Self-Protection

Beyond the Dance: Kata, A Connection to History, A Method for Today.

The comments on my articles are fascinating; “ditch the dance, modern systems don’t need or use kata, traditional karate is ineffective anyway”. . Traditional karate is not ineffective. The misconception that it’s ineffective often stems from the assumption that “traditional” refers only to the modern, stylized versions seen in tournaments and competition. But traditional karate […]

Beyond the Dance: Kata, A Connection to History, A Method for Today. Read More »

Everything you see is just a reflection of what is inside you. Surface-level practice only reveals part of its depth.

(Approx 1 minute 50 second read) “As up to now [1938] karate has only partly been introduced in Tokyo, people who exercise karate in Tokyo believe that it solely consists of punching and kicking techniques. When talking about ‘gyaku-waza’ (locks) and ‘nage-waza’ (throws) they assume that these only exist in jūjutsu and jūdō. This way

Everything you see is just a reflection of what is inside you. Surface-level practice only reveals part of its depth. Read More »

Fighting First? The Misguided Approach to Martial Arts and the Wisdom of Avoiding Conflict.

(Approx 2 minute read) A comment on one of my articles, which often inspire me to write another (thank you), stated; (expletive removed) “**** self-defense. I teach people to fight.” . Is this instructor right? After all you are learning a combat art not playing a game. . Much of what is considered modern karate

Fighting First? The Misguided Approach to Martial Arts and the Wisdom of Avoiding Conflict. Read More »

“Since karate is a fighting art each technique and movement has its own meaning. The karateka must consider their meaning, how and why they are effective, and practise accordingly.”

(Approx 1 minute 50 second read) “The techniques should not be practised simply so they can be performed in the kata. Since karate is a fighting art each technique and movement has its own meaning. The karateka must consider their meaning, how and why they are effective, and practise accordingly.” Shigeru Egami – ‘The Heart

“Since karate is a fighting art each technique and movement has its own meaning. The karateka must consider their meaning, how and why they are effective, and practise accordingly.” Read More »

If Your First Response to This Scenario is a Hook Kick to the Back of the Head, You Need a Serious Reality Check!

(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) Recently, I wrote an article in response to the use of ‘ura mawashi geri’ (hook kick) as a self-defense technique to a clothing grab. In response to the article I received a comment from the person suggesting its use, enthusiastically endorsing its effectiveness. “I have used it successfully in

If Your First Response to This Scenario is a Hook Kick to the Back of the Head, You Need a Serious Reality Check! Read More »