(Approx 1 minute 55 second read) Balance and stability are just as important as strength and endurance in the martial arts. It can make the difference between landing an effective punch or kick, evading a strike, or avoiding being taken to the ground, where in the real-world you don’t want to be. . Balance directly…
Category: Self-Defense
The Flawed Approach to Blocking in Karate: Why Traditional Approaches May Fall Short.
(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) In a recent article, I depicted a practitioner blocking a Bo with a ‘Jodan Age Uke,’ explaining that using this technique in the way depicted is likely to cause injury. One comment disagreed with my perspective, arguing that this is an appropriate defense against such a weapon. . The…
GET A GRIP: Using Your Techniques in the Right Context.
(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) Throughout all of the martial arts and styles that exist, they were all created to make use of biomechanics and the weaknesses of human anatomy. Where the various arts differ is in the rules, the goals, and the context that they are trained for. . In competitions, or even…
Building on a Strong Foundation: Why Beginners Deserve the Correct Path.
(Approx 1 minute 40 second read) As an instructor, if you have a goal when teaching your students, it’s important to ensure that the methods you use are the right ones for them. . There are levels to teaching students, no matter the subject. But just because some students are at a lower level or…
The Blueprint of Combat: Enbusen. Every Move Matters.
(Approx 2 minute 25 second read) When people say “enbusen” (演武線), they immediately think of the performance line of a kata. But Enbusen is more than this. . Toshihiro Oshiro 9th dan Shima-Ha Shorin Ryu wrote; “Enbusen isn’t just about where you face when you perform kata. Enbusen is the opponent themselves. Enbusen represents the…
Beyond the Basics: Kata as a Framework for Karate Proficiency.
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) New karate students typically start by learning a block, a stance, a punch, a kick. Over time, their knowledge expands as they practice more of the same. They might also be introduced to simple escapes or self-defense techniques, followed by block and counter drills with a partner, moving across…
Beyond the Fight: What Happens When the Fight Changes? Karate, The Art of Balance.
(Approx 2 minute 55 second read) Recently we had two students who were big guys they hadn’t been training very long. Occasionally, we have free drills where anything goes. Now, as they were inexperienced, their contact was heavily restricted. . It was interesting to watch as the exchange began to heat up, as invariably it…
The Importance of Context: How It Shapes Our Understanding Beyond Style.
(Approx 2 minute read) Whenever people ask me about karate or inquire about joining our dojo, the question I get asked most often is, “What style of karate do you practice?” It’s a question that reveals a lot about the way people perceive martial arts. But what does this information really tell us? Does knowing…
Beyond the Surface: Choosing Depth Over Superficiality.
(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) An interesting comment said, “Maybe in order to truly understand and utilize kata, we need to reduce the number. Think about it – most martial arts are pressed for time. We are trying to teach people to win competitions, pass gradings, and possibly add applications/bunkai/self-defense. Usually, on a couple…
Reconnecting with Karate’s Origins: Understanding its roots.
(Approx 1minute 40 second read) We live in an age where any idea, concept, theory, principle, or fact from history is just a click away. . With such unprecedented access to information, one might expect that opinions about martial arts, especially karate, would be grounded in a solid understanding of its rich history and evolution….
Fast Isn’t Always Better: Speed vs. Substance. The Timeless Depth of Karate.
Many practitioners are searching for more in their karate practice. They’ve seen modern disciplines like MMA and realized that the karate they’ve been learning doesn’t quite measure up to what they’ve witnessed. . If we want our students to truly grasp the concepts, principles, and ideas of realistic karate, they must experience these things in…
Beneath the Surface: Kata’s Hidden Wisdom and the Lessons of Karate’s Most Misunderstood Practice.
(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) Karate over the decades has been significantly diluted, which means that today, regardless of the reason you’re learning, you might not be getting the full benefit of what this art truly offers. Karate is not just about competition, health, or even the martial art itself – it’s about mastering…