(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) Apart from my interests and passion for karate, I have another wild passion: Formula 1. . My interest started when I was in my early teens, and it has not wavered since. I follow not just the races but also the technical information, the teams, the drivers, and the […]
You need great passion because everything you do with great pleasure, you do well. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) Recently, I read an article about certain aspects of Buddhism, and one of the key points made was that in the heart of the Buddha’s teachings lies a profound caution: . “To seek truth is not to entangle oneself in concepts or to cling to views. Words, descriptions, and
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) We all want to be liked. Whether it’s for our many talents, sharp intelligence, warm personalities, or – okay, maybe not for our amazing dance moves – it’s natural to seek validation from others. . But when we start depending on what people think of us to feel happy,
Letting Go: Breaking Free from the Opinions of Others. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) If there’s one recurring theme in the comments on my articles, it’s the difference between techniques for self-defense, sport, ‘bunkai’, or some form of ‘kumite’ in the dojo. . Over the years, I’ve addressed misconceptions about self-defense that often lead people to confuse what works in a controlled environment
Teaching Self-Defense? Make It Real. Not a Performance. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 35 second read) A key element in any self-defense situation is self-control. It’s not just about staying calm – it’s about staying in charge of yourself. . You can’t allow someone else to manipulate you by pushing your emotional buttons. I’ve been in situations where people have tried to provoke me, using
Finding Clarity in the Red Mist: Self-Control. Remaining Calm in the Chaos. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute read) Should we differentiate the various forms of karate or even consider renaming them? For instance, Sport-karate, Children’s-karate, Practical-karate, or 3K karate? . The failure to differentiate between contexts is widespread, and for me, it’s essential, especially when discussing what it is that you practice or teach. Criticizing sport-karate for not working
Karate Unboxed: One Approach Can’t Suit Everyone. Read More »
There will always be people who pass unwarranted judgments on others. As we journey through life, we come to realize that not everyone will be on our side. . Some people seem determined to bring others down, often without understanding the damage their words can cause. You can’t hide from negative people, no matter how
Standing Apart: Amid the Many, One Stands Firm. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) If someone thinks that a lesson has no value, or is not relevant to them, then teaching them will be a waste of time. That person will simply go through the motions. . What I’ve found over the years is that some people just want to keep doing the
When Confidence Becomes Complacency: Locked Minds, Limited Skills. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 15 second read) Someone commented on one of my articles: “Forget about learning self-defense techniques, which you are likely to forget anyway. Just run away.” . Terrible advice. . Learning to escape is paramount in self-protection, but reducing it to just “running away” oversimplifies a much more complex and nuanced skillset. .
More Than a Sprint: Running Away vs. Escape Skills. They’re Not the Same. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 35 second read) We live in an age where knowledge is everywhere. The tools to enhance your martial arts practice – videos, books, apps, online courses – are more accessible than ever before. Yet, with all this information, why do so many karateka and dojo seem to struggle with defining what it
Karate in Context: It’s Not What You Know, But How You Apply It. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute read) Losing interest in martial arts training happens to everyone at some point. It’s inevitable, and there are countless reasons why. . How often have you heard someone say, “I used to do karate”? The decision to stop often happens in an instant. Sadly, years of hard work can be undone just
Staying the Course: Making Martial Arts a Part of Who You Are. Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 40 second read) Imagine the massive advantage you’d have if you knew what your opponent was going to do before it happened. It would allow you to react instantaneously, adapting to their moves with precision. . A person’s unconscious, instant reaction to a stimulus is known as a reflex. If you touched
Predicting the Unpredictable: Every Movement in Combat Tells a Story. Read More »
