Kata is a fundamental component of traditional martial arts. . However, in recent years, there has been a growing trend among some practitioners to ignore kata, or at least consider it of low importance compared to other aspects of the art. . It is my belief that this trend is due to several reasons, which…
Tag: Style
“The meaning of the directions in kata is not well understood, and frequently mistakes are made in the interpretation of kata movements.”
Enbusen (演武線 – embusen) is a term commonly used in the martial arts world. In its simplest form it refers to the pattern or shape of the movements that make up a particular kata. . The enbusen of a kata is an important aspect of its execution, as it provides a visual representation of the…
WAIT. You’ve only been taught to fight? NOW WHAT?
A comment on one of my articles about ‘self-defense or fighting’ said that “if you’re young enough [snip] why can’t you do both? (self-defense and sparring)”. . Well of course, you can. You can do both provided you understand the differences and you are aware of the dissimilarities. . But it’s not wise to do…
The ‘Dojo’ (道場) not just a place to workout. It is the “place of the way.”
There are numerous training facilities for all types and styles of martial arts. However, very few of these places rate the title of ‘dojo’. The commonly used terms of studio or gym are, in general, much more appropriate. Many of these institutions teach only the shell of an art and neither understand nor attempt to…
When was the last time you just listened to someone? I’m talking about just taking in the words that are being said, and allowing it to settle into your mind….. Forget about a response.
Sometimes it’s good to just shut up and listen….. When was the last time you just listened to someone? I’m talking about just taking in the words that are being said, and allowing it to settle into your mind….. Forget about a response. . A good listener, listens slowly to what is being said, doesn’t…
What is the definition of self-defense?
What is the definition of self-defense? . The average person’s idea of what constitutes “self-defense training” is generally the furthest thing from the truth. . The question “what is real self-defense?”, prompts many to play their ego card. Some people become offended at the suggestion of anything outside their martial arts world that is not…
“There are no styles of karate-do, just varying interpretations of its principles.”
Talk to anyone about the martial arts and it is very likely that they will ask you, “what style do you practice?”. . How did all these various styles come into existence? Are they really that important? Should the existing styles be preserved? . It’s often stated that as you gain experience over the years…
It begins at the beginning, with understanding “why” and not just “how” you are doing something.
If you’re an instructor in the martial arts then you will have a system that you use to instruct your class. It is more than probable that you learned this from observing your own instructor, in whatever style of the martial arts that you study and are now teaching. . As an instructor, it’s important…
In the 60’s and 70’s, there was a “atmosphere” to a traditional dojo.
In the 60’s and 70’s martial arts were a cult. If you missed a session everyone would want to know where you were. Training practices were harsh and very dangerous and injuries commonplace. . Everyone attended every seminar and every tournament. Barefoot runs to warm up, barefoot running in the snow during winter just wearing…
I guess you can’t fix stupid!
A comment on one of my recent articles stated; “Come step onto a jiu-jitsu mat and you’ll will be humbled. I guarantee it.” . A great many people are dying to be reassured that their martial art is the best and most effective. They evidently believe that their martial art is superior to all others…
Stop calling yourself “sensei” is just narcissistic, weird and presumptuous.
You’re not my sensei, so why do you call YOURSELF sensei? . If I see somebody labeled as, and calling themselves “sensei”, and I don’t know them, it’s just plain wrong. They aren’t teaching me… so they aren’t my sensei. I’m not choosing to call them sensei. . The term can’t apply as a blanket…
“The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire.”
Be passionate about your martial arts training and your martial arts training will improve. . People join martial arts schools for many different reasons, perhaps wanting to learn how to fight, how to protect themselves, get fit, gain confidence or a combination of all those things. Often times those reasons change when there is a…