(Approx 1 minute 30 second read) “If you know the Way broadly, you will see it in everything.” – Miyamoto Musashi . Someone commented on one of my articles saying that practical karate people are just looking for moves in MMA to match what they do. . Actually, no. That’s the wrong way around. You […]
“If you know the Way broadly, you will see it in everything.” Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 15 second read) The other day, I received a comment on an article where I wrote about practices that lack any connection to real-world scenarios, where drills such as yakusoku, renzoku, or sanbon/gohon kumite, etc., are very unlikely, especially when attacking from six feet away using an Oi-zuki. . He stated that
From Boat to Battlefield: Understanding the True Purpose of Karate. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) Yue Fei, a legendary general from the Song Dynasty, is a figure whose legacy resonates across cultures and martial traditions. . Though Yue Fei lived in 12th-century China, his story symbolizes universal martial virtues. He is remembered for his loyalty, discipline, and moral integrity – principles echoed throughout the
Echoes of Loyalty: The Honor and Discipline of Yue Fei. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute read) Continued from my recent article in response to reader comments about the idiotic idea of catching a sword, a ‘katana,’ in the palms of the hands. Mostly, the comments were sensible. However… you know what’s coming, right? . One comment suggested that I was mistaken, claiming it is entirely feasible. He
Don’t Try This at Home: A Lesson in Common Sense. Read More »
(1 minute 45 second read) “Put your everyday living into Karate and you will find “Myo” (subtle secrets).” . The word “Myo” (妙) can have various meanings in Japanese, including “subtle,” “mysterious,” or “esoteric.” This leads to the term “Myojutsu” potentially referring to a deeper understanding or hidden secrets within a martial art. . One
(1 minute and 13 second read) Knowing which battles to fight, is really knowing which battles to pick and which to walk away from. . If your response to all things is to fight, this is bad thinking, bad practice. After all, life isn’t measured by how many times you stood up to fight. .
Know which battles to fight, and which battles to walk away from. Read More »
(2 minute and 28 second read) Imagine a set of precepts that’s not just about fighting, but about living with honor and respect. That’s ‘Bushido’ (武士道), the “way of the warrior”. . A code forged in the fires of battle, wielding both the noble ideals of chivalry and the harsh realities of violence. . Bushido
The realm of martial arts is vast and diverse, encompassing various styles and techniques, each with its unique history and purpose. While tournaments serve as platforms for martial artists to showcase their skills and compete, the line between tournament techniques and self-defense is often blurred. Incorrectly teaching tournament techniques as self-defense can have serious consequences
The flinch response is a natural and innate reaction that occurs when we perceive a sudden threat or danger. In the context of martial arts, the flinch response is an important physiological mechanism that can be used to protect the body from harm. When training in the martial arts, it is essential to understand how
“In battle, if you make your opponent flinch, you have already won.” Read More »
Okinawa is rich in moral stories, and karate masters enjoy the telling of these stories. One such story is that of the poor fisherman, whose shrine stands today in a small area south of Naha, Itomen. . Prior to annexation by Japan, Okinawa was known as the Ryukyu Kingdom. The legend of two men whose
“Never raise your sword in anger”. Read More »
Many of you who have spent a good number of years studying the martial arts have probably heard the term “Bun Bu Ryō Dō” (文武両道). . Bun Bu Ryō Dō is a term which has been in use throughout Japanese history, possibly going back further than the Heian period (794 – 1185). In a simple
“Bun Bu Ryō Dō” – The “Education of Body and Mind”. Read More »
I have had the good fortune to have been in roles inside and outside of the martial arts, that have exposed me to a wide range of learning and teaching approaches and methods. One thing I have learned, is that I still have much to learn, and this learning will never end. . Just because
Nearly all the problems in the martial arts today can be traced back to poor teaching. Read More »
