Style

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 […]

Karate is not just about winning fights; it’s about winning in life. Read More »

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

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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(Approx 2 minute 32 second read) Kata is often viewed as outdated, irrelevant, and, from many comments I receive, totally misunderstood.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

Kata is not merely a sequence of movements; it’s a timeless link to the wisdom of pioneering masters. Read More »

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

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“…..the ways of thrusting and blocking – that is to say, the techniques of attack and defense – have innumerable variations.”

(Approx 2 minutes 10 second read) One of the first things you learn as a beginner is a ‘block’. . Typically, it’s one of these: upper, middle inner, middle outer, or a down block. . You spend a significant amount of time practicing these blocks, focusing on the small details, making sure your pulling hand

“…..the ways of thrusting and blocking – that is to say, the techniques of attack and defense – have innumerable variations.” Read More »

温故知新 On Ko Chi Shin — “Study the old, understand the new.”

(Approx 1 minute 40 second read) Within the structured world of the martial arts, a practitioner’s journey extends beyond expertise in techniques. It’s also about cultivating a personal expression – a unique blend of technical proficiency and individual interpretation. . This pursuit of one’s “martial voice” isn’t a rejection of established forms, but rather a

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“Gichin Funakoshi’s ideal, [..] was to advance from Jutsu to Do. It has become my mission to attain this goal.”

Karate is often suffixed by the terms ‘Jutsu’ or ‘Do’. Understanding these concepts is an important part of your training. . Many people comment on my articles that they don’t need self-defense skills, finding the character-building aspect more appealing. While each to their own, this separation limits their potential. . ‘Jutsu’, translating to ‘method’, refers

“Gichin Funakoshi’s ideal, [..] was to advance from Jutsu to Do. It has become my mission to attain this goal.” Read More »

From Complacency to Overconfidence: The Many Different Views of Traditional Karate.

(Approx 1 minute 35 second read) It’s interesting that in my articles about self-protection or self-defense, several comments seem to indicate that many people just don’t prioritize self-defense. . Some commenters suggest that because they live in areas with little violence, they feel they don’t need the protection offered by realistic self-protection training. . Additionally,

From Complacency to Overconfidence: The Many Different Views of Traditional Karate. Read More »

Delve deeper, for in asking the right questions, you’ll detect the absence of what truly matters.

(Approx 2 minute 15 second read) I used to love sport karate. In my late teens and twenties I just wanted to spar, fight in the dojo, and compete in tournaments. . In those early days, there was a stark contrast to the safety measures and equipment we see today. Those of us who have

Delve deeper, for in asking the right questions, you’ll detect the absence of what truly matters. Read More »