(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…
Tag: Lineage
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…
Teaching in the martial arts is the act of sharing the knowledge we have been given by others with the hope that it will be passed on and shared further.
Teaching in the martial arts is the act of sharing the knowledge we have been given by others with the hope that it will be passed on and shared further. It’s a continuous act of giving and receiving, creating a ripple effect through each student guided by a teacher. . A teacher’s purpose is to…
“I consider it my duty to pass on karate history to the next generation.”
“I started karate by practicing the Shorin-Ryu style under the supervision of my grandfather. After he passed away however, my family moved to Naha city, where I was acquainted with my new instructors. They taught me Goju-Ryu style karate as well as kobudo. Every day it was the same routine, train at school, train at…
“The Goju-Ryu of Kanryo Higaonna and Chojun Miyagi was a genuine and ancient martial art, and that its history had now been correctly delineated as a budo and not a sport.”
(Approx 2 minute read) “What style do you practice?” I get asked this question when anyone learns that I practice karate. It’s also one of the first questions asked when anyone calls or messages about joining us. . While the question is understandable, it can sometimes be frustrating. It can feel like the focus is…
If Your First Response to This Scenario is a Hook Kick to the Back of the Head, You Need a Serious Reality Check!
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) Recently, I wrote an article in response to the use of ‘ura mawashi geri’ (hook kick) as a self-defense technique to a clothing grab. In response to the article I received a comment from the person suggesting its use, enthusiastically endorsing its effectiveness. “I have used it successfully in…
What’s in a Dojo name? Everything, if it’s chosen with respect and a deep understanding of its significance.
(1 minute 45 second read) What’s in a Dojo Name? . Recently, I was ‘told’ that I should not have chosen the name “Shuri Dojo” for my dojo. It is not on Okinawa, after all. Naming your dojo this way is wrong. . What? . There are some really good associations and schools out there…
The Quest for 10th Dan: Recognizing Mastery and Dedication.
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) In the martial arts, achieving the highest rank is a testament to an individual’s skill, dedication, and proficiency. The 10th Dan represents the pinnacle of accomplishment. . However, the awarding of the 10th Dan has become a subject of intense criticism and controversy. . Perhaps one of the reasons…
The Myth of the Original Kata: Understanding Kata Variations.
(Approx 1 minute 55 second read) For many karate-ka, the allure of practicing an ‘original’ kata, untouched by time, is undeniable. But what if ‘original’ itself is a moving target? . Today, many instructors claim their kata are pure, unchanged, and passed down from a legendary master. Yet, what exactly constitutes ‘original’? . The truth…