(Approx 1 minute 50 second read) “As up to now [1938] karate has only partly been introduced in Tokyo, people who exercise karate in Tokyo believe that it solely consists of punching and kicking techniques. When talking about ‘gyaku-waza’ (locks) and ‘nage-waza’ (throws) they assume that these only exist in jūjutsu and jūdō. This way […]
(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) In a recent comment on my article discussing modern techniques in traditional martial arts, I used the example of knee strikes in karate. The commenter claimed that this technique is exclusive to Muay Thai and accused me of stealing its legacy. . This claim not only dismisses the evidence
Not a Stolen Legacy: The Reality of Shared Techniques. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) Kata are an essential part of the foundation of your karate practice. They are what make karate different. . In the years since competition became all the rage in martial arts, and kata started becoming a performance art instead of combat training, or a way to pass the next
From Ritual to Reality: The Modern MMA Techniques Revealed in Kata. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute read) A comment on one of my articles, which often inspire me to write another (thank you), stated; (expletive removed) “**** self-defense. I teach people to fight.” . Is this instructor right? After all you are learning a combat art not playing a game. . Much of what is considered modern karate
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) “We must keep the spirit of Budo no matter how we practice.” – Yoshimitsu Yamada (1938-2023) . I received a comment on one of my recent articles about teaching in the martial arts. The basis of my article was to give appreciation to teachers who continuously share knowledge, foster
“We must keep the spirit of Budo no matter how we practice.” Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 50 second read) No matter how realistic sparring is when you practice in the dojo, it’s never real. We always make compromises in the name of safety. If we didn’t, every training session would result in students becoming injured in some way. . Wearing safety equipment for our and our partner’s protection
Sparring is a Means to an End; It is Not the End in Itself. Read More »
(Approx 1 minute 50 second read) “The techniques should not be practised simply so they can be performed in the kata. Since karate is a fighting art each technique and movement has its own meaning. The karateka must consider their meaning, how and why they are effective, and practise accordingly.” Shigeru Egami – ‘The Heart
Many people who join karate classes tell us their purpose for wanting to try the martial arts is to learn how to defend themselves. This is where problems can begin, because there are some instructors who think their training method can prepare anyone to protect themselves in a live situation. . It’s okay to want
The Importance of Clear Goals and Clear Context in Your Karate Training. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) Recently, I wrote an article in response to the use of ‘ura mawashi geri’ (hook kick) as a self-defense technique to a clothing grab. In response to the article I received a comment from the person suggesting its use, enthusiastically endorsing its effectiveness. “I have used it successfully in
(Approx 2 minute 50 second read) I have nothing against combat sports – I used to compete myself. They’re entertaining, and I respect many of these accomplished athletes. But no matter how brutal your sport is, it’s still a sport. There are certain realities which must not be ignored. . Context. . What’s important is
Many envision self-defense as a “street fight”, like an MMA bout… Read More »
(Approx 2 minute 26 second read) We all know some extraordinary kickers who would undoubtedly advocate for using their kicks in many self-defense scenarios. However, the reality is that most people do not possess such exceptional kicking abilities. . Recently, I observed an instructor teaching ‘ura mawashi geri’ (reverse roundhouse kick) as a self-defense technique
From Dojo to Reality: Why Context Matters. Read More »
(Approx 2 minute read) Have you ever wondered why so many techniques in kata appear to be aimed at chudan level? . Guess what? Perhaps they’re not! . Typical bunkai often targets the solar plexus. But what if this isn’t the intended target at all? What if the true purpose is to elicit a predictable
From Body Blows to Head Shots: The Importance of Predictable Responses. Read More »
