Karate at Close Range: The Subtle Work of Kakie.

(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) Imagine a drill that moves away from unrealistic stepping patterns and reflects the closeness of a real-world encounter. You’re not stepping away to avoid an attack – you’re already there, reacting. A drill that forces you to engage, not rehearse. Best of all, even beginners can practice it. ….

Why Are We Still Doing Step-Kumite? Prearranged and Pointless?

(Approx 2 minute 50 second read) Many of the comments and messages I receive about the continued use of step-kumite – which I’m against practicing – still leave me with the same questions. . Why punch, block, punch, block – moving backwards and forwards in a prearranged manner, with no basis in reality? . I’ve…

Is Your Self-Defense Training Real? Finding Authentic Self-Protection.

(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) Someone asked me, “How do you spot real, effective training – from the kind that’s not? How can you know the difference, especially if you’re training hard?” . You see it everywhere these days, a dojo on every street corner and in every strip mall, many of them have…

Training Hard, Learning Little: Not All Effort Leads to Effectiveness.

(Approx 2 minute 40 second read) The dojo, it should make you sweat and demand discipline – but what about when the instructor truly believes they’re teaching the pinnacle of self-defense, yet their methods fall painfully short in real-world violence? . Some dojo pride themselves on intensity. Students train hard, push limits, and earn their…

Restraint Is a Technique Too: Training to Fight, Learning Not To.

(Approx 2 minute 40 second read) In karate, a term that’s not heard very often is “Jissen” (実践 – じっせん). It translates directly to “actual fighting” or “real combat” – as in applying theory in real-world, practical situations. . This approach prioritizes what genuinely works in a real confrontation, often incorporating elements like grappling, throws,…