(Approx 1 minute 40 second read) Have you ever noticed how, in martial arts discussions, people frequently preface their comments with, “My sensei always says…” or “Well, according to [Sensei’s name]…”? . This is a common occurrence in martial arts discussions, where the teachings of instructors are highly valued and frequently cited. . This isn’t […]
Sensei Says: Why We Quote Our Martial Arts Teachers. Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 35 second read) Lineage holds a significant place in traditional martial arts, signifying a historical line of teachers and students who have passed down knowledge and skills through generations. . This unbroken chain connects practitioners to the art’s origins and fosters a responsibility to preserve its legacy. . Studying under a master
Lineage vs. Teaching: What Really Matters in the Martial Arts? Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 15 second read) Traditional karate, with its rich tapestry of styles and history, is often seen as a domain of discipline and unity. However, beneath the surface lies a landscape fractured by disagreements and divisions. . A poignant example is the notable dislike between two karate legends, Funakoshi Gichin and Motobu Choki.
From Respect to Rifts: The Role of Negativity in Karate. Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 36 second read) In modern times, there is an emphasis towards performing kata aesthetically without grasping the underlying principles, and with more kata available to watch on video, or YouTube, many students now learn them this way. . For me, it’s not the number of kata you know, but the depth of
Be teachable. The world is full of lessons waiting to be learned. Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 35 second read) When I teach, or when I write an article, my goal isn’t to persuade anybody of anything; I’m here to present information or my opinion. What you do with that information is entirely up to you. . However, if I can help just a few people consider something different,
“Fleeing combat is not shameful. Shame lies in starting it for no reason.” Read More »
(Approx 2 minute read) Karate, at its core, is a discipline built on efficiency. It’s about harnessing the body’s natural movements and channeling them into powerful techniques. . A student recently remarked while watching me demonstrate a movement, “We have a long way to go.” . He was referring to how relaxed I seemed compared
Tension vs. Flow: The Challenge of Achieving Efficient Movement. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) Nakasone Genwa (1895-1978), once said, “Karate has many stances; it also has none.” This seemingly paradoxical statement highlights a crucial concept in training: stances are not rigid, fixed positions, but rather dynamic movements that serve a specific purpose. . In everyday English, we use the word ‘stance’ to infer
“Karate has many stances; it also has none.” Read More »
(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
(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.
“The greatest victory is that which requires no battle” Read More »
(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
(Approx 2 minute 32 second read) Kata is often viewed as outdated, irrelevant, and, from many comments I receive, totally misunderstood. . It’s important to remember that kata were created in a time without social media, video, hardly any photography, and no books or artwork on the subject. . Most teachings occurred behind closed doors
(Approx 2 minute read) Defense against knife attacks is a sobering topic, very few instructors have substantial experience with this type of violence, making it a complex and challenging topic. . Most techniques taught in martial arts classes come from instructors who have never used them in real-life scenarios. . To adopt realistic methods of
