Style

“I am a student, not a master. I am still learning, and I will never stop learning.”

(2 minute and 5 second read) The journey to becoming proficient in any field, especially the martial arts, begins with a fundamental truth: you must first become a great student. . Training and practice isn’t just about passively absorbing information; it’s about taking an active role in your own learning, and being fueled by a […]

“I am a student, not a master. I am still learning, and I will never stop learning.” Read More »

MMA undoubtedly showcases the prowess of its athletes, but it is essential to recognize that it may not be the ideal benchmark for evaluating the entire spectrum of the martial arts.

(2 minute and 20 second read) A comment on my article about the strongest karate, stated that; “it has already been addressed in the real world, by MMA”. . MMA has gained immense popularity in recent years, captivating audiences with its dynamic blend of various martial arts disciplines. . It undoubtedly showcases the prowess of

MMA undoubtedly showcases the prowess of its athletes, but it is essential to recognize that it may not be the ideal benchmark for evaluating the entire spectrum of the martial arts. Read More »

Choosing the right training, the right dojo, is critical, for your safety and for your peace of mind. Do not take that choice lightly.

In a previous article, I delved into a comment from an individual asserting that their karate was “the strongest.” While the article may have been somewhat lengthy for some (a 2 1/2 minute read – for those who prefer an easier read, coloring books are an option), it generated comments stating that numerous fake karate

Choosing the right training, the right dojo, is critical, for your safety and for your peace of mind. Do not take that choice lightly. Read More »

My style of karate is the strongest.

Recently someone tried to argue with me that their style of karate was the strongest. Informing me that because their athletes were successful in competition going back to the 1960’s, it was the ultimate, the strongest, and the best martial art. . Karate, has evolved into a diverse and widespread discipline. It can be practiced

My style of karate is the strongest. Read More »

“Nothing is more harmful to the world than a martial art that is not effective in actual self-defense.”

It is said that the Okinawan karate pioneers, Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957) and Choki Motobu (1870-1944), did not agree on many things and openly disliked each other. . Funakoshi became an advocate of Karate-do, while Motobu, an advocate of Karate-jutsu. . Motobu in his criticism of Funakoshi, stated that; “Nothing is more harmful to the world

“Nothing is more harmful to the world than a martial art that is not effective in actual self-defense.” Read More »

Self-defense is NOT about winning. You’re not in the dojo, on the mats, in a training hall, participating in a competition, rolling on the floor. Self-defense is about survival.

I have been writing articles for several years now and a misconception about self-defense continuously runs through the comments I receive. . Let’s attempt to clarify things. . Self-defense is NOT about winning. You’re not in the dojo, on the mats, in a training hall, participating in a competition, rolling on the floor. . Self-defense

Self-defense is NOT about winning. You’re not in the dojo, on the mats, in a training hall, participating in a competition, rolling on the floor. Self-defense is about survival. Read More »

Symbolic gesture or combative function?

The martial arts world can be a tapestry woven with intricate traditions and practices. . One intriguing thread that runs through the practice of kata, specifically, the enigmatic movements often interpreted as “salutations.” . These seemingly ritualistic gestures have some practitioners attributing them to hidden meanings and even ancient Chinese symbolism. . However, perhaps a

Symbolic gesture or combative function? Read More »

“Instead of being afraid of the challenge and failure, be afraid of avoiding the challenge and doing nothing.”

Someone made a comment on one of my articles that stated your not an instructor if you look to fail people for a black-belt test and break them down as individuals, that life is tough as it is. . While I understand this perspective, and it’s true that a positive and supportive learning environment is

“Instead of being afraid of the challenge and failure, be afraid of avoiding the challenge and doing nothing.” Read More »

How many kata is “enough”?

How many kata is “enough”? . Of course this is very subjective. What are your goals in training? What are your goals in teaching? How many are contained in your syllabus? Etc. etc. . If you want your students to quickly learn self-defense skills, then a smaller amount is obviously going to be more efficient,

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“My karate is stronger, tougher, more athletic, it is the ultimate…. It is superior to yours!”

“My karate is stronger, tougher, more athletic, it is the ultimate…. It is superior to yours!” . Really? It’s superior, in all things?….. . You have to define what you mean by “superior”. I’m assuming that when people say “superior”, they mean the best in terms of effectiveness and practicality…… But superior? WHERE? In the

“My karate is stronger, tougher, more athletic, it is the ultimate…. It is superior to yours!” Read More »