Philosophy

Karate’s Missing Link: The Legacy of Tegumi and Its Relevance to Self-Defense Today.

(Approx 2 minute 25 second read) In the early to mid-1950s, when karate started to spread globally, the emphasis was heavily skewed towards striking and blocking techniques. . Many of the early Western instructors, who had spent varying amounts of time learning from their Japanese and Okinawan teachers, had a wide range of experiences. Some […]

Karate’s Missing Link: The Legacy of Tegumi and Its Relevance to Self-Defense Today. Read More »

“…..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

“…..the ways of thrusting and blocking – that is to say, the techniques of attack and defense – have innumerable variations.” Read More »

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

温故知新 On Ko Chi Shin — “Study the old, understand the new.” Read More »

“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

“Gichin Funakoshi’s ideal, [..] was to advance from Jutsu to Do. It has become my mission to attain this goal.” Read More »

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,

From Complacency to Overconfidence: The Many Different Views of Traditional Karate. Read More »

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

One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Effective self-protection needs a different approach. Read More »

Kata movements hold deeper meanings beyond their surface appearance, often misunderstood in practice.

(Approx 1 minute 40 second read) When practitioners perform set kumite, drills, or sparring, they stand facing an opponent. . Why then do some practitioners, when performing applications to kata, wait for an opponent to attack from the side, anticipating blocking an attack? . It makes no sense does it? Yet this is how modern

Kata movements hold deeper meanings beyond their surface appearance, often misunderstood in practice. Read More »

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

Delve deeper, for in asking the right questions, you’ll detect the absence of what truly matters. Read More »

“Character is the cornerstone of martial arts training; it is more important than skill, more important than strength, and more important than technique.”

(Approx 1 minute 40 second read) Gichin Funakoshi and many other karate pioneers claim that practicing karate can enhance your character. But does karate truly improve your character? . The martial arts often conjure images of disciplined, respectful masters, practitioners, and students. However, does training automatically translate to good character? The answer is a bit

“Character is the cornerstone of martial arts training; it is more important than skill, more important than strength, and more important than technique.” Read More »