(Approx 1 minute 56 second read) When you’re looking for a martial arts school or dojo, it’s crucial to understand the differences and ensure you choose the right one. . There’s a critical distinction between self-defense, sport karate, and other forms of martial arts. Choosing the right training is vital. . Many instructors teaching karate…
Tag: Style
Real Karate is Messy: Effective in the Chaos.
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) We all recognize, or at least we should, the value of our foundational techniques – the basics. It’s easy, though, to want to cast them aside in favor of the more complicated or interesting. While that’s a natural part of progression, neglecting a strong foundation can lead to poor…
The Dangers of Misinterpreting Traditional Martial Arts. Facing the Facts of Karate’s Practical Limits.
(Approx 2 minute 5 second read) Some of the comments on my articles are really interesting to read, often inspiring me to write more. Many of them offer insight into the training of friends and colleagues from all over the world. . On the other hand – OMG. . The article in question was where…
Rethinking Kata: The Beginning of a More Practical Approach.
(Approx 2minute 5 second read) Many readers of my articles have asked for more insights into interpreting kata, feeling stuck with their current understanding. Let’s try to clarify some concepts. . Firstly, you have to change your mindset from block and counter to something more practical. . Let’s start at the beginning, always a good…
From Art to Act: The Theatrical Turn of Modern Karate.
(Approx 1 minute 40 second read) We’ve all been there: scrolling through the internet, minding our own business, when BAM! A video pops up that makes us snort our coffee out in disbelief. . These clips are often so baffling, so gloriously out-of-touch with reality, that they could make even the most dedicated karate enthusiast…
Karate is not just about winning fights; it’s about winning in life.
(Approx 2 minute read) The world of martial arts is often romanticized through the lens of high-octane competitions like MMA. While these events showcase incredible athleticism and fighting spirit, they represent just one facet of a much deeper discipline. . A recent comment on one of my articles perfectly illustrates this point. I was sarcastically…
Lineage vs. Teaching: What Really Matters in the Martial Arts?
(Approx 1 minute 35 second read) Lineage holds a significant place in traditional martial arts, signifying a historical line of teachers and students who have passed down knowledge and skills through generations. . This unbroken chain connects practitioners to the art’s origins and fosters a responsibility to preserve its legacy. . Studying under a master…
From Respect to Rifts: The Role of Negativity in Karate.
(Approx 2 minute 15 second read) Traditional karate, with its rich tapestry of styles and history, is often seen as a domain of discipline and unity. However, beneath the surface lies a landscape fractured by disagreements and divisions. . A poignant example is the notable dislike between two karate legends, Funakoshi Gichin and Motobu Choki….
Be teachable. The world is full of lessons waiting to be learned.
(Approx 1 minute 36 second read) In modern times, there is an emphasis towards performing kata aesthetically without grasping the underlying principles, and with more kata available to watch on video, or YouTube, many students now learn them this way. . For me, it’s not the number of kata you know, but the depth of…
“Karate has many stances; it also has none.”
(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) Nakasone Genwa (1895-1978), once said, “Karate has many stances; it also has none.” This seemingly paradoxical statement highlights a crucial concept in training: stances are not rigid, fixed positions, but rather dynamic movements that serve a specific purpose. . In everyday English, we use the word ‘stance’ to infer…
Kata is not merely a sequence of movements; it’s a timeless link to the wisdom of pioneering masters.
(Approx 2 minute 32 second read) Kata is often viewed as outdated, irrelevant, and, from many comments I receive, totally misunderstood. . It’s important to remember that kata were created in a time without social media, video, hardly any photography, and no books or artwork on the subject. . Most teachings occurred behind closed doors…
Karate’s Missing Link: The Legacy of Tegumi and Its Relevance to Self-Defense Today.
(Approx 2 minute 25 second read) In the early to mid-1950s, when karate started to spread globally, the emphasis was heavily skewed towards striking and blocking techniques. . Many of the early Western instructors, who had spent varying amounts of time learning from their Japanese and Okinawan teachers, had a wide range of experiences. Some…