(2 minute 10 second read) Communication can sometimes be ambiguous, especially on social media or in messages, when it involves terms or phrases that have different meanings or cultural connotations depending on the context. . The energetic ‘Osu’ is a familiar sound in karate circles. In many instances it’s meant to convey perseverance, respect, and…
Month: April 2024
“I haven’t trained enough yet. I have clear images of many Sensei from long ago, and those are my goals.”
(2 minute 17 second read) We shouldn’t just do martial arts; we should contemplate them deeply. Keiko (稽古) often translated as “practice”, has two kanji, the first Kei (稽) meaning ‘to think or to consider’. The second, ko (古) means ‘old’. . When we perform keiko, we are refining and considering the things that came…
“We do not see things as they are, we see them as we are.”
(2 minute 30 second read) Many of the articles that I write are created to ask the reader to view, perhaps something different, and discuss the content in a polite discussion. . Yeah right, who am I kidding? This is social media. . An opinion is this: the beliefs of a single person based on…
Building Confidence & Safety: Why Children’s Self-Defense Matters.
(2 minute 40 second read) There are levels to teaching students, no matter the subject. But just because some of the students are at a lower level, or children, or beginners, what I do not agree with, is teaching something that is fundamentally flawed because of that level. . A comment on a recent article…
Five Steps to Nowhere? The Hidden Flaw in Traditional Five Step Sparring.
(2 minute 26 second read) Punch, block, punch, block; moving backwards and forwards – prearranged step-sparring. . Learning the basics to become proficient requires repetition, over and over again. However, it’s crucial that basics are realistic, wouldn’t you agree? . The movements contained within karate were never meant to receive an attack from another martial…
“Before I pass my technique on to the student, first I have to understand what’s happening.”
(2 minute read) The comments on my articles often inspire me to write another, whether those comments are good or bad. Many are interesting and show a diverse understanding, and sometimes highlighting misunderstandings too. . So, thank you to everyone who follows and comments on my articles. . The foundation of any karate technique lies…
Many pioneers of karate inform us that the hand opposite to the striking hand is ‘doing something’.
(2 minutes 15 second read) It’s very common in traditional karate to see practitioners performing a technique, while pulling back/drawing back the other hand and placing it on the hip, or with the knife hand, across the abdomen. . In Japanese, the ‘pulling hand’ is called ‘hikite’, and it’s evident in most of the receiving…
“Without context words and actions have no meaning at all.”
(1 minute 45 second read) “Without context words and actions have no meaning at all.” . This is a major problem today where so many individuals, many without experience of other martial arts, confuse their own ‘way’ as the one and only ‘way’. . Cricket is an amazing sport, but would a cricket player excel…
“Know the cause of your ignorance.”
(1 minute 35 second read) Have you ever encountered someone who seems completely stuck in their ways? Someone who refuses to consider any viewpoint but their own? That’s the hallmark of a closed mind. . And boy, have I had a few of these in the comments on my articles lately. . A closed-minded person…
WHAT?… Self-defense is not necessary?
(1 minute 45 second read) Recent comments on one of my articles, dismissed self-defense as unnecessary; “self defense never really necessary – [snip] – if someone want to rob my wallet or phone with knife, I will just give them away”. . Good tactics, but what if they want more? What if you are in…
Jiu-Jitsu enthusiast challenges me!…..Hold My Beer.
(2 minute 7 second read) A commenter on one of my articles challenged me: “Step onto a jiu-jitsu mat and get humbled.” . This sentiment highlights a common desire in martial arts – to find the ultimate fighting method. But the truth is, and I have written about this extensively, there’s NO single “best” martial…
As your child practices Karate, they’re not just mastering kicks and punches. They’re also building confidence and inner strength.
(1 minute 45 second read) Let’s talk about something crucial – if you teach the martial arts, it’s not just about teaching your students how to fight. Fighting isn’t always the answer. Especially if you’re dealing with kids. . Teaching your students how to avoid trouble is extremely important, this is the first line of…