When karate began to move across the world in the early to mid 1950’s the training emphasis was almost exclusively on striking. Kata was not properly understood. . Even today you can still find karate dojo that teach kata without ‘bunkai’ (analysis/breakdown). Those first generation Western practitioners then went on to perpetuate the bias of […]
Karate is NOT only a striking art. Read More »
If you’re thinking too much you’re not practicing enough. . A common problem is students don’t know what to practice or how to practice. To be effective in their learning they need to have small doable goals for them to accomplish, and then are tested on them….. the very next lesson. Unfortunately, when they return
If you’re thinking too much you’re not practicing enough. Read More »
I had a question from a potential student this week who was concerned over his (low) weight and how effective certain styles were for him. . Does size give people an advantage in a fight? . Size does matter in the martial arts, but not necessarily in the way you might think. . Generally speaking,
Does size give people an advantage in a fight? Read More »
Many of you who have spent a good number of years studying the martial arts have probably heard the term “Bun Bu Ryō Dō” (文武両道). . Bun Bu Ryō Dō is a term which has been in use throughout Japanese history, possibly going back further than the Heian period (794 – 1185). In a simple
“Bun Bu Ryō Dō” – The “Education of Body and Mind”. Read More »
Throughout history certain people have become Masters of their art. . You know what they all had in common? They chose to dedicate their time to their art. They showed up when it was fun and easy….. and they showed up when the training was tedious, hard, frustrating and tough. . You too can be
Throughout history certain people have become Masters of their art. Read More »
For our students, fortunately injuries a rare occurrence at our Dojo. However, there are some injuries such as bruises, sprains and strains that can occur despite everyone’s best efforts. . Martial arts are a surprisingly safe form of physical activity, controlled training is statistically very safe. . Training injuries unfortunately do happen. If you train
What are the injury risks in karate? Read More »
Within the martial arts community there are many types of people. Some have morals and are good people that you can rely upon, and others…….well, not quite so much. . You would think that in a profession where character traits such as honor, integrity, courtesy, perseverance, and an unbreakable spirit, are held in such
“Always leave things better than when you found them…… especially people.” Read More »
Defense against knife attacks remains one of the most contentious parts of the martial arts. Very few instructors actually have any substantial experience of this type of violence and it’s a very difficult and complex topic. . Most of what is taught in martial arts classes is passed on by instructors who have never used
Knife attacks are complex. Read More »
Mark Bishop(2) martial arts author and researcher, recounts that Shinpan Shiroma, a student of Anko Itosu, often admitted to not knowing the technical functions of some movements of kata, merely explaining that they were for show. . Itosu was in his 70’s when he finalized the Pinan kata and began teaching them within his school
Understand that your karate has some practices that are dysfunctional. Read More »
In many dojo throughout the world you will see instructors and students moving up and down the dojo (social media too), moving backwards and forwards practicing block, punch, block, punch, in some sort of ‘renzoku’, ‘ippon’ or ‘sanbon’ kumite etc. . Everyone must learn the basics to become proficient in any of the martial arts.
I have had the good fortune to have been in roles inside and outside of the martial arts, that have exposed me to a wide range of learning and teaching approaches and methods. One thing I have learned, is that I still have much to learn, and this learning will never end. . Just because
Nearly all the problems in the martial arts today can be traced back to poor teaching. Read More »
It’s my belief that it is good to be curious to try and acquire knowledge about everything around us. . Eagerness and passion develops curiosity which is hugely important in the martial arts. It’s how we analyze and understand our karate at a deeper level. If you are the type of practitioner who believes in
