(Approx 1 minute 40 second read) Someone recently said to me that I force my opinions on others. That I believe in practicality above all else. That I think I am right all the time. . Let me be clear, I don’t force anything on anyone. I share what I’ve learned through decades of training,…
Tag: Zen
The Karate They Didn’t Teach You – Lessons from the Masters.
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) Why is it so hard to see beyond what we were first taught? . Most people will say they have an open mind and are always interested in gaining additional knowledge. . But from my experience, if it’s not a direct extension of what they already know, it’s almost…
When the Mats Are Empty. And No One’s Watching. Quiet Discipline.
(Approx 1 minute 40 second read) Every time I walk into the dojo I pause and respectfully bow my head. I remove my shoes before I step onto the mats and just soak in the atmosphere, even when I’m alone. I don’t have to. No one’s watching. . It would be easy to just walk…
Honest Teachers Struggle While Frauds Thrive. The Problem Isn’t Business – It’s Bullshit.
(Approx 2 minute read) When I first moved to the US, I was invited to teach at a commercial dojo, not something I had back in the UK. My dojo back home was part-time in a church hall. I never thought of it as a “business” because I already had a day job. . It…
Sparring Isn’t Fighting. It’s Learning: Train Smart – Not Just Hard.
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) I write a lot about self-defense. Really? Yes, because it’s my priority now. . However, back in the day I loved to compete. It was great fun, and because at the time that’s all most people were interested in, fighting and sparring, it had to be done. . Sparring…
Remember Why You Started: Karate That Protects – Not Modern Performance.
(Approx 2 minute 40 second read) When I started karate back in 1974 I wanted to learn to protect myself, I wanted self-defense. Someone said in a comment recently that “most people who do karate have very little interest in self-defense.” I disagree. . In my experience, most people begin karate because they want to…
Nukite: From Misunderstood Strike to Practical Application.
(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) In my recent article I wrote about using Japanese terms to describe techniques, which in certain situations can be limiting. One such example I gave was nukite. . A couple of the comments stated you wouldn’t use that technique in a real fight. Of course they are right, when…
Back to the Future: Still Teaching Step-Kumite? Why?
(Approx 2 minute 5 second read) Imagine you’ve spent months waiting for a black belt-only weekend course with your favorite Japanese sensei. A teacher as highly regarded as anyone could be. You apply early, pay your hard-earned fee, and look forward to some advanced karate. . For those who follow my page, you can probably…
How Many Kata Do You Really Need? One Kata, Three Years – Still Enough Today?
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) As I’ve mentioned before, the comments section of my articles often inspires me to write again, and my recent article on kata’s true purpose was no different. . This time, a reader asked a very thoughtful question. They explained how, despite training kata in both Shotokan and Kyokushin, they…
Understanding Karate’s True Purpose: Real Violence, Real Purpose and Why Kata Matters.
(Approx 2 minute 15 second read) Kata was born in a time of real violence, not sport or rules. To think its creators couldn’t defend themselves is absurd. Context matters, and ignorance is not bliss. . I recently received a comment that read: “No fighter ever trains kata to learn how to fight. Only old…
Karate, Context, and the Critics Who Miss the Point.
(Approx 1 minute 45 second read) My recent article about not working hard for a black belt, paying for it, or getting it too easily brought a lot of thoughtful comments. Many people shared their own journeys, what the belt meant to them, and the effort behind it. . But there’s always one (usually more…
Black Belts for Sale: What Happened to Earning It?
(Approx 2 minute 35 second read) When I took my shodan (a long time ago) I had no idea it was happening. I turned up for class as normal, always early, the first to arrive, as I helped teach the children class. . My instructor then informed me, “you’re taking shodan tonight.” Wait, what? There…