Why Kata Still Matters: You Just Don’t Understand It.

(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) In a recent article, I wrote about how a single movement from a kata could be so much more than just a punch – a grab, a push, a setup for a throw and much more. . I explored the idea that kata isn’t just a rigid performance, but…

Kata’s Core: Finding Truth Beneath the Movements.

Karate initially draws people to the dojo with promises of physical strength – discipline, skill, and of course, self-defense. . Those who embrace karate as a sport, for fun, or to follow a lineage have every right to do so. . Kata – for many people today – is just there in the background, something…

Karate: Stop Bowing to Dogma – Question Everything.

(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) The majority of karate today is plagued by dogma. Let me explain. . After the Second World War, Okinawa was in ruins. Many of the teachers who started up again back then had learned the ‘school karate’ model – all about building strong bodies and disciplined minds. Not every…

Why I Keep Repeating Myself: Repetition Keeps Karate Honest.

Karate is something you learn properly when you have a good teacher – someone who explains things clearly, allows you to question, and has the depth of knowledge for you to grasp the principles behind what you’re doing. Then, when all this is conveyed, you repeat it – over and over – until it becomes…

Stop Pretending – You Either Train or You Don’t.

My recent article, “To train or not to train. The choice is yours”, brought up a few comments about reasons for not training. . Money seemed to be at the forefront, along with a dojo closing. . I asked one person who commented – he said his home life is problematic and he doesn’t have…

To Train or Not to Train? The Choice Is Yours.

To train or not to train – do you REALLY want it, or are you just playing at it? . It amazes me when people say, “I’m going to return to training”, or, “I’m going to the gym – I need to get fit”, but never do. I really don’t know why they feel the…

When the Enemy Comes, Greet Him with a Smile.

(Approx 1 minute 35 second read) A reminder that the real fight is often won in the mind. . For those of us interested in self-defense, awareness is key – being aware of yourself, your surroundings, and your environment. . But what does that really mean? . It’s about spotting pre-incident indicators, practicing good positioning,…

Protect Yourself – But Think First: The Art of Avoiding Trouble.

(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) It seems that self-defense is a topic people just can’t get their heads around, if my recent articles are anything to go by. . Instructors in particular often seem convinced that you have to fight first. Yet, many tell me they understand the importance of avoiding the fight, but…