Here’s two questions frequently asked by beginners regarding kata: “It’s a bit like choreography without music isn’t it?” and “What exactly does it mean?” Surely it has to have some meaning because otherwise we’d just be prancing around to no music in white pyjamas which would be very weird. If I’m honest, I never understood
What’s the Point of Kata? Read More »
We often get asked this question and the answer is never quite straight forward. Here’s a few points to consider before asking to grade: 1. Are you training in the dojo regularly? The Online Dojo is a great tool to help you progress through the belt system but it was never designed to be the
Am I Ready to Grade? Read More »
The reason why karate is a beloved art form and way of life is because of the beautiful paradox that it presents. Karate is about learning to fight so that you don’t have to. The crucial lesson that karate-do teaches is for one to learn how to master his or her own self. It’s about
Self-Control, Not Violence, Is The Result Of Teaching Karate To Children Read More »
This is a grey area in karate practice which I’d like to explain in more detail. In our club, all contact is by consent. In an effort to clear up any misunderstandings, a quick chat before engaging with your opponent on the amount of contact agreed will save painful injuries and hurt feelings after.
How Much Contact Is Appropriate? Read More »
Mixed Martial Arts isn’t new but its popularity is. Back in the late 70’s/early 80’s, I had the good fortune to train with Steve Morris. Steve Morris was known worldwide as a formidable karate fighter and is recognised as one of the founding fathers of what we now call MMA. The training was tough to
