Personally I believe being polite is the way to go. . I receive many personal messages on social-media and email with just a couple of words. As an example: “where are you?”, “who taught you?”, “how can I learn karate?”, “what is your style?”, “what black-belt do you have?”, “what makes you such an expert […]
礼儀怠るなかれ (Reigi okotaru nakare): Never neglect courtesy and etiquette. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) In recent years, it seems that rank and titles in the martial arts have become surprisingly easy to obtain – and very controversial. . Certificates can be printed, titles adopted, and positions claimed with little more than a website and a few followers. . But when we lose sight
Honesty, Integrity, and Skill – What Gives a Martial Arts Title Meaning? Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 5 second read) If you teach, you’ve probably noticed the difference between the student who can’t get enough and the one who’s just… well, there. Some people walk into the dojo full of enthusiasm and want to absorb everything they possibly can. . Others go through the motions and never quite seem
(Approx 1 minute 50 second read) What exactly has happened in karate? . Somewhere along the way, it seems rank has outpaced skill, and titles are sometimes gained faster than true understanding. . We’ve all seen examples of people switching styles, bypassing normal grade progression, and suddenly holding highly senior positions. The problem isn’t just
Honesty, Integrity, and Skill: The Measure of a Martial Artist. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) For those of us in the UK old enough to remember going into Woolworths with a little paper bag to make our own pic’n’mix of sweets (candy), karate today isn’t that far off, is it? Everybody picks out the bits they like and then somehow assumes the finished assortment
Context Is Everything: Why Pic’n’Mix Doesn’t Always Meet the Goal. Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 50 second read) In the martial arts, one of the greatest skills we can develop has nothing to do with speed, strength, or technique. It’s the ability to truly listen. . Too often, conversations between martial artists – whether about training methods, kata interpretation, or self-defense – turn into battles of conviction.
The Most Underrated Skill in Martial Arts: Stop Talking. Start Listening. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 15 second read) Conviction. It’s crazy when people are so confident, so absolutely certain, so entrenched in their own ideas, that they just can’t see outside the box. Their way is the only way – end of discussion. . As well as the martial arts – with a little boxing thrown in
When Belief Becomes Dogma: The Danger of Being Certain. Read More »
(Approx 1 Minute 50 second read) I was asked a great question: “Do all kata start with a move to the left? Are there any kata that start to the right?” . Many beginners start off by learning maybe ‘Fukyugata’, ‘Gekisai’, the ‘Pinan’ kata, which all share one commonality – the first movement goes left.
Step Off the Center Line and Gain the Advantage. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) I’m sure many of you are aware of the Dunning–Kruger effect – I’ve written about it before. It’s the tendency for people with limited knowledge or skill to overestimate their ability. . But without the ability to recognize your shortcomings, how can you hope to improve? . Here lies
When Confidence Becomes a Barrier: Learning to Question Yourself. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) Have you ever wondered why so many techniques in kata seem aimed at the chudan (mid-level)? . Guess what? Perhaps they’re not. . What if the real purpose is to provoke a predictable reaction from your opponent – one that opens up the head or neck as the actual
What Happens After the Strike? Control Them, Don’t Let Them Control You. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 25 second read) As a follow-up to yesterday’s article, I thought I would share a couple of comments I received. . Now and then, I get odd messages from people – especially since I’m an advocate for using kata as a kind of practical Swiss Army knife. . Here’s one that shows
Labels, Myths, and the Loss of Function: The Death of Practicality? Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 40 second read) Take a single technique from any kata – a reverse punch (gyaku-zuki). Most people think of it as just a punch. But what if it’s more? What if that basic movement – seen in countless kata – is a tool that goes far beyond striking? And of course, gyaku-zuki
