Self-Protection

Karate and Kobudo: Two Paths, One Tradition – Complementary, Not Opposing.

(Approx 2 minute 15 second read) Someone commented on my recent article, suggesting that styles also reflect the “weapons reality” that an opponent might use. . He stated that “Okinawan Karate focused on empty hand fighting against weapons such as Bo, Jo, Nunchaku, Sai and Tonfa. This ‘weapons reality’ led to direct, close quarter, power

Karate and Kobudo: Two Paths, One Tradition – Complementary, Not Opposing. Read More »

Barefoot Training and the Role of Shoes in Karate Practice: Tradition and Practicality.

(Approx 1 minute 55 second read) Step into a traditional karate dojo, and the first thing you’ll do is take off your shoes (hopefully). . Like most Japanese budo – with the exception of kyudo (Japanese archery) – karate is traditionally practiced hadashi (裸足), barefoot. There are plenty of reasons for this, some cultural, some

Barefoot Training and the Role of Shoes in Karate Practice: Tradition and Practicality. Read More »

Purpose-Driven Practice: Cut Through the Unnecessary, Focus on Function.

(Approx 2 minute 40 second read) Over the years, karate has been modified to fit a non-combative formula such as competition, athleticism, style, and aesthetics. However, traditionally, karate – and its kata – were designed as records of practical fighting methods for civilian self-defense. . Now, I understand that not everyone trains for self-defense or

Purpose-Driven Practice: Cut Through the Unnecessary, Focus on Function. Read More »

Cognitive Dissonance in Training: When Belief Clashes with Reality.

(Approx 1 minute 50 second read) A friend of mine reminded me, in relation to an article I wrote about keeping karate grounded in reality when approaching self-defense, about cognitive dissonance in the martial arts. . Ever feel that discomfort when two ideas just don’t sit right? . That’s cognitive dissonance. . We dedicate years

Cognitive Dissonance in Training: When Belief Clashes with Reality. Read More »

No One Size Fits All: Are You Training for the Wrong Fight? Finding Your Path in Martial Arts.

(Approx 2 minute 50 second read) Whenever I write an article about real-world self-defense, the comments seem to explode into “my style is the best”. . I don’t think a lot of these people actually train themselves – maybe keyboard warriors, maybe just inexperienced – but these comments usually revolve around one style in particular:

No One Size Fits All: Are You Training for the Wrong Fight? Finding Your Path in Martial Arts. Read More »

Movement, Not a Catalog of Techniques: Reconnecting Karate with Practical Applications.

(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) Can you think of another pastime, hobby, sport, or functional defensive practice where there is so much ambiguity? . If I was teaching you advanced ‘blue-lights and siren’ driving skills (I used to), and I answered a question that was so plainly incorrect it would put your life and

Movement, Not a Catalog of Techniques: Reconnecting Karate with Practical Applications. Read More »