(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) In the world of martial arts, grades, are viewed as a reflection of a practitioner’s journey – a combination of technical ability, deeper understanding, and personal character. . Yet, there are times when we encounter individuals whose grade seems to far outshine their skills, knowledge, or behavior. Such instances…
Tag: Lineage
Kata: The thread that connects it all.
(Approx 2 minute 25 second read) There are plenty of reasons why kata has become somewhat disconnected from real combat. From philosophical and political decisions made by Funakoshi and others following WWII to common training methods, distorted views of how fighting works, and the spread of information lacking depth. . I get so many…
Standing Apart: Amid the Many, One Stands Firm.
There will always be people who pass unwarranted judgments on others. As we journey through life, we come to realize that not everyone will be on our side. . Some people seem determined to bring others down, often without understanding the damage their words can cause. You can’t hide from negative people, no matter how…
When Confidence Becomes Complacency: Locked Minds, Limited Skills.
(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) If someone thinks that a lesson has no value, or is not relevant to them, then teaching them will be a waste of time. That person will simply go through the motions. . What I’ve found over the years is that some people just want to keep doing the…
Karate in Context: It’s Not What You Know, But How You Apply It.
(Approx 2 minute 35 second read) We live in an age where knowledge is everywhere. The tools to enhance your martial arts practice – videos, books, apps, online courses – are more accessible than ever before. Yet, with all this information, why do so many karateka and dojo seem to struggle with defining what it…
Predicting the Unpredictable: Every Movement in Combat Tells a Story.
(Approx 1 minute 40 second read) Imagine the massive advantage you’d have if you knew what your opponent was going to do before it happened. It would allow you to react instantaneously, adapting to their moves with precision. . A person’s unconscious, instant reaction to a stimulus is known as a reflex. If you touched…
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…
When ‘Real’ Karate Isn’t Quite Real Enough: Static Steps or Dynamic Survival?
(Approx 2 minute 40 second read) I mentioned in an article recently that an Okinawan teacher showed his black belts a series of techniques meant to showcase ‘real’ karate. Unfortunately, expectations are never as exciting as reality. . Firstly, someone said to me in the comments section, “Can you provide a link to the video?”…
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 Trouble With Trying to Do It All: Have Clarity of Purpose and Choose the Right Path.
(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) All combat sports are one-on-one fights with rules. Self-protection, on the other hand, is not consensual fighting and should be approached differently. . Training for success in sport is designed to ensure success in sport. It makes little sense to train to develop one set of skills when they…