(Approx 2 minute 5 second read) I like to think that I follow some of the Buddhist principles. I’m not a Buddhist though, by any means. I make a lot of mistakes – probably more than would be tolerated within the principles they follow. But one idea that has always resonated with me is the […]
The Mindful Path: Living in the Moment, A Glimpse at Buddhism. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 5 second read) Those moments of stillness are pretty rare these days aren’t they. Our minds are constantly occupied – planning, analyzing, worrying, reacting. Always doing something, always thinking. . There are times where we just need to switch off. . Have you ever caught yourself just staring into space, not thinking
‘Boketto’: The Absence of Thought, with The Clarity Found in Stillness. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) Can you think of another pastime, hobby, sport, or functional defensive practice where there is so much ambiguity? . If I was teaching you advanced ‘blue-lights and siren’ driving skills (I used to), and I answered a question that was so plainly incorrect it would put your life and
Movement, Not a Catalog of Techniques: Reconnecting Karate with Practical Applications. Read More »
Simplicity in karate doesn’t mean it’s easy – it means stripping away the unnecessary, refining movements until nothing is wasted, and ensuring every action has purpose. . But getting to that level takes years of self-discipline and understanding. Then, with that understanding, comes refined repetition. . The emphasis isn’t merely on countless repetitions, but on
Karate should be simple. That’s what makes it so difficult. Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 50 second read) I recently had a persistent commenter on my Facebook page, a person who, every time I posted an article about self-defense, would jump in to say that in his 40 years of training, he has never had to use self-defense. He claimed that he trains purely for fun and
No, You Can’t Mug Me Today. I Just Train for Fun! Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 35 second read) Social media today is flooded with people showing off their ideas of bunkai applications. Every day, my feed is full of someone performing something or other. . Sometimes, these ideas are just cringeworthy, so I move on. It’s not worth losing time over. . Now, I get that for
Lessons from the Past: Do Some Traditions Fail in Self-Defense? Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) A comment on my recent article stated “Trying to encourage a young student (say 7-10 year old) to embrace the multiple options for jodan age uke as a starting point is simply impractical. Surely it is better to focus on getting the technique correct from the feet up (on
Guiding Young Minds: Teaching Kids Karate Without Losing Its Depth. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute read) Recently, I wrote an article about “Keiko Saki, Rikai Wa Ato” (稽古先，理解 後) – “Practice First, Understanding Later” – a concept in traditional karate. . One comment stood out, saying, “Thru [sic] the technique…the doctrine shall be revealed.” . The person explained that his belief that principles will reveal themselves, comes
A Thousand Blocks, Still No Understanding: Why Repetition alone Isn’t Enough. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) Even for those who are passionate about the martial arts, especially for those who teach, training can reach a point where it becomes overwhelming. Many times we show up to class simply out of habit, when truthfully our minds or hearts are elsewhere. . While the martial arts requires
Burnout: Recognizing the Signs and Finding Your Way Back. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 40 second read) I’m sure you have heard the term, ‘renshū’ (練習) – practice through repetition. It’s about ingraining a skill by doing it over and over again until it becomes second nature. . In many Western dojos, when a new technique, drill, or application is introduced, students will often carefully mimic
“Keiko Saki, Rikai Wa Ato” (稽古先，理解 後) – Practice First, Understanding Later. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) I’m writing about angles again as I had so many comments and messages about this, I want to try and make my case a little clearer. . When you’re in the dojo and you begin to practice any step-kumite, drills, or sparring, you stand facing an opponent, right? .
Meeting it Head-On: Shouldn’t Angles Define Kata and Your Responses? Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 45 second read) Confidence is something every martial artist needs. Without it, even the most skilled person can freeze when it matters most. I’ve written about this recently – the impact of how a lack of confidence can ruin any skill you may have. . However, just as too little confidence is
“Self-Praise and Over-Confidence is a Sickness That Corrupts Training.” Read More »
