(Approx 1 minute 50 second read) This week, a potential student expressed concern about his low weight and its impact on the effectiveness of karate for him. . Does size give someone an advantage in a fight? . Height, reach, and weight play significant roles in combat sports, and most tournaments have weight categories to…
Category: Self-Protection
Learning to Learn from Kata: Beyond Basics, Unlocking the Message Within.
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) Kata, often seen as the bane of many karate-ka worldwide, is frequently derided, especially on social media by those who have no real understanding of its purpose. So, what is kata really all about? . Many students perform kata without truly understanding its purpose. They focus on making it…
Don’t Get Duped! Are You Learning the Real Thing?
(Approx 1 minute 40 second read) The martial arts industry is largely unregulated, and even when there are background checks for instructors, there are some that slip through the net, meaning anyone can open a martial arts school. This lack of regulation can sometimes have serious consequences. . While some training is undoubtedly better than…
Is Modern Karate Right for You? The Critical Difference. Be Prepared, Stay Safe.
(Approx 1 minute 56 second read) When you’re looking for a martial arts school or dojo, it’s crucial to understand the differences and ensure you choose the right one. . There’s a critical distinction between self-defense, sport karate, and other forms of martial arts. Choosing the right training is vital. . Many instructors teaching karate…
Real Karate is Messy: Effective in the Chaos.
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) We all recognize, or at least we should, the value of our foundational techniques – the basics. It’s easy, though, to want to cast them aside in favor of the more complicated or interesting. While that’s a natural part of progression, neglecting a strong foundation can lead to poor…
Don’t Try This at Home: A Lesson in Common Sense.
(Approx 2 minute read) Continued from my recent article in response to reader comments about the idiotic idea of catching a sword, a ‘katana,’ in the palms of the hands. Mostly, the comments were sensible. However… you know what’s coming, right? . One comment suggested that I was mistaken, claiming it is entirely feasible. He…
The Dangers of Misinterpreting Traditional Martial Arts. Facing the Facts of Karate’s Practical Limits.
(Approx 2 minute 5 second read) Some of the comments on my articles are really interesting to read, often inspiring me to write more. Many of them offer insight into the training of friends and colleagues from all over the world. . On the other hand – OMG. . The article in question was where…
Rethinking Kata: The Beginning of a More Practical Approach.
(Approx 2minute 5 second read) Many readers of my articles have asked for more insights into interpreting kata, feeling stuck with their current understanding. Let’s try to clarify some concepts. . Firstly, you have to change your mindset from block and counter to something more practical. . Let’s start at the beginning, always a good…
The Open Mind: Key to Unlocking Your Potential.
(Approx 1 minute 40 second read) I receive numerous comments on my articles from people struggling to decipher their kata. This is understandable, especially when considering the implausibility of many modern performance ‘bunkai’ demonstrations. . A good starting point is to understand that “uke” does NOT mean block. Unfortunately, almost everyone is taught that it…
Traditional Karate Training: Block, Counter, and Real-World Realities.
(Approx 2 minute 40 second read) Many believe “traditional karate” is a direct descendant of ancient, battle-tested martial arts. However, the karate popularized and taught in schools and universities in Japan during the early 20th century underwent significant changes with many of the so-called ‘dangerous’ techniques removed. . Karate became a way to develop strong…
“Fleeing combat is not shameful. Shame lies in starting it for no reason.”
(Approx 1 minute 35 second read) When I teach, or when I write an article, my goal isn’t to persuade anybody of anything; I’m here to present information or my opinion. What you do with that information is entirely up to you. . However, if I can help just a few people consider something different,…
“Karate has many stances; it also has none.”
(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) Nakasone Genwa (1895-1978), once said, “Karate has many stances; it also has none.” This seemingly paradoxical statement highlights a crucial concept in training: stances are not rigid, fixed positions, but rather dynamic movements that serve a specific purpose. . In everyday English, we use the word ‘stance’ to infer…