(1 minute 34 second read) Both on the mat and in life, emotions can be a powerful force. They can fuel your movements, sharpen your focus, or cloud your judgment, leading to consequences you may not want. . The key to navigating this emotional landscape lies in training the mind to be stronger than your…
Category: Self-Defense
While you patiently wait, arm extended, for him to apply the lock successfully, what would happen if you resisted?
(2 minute 21 second read) Many martial arts practitioners hold onto the belief that their training translates flawlessly to real-world self-defense. Unfortunately, this can be a perilous illusion. . The efficacy of your techniques will often fail when faced with a brutal, violent, resisting opponent. You should not overlook this fundamental fact. . As an…
Fighting isn’t alway necessary. Aggression can prove a costly error. De-escalation and prevention, is the true mark of strength.
(2 minute and 44 second read) Many people who comment on my articles seem to want to reduce real-world scenarios to fighting in a cage, or some form of sport. . Let’s be clear. It isn’t. . If you have to fight someone for your survival, then yes, of course, any form of fighting will…
“We must be careful not to overlook the fact that kata, and the body positions that comprises them, are just templates of sort; it is their application in combat which needs to be mastered.”
(2 minute and 14 second read) Kata, the cornerstone of traditional martial arts, are intricate archives of combative movements, much more than just a physical solo exercise. They are a living legacy, passed down from teacher to student, generation after generation. . Each kata embodies the accumulated wisdom of past masters, a codified library of…
MMA undoubtedly showcases the prowess of its athletes, but it is essential to recognize that it may not be the ideal benchmark for evaluating the entire spectrum of the martial arts.
(2 minute and 20 second read) A comment on my article about the strongest karate, stated that; “it has already been addressed in the real world, by MMA”. . MMA has gained immense popularity in recent years, captivating audiences with its dynamic blend of various martial arts disciplines. . It undoubtedly showcases the prowess of…
Choosing the right training, the right dojo, is critical, for your safety and for your peace of mind. Do not take that choice lightly.
In a previous article, I delved into a comment from an individual asserting that their karate was “the strongest.” While the article may have been somewhat lengthy for some (a 2 1/2 minute read – for those who prefer an easier read, coloring books are an option), it generated comments stating that numerous fake karate…
My style of karate is the strongest.
Recently someone tried to argue with me that their style of karate was the strongest. Informing me that because their athletes were successful in competition going back to the 1960’s, it was the ultimate, the strongest, and the best martial art. . Karate, has evolved into a diverse and widespread discipline. It can be practiced…
‘Karate ni sente nashi’. Apparently some people interpret this literally and often profess that ‘one must not attack first’.
The phrase “Karate ni sente nashi,” (空手に先手なし) often translated as “there is no first attack in karate,” has resonated with karate-ka for generations. . Funakoshi Gichin made this principle the second of his “Niju Kun” (二十訓) (Twenty Precepts), reminding us that “karate begins and ends with courtesy”. . However, clinging to a literal interpretation can…
You must prioritize avoiding harm over protecting material possessions.
Someone commented on one of my articles recently that today, you don’t really need training for self-defense and violence is exaggerated. . I find this type of attitude very shortsighted. And while for some, you may be lucky enough to live your whole life without ever encountering violence of any kind, unfortunately, there are those…
“Conceptually, the fence is simple and anyone, irrespective of their skill level, can adopt it.”
Let’s be clear, self-defense is NOT about brawling. It’s about preventing confrontation and staying safe. There’s nothing to gain and everything to lose by getting pulled into unnecessary fights. So remember this; avoidance is your best self-defense tool. . We know from previous articles that having a static high guard doesn’t translate well to real-world…
Most people are not really prepared or trained, physically or psychologically, for a physical encounter, it’s best to concentrate on something that will work – beginning with avoidance.
My recent article about keeping your hands up in a guard in self-defense situations, featured several responses, some stating it works in MMA, or other sports. . You’re missing the point. . A guard IS applicable in consensual fights. . In self-protection, either, you are so close that BOTH HANDS SHOULD BE WORKING, or you…
In real life, a raised guard just paints a bullseye on your forehead. A liability in the unpredictable chaos of reality.
Self-protection or inviting the fight? . In any sporting fighting arena, a tight guard is gospel. But in the real-world where self-defense maybe necessary, it could be a bad idea, both tactically and legally. Why? Because self-defense is NOT a controlled match. It’s messy, chaotic, and often over before you know it. . It should…