(Approx 1 minute 40 second read) Many instructors pour their heart and soul into their dojo, some with little or no financial gain. Yet, this dedication is frequently overlooked. A good instructor’s mission is to help students improve and grow in their martial arts journey – not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. . For…
Tag: Teaching
Karate Across Oceans: The Challenges of Depth in Transmission.
(Approx 2 minute 40 second read) Karate’s journey from Okinawa to the US was largely shaped by American servicemen stationed in Okinawa and Japan after World War II. Many were eager to learn, but with limited time and significant cultural barriers, one might wonder: Was the depth and nuance of traditional karate truly passed on,…
Resistance is NOT Futile: Facing Reality – Showing, Preparing, and Practicing Resistance in Your Training.
(Approx 1 minute 55 second read) There is so much phony self-defense out there: demonstrations in which a defender successfully intercepts an attack – a punch, a kick, or a knife stab – and then “destroys” the attacker with ease. . The defense just wouldn’t work against anyone other than a cooperating partner – and…
Think Twice: Before You Throw a Punch, Learn Restraint When Fighting Is All You Know.
(Approx 2 minute 15 second read) If you know me or have read my articles, you probably already know that I prefer my karate to be practical and pragmatic. But on occasion, I write from a more philosophical side, aiming to add some balance and hopefully encourage readers to think and question. . It’s a…
“Any martial art without proper training of the mind turns into beastly behavior.”
Reflection: where we’ve been, where we are, even perhaps where we’re going. . Your body can stand almost anything. It’s your mind you have to convince. The biggest and toughest opponent you will ever face? Yourself. . Always see contemplation on your actions as an opportunity to improve. . Perhaps the martial arts are less…
The First Step: Why Do Many Kata Start to the Left?
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) I was asked a great question: “Do all kata start with a move to the left? Are there any kata that start to the right?” . Many beginners learn kata such as ‘Fukyugata’, ‘Gekisai’, and the ‘Pinan’ kata, which all share one commonality – the first movement goes left….
Just Relax! (Said No One Who Was Actually Relaxed).
(Approx 1 minute 40 second read) Karate, at its core, is a discipline built on efficiency – achieving maximum power and fluidity through minimal exertion. . A student recently commented while watching me demonstrate a movement, “We have a long way to go.” He was referring to how relaxed I seemed, compared to the tension…
Karate for Kids: Beyond Self-Defense – Building Confidence, Resilience and Responsibility
(Approx 1 minute 55 second read) One of the most heart-wrenching challenges for any parent is watching their child become the victim of bullying. It can leave parents feeling powerless, desperately searching for ways to protect their child. Many turn to kids’ martial arts classes, hoping it will equip their child with the skills to…
Fighting without compassion is just violence, fighting with it is true martial arts.
(Approx 2 minute 25 second read) The martial arts seen by many as being centered around combat and physical confrontation. . It’s in the name, after all – yet that’s only a small fraction of the truth. . When people think of martial arts, they often imagine aggressive individuals wanting to fight. But for those…
Naihanchi: Absent from Competition, Essential for Practical Application.
(Approx 2 minute read) Naihanchi kata, simple in appearance but profound in application. Its name is commonly interpreted as “sideways fighting”, referencing the kata’s distinctive embusen. Although other interpretations also exist. . Gichin Funakoshi, renamed the kata ‘Tekki’ (Iron Horse), honoring his teacher Anko Itosu and emphasizing its strength and stability. While the precise origins…
Educating with Insight: Ensuring Depth and Authenticity in Karate Teaching.
(Approx 2 minute 35 second read) Itosu Anko was in his 70s when he finalized the Pinan kata. Those forms were simplified and organized into a curriculum suitable for instructing larger groups, particularly within the Okinawan school system. Karate was to be promoted as a way to encourage physical education, discipline, and moral character in…
Challenging Conformity: The Power of Questioning What You Know to Discover Genuine Understanding.
(Approx 2 minute 25 second read) Recently, someone sent me a message with the abrupt opener, “Who are you?” – not the most polite way to start a conversation. After some back-and-forth, and after I pointed out the rudeness of his approach, I learned he was upset about a quote I had used in one…