Naihanchi: Absent from Competition, Essential for Practical Application.

(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…

To Jump or Not to Jump: Interpreting ‘Nidan-Geri’ for Self-Defense.

(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)….

The Divisiveness in the Martial Arts: Why Are We So Divided and Broken?

(Approx 1 minute 50 second read) Why, in a discipline meant to promote humility, respect, and self-discipline, do we find ourselves so divided and broken? . Perhaps it stems from the loyalty practitioners develop toward their chosen style, instructor, or dojo. While this sense of belonging is a powerful motivator, it can easily transform into…

No One Art Is the Best: So Stop Bragging, and Start Learning.

(Approx 2 minute 50 second read) If you’ve read my articles, you probably know by now that I prefer my karate to be practical and pragmatic. Yet, I constantly hear from people claiming that Kyokushin is the best martial art – the strongest style that everyone should learn. After all, Kyokushin means ‘the ultimate truth,’…

Kuzushi: A Universal Principle in All Kata – or Just One?

(Approx 2 minute read) I thought I would write a follow-up to my article on kuzushi, as it was mentioned that there is a certain kata that teaches an unbalancing technique. . Balance is everything, right? The ability to maintain your own stability while breaking your opponent’s balance is a key factor in effective combat….

Unlocking Kuzushi: From Balance to Advantage.

(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…

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…

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…