(Approx 2 minute 40 second read) While there are always exceptions, thankfully, most of us today rarely face the need to use physical self-defense. . Recently, someone commented on one of my articles, suggesting that sparring is the ultimate test of self-defense because of its unpredictability. While sparring does offer some unpredictability, it is nowhere […]
(Approx 2 minute 50 second read) “In order to know how good you are at something, it requires exactly the same skills as it does to be good at that thing in the first place. Which means that if you’re absolutely no good at something at all, then you lack exactly the skills that you
(Approx 2 minute 40 second read) For the last few days, I’ve been dealing with an annoying hip flexor strain. I have no idea how I got it – perhaps I slept the wrong way. I seem to be at that age. . Once again, it sparked an image in my mind of having to
(Approx 2 minute 40 second read) Many people believe that learning a martial art is the key to protecting themselves. While many martial arts evolved as self-defense systems, they were developed to suit the needs of people in specific times and places. But how well do these systems translate to the practical, modern-day world? Do
Defend Yourself with Wisdom: Running Shoes, The Ultimate Self-Defense Tool. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 25 second read) Recently, I had a conversation with one of my senior students. Both of us are in our sixties now, reflecting on what happens when time begins to slow us down. As martial artists, we know that no amount of training can stop the effects of aging. We’ve gained wisdom
(Approx 1 minute 55 second read) There is so much phony self-defense out there: demonstrations in which a defender successfully intercepts an attack – a punch, a kick, or a knife stab – and then “destroys” the attacker with ease. . The defense just wouldn’t work against anyone other than a cooperating partner – and
(Approx 2 minute 15 second read) If you know me or have read my articles, you probably already know that I prefer my karate to be practical and pragmatic. But on occasion, I write from a more philosophical side, aiming to add some balance and hopefully encourage readers to think and question. . It’s a
Think Twice: Before You Throw a Punch, Learn Restraint When Fighting Is All You Know. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 15 second read) The martial arts is about more than just fighting. It’s about learning to use your mind as your greatest weapon, staying calm in difficult situations, and making clear, rational decisions under pressure. Fighting, kicking, and punching are part of it, but you should strive to be much more than
(Approx 2 minute 25 second read) The martial arts seen by many as being centered around combat and physical confrontation. . It’s in the name, after all – yet that’s only a small fraction of the truth. . When people think of martial arts, they often imagine aggressive individuals wanting to fight. But for those
Fighting without compassion is just violence, fighting with it is true martial arts. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute read) Naihanchi kata, simple in appearance but profound in application. Its name is commonly interpreted as “sideways fighting”, referencing the kata’s distinctive embusen. Although other interpretations also exist. . Gichin Funakoshi, renamed the kata ‘Tekki’ (Iron Horse), honoring his teacher Anko Itosu and emphasizing its strength and stability. While the precise origins
Naihanchi: Absent from Competition, Essential for Practical Application. Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 40 second read) Anyone teaching martial arts knows a student who talks about wanting to train, but can’t manage to show up on time to practice, or may not show up at all. . When someone doesn’t show up, they’ll certainly have an excuse of some sort. What’s that student telling us
Staying the Course: Commitment, Resilience, Recovery, and No Shortcuts. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) In most kata, the template shows us that kicks tend to be delivered singularly, but there are a few kata where multiple kicks are presented. This raises an important question: What purpose do these multiple kicks serve in the context of self-defense? . Commonly referred to as “Nidan-geri” (二段蹴り).
To Jump or Not to Jump: Interpreting ‘Nidan-Geri’ for Self-Defense. Read More »
