(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…
Tag: Style
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…
“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.”
(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…
Teaching in the martial arts is the act of sharing the knowledge we have been given by others with the hope that it will be passed on and shared further.
Teaching in the martial arts is the act of sharing the knowledge we have been given by others with the hope that it will be passed on and shared further. It’s a continuous act of giving and receiving, creating a ripple effect through each student guided by a teacher. . A teacher’s purpose is to…
“I consider it my duty to pass on karate history to the next generation.”
“I started karate by practicing the Shorin-Ryu style under the supervision of my grandfather. After he passed away however, my family moved to Naha city, where I was acquainted with my new instructors. They taught me Goju-Ryu style karate as well as kobudo. Every day it was the same routine, train at school, train at…
“The Goju-Ryu of Kanryo Higaonna and Chojun Miyagi was a genuine and ancient martial art, and that its history had now been correctly delineated as a budo and not a sport.”
(Approx 2 minute read) “What style do you practice?” I get asked this question when anyone learns that I practice karate. It’s also one of the first questions asked when anyone calls or messages about joining us. . While the question is understandable, it can sometimes be frustrating. It can feel like the focus is…
The Balanced Warrior: Find Humility in Your Training.
(Approx 1 minute 44 second read) Many people, at some point in their lives, have been victimized, exploited, or bullied in some form or another. . Whether this relates to being bullied as a child, an adult being singled out at the workplace, bullying online, or in more serious cases, an individual being mugged on…
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…
What’s in a Dojo name? Everything, if it’s chosen with respect and a deep understanding of its significance.
(1 minute 45 second read) What’s in a Dojo Name? . Recently, I was ‘told’ that I should not have chosen the name “Shuri Dojo” for my dojo. It is not on Okinawa, after all. Naming your dojo this way is wrong. . What? . There are some really good associations and schools out there…
The Quest for 10th Dan: Recognizing Mastery and Dedication.
(Approx 2 minute 20 second read) In the martial arts, achieving the highest rank is a testament to an individual’s skill, dedication, and proficiency. The 10th Dan represents the pinnacle of accomplishment. . However, the awarding of the 10th Dan has become a subject of intense criticism and controversy. . Perhaps one of the reasons…
The Myth of the Original Kata: Understanding Kata Variations.
(Approx 1 minute 55 second read) For many karate-ka, the allure of practicing an ‘original’ kata, untouched by time, is undeniable. But what if ‘original’ itself is a moving target? . Today, many instructors claim their kata are pure, unchanged, and passed down from a legendary master. Yet, what exactly constitutes ‘original’? . The truth…