(Approx 2 minute 15 second read) If you regularly read my articles, I’m sure you recognize that I prefer my karate to be pragmatic and practical rather than for any kind of competition. In the comments section I often find myself bewildered by the lack of common sense and logic that sometimes pervades discussions and […]
Karate: The Art of Common Sense? Read More »
(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
The Keiko-Gi Badge: A Symbol Worn With Pride. Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 30 second read) If you promote your martial art to include self-defense, then it’s essential that you incorporate high-intensity, realistic training. This might seem obvious, but often this isn’t the case. . When demonstrating practical applications, the techniques must be shown with a resisting opponent. Initially of course, static training is necessary
The Reality of Resistance: When Realism Matters. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute read) Today, my focus is on the more practical and pragmatic side of karate. However, back in the 1970s and 1980s, I loved the thrill of competition. I’m not talking about street fights of course, but sport karate tournaments. . I wasn’t world champion material, but in my mind, I was. Yes,
Driven to Win: Chasing Victory, The Drive and Discipline of Sport Karate Competitors. Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 30 second read) “Kakie (カキエ). You have to rely on your senses, not power. Targets open up during an exchange, so strike as they open up. You can sense what’s coming even if you’re looking away. It’s all about this feeling.” – Minoru Higa, 10th Dan Kyudokan Shorin Ryu . Kakie, often
“Kakie. You have to rely on your senses, not power.” Read More »
Time is the one opponent we cannot defeat, yet it’s the one we often underestimate the most. . The reason why people keep saying, ‘the trouble is you think you have time,’ is because when we’re younger, time seems to move so slowly. But as we age, it speeds up. . You gain this new
The Greatest Opponent: The trouble is, you think you have time. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute read) A recent comment proudly shared stated that he would use a ‘kingeri’ – a kick to the groin – to “concentrate his attention” in a self-defense situation, apparently his goto technique. . Many self-defense courses, especially for women, often start with this technique. However, they’re not men’s kryptonite, and while it
Groin Kicks: Perhaps They’re Not the Kryptonite You Were Hoping For. Read More »
The comments on my articles are fascinating; “ditch the dance, modern systems don’t need or use kata, traditional karate is ineffective anyway”. . Traditional karate is not ineffective. The misconception that it’s ineffective often stems from the assumption that “traditional” refers only to the modern, stylized versions seen in tournaments and competition. But traditional karate
Beyond the Dance: Kata, A Connection to History, A Method for Today. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 15 second read) I remember a little while ago when a student from a different style decided to join us. While going through several drills, he consistently placed his hands on either side of his head in a high guard position. He was used to being shouted at to ‘keep your hands
When the Guard Fails: The Importance of Proactive Defense. Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 50 second read) “As up to now [1938] karate has only partly been introduced in Tokyo, people who exercise karate in Tokyo believe that it solely consists of punching and kicking techniques. When talking about ‘gyaku-waza’ (locks) and ‘nage-waza’ (throws) they assume that these only exist in jūjutsu and jūdō. This way
(Approx 1 minute 40 second read) In traditional martial arts, success shouldn’t merely be measured by trophies or titles. True success comes from within, from the dedication to improve yourself and the determination to give your best effort in every aspect of training. . If I’m on your case about doing better, it’s because I
Surpassing Expectations: Going Beyond Your Limits. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 5 second read) We had a great class on Saturday. Those moments where a student has a lightbulb moment and says; “Oh, I get it now.” . You can teach someone something, but quite often students have to ‘feel’ it for themselves, they have to experience it firsthand. . Now, I also
“Those who are possessed by nothing possess everything.” Read More »
