(Approx 1 minute 55 second read) Balance and stability are just as important as strength and endurance in the martial arts. It can make the difference between landing an effective punch or kick, evading a strike, or avoiding being taken to the ground, where in the real-world you don’t want to be. . Balance directly…
Tag: Training
Karate and Character: Does Training Forge a Better You?
Does karate inherently improve your character? . Character traits can certainly be built, shaped, and even transformed with enough effort and willpower. However, the benefits of character building largely depend on your own values and personal goals. Karate – or any martial art – can serve as a tool for this growth, but it isn’t…
The Flawed Approach to Blocking in Karate: Why Traditional Approaches May Fall Short.
(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) In a recent article, I depicted a practitioner blocking a Bo with a ‘Jodan Age Uke,’ explaining that using this technique in the way depicted is likely to cause injury. One comment disagreed with my perspective, arguing that this is an appropriate defense against such a weapon. . The…
GET A GRIP: Using Your Techniques in the Right Context.
(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) Throughout all of the martial arts and styles that exist, they were all created to make use of biomechanics and the weaknesses of human anatomy. Where the various arts differ is in the rules, the goals, and the context that they are trained for. . In competitions, or even…
Building on a Strong Foundation: Why Beginners Deserve the Correct Path.
(Approx 1 minute 40 second read) As an instructor, if you have a goal when teaching your students, it’s important to ensure that the methods you use are the right ones for them. . There are levels to teaching students, no matter the subject. But just because some students are at a lower level or…
The Blueprint of Combat: Enbusen. Every Move Matters.
(Approx 2 minute 25 second read) When people say “enbusen” (演武線), they immediately think of the performance line of a kata. But Enbusen is more than this. . Toshihiro Oshiro 9th dan Shima-Ha Shorin Ryu wrote; “Enbusen isn’t just about where you face when you perform kata. Enbusen is the opponent themselves. Enbusen represents the…
Earning Every Step: Walking the Long Road to Mastery Through Your Effort and Hard Work.
(Approx 1 minute 55 second read) I often receive questions from people I’ve never met – requests for knowledge from strangers with no introductions, no context, and often, no sense of respect. It’s a blunt, almost a transactional exchange: “I want information, give it to me, NOW!” . In my opinion sharing knowledge is one…
Beyond the Basics: Kata as a Framework for Karate Proficiency.
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) New karate students typically start by learning a block, a stance, a punch, a kick. Over time, their knowledge expands as they practice more of the same. They might also be introduced to simple escapes or self-defense techniques, followed by block and counter drills with a partner, moving across…
Beyond the Fight: What Happens When the Fight Changes? Karate, The Art of Balance.
(Approx 2 minute 55 second read) Recently we had two students who were big guys they hadn’t been training very long. Occasionally, we have free drills where anything goes. Now, as they were inexperienced, their contact was heavily restricted. . It was interesting to watch as the exchange began to heat up, as invariably it…
As we age, the focus should shift from physical prowess to mental and spiritual growth, embodying the true spirit of karate.
(Approx 1 minute 50 second read) The islands at the southern end of Japan, once known as the Ryukyu Islands, have historically been known for longevity – once called the land of immortals. . People in Okinawa live longer than almost anyone on earth. This Japanese region has the highest proportion of people over 100…
The Importance of Context: How It Shapes Our Understanding Beyond Style.
(Approx 2 minute read) Whenever people ask me about karate or inquire about joining our dojo, the question I get asked most often is, “What style of karate do you practice?” It’s a question that reveals a lot about the way people perceive martial arts. But what does this information really tell us? Does knowing…
Beyond the Surface: Choosing Depth Over Superficiality.
(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) An interesting comment said, “Maybe in order to truly understand and utilize kata, we need to reduce the number. Think about it – most martial arts are pressed for time. We are trying to teach people to win competitions, pass gradings, and possibly add applications/bunkai/self-defense. Usually, on a couple…