(Approx 1 minute 50 second read) In a recent article, I wrote about the difference between ‘sweating in a karategi’ and ‘learning karate’. The response was interesting, and it’s clear that many instructors don’t understand the distinction. . There has always been a place for conditioning in the martial arts. Okinawan karate, for example, has…
Tag: Zen
Karate is not merely practiced for your own benefit; it can be used to protect one’s family or master.
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) Recently, a comment on one of my articles claimed that “there is no evidence apart from hearsay and legends regarding the martial effectiveness of our Okinawan karate forefathers.” . An interesting perspective, but it overlooks the historical and practical evidence showing that Okinawan karate was, in fact, a highly…
Karate Isn’t What You Think It Is – and Why It Might Not Save Your Life.
(Approx 2 minute 25 second read) Many of us have had remarkable teachers, people who embodied the virtues of a true martial artist. We followed them, often without question, and some even became household names in the martial arts world. . But here’s the uncomfortable truth: no matter how great the teacher, the system they…
If This Is the Standard for Practical Karate, the Bar Isn’t High – It’s Buried.
(Approx 1 minute 55 second read) A friend of mine recently sent me a video of a JKA Shotokan Dan test weekend seminar, taught by a senior JKA instructor. And guess what, five step-kumite was being practiced and taught. . Now, I have written about step-kumite extensively, and in my opinion, if you need reminding,…
Reshaped by Time: Karate Then and Now – Practical, Purposeful, Real.
(Approx 2minute 30 second read) The comments on my articles are a great way for me to think about writing again, and one such comment got me thinking about history once more. . The article was about exercise in the dojo replacing karate. A person commented that Gogen Yamaguchi would only teach exercise for many…
This is Karate Training. Are You Learning Karate – or Just Sweating in a Karategi?
(Approx 2 minute 15 second read) Someone messaged me the other day saying that he was unhappy where he was currently training because most of the class is just fitness. . We all know that the role of a good instructor is pivotal to learning and understanding. A skilled karate instructor goes beyond simply demonstrating…
Facing the Test: Practicality Is Born of Decades of Failure and Success.
(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,…
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…