Karate isn’t only about punches, kicks, or self defence. Its true spirit lives in the deep roots of philosophy and Zen that guide each movement. These teachings shape not only how students train, but who they become. So let’s dive into the connection between philosophy and zen in karate. The combination of martial arts discipline…
Wrist lock releases sit at the heart of practical self-defence in Shotokan kata. Every time you perform a turn, shift your grip or free your arm from a grab, you’re echoing movements hidden in centuries-old forms. These techniques aren’t just theory, they prepare you to escape holds and control attackers in real life. Understanding wrist…
Why spirit first then technique is so important? Every great martial artist starts with something deeper than perfect stance or flawless strikes. It’s their spirit—unbreakable will and attitude—that sets champions apart. Technical skills only reach their peak when built on a strong foundation of heart and purpose. Technique matters, but it can’t stand alone. True…
What exactly is the artistic side of martial arts? For a long period of time now. The debate over whether martial artists deserve the label of “artist” has stirred some strong opinions. Some see martial arts as raw combat, while others highlight its beauty, discipline, and emotional power. Beyond self-defence or sport, martial artists combine…
Describe a decision you made in the past that helped you learn or grow. Life often pulls us in so many directions that we lose sight of who we are at our core. Connecting with your true nature means going beyond the noise of daily life to rediscover a deeper, more authentic version of yourself….
Karate isn’t just about speed or technique; it’s also about strength, endurance, and adaptability. Hojo Undo, a traditional training method from Okinawan Karate, focuses on these exact qualities. Using specialised tools like stone weights and gripping jars, this practice builds functional strength and mental resilience. Beyond physical benefits, it bridges technique with real-world functionality, making…
Precision is everything in kata practice, and embusen lies at the heart of it. Often described as the “floor pattern” of kata, embusen maps the path every martial artist follows during their performance. But it’s more than just a diagram or a routine—it’s a guide to alignment, balance, and intentional movement. By understanding embusen for…
As a martial artist, you probably come across the debate should kids earn black belts? Picture this: an 8-year-old sporting a shiny black belt, standing tall and brimming with confidence. Sounds impressive, right? But for many martial artists, this stirs up a fiery debate hotter than a spinning back kick. A black belt holds serious…
Karate may be all about tradition, but the roundhouse kick? That’s a bit of a plot twist, let’s dive into Roundhouse Kicks The Real Story. This flashy move, known as mawashi geri in Japanese, wasn’t always part of karate’s playbook. It borrowed some flair from other martial arts, including the French art of Savate. Yup,…
Understanding strategy from a samurai’s perspective might sound like a niche interest, but trust me, Miyamoto Musashi’s The Book of Five Rings is anything but narrow in scope. Written in the 1600s, it’s a brutally honest, no-fluff guide to winning in both martial arts and life. Honestly, it’s part swordplay manual, part life philosophy, and…
Choosing between Kyokushin vs Shotokan Karate is more than a question of style—it’s about deciding how you want to train and grow as a martial artist. Kyokushin, founded by Masutatsu Oyama, is built on the principles of full-contact sparring, resilience, and rigorous physical conditioning. On the other hand, Shotokan, created by Gichin Funakoshi, emphasises form,…
Every martial artist seeks balance not just in movements, but in the principles behind them. The Yin and Yang philosophy, rooted in ancient Chinese thought, explains this pursuit. Yin embodies softness and stillness, while Yang represents strength and action. Together, they create harmony, guiding both technique and mindset. Understanding this interplay isn’t optional; it’s essential….
Have you ever wondered are judo and bjj ground fighting the same?. Well let’s take a closer look. Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) both trace their origins to traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, but they’ve each evolved into unique martial arts. While Judo priorities powerful throws and brief groundwork, BJJ focuses heavily on ground control and submissions….
Breaking boards in martial arts isn’t just about theatrics or brute strength. It’s a test of precision, technique, and mental focus. Martial artists learn to channel energy with exact timing to strike with enough force in the right spot. Beyond the physical feat, breaking demonstrates discipline and confidence, often becoming a symbolic milestone in one’s…
What activities do you lose yourself in? Not every journey fits neatly into a map. Some paths aren’t paved or even visible and that’s where things get interesting. Especially in martial arts, the traditional roadmap can feel more like a suggestion than a rule. What works for someone else might not work for you, and…