You want to karate quit? Again? . How many students do you know that quit only to return for a little while and then quit again? . Here are a few reasons why people quit: They get bored with it. Financial issues. They move to a different area. They realize it requires more effort […]
You want to karate quit? Again? Read More »
Is the demonstration of techniques by your instructor successful….. every-time? . Why this could be a problem?….…. Because those techniques will often fail, more often than you think….. and students need to understand this, and practice and prepare for failure. . The success of any demonstrated technique is largely dependent upon having predetermined knowledge of
You must take failure into account. Read More »
Can you learn karate by watching videos? . Let’s be honest. You will never, ever become a great martial artist just from watching videos! To become a great martial artist, you need a real-life teacher and real-life training partners. . Videos are a goldmine of information and inspiration. They are a learning tool that no
Can you learn karate by watching videos? Read More »
You’ve just earned a black-belt and in an instant you’re teaching children and young students? Today, many people are thrust into teaching…. Perhaps too soon. . If you haven’t been guided through the process, you won’t have a clue as to what it really takes to guide others. No one learns by osmosis, no matter
Today, many people are thrust into teaching…. Perhaps too soon. Read More »
“Meotode” (夫婦手), an uchinaaguchi (the native Okinawan language) principle literally meaning “husband and wife hands”. In the case of an actual fight both hands should always be used together, which is essential in close-quarter pragmatic karate. It is a way of maximizing strategical advantage in a physical altercation by utilizing both arms and hands equally,
“Do not think of attack and defense as two separate things.” Read More »
“The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance; it is the illusion of knowledge.” – Stephen Hawking or David J. Boorstin . What is knowledge? It is the thoughts, ideas, understanding, facts or information acquired through learning and practice. . What is ignorance? Lack of knowledge, or information about something. . Knowledge improves if we
“The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance; it is the illusion of knowledge.” Read More »
Sensei says (insert dogma), so it must be true and this is the way I will do it, until the end of time. . One problem which constantly crops up in the martial arts, is that often students, and some instructors too, have an idealized image of a sensei. Once a student gives his, or
“You can only fight the way you practice.” Read More »
No matter your age or occupation, every day you are confronted with unexpected challenges. You either accept these challenges and meet them head-on, or you resist them, wishing they would just go away. Yet challenges are woven into the fabric of our lives. They are the tests we all have to face daily. . No
What is the purpose of having a goal? . A sense of direction, a path of where you’re headed in your training or a specific aspect of it? A goal need not be everything but should give you a direction and path. The specifics of the goal can change, but its values give you a
What is the purpose of having a goal? Read More »
The importance of focus in your training. . The word gets tossed around so much in the martial arts that it’s almost become a cliché, but focus is one of the most important tools you can apply to your training routine. . Focus and attention to detail during training is key to improving and making
The importance of focus in your training. Read More »
There are NO shortcuts. Hard work and training. There’s no secret formula. . Social media is a powerful communications medium, with widespread influence. Online communication has brought information to people and audiences that previously could not be reached. . Previous generations looked up to genuine experts, who had spent decades perfecting their art. Now, anyone
There are NO shortcuts. Hard work and training. There’s no secret formula. Read More »
When you analyze kata, breakdown the movements within, your bunkai needs to be effective, it must be applicable to real situations. The kata were created for this reason. . Some of the applications put forward as interpretations of kata movement vary from the wonderful to the ridiculous, and unfortunately it is often hopelessly inadequate. .
Your bunkai needs to be effective, it must be applicable to real situations. Read More »
