(Approx 2 minute read) Losing interest in martial arts training happens to everyone at some point. It’s inevitable, and there are countless reasons why. . How often have you heard someone say, “I used to do karate”? The decision to stop often happens in an instant. Sadly, years of hard work can be undone just…
Tag: Humility
The Unseen Influence of the Quiet Sensei: Not Seeking Recognition, But Commanding Respect.
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) A couple of months ago, I wrote an article about a post on social media that made me stop and think. It suggested that people are only worth engaging with if they’ve met specific criteria: if they’re champions, if their students are successful, or if they’ve earned respect through…
The Three Faces: Yes, There Is Depth, But Don’t Hide the Truth.
(Approx 1 minute 25 second read) Someone recently suggested that a Japanese instructor might not show the correct application of karate techniques because of their “three faces”. . This phrase refers to the idea, often associated with Japanese culture, that individuals present themselves differently in various social contexts. . It is sometimes expressed as “three…
Respect Cannot Be Self-Appointed: If You Call Yourself Sensei, Have You Missed the Point?
(Approx 2 minute 25 second read) Someone commented on an article I wrote, suggesting I was “getting carried away” and advising I should “spend time in Japan” to better understand Japanese traditions. . Assumptions often lead to misunderstanding and conflict. His comment was based on a misreading of my article; and he doesn’t know me…
Creativity in Motion: The Power of Possibility Through Asking the Right Questions.
(Approx 2 minute 35 second read) The problem with many karate techniques is that they are often taught as having a single, fixed use. Consider modern karate and the tools it provides. Let’s take an example: the “Jodan age uke”, the ubiquitous upper rising block. In modern karate, it’s typically used to block, deflect, or…
Teaching Karate? Then Get It Right. When the Internet Gets It Wrong.
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) After decades of practicing and teaching karate, and several years of writing about it, I’m still surprised by how many misconceptions and misinformation continue to swirl around this art. Whether in the dojo or online, I regularly encounter the same misunderstandings repeated. . Karate is not as complicated as…
The Missing Ingredient in your training: Dedication.
(Approx 1 minute 40 second read) I often get asked, “How can I improve my karate?” The answer is very simple: ‘Practice’. . It never ceases to amaze me how some people will boldly say, “I’ve forgotten what you taught me.” This is not a failure of memory but of discipline. Improvement in karate –…
Karate: Art or Illusion? No – Let’s Get Back to Reality.
(Approx 2 minute 35 second read) Has karate become nothing but a demonstration art? . Many people send me messages asking my thoughts on various karate videos, as I often write about realism and practical karate. This week, I watched a video of an instructor from Okinawa, demonstrating applications from kata. . To be honest,…
Practical Self-Defense: Ditch the Drama and Embrace Reality. Sitting Pretty or Prepared?
(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) It’s astonishing to me that I need to clarify this further, something as straightforward as practical self-defense, yet here we are. Once again, the armchair enthusiasts seem unable to grasp the situation with any common sense. . To set the record straight: regarding the article where I was asked…
Mastering the Art of Terminology or Kicking Your Way to the Bathroom? (you have to read the article)
(Approx 2 minute 25 second read) It’s common practice to use Japanese terminology in the dojo. And in my opinion, it’s also important that you get it right. . There are so many posts on social media where an instructor has posted their Japanese-to-English terminology where there are glaring errors for all to see. ….
Happy World Karate day. ‘Karate no Hi’ (空手の日).
In 2005, the Okinawa Prefecture Assembly passed a resolution declaring October 25th ‘Karate no Hi’ (空手の日), or ‘the Day of Karate.’ This date carries profound significance, marking a day when Okinawa’s unique martial heritage, developed over centuries, was formally named ‘Karate’ – ‘empty hand’ – a term now familiar to enthusiasts around the world. ….
Beyond Sparring: Understand the Limitations of Your Self-Defense Training in the Martial Arts.
(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…