(Approx 2 minute 25 second read) There are plenty of reasons why kata has become somewhat disconnected from real combat. From philosophical and political decisions made by Funakoshi and others following WWII to common training methods, distorted views of how fighting works, and the spread of information lacking depth. . I get so many…
Category: Bunkai
Don’t get set into one form, adapt it and build your own, and let it grow, be ready to throw away what you know.
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) Recently, I read an article about certain aspects of Buddhism, and one of the key points made was that in the heart of the Buddha’s teachings lies a profound caution: . “To seek truth is not to entangle oneself in concepts or to cling to views. Words, descriptions, and…
Teaching Self-Defense? Make It Real. Not a Performance.
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) If there’s one recurring theme in the comments on my articles, it’s the difference between techniques for self-defense, sport, ‘bunkai’, or some form of ‘kumite’ in the dojo. . Over the years, I’ve addressed misconceptions about self-defense that often lead people to confuse what works in a controlled environment…
Karate Unboxed: One Approach Can’t Suit Everyone.
(Approx 2 minute read) Should we differentiate the various forms of karate or even consider renaming them? For instance, Sport-karate, Children’s-karate, Practical-karate, or 3K karate? . The failure to differentiate between contexts is widespread, and for me, it’s essential, especially when discussing what it is that you practice or teach. Criticizing sport-karate for not working…
When Confidence Becomes Complacency: Locked Minds, Limited Skills.
(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) If someone thinks that a lesson has no value, or is not relevant to them, then teaching them will be a waste of time. That person will simply go through the motions. . What I’ve found over the years is that some people just want to keep doing the…
Karate in Context: It’s Not What You Know, But How You Apply It.
(Approx 2 minute 35 second read) We live in an age where knowledge is everywhere. The tools to enhance your martial arts practice – videos, books, apps, online courses – are more accessible than ever before. Yet, with all this information, why do so many karateka and dojo seem to struggle with defining what it…
Predicting the Unpredictable: Every Movement in Combat Tells a Story.
(Approx 1 minute 40 second read) Imagine the massive advantage you’d have if you knew what your opponent was going to do before it happened. It would allow you to react instantaneously, adapting to their moves with precision. . A person’s unconscious, instant reaction to a stimulus is known as a reflex. If you touched…
The Three Faces: Yes, There Is Depth, But Don’t Hide the Truth.
(Approx 1 minute 25 second read) Someone recently suggested that a Japanese instructor might not show the correct application of karate techniques because of their “three faces”. . This phrase refers to the idea, often associated with Japanese culture, that individuals present themselves differently in various social contexts. . It is sometimes expressed as “three…
Perfect Form, Misguided Function? The Hand That Pulls.
(Approx 2 minute 40 second read) After decades of practicing and teaching karate, I’m still surprised by how many misconceptions and misinformation continue to swirl around this art. Whether in the dojo or online, I regularly hear the same misunderstandings repeated. . One of these misconceptions that pops up quite regularly is about ‘hikite’. ….
When ‘Real’ Karate Isn’t Quite Real Enough: Static Steps or Dynamic Survival?
(Approx 2 minute 40 second read) I mentioned in an article recently that an Okinawan teacher showed his black belts a series of techniques meant to showcase ‘real’ karate. Unfortunately, expectations are never as exciting as reality. . Firstly, someone said to me in the comments section, “Can you provide a link to the video?”…
Creativity in Motion: The Power of Possibility Through Asking the Right Questions.
(Approx 2 minute 35 second read) The problem with many karate techniques is that they are often taught as having a single, fixed use. Consider modern karate and the tools it provides. Let’s take an example: the “Jodan age uke”, the ubiquitous upper rising block. In modern karate, it’s typically used to block, deflect, or…
Teaching Karate? Then Get It Right. When the Internet Gets It Wrong.
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) After decades of practicing and teaching karate, and several years of writing about it, I’m still surprised by how many misconceptions and misinformation continue to swirl around this art. Whether in the dojo or online, I regularly encounter the same misunderstandings repeated. . Karate is not as complicated as…