Karate is something you learn properly when you have a good teacher – someone who explains things clearly, allows you to question, and has the depth of knowledge for you to grasp the principles behind what you’re doing. Then, when all this is conveyed, you repeat it – over and over – until it becomes…
Tag: Bunkai
When the Enemy Comes, Greet Him with a Smile.
(Approx 1 minute 35 second read) A reminder that the real fight is often won in the mind. . For those of us interested in self-defense, awareness is key – being aware of yourself, your surroundings, and your environment. . But what does that really mean? . It’s about spotting pre-incident indicators, practicing good positioning,…
The Boxer’s Lesson, The Master’s Secret: Kata’s Practical Legacy.
(Approx 2 minute 50 second read) Take a single technique from a boxer’s shadow boxing routine. What do you have? For example – a left jab aimed at the head or body. . Take a single movement from kata. What do you have? For example – a left gyaku zuki (reverse punch). It too could…
Maai: Mastering the Space Between – Control the Distance, Control the Fight.
(Approx 1 minute 40 second read) The one who controls the distance in an encounter controls the situation – whether that’s to escape or, if you have no choice, to fight. . Those of us who practice a more practical type of karate often dismiss the endless step-kumite drills common in modern dojo. Many defend…
Beyond De-escalation: When Avoidance Fails, Decisive Action – The Core of Kata’s Self-Defense.
(Approx 1 minute 50 second read) Most followers of this Page understand that self-defense should always prioritize non-physical approaches first. There have to be alternatives, right? . However, I have always taught my students that if avoidance fails, they must quickly take control – or at least try to. I obviously hope they never have…
Protect Yourself – But Think First: The Art of Avoiding Trouble.
(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) It seems that self-defense is a topic people just can’t get their heads around, if my recent articles are anything to go by. . Instructors in particular often seem convinced that you have to fight first. Yet, many tell me they understand the importance of avoiding the fight, but…
If You Think Fighting Is Self-Defense, Think Again: Can You Protect Someone Without Fighting?
(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) This is a follow-up to my recent article about fighting and self-defense – mainly because, based on the comments, it’s clear many people misunderstood the point. So let’s clear a few things up. . The fear of an attack can make many people want to fight back immediately. But…
Calling It Self-Defense Doesn’t Make It True: Most Dojos Teach Fighting.
(Approx 2 minute 5 second read) I once taught at a dojo where, for the most part, they were good people, strong spirit – but their idea of self-defense was almost entirely built around fighting and fitness. . That mindset wasn’t unique to them either. I’ve seen it many times. . In the same dojo,…
Show Up: The Mat’s Here for You, But You Walk Your Own Path.
(Approx 2 minute 5 second read) There comes a point in teaching where you stop chasing people. You realize that the ones who want it will turn up, and the ones who don’t – won’t. That’s not harsh. It’s just how it is. . I’ve had students disappear for months, then return expecting to pick…
More Than a Fist, More Than a Palm: It’s Not About the Hand Shape – It’s About the Purpose.
(Approx 2 minute 5 second read) Why do some kata use closed hands and others open hands? Is it simply stylistic differences? . It’s a question that often arises, and it points to a common misunderstanding in modern karate training: the assumption that a fist or an open palm is simply a singular ‘technique’ for…
It’s Not the Name – It’s What It Does: Techniques Must Remain Adaptable.
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) Lately, I’ve had a lot of comments about how a particular technique is done in this or that style, with this or that detail. Some of these comments are thoughtful… but many miss the point. . If everything goes wrong and you have to fight, you don’t have the…
Don’t Just Prove It – Disprove It: The Value of Getting It Wrong.
(Approx 1 minute 40 second read) When you are in the dojo watching your instructor demonstrate a technique, is that technique always successful? . It usually is, isn’t it? But why could that be a problem? . Because if you ever have to use those techniques in the real world, they will often fail –…