(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) The article I recently wrote about karate not being purely defensive – that preemption is often necessary – and that, in my opinion, teaching step-kumite at any level is inconsistent with karate for self-defense, drew the usual responses. . People telling me how wrong I am. I get quite […]
Step-Kumite: Is It a Historical Misstep? Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) When I’ve conducted seminars or watch students from other dojo trying to work out movements to the bunkai in kata, it’s obvious that many of them have been taught to simply block, then counter. . Many instructors cite the reason for this, often referring to the saying ‘karate ni
Don’t Wait to Get Hit: Karate Is Not Just Defensive. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 15 second read) Maybe it’s just me, but I’ve never liked the attitude of “that’ll do”. . To me, it says “I can’t be bothered” – and that speaks volumes. I’ve always believed in doing things right the first time, or at least giving your best effort. You won’t always succeed, but
‘That’ll Do’? No – Not Just Any Tool Will Do. Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 30 second read) “If someone can touch you, they can hurt you. If they can hurt you, they can beat you – unless you do something about it.” – Anonymous . At their core, the martial arts are really very simple. It’s unfortunate that so many people make it more complicated than
Kata: The Lesson That Never Ends. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) There’s a common belief in classical karate that it gives you a reliable way to protect yourself. But plenty of people – especially those from more modern systems – say otherwise. A big part of the problem is that karate has often gone unchallenged. Because of Japan’s culture of
You Still Recognize the Game – Karate Should Be No Different. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) What many people call traditional karate had its inception at the beginning of the 20th century. The method of practice changed almost completely with its introduction to mainland Japan in the 1930s. . Today, that is what most people think about when having conversations about traditional karate. . Using
Before the Rebrand: Modern Isn’t Always Better – and Why That Still Matters. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 40 second read) I often receive messages from people that say that in their dojo, or school, their instructor doesn’t teach bunkai applications – or are not very realistic. . This isn’t unusual. Many instructors were brought up on the idea that you shouldn’t question. You just did as you were told.
Sparring Isn’t Self-Defense: You Must Understand the Difference. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 40 second read) A question for the instructors out there: what do most of the students who come into your dojo want? . I stopped and asked all my young and beginner students this question a while back. Without exception, they answered that they wanted some form of self-defense – something to
The Surface and the Core: What Karate Has Become – and What It Was Meant to Be. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 50 second read) I never thought I’d enjoy writing articles as much as I do, but some of the comments are so incredibly misinformed they keep me fired up and ready to write again. . One comment from a Kyokushin shodan sums up, I think, what any serious practical karate enthusiast knows
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) I wrote the other day that one of my teachers – someone I respect deeply, not just for his karate but for how he lives – once told me, “Carry the tradition into the future”. After more than fifty years of training, he said it was time for me
At the Summit: Where the Trail Becomes Your Own. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) In a world that’s moving faster every day – and feels more unstable than ever – traditions matter more than ever. They give us something steady to hold onto, offering a bit of order and comfort in the chaos. . Tradition is really just a belief, a habit, or
When Tradition Becomes a Crutch: The Danger of Blindly Following The Past. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 50 second read) In a recent article, I explored how some people view karate as a performance art. They often believe that the perfect execution of a kata is the ultimate goal – the pursuit of a flawless performance. . But why do they think this? And does it actually make sense?
Karate That Grabs: It’s Not For Show, It’s For Survival. Read More »
