“Kata is handed down from the older generation, and if you think, as a part of culture, we have a responsibility to hand it down to the next generation.” – Keiji Tomiyama 9th dan Shito Ryu Kofukan . Teaching is a profound act of sharing the knowledge we have acquired from others, with the sincere […]
It‘s that time of year again. Substantial snowfall, temperatures plummeting below freezing, and a polar wind that leaves you breathless. . The icy wind whips across your face, your fingers and toes numb from the cold, and your breath hangs heavy in the air. But you stand there, muscles burning, sweat freezing in your keiko-gi,
“In my life I do a lot of things but I never forget my training.” Read More »
Around the corner from the modern fitness center, lies a realm where discipline, respect, and self-discovery converge – the dojo. . Within this modest area, laden with tradition and resonating with the echoes of disciplined footsteps, reverberating to the sound of punches meeting the ‘makiwara’, is not merely a training ground for martial arts; it
In a previous article, I delved into a comment from an individual asserting that their karate was “the strongest.” While the article may have been somewhat lengthy for some (a 2 1/2 minute read – for those who prefer an easier read, coloring books are an option), it generated comments stating that numerous fake karate
Recently someone tried to argue with me that their style of karate was the strongest. Informing me that because their athletes were successful in competition going back to the 1960’s, it was the ultimate, the strongest, and the best martial art. . Karate, has evolved into a diverse and widespread discipline. It can be practiced
My style of karate is the strongest. Read More »
The phrase “Karate ni sente nashi,” (空手に先手なし) often translated as “there is no first attack in karate,” has resonated with karate-ka for generations. . Funakoshi Gichin made this principle the second of his “Niju Kun” (二十訓) (Twenty Precepts), reminding us that “karate begins and ends with courtesy”. . However, clinging to a literal interpretation can
Someone commented on one of my articles recently that today, you don’t really need training for self-defense and violence is exaggerated. . I find this type of attitude very shortsighted. And while for some, you may be lucky enough to live your whole life without ever encountering violence of any kind, unfortunately, there are those
You must prioritize avoiding harm over protecting material possessions. Read More »
Remember being in the dojo and feeling like you would absolutely die if you were called on when you didn’t know the answer? From an early age, we’re conditioned to be afraid of not knowing something we should. . Unfortunately, this fear often prevents us from seeking help when we need it. We worry that,
Let’s be clear, self-defense is NOT about brawling. It’s about preventing confrontation and staying safe. There’s nothing to gain and everything to lose by getting pulled into unnecessary fights. So remember this; avoidance is your best self-defense tool. . We know from previous articles that having a static high guard doesn’t translate well to real-world
My recent article about keeping your hands up in a guard in self-defense situations, featured several responses, some stating it works in MMA, or other sports. . You’re missing the point. . A guard IS applicable in consensual fights. . In self-protection, either, you are so close that BOTH HANDS SHOULD BE WORKING, or you
Self-protection or inviting the fight? . In any sporting fighting arena, a tight guard is gospel. But in the real-world where self-defense maybe necessary, it could be a bad idea, both tactically and legally. Why? Because self-defense is NOT a controlled match. It’s messy, chaotic, and often over before you know it. . It should
Emotions are powerful, but are they always the best guide in the martial arts? . While passion fuels our training, logic and common sense should offer a crucial perspective for developing functional combat skills. . The journey towards effective martial arts (if this is your goal), involves not just rote repetition, but also genuine understanding.
In real world effectiveness, the ultimate goal is to be prepared, not just to perform. Read More »
