You’ve probably heard your Sensei repeat a lot of the same lessons, but let’s be honest, some of them still slip through the cracks, don’t they? Karate isn’t just about throwing punches or nailing that perfect kick; it’s about the tiny details that turn a good student into an exceptional one. Yet, there are quirks…
Have you ever felt like you lost before you even started? That sinking feeling when confidence fizzles, fear takes over, or you’re just not ready? Ancient samurai understood these struggles all too well and identified three big culprits: fear of reputation, intimidation by appearance, and plain old lack of preparation. Believe it or not, these…
Imagine stepping into a martial arts dojo and hearing the slap of feet on a mat. Now, picture that energy funnelled onto a chessboard instead of a sparring ring. Surprising, right? But when you think about it, martial arts and chess share a quirky connection: both are battles of strategy, patience, and calculated risks. Every…
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…
Starting something new always feels like the hardest step, doesn’t it? Whether it’s clicking “play” on a Netflix series you’ve been eyeing or stepping into a martial arts dojo for the first time, that initial move comes with all the doubts, overthinking, and, let’s be honest, procrastination you can muster. Funny thing, though—it’s almost never…
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,…
Safety and performance are essential in competitive karate, and that’s where WKF-approved gloves come in. These gloves aren’t just mandatory for official tournaments—they’re designed to protect athletes while maintaining a fair playing field. Backed by strict World Karate Federation standards, they meet tough safety requirements and deliver comfort for fighters at every level. As karate…
When you’re on your back during a confrontation, most people think the fight is over. But it’s not. The up kick, a powerful strike delivered from the ground, can completely redefine your defence when you’re down. It’s a technique designed to protect you, create space, and potentially end an altercation while keeping you out of…
Karate’s precision and discipline are undeniable, but its focus often leans heavily on foundational techniques, set forms, and controlled sparring. Unlike other martial arts, where dynamic kicking combinations dominate training, karate tends to prioritise single, powerful strikes over fluid multi-kick sequences. This structured approach can leave practitioners wondering why karate training often misses out on…
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’s the secret power of the cat stance, you ask? It’s that weird, sneaky position where most of your weight hangs out on the back leg while the front foot hovers, ninja-like, ready to pounce—or maybe retreat. In karate terms, that’s the nekoashi-dachi, and while it’s not the flashiest move in a kata, it packs…
What is martial artists guide to karate blocks? Blocking in karate isn’t just about stopping an attack, it’s a chance to take control of the encounter. For martial artists, the true power of blocking lies in its versatility. A well-timed block can shift momentum, redirect energy, and even prepare you to counter effectively. Personalising your…