(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) Recently, a comment on one of my articles challenged the notion that kata originated from two-person drills, asserting that “there is no evidence” to support this claim. . This critic argued that kata were devised independently and later had practical applications extracted from them. However, this viewpoint overlooks critical…
Tag: Mind
“The greatest victory is that which requires no battle”
(Approx 1 minute 30 second read) Many of us have experienced situations where we felt unsafe or powerless. Maybe it was childhood bullying, an uncomfortable encounter at work, or the sting of online bullying, or even the threat of physical violence. . In these moments, a common feeling emerges: the inability to control the situation….
“If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.”
(Approx 1 minute 45 second read) Why are people so afraid of learning something new or different? Even if you’ve been doing something one particular way for years, there might be a different or better way. Wouldn’t it be interesting and great to discover and learn that? Why are so many people adamant that the…
“…..the ways of thrusting and blocking – that is to say, the techniques of attack and defense – have innumerable variations.”
(Approx 2 minutes 10 second read) One of the first things you learn as a beginner is a ‘block’. . Typically, it’s one of these: upper, middle inner, middle outer, or a down block. . You spend a significant amount of time practicing these blocks, focusing on the small details, making sure your pulling hand…
温故知新 On Ko Chi Shin — “Study the old, understand the new.”
(Approx 1 minute 40 second read) Within the structured world of the martial arts, a practitioner’s journey extends beyond expertise in techniques. It’s also about cultivating a personal expression – a unique blend of technical proficiency and individual interpretation. . This pursuit of one’s “martial voice” isn’t a rejection of established forms, but rather a…
“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.”
I still remember my first karate class, five decades ago. Feeling awkward and intimidated, I went through the motions, just like most people do. . It was meant to be an eight week course, but as I started putting in more effort, showing up consistently, and practicing outside of class, it became clear that karate…
“Gichin Funakoshi’s ideal, [..] was to advance from Jutsu to Do. It has become my mission to attain this goal.”
Karate is often suffixed by the terms ‘Jutsu’ or ‘Do’. Understanding these concepts is an important part of your training. . Many people comment on my articles that they don’t need self-defense skills, finding the character-building aspect more appealing. While each to their own, this separation limits their potential. . ‘Jutsu’, translating to ‘method’, refers…
From Complacency to Overconfidence: The Many Different Views of Traditional Karate.
(Approx 1 minute 35 second read) It’s interesting that in my articles about self-protection or self-defense, several comments seem to indicate that many people just don’t prioritize self-defense. . Some commenters suggest that because they live in areas with little violence, they feel they don’t need the protection offered by realistic self-protection training. . Additionally,…
The Commitment to Karate: Mind, Body, and the Power of Showing Up.
(Approx 1 minute 55 second read) Karate isn’t just about physical strength and being the best. It’s a journey that trains both your body and your mind. . A key part of this mental training is self-discipline, the ability to push through and do what’s necessary, even when it’s tough. . Let’s face it, most…
One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Effective self-protection needs a different approach.
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) The term self-defense is frequently used to promote martial arts schools, but do they genuinely offer self-defense, or does it simply label traditional martial arts techniques as a one-size-fits-all solution? . People often discuss self-defense and self-protection as if they’re interchangeable. While there are elements that are similar and…
Kata: Training for More Than Blocks. Exploiting Predictable Responses.
(Approx 2 minute 5 second read) Think of the massive advantage you’d have if you knew what your opponent was going to do before it happened. You’d be able to react in an instant. . This is, of course, the case in pre-arranged kumite drills. Since you know the attack is coming, you can react…
Delve deeper, for in asking the right questions, you’ll detect the absence of what truly matters.
(Approx 2 minute 15 second read) I used to love sport karate. In my late teens and twenties I just wanted to spar, fight in the dojo, and compete in tournaments. . In those early days, there was a stark contrast to the safety measures and equipment we see today. Those of us who have…