(Approx 2 minute read) Reaching the level of Shodan black belt is often considered a significant milestone in the martial arts. . However, it’s essential to understand that this achievement represents just a new beginning. Shodan should signify the end of your initial training and the start of building upon a solid foundation. . In […]
Building Foundations. Chasing Knowledge, Not Rank. Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 40 second read) We’ve all been there: scrolling through the internet, minding our own business, when BAM! A video pops up that makes us snort our coffee out in disbelief. . These clips are often so baffling, so gloriously out-of-touch with reality, that they could make even the most dedicated karate enthusiast
From Art to Act: The Theatrical Turn of Modern Karate. Read More »
(2 minute read) Karate often finds itself mired in misconceptions and misunderstandings. . How many times have you watched a video or responded to a comment and cringed at what you have just witnessed or read? . Unlike other arts like MMA, Judo, Boxing, jiu-jitsu, etc., which seem to have clear purposes and methodologies, karate
In the Shadows of Tradition: Challenging Misunderstandings in Karate. Read More »
(2 minute 41 second read) From the comments on a recent article, many people seemed to be offended because of my use of the word “traditional”, some calling me insulting, rude, offensive and more. . I wrote the article with the intention of shedding light on instructors who falsely claim to teach self-defense, who are
Are you a traditionalist, a pragmatist, or both? Read More »
(2 minute 14 second read) It’s high time to confront a harsh reality: the karate you’re practicing, being taught, is a sham. It’s utterly ineffective when it comes to actual real-world combat. . The crux of the issue lies in the fact that people are being duped into believing that traditional karate will protect you,
In a previous article, I delved into a comment from an individual asserting that their karate was “the strongest.” While the article may have been somewhat lengthy for some (a 2 1/2 minute read – for those who prefer an easier read, coloring books are an option), it generated comments stating that numerous fake karate
It’s the time of year for a “Rant”. . Imagine a shiny black-belt, dangling around someone’s waist like a “Master of Awesome” flag. Cool, right? Except, what if they got it for showing up to class a few times and making friends with the sensei’s dog? Kinda sad, don’t you think? . That’s the thing
“Grades mean nothing; all that matters is to train hard.” Read More »
“My karate is stronger, tougher, more athletic, it is the ultimate…. It is superior to yours!” . Really? It’s superior, in all things?….. . You have to define what you mean by “superior”. I’m assuming that when people say “superior”, they mean the best in terms of effectiveness and practicality…… But superior? WHERE? In the
If karate has to do with your own personal growth and development, what is the student supposedly developing? . Many instructors cite discipline. By this do we mean conformity and obedience? . This may have been regarded as a valid objective in Japan a century or two ago, but conformity and obedience aren’t generally valued
“By constant self-discipline and self-control you can develop greatness of character.” Read More »
The martial arts are largely unregulated here in the US. There are seldom background checks carried out on teachers like there are in other countries. Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check or Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (UK), you don’t need anything special to open a dojo or school. . You don’t even need to
Do you want fries with that? Read More »
My karate is stronger, tougher, more athletic…. it’s superior to yours! . Really? It’s superior in all things?….. . You have to define what you mean by “superior”. I’m assuming that when people say a “superior karate style”, they mean the best in terms of effectiveness and practicality…… But superior, WHERE? In the dojo? In
My karate is SUPERIOR to yours. Read More »
You want to karate quit? Again? . How many students do you know that quit only to return for a little while and then quit again? . Here are a few reasons why people quit: They get bored with it. Financial issues. They move to a different area. They realize it requires more effort
You want to karate quit? Again? Read More »
