Following on from my previous post regarding the Precept Karate Ni Sente Nashi – there is no first attack in Karate, this next one homes in on the idea that karate is on the side of justice; it’s what is used by the good guys, against the bad guys.
Surely those reading this publication in 1938 would be in no doubt that Karate was to be a useful tool for good?
Then again, it depends on what is defined as “Justice”, and what the “good” and the “bad” are.
Read MoreWhen I first heard this precept, it was during an explanation about Kata, and why all Kata start with an Uke – or in English parlance a “block”.
I can already hear the gasps and the rush to make a correction.
Of course, my understanding now is that all Kata start with an Uke which is often a form of attack whilst defending – for beginners though perhaps it’s ok to teach Karate a particular way.
This precept has also come up in discussion online over the years. You surely know which one I am referring to by now.
Read MoreIf there is ever a resource that acts as a top-notch guide and learning tool for all karateka it must be one of my all-time favourites that I constantly reference throughout my life.
Funakoshi Gichin’s “The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate” – a.k.a. ‘the twenty precepts’ is a book that all Shotokan practitioners will have read and many Karateka from other styles will have surely heard of if not also read.
I was going to say let’s look at number one, but of course they are all “Number One” – Hitotsu, so to be pedantic I’ll start from the precept that you’d read first on the list.
Read MoreFirst things first, I am a complete convert to Shorin-Ryu.
After spending time in Okinawa training at the Shimbukan under Sensei Akamine I could see why Shorin-Ryu was not only a natural progression for me in terms of style, but that the method also allowed a greater expression of power and technique.
However, I have not, nor will I ever abandon my knowledge of Shotokan. Why?
Read MoreI have only just realised that I’ve been doing so much promoting and posting on Facebook and Instagram that I neglected to actually sit down and write about the Okinawan Karate Podcast.
So here it is:
Read MoreRecently I was contacted by a friend who is making the journey to Japan and, becuase of his continued passion and curiosity for Karate, to Okinawa.
He messaged me asking for tips on accomodation and where to train.
And straight away I provided him with the simplest option available to all those unfamiliar with Okinawa.
Read MoreAngry - Do more Karate. Frustrated - punch a Makiwara. Sad - another 5 Kata ought to do it. Family relationships breaking down - at least I have Karate.
Sounds familiar?
For some Karate is the default to life’s curve balls.
Stepping into the Dojo is like passing through a portal where one’s troubles vanish and for those 2 hours there is nothing else in the world except to train.
Well, is anything actually getting done about the issues that require disconnection from?
Read MoreFor many, stepping into the Dojo and donning the white and black is the continuation of that elusive search for ‘perfection of character’, better technique, attainable skill and the mental calm that proceeds the enduring trial for the session.
From the first Kata to the many learnt thereafter Karate contains no secrets, only things not yet understood, left open to the imagination of the practitioner.
On the surface of the Karate training, to those not ready to receive the fullness of what Karate teaches, the physical and mental improvement is the goal. Beyond that, however, lies the greatest lesson for all who would strive on.
Read MoreOn a not to unusual windy and cloudy day in Okinawa I was ready to get picked up, I had my Gimbal, my pen and notepad and my Drone.
Just after 11 am Evan Muxen and his new boss William McEvoy were at the door and soon we were heading off.
Boy was I excited.
Evan had been in touch with me before I arrived in Okinawa with an offer I wouldn't ever refuse - a tour of some of the most famous military history sites in Okinawa.
Read MoreA 2015 estimate put the number of bicycles in use at around 2 billion, with it rising to 5 billion by 2050.
Karate only has an estimated 100 Million current practitioners - a paltry figure.
It’s highly likely that of those 100 Million Karateka, the majority also know how to cycle.
What does riding a bicycle have to do with Karate?
Read MoreThey are your taskmaster, drill sergeant, fitness coach, guru, technician and teacher.
They teach you etiquette, prepare you for your grading, coach you through competitions, test you regularly in the Dojo and teach you the skills to train by yourself and to pass on your knowledge to others.
Most importantly, however, they have been trying to do their best before you even thought about taking up a martial art.
Read MoreThe Seishin brand is arguably the fastest growing karate sensation. It is a venture into the modern era utilising crowdfunding, social media and public endorsements to spread it’s awareness.
Created in part by Jesse Enkamp, internets famous Karate Nerd™, the Seishin Gi seeks to push the positives and reduce the negatives of a top quality Gi.
Unlike other companies, which perhaps only change the fabric or cut, the Seishin Gi sought to also innovate be adding extra parts that perhaps you wouldn’t consider.
Read MoreWhilst I worked in Hospitality in my previous life I was at times in attendance to various customer service training days.
Aside from the free food and coffee involved there was generally a lot of training around delivering the best service, learning about drinks, food, ingredients and best practices for serving.
One training which I remember well and which I know to be an important aspect in the martial arts world is what’s known as the beach ball principle.
Read MoreAsk a number of Okinawan Sensei what defines their art and you might hear the phrase Chanpuru, followed by a glint in their eye and a smile.
Anyone who has travelled to Okinawa will have at some point tasted the local delights, Goya, Taco Rice, Awamori, various raw meats, Goat soup and the all time favourite, Chanpuru.
Chanpuru is a rice dish with various elements including Spam, Tofu, Goya, fried meat or just vegetables.
It's just a mix, which is what the word means.
Read MoreWhen I began to get serious about my training attire in Karate I moved on from my easy wash elasticated waisted Blitz and was introduced to Kamikaze brand via my Sensei.
My decision on which of their Gi was based on getting the heaviest that I could afford, with it also being 100% cotton. It was then that I bought the Kamikaze America Gi.
It lasted so well for so long that recently I decided to upgrade to a top of the range Monarch Gi. Here is why.
Read MoreIn Karate we are seeing a renaissance so to speak of the disregard or downplay of achieving grades.
Some schools are reverting back to keeping simply a three belt system, White, Brown and finally Black.
This is the same belt grading system as was devised by Jigoro Kano and subsequently adopted by Gichin Funakoshi.
However, since the introduction of coloured belts in 1935 by Judoka Kawaishi Mikinosuke onwards there grew a desire to increase testing and therefore increase belt colours.
Read MoreWe as humans have perhaps the most diverse range of methods to communicate compared to any other animal species on earth. We can use physical gestures, sounds, facial expressions, bodily reactions and even smells!! (Queue fart jokes...)
It is only natural that we would utilise some of these methods to transmit knowledge in Karate.
First, we introduce the technique - auditory, then we show the technique - visual, then we correct the technique – kinesthetic.
Simple, right! Then why do we not see everyone doing techniques exactly the same?
Read MoreIf, like me, you practice Karate you will have at many points in your training heard the term to “relax”. Sometimes unresponsively so, sometimes frustratingly reminded.
I was to only fully realise this whilst in Okinawa that being as relaxed as possible was critical to maximising your power in your technique.
Physical softness and flexibility with inner strength is the key.
Yoga, however, is the opposite of this - here me out.
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