(2 minute 6 second read) I’ve been writing articles for several years now, and probably the most commented and contentious subject of all that I write about has to be Kata. . People just don’t get it. Sadly, there is widespread misunderstanding about this centuries old tradition. . I can’t blame them, as today most…
Tag: Self-Defense
Many dismissive comments I receive state; “Good luck fighting with your kata”.
(2 minute 55 second read) Many dismissive comments I receive state; “Good luck fighting with your kata”. . Kata, often viewed as a choreographed routine, for passing a grade, showing no relation to actual combat. . “The other day I posted a video where I was applying the uppercut technique and a person in his…
“If practiced properly, two or three kata will suffice as ‘your’ kata; all of the others can just be studied as sources of additional knowledge.”
(2 minute 10 second read) How many kata are enough? . Over the years I have collected probably way too many, and although I have a core that I teach deeply, many of them are probably redundant, or at least very similar to each other. . What I find most interesting about kata is how…
The one who controls the distance in an encounter, is the one who controls the situation.
(1 minute 56 second read) The one who controls the distance in an encounter, is the one who controls the situation. . “Maai” (間合い) is a Japanese term that means “interval” or “space between”. It refers to the optimal engagement distance in combat, encompassing both physical separation, and the timing of the attack and defense…
Are you a traditionalist, a pragmatist, or both?
(2 minute 41 second read) From the comments on a recent article, many people seemed to be offended because of my use of the word “traditional”, some calling me insulting, rude, offensive and more. . I wrote the article with the intention of shedding light on instructors who falsely claim to teach self-defense, who are…
It’s high time to confront a harsh reality: the karate you’re practicing, being taught, is a sham.
(2 minute 14 second read) It’s high time to confront a harsh reality: the karate you’re practicing, being taught, is a sham. It’s utterly ineffective when it comes to actual real-world combat. . The crux of the issue lies in the fact that people are being duped into believing that traditional karate will protect you,…
“Everyone thinks Shuto is a technique that uses the hand like a sword or knife. As the definition implies; therefore, the technique becomes deadlocked.”
(2 minute 3 second read) The effectiveness of karate for self-defense hinges on a fundamental principle: simplicity. . In the face of a sudden threat, clear, concise movements hold the key to an effective response, even if that response is simply to escape. . In the face of a sudden threat, you will experience a…
“It is obvious that kata must be trained and practiced sufficiently, but one must not be ‘stuck’ in them.”
(2 minute 26 second read) For me if you have a true interest in the martial arts, I believe it is important that practitioners have some understanding of the history of your art. . And while studying that history, the claim of practicing an “original” kata, as taught by a specific master, raises a crucial…
“Kata without bunkai is like a shamisen; Nice sound, but empty on the inside.”
(2 minute read) A comment on one of my articles stating, “I don’t believe in bunkai,” sparked a heated conversation and many comments, about its fundamental role in karate. . Such disregard reflects a misunderstanding of the art itself. . What is Bunkai and why is it necessary? . Bunkai (分解), literally translating to “analysis”…
“We frequently mistake persistence with a technique for its effectiveness, failing to acknowledge when it’s simply the wrong tool for the job.”
(1 minute 55 second read) Much of today’s martial arts training, often presents a romanticized image of combat. . You bow, assume stances, exchange strikes within a controlled environment, with padded hands and feet, possibly even head guards too. This structured approach fosters discipline, technique, protection, and respect – but does it truly prepare you…
Don’t confuse tournament prowess with real-world combat.
(1 minute 7 second read) Do you consider yourself someone who rises to challenges head-on? . While strength and courage are valuable traits, it’s crucial to understand that fighting shouldn’t be the first resort in resolving conflict. . Street fights are unpredictable and fraught with dangers: hidden weapons, unexpected allies, and potentially fatal environmental hazards….
Train your mind to be stronger than your emotions or else you’ll lose yourself every time.
(1 minute 34 second read) Both on the mat and in life, emotions can be a powerful force. They can fuel your movements, sharpen your focus, or cloud your judgment, leading to consequences you may not want. . The key to navigating this emotional landscape lies in training the mind to be stronger than your…