-belt do you have?”, “what makes you such an expert…
Honesty, Integrity, and Skill – What Gives a Martial Arts Title Meaning?
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) In recent years, it seems that rank and titles in the martial arts have become surprisingly easy to obtain – and very controversial. . Certificates can be printed, titles adopted, and positions claimed with little more than a website and a few followers. . But when we lose sight…
“If anything deserves our protection, it is the authenticity of the art, not the vanity of those who claim to own it.”
(Approx 2 minute 5 second read) If you teach, you’ve probably noticed the difference between the student who can’t get enough and the one who’s just… well, there. Some people walk into the dojo full of enthusiasm and want to absorb everything they possibly can. . Others go through the motions and never quite seem…
Honesty, Integrity, and Skill: The Measure of a Martial Artist.
(Approx 1 minute 50 second read) What exactly has happened in karate? . Somewhere along the way, it seems rank has outpaced skill, and titles are sometimes gained faster than true understanding. . We’ve all seen examples of people switching styles, bypassing normal grade progression, and suddenly holding highly senior positions. The problem isn’t just…
When Belief Becomes Dogma: The Danger of Being Certain.
(Approx 2 minute 15 second read) Conviction. It’s crazy when people are so confident, so absolutely certain, so entrenched in their own ideas, that they just can’t see outside the box. Their way is the only way – end of discussion. . As well as the martial arts – with a little boxing thrown in…
Step Off the Center Line and Gain the Advantage.
(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….
Labels, Myths, and the Loss of Function: The Death of Practicality?
(Approx 2 minute 25 second read) As a follow-up to yesterday’s article, I thought I would share a couple of comments I received. . Now and then, I get odd messages from people – especially since I’m an advocate for using kata as a kind of practical Swiss Army knife. . Here’s one that shows…
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…