(Approx 2 minute 25 second read) Kata are not just sequences of techniques, they are repositories of information, each built around a central theme. . One kata might deal with preventing grabs, breaking grips, countering when that fails, and then controlling or escaping, all from the same starting point. By studying kata this way, we…
Tag: Style
Old Masters, New Lessons: The Endless Path, Not a Finish Line.
(Approx 2 minute 35 second read) We call them the old masters, but what did that title truly mean? In an era before standardized ranks, how was genuine mastery actually measured? . Mastery in the martial arts is a touchy subject. There are self-proclaimed “masters” that we tend to sneer at. Some styles call instructors…
Purposeful Practice: Conditioning Supports Karate – It Doesn’t Replace It
(Approx 1 minute 50 second read) In a recent article, I wrote about the difference between ‘sweating in a karategi’ and ‘learning karate’. The response was interesting, and it’s clear that many instructors don’t understand the distinction. . There has always been a place for conditioning in the martial arts. Okinawan karate, for example, has…
Karate is not merely practiced for your own benefit; it can be used to protect one’s family or master.
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) Recently, a comment on one of my articles claimed that “there is no evidence apart from hearsay and legends regarding the martial effectiveness of our Okinawan karate forefathers.” . An interesting perspective, but it overlooks the historical and practical evidence showing that Okinawan karate was, in fact, a highly…
Karate Isn’t What You Think It Is – and Why It Might Not Save Your Life.
(Approx 2 minute 25 second read) Many of us have had remarkable teachers, people who embodied the virtues of a true martial artist. We followed them, often without question, and some even became household names in the martial arts world. . But here’s the uncomfortable truth: no matter how great the teacher, the system they…
If This Is the Standard for Practical Karate, the Bar Isn’t High – It’s Buried.
(Approx 1 minute 55 second read) A friend of mine recently sent me a video of a JKA Shotokan Dan test weekend seminar, taught by a senior JKA instructor. And guess what, five step-kumite was being practiced and taught. . Now, I have written about step-kumite extensively, and in my opinion, if you need reminding,…
Reshaped by Time: Karate Then and Now – Practical, Purposeful, Real.
(Approx 2minute 30 second read) The comments on my articles are a great way for me to think about writing again, and one such comment got me thinking about history once more. . The article was about exercise in the dojo replacing karate. A person commented that Gogen Yamaguchi would only teach exercise for many…
Facing the Test: Practicality Is Born of Decades of Failure and Success.
(Approx 1 minute 40 second read) Someone recently said to me that I force my opinions on others. That I believe in practicality above all else. That I think I am right all the time. . Let me be clear, I don’t force anything on anyone. I share what I’ve learned through decades of training,…
The Karate They Didn’t Teach You – Lessons from the Masters.
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) Why is it so hard to see beyond what we were first taught? . Most people will say they have an open mind and are always interested in gaining additional knowledge. . But from my experience, if it’s not a direct extension of what they already know, it’s almost…
Sparring Isn’t Fighting. It’s Learning: Train Smart – Not Just Hard.
(Approx 2 minute 30 second read) I write a lot about self-defense. Really? Yes, because it’s my priority now. . However, back in the day I loved to compete. It was great fun, and because at the time that’s all most people were interested in, fighting and sparring, it had to be done. . Sparring…
Remember Why You Started: Karate That Protects – Not Modern Performance.
(Approx 2 minute 40 second read) When I started karate back in 1974 I wanted to learn to protect myself, I wanted self-defense. Someone said in a comment recently that “most people who do karate have very little interest in self-defense.” I disagree. . In my experience, most people begin karate because they want to…
Nukite: From Misunderstood Strike to Practical Application.
(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) In my recent article I wrote about using Japanese terms to describe techniques, which in certain situations can be limiting. One such example I gave was nukite. . A couple of the comments stated you wouldn’t use that technique in a real fight. Of course they are right, when…