(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…
Tag: Sparring
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…
Sparring is a Means to an End; It is Not the End in Itself.
(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…
If Your First Response to This Scenario is a Hook Kick to the Back of the Head, You Need a Serious Reality Check!
(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…
Many envision self-defense as a “street fight”, like an MMA bout…
(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…