(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) An interesting comment said, “Maybe in order to truly understand and utilize kata, we need to reduce the number. Think about it – most martial arts are pressed for time. We are trying to teach people to win competitions, pass gradings, and possibly add applications/bunkai/self-defense. Usually, on a couple…
Tag: Sparring
Reconnecting with Karate’s Origins: Understanding its roots.
(Approx 1minute 40 second read) We live in an age where any idea, concept, theory, principle, or fact from history is just a click away. . With such unprecedented access to information, one might expect that opinions about martial arts, especially karate, would be grounded in a solid understanding of its rich history and evolution….
Beneath the Surface: Kata’s Hidden Wisdom and the Lessons of Karate’s Most Misunderstood Practice.
(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) Karate over the decades has been significantly diluted, which means that today, regardless of the reason you’re learning, you might not be getting the full benefit of what this art truly offers. Karate is not just about competition, health, or even the martial art itself – it’s about mastering…
The Reality of Resistance: When Realism Matters.
(Approx 1 minute 30 second read) If you promote your martial art to include self-defense, then it’s essential that you incorporate high-intensity, realistic training. This might seem obvious, but often this isn’t the case. . When demonstrating practical applications, the techniques must be shown with a resisting opponent. Initially of course, static training is necessary…
Driven to Win: Chasing Victory, The Drive and Discipline of Sport Karate Competitors.
(Approx 2 minute read) Today, my focus is on the more practical and pragmatic side of karate. However, back in the 1970s and 1980s, I loved the thrill of competition. I’m not talking about street fights of course, but sport karate tournaments. . I wasn’t world champion material, but in my mind, I was. Yes,…
“Kakie. You have to rely on your senses, not power.”
(Approx 1 minute 30 second read) “Kakie (カキエ). You have to rely on your senses, not power. Targets open up during an exchange, so strike as they open up. You can sense what’s coming even if you’re looking away. It’s all about this feeling.” – Minoru Higa, 10th Dan Kyudokan Shorin Ryu . Kakie, often…
Groin Kicks: Perhaps They’re Not the Kryptonite You Were Hoping For.
(Approx 2 minute read) A recent comment proudly shared stated that he would use a ‘kingeri’ – a kick to the groin – to “concentrate his attention” in a self-defense situation, apparently his goto technique. . Many self-defense courses, especially for women, often start with this technique. However, they’re not men’s kryptonite, and while it…
Beyond the Dance: Kata, A Connection to History, A Method for Today.
The comments on my articles are fascinating; “ditch the dance, modern systems don’t need or use kata, traditional karate is ineffective anyway”. . Traditional karate is not ineffective. The misconception that it’s ineffective often stems from the assumption that “traditional” refers only to the modern, stylized versions seen in tournaments and competition. But traditional karate…
When the Guard Fails: The Importance of Proactive Defense.
(Approx 2 minute 15 second read) I remember a little while ago when a student from a different style decided to join us. While going through several drills, he consistently placed his hands on either side of his head in a high guard position. He was used to being shouted at to ‘keep your hands…
Everything you see is just a reflection of what is inside you. Surface-level practice only reveals part of its depth.
(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…
Not a Stolen Legacy: The Reality of Shared Techniques.
(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…
From Ritual to Reality: The Modern MMA Techniques Revealed in Kata.
(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…