(Approx 1 minute 55 second read) I’ve always been fascinated by history. When I lived in a rural area of the UK, reminders of the past were everywhere – Bronze Age burial sites, a Roman town and amphitheater, a 10th-century church. You could almost feel the weight of time beneath your feet. That sense of […]
The Past Informs Us, But It Doesn’t Define Us – What Matters Is What You Can Do with It. Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 50 second read) It’s hard not to feel frustrated when reading comments about kata. So many people speak with confidence – but little understanding – about what kata is for, how it works, or why it was created in the first place. . Most of the time, their explanations are rooted in
The Lost Lessons of Kata: Is it Time to Move Beyond the Myths? Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 50 second read) In a recent conversation about my article on preemption and self-defense, someone said to me, “There are some situations where a block and counter is your only option.” . At first glance, it sounds reasonable – but as a general principle for self-defense? It’s flawed. . There are moments
Stop It Dead? No. Why “Block and Counter Is Not Enough. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) The article I recently wrote about karate not being purely defensive – that preemption is often necessary – and that, in my opinion, teaching step-kumite at any level is inconsistent with karate for self-defense, drew the usual responses. . People telling me how wrong I am. I get quite
Step-Kumite: Is It a Historical Misstep? Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) When I’ve conducted seminars or watch students from other dojo trying to work out movements to the bunkai in kata, it’s obvious that many of them have been taught to simply block, then counter. . Many instructors cite the reason for this, often referring to the saying ‘karate ni
Don’t Wait to Get Hit: Karate Is Not Just Defensive. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 15 second read) Maybe it’s just me, but I’ve never liked the attitude of “that’ll do”. . To me, it says “I can’t be bothered” – and that speaks volumes. I’ve always believed in doing things right the first time, or at least giving your best effort. You won’t always succeed, but
‘That’ll Do’? No – Not Just Any Tool Will Do. Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 30 second read) “If someone can touch you, they can hurt you. If they can hurt you, they can beat you – unless you do something about it.” – Anonymous . At their core, the martial arts are really very simple. It’s unfortunate that so many people make it more complicated than
Kata: The Lesson That Never Ends. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) There’s a common belief in classical karate that it gives you a reliable way to protect yourself. But plenty of people – especially those from more modern systems – say otherwise. A big part of the problem is that karate has often gone unchallenged. Because of Japan’s culture of
You Still Recognize the Game – Karate Should Be No Different. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) What many people call traditional karate had its inception at the beginning of the 20th century. The method of practice changed almost completely with its introduction to mainland Japan in the 1930s. . Today, that is what most people think about when having conversations about traditional karate. . Using
Before the Rebrand: Modern Isn’t Always Better – and Why That Still Matters. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 40 second read) I often receive messages from people that say that in their dojo, or school, their instructor doesn’t teach bunkai applications – or are not very realistic. . This isn’t unusual. Many instructors were brought up on the idea that you shouldn’t question. You just did as you were told.
Sparring Isn’t Self-Defense: You Must Understand the Difference. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 40 second read) A question for the instructors out there: what do most of the students who come into your dojo want? . I stopped and asked all my young and beginner students this question a while back. Without exception, they answered that they wanted some form of self-defense – something to
The Surface and the Core: What Karate Has Become – and What It Was Meant to Be. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 50 second read) I never thought I’d enjoy writing articles as much as I do, but some of the comments are so incredibly misinformed they keep me fired up and ready to write again. . One comment from a Kyokushin shodan sums up, I think, what any serious practical karate enthusiast knows
