(Approx 1 minute 50 second read) Why, in a discipline meant to promote humility, respect, and self-discipline, do we find ourselves so divided and broken? . Perhaps it stems from the loyalty practitioners develop toward their chosen style, instructor, or dojo. While this sense of belonging is a powerful motivator, it can easily transform into…
Tag: Lineage
No One Art Is the Best: So Stop Bragging, and Start Learning.
(Approx 2 minute 50 second read) If you’ve read my articles, you probably know by now that I prefer my karate to be practical and pragmatic. Yet, I constantly hear from people claiming that Kyokushin is the best martial art – the strongest style that everyone should learn. After all, Kyokushin means ‘the ultimate truth,’…
Structure, Curiosity, and Asking “Why?” – The Journey Continues.
(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) When you are inexperienced in the martial arts, or anything really, there comes a point in time where you start asking questions. Some will question themselves, others will ask questions of their instructor, or someone outside their dojo or association. You may not get the answers you were looking…
Kuzushi: A Universal Principle in All Kata – or Just One?
(Approx 2 minute read) I thought I would write a follow-up to my article on kuzushi, as it was mentioned that there is a certain kata that teaches an unbalancing technique. . Balance is everything, right? The ability to maintain your own stability while breaking your opponent’s balance is a key factor in effective combat….
GET A GRIP: Using Your Techniques in the Right Context.
(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) Throughout all of the martial arts and styles that exist, they were all created to make use of biomechanics and the weaknesses of human anatomy. Where the various arts differ is in the rules, the goals, and the context that they are trained for. . In competitions, or even…
Building on a Strong Foundation: Why Beginners Deserve the Correct Path.
(Approx 1 minute 40 second read) As an instructor, if you have a goal when teaching your students, it’s important to ensure that the methods you use are the right ones for them. . There are levels to teaching students, no matter the subject. But just because some students are at a lower level or…
The Blueprint of Combat: Enbusen. Every Move Matters.
(Approx 2 minute 25 second read) When people say “enbusen” (演武線), they immediately think of the performance line of a kata. But Enbusen is more than this. . Toshihiro Oshiro 9th dan Shima-Ha Shorin Ryu wrote; “Enbusen isn’t just about where you face when you perform kata. Enbusen is the opponent themselves. Enbusen represents the…
Beyond the Basics: Kata as a Framework for Karate Proficiency.
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) New karate students typically start by learning a block, a stance, a punch, a kick. Over time, their knowledge expands as they practice more of the same. They might also be introduced to simple escapes or self-defense techniques, followed by block and counter drills with a partner, moving across…
The Importance of Context: How It Shapes Our Understanding Beyond Style.
(Approx 2 minute read) Whenever people ask me about karate or inquire about joining our dojo, the question I get asked most often is, “What style of karate do you practice?” It’s a question that reveals a lot about the way people perceive martial arts. But what does this information really tell us? Does knowing…
Reconnecting with Karate’s Origins: Understanding its roots.
(Approx 1minute 40 second read) We live in an age where any idea, concept, theory, principle, or fact from history is just a click away. . With such unprecedented access to information, one might expect that opinions about martial arts, especially karate, would be grounded in a solid understanding of its rich history and evolution….
Beneath the Surface: Kata’s Hidden Wisdom and the Lessons of Karate’s Most Misunderstood Practice.
(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) Karate over the decades has been significantly diluted, which means that today, regardless of the reason you’re learning, you might not be getting the full benefit of what this art truly offers. Karate is not just about competition, health, or even the martial art itself – it’s about mastering…
The Keiko-Gi Badge: A Symbol Worn With Pride.
(Approx 1 minute 30 second read) Wearing your dojo or association badge on your keiko-gi, is a significant tradition in the world of karate, or the martial arts in general. Echoing early medieval and martial arts schools where practitioners displayed or wore patches or symbols identifying their lineage, their clan. . Today, this seemingly simple…