(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) An interesting comment said, “Maybe in order to truly understand and utilize kata, we need to reduce the number. Think about it – most martial arts are pressed for time. We are trying to teach people to win competitions, pass gradings, and possibly add applications/bunkai/self-defense. Usually, on a couple…
Tag: Masters
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…
The Reality of Resistance: When Realism Matters.
(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…
Driven to Win: Chasing Victory, The Drive and Discipline of Sport Karate Competitors.
(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,…
“Kakie. You have to rely on your senses, not power.”
(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…
Everything you see is just a reflection of what is inside you. Surface-level practice only reveals part of its depth.
(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…
Surpassing Expectations: Going Beyond Your Limits.
(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…
“Those who are possessed by nothing possess everything.”
(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…
From Ritual to Reality: The Modern MMA Techniques Revealed in Kata.
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) Kata are an essential part of the foundation of your karate practice. They are what make karate different. . In the years since competition became all the rage in martial arts, and kata started becoming a performance art instead of combat training, or a way to pass the next…
Why You Don’t Deserve That Black Belt. Earn It, Don’t Demand It.
(Approx 2 minute 15 second read) Belt exams can cause stress for many karate practitioners, whatever their level. The best way to help alleviate this stress or anxiety is to prepare well. It’s not a good idea to try to learn something new just a few weeks before you are tested. . Recently, a 2nd…