Aug 16 2020
Perhaps the most unique challenge in all of Karate is Kyokushin Karate’s Hyakunin Kumite or 100-man Kumite Challenge. Devised by Kyokushin Karate founder, Mas Oyama, the challenge is the ultimate mental and physical challenge, designed to test one’s spirit. Kenji Yamaki described the challenge as a transformative experience. Howard Collins said it was the hardest …
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Apr 25 2020
Basic Kendo Terms by Shihan Horton, founder of World Budo Development Society. Kendo (剣道): The Way of the Sword (Lit. Ken: Sword, Do: Path) Kenshi or Kendoka (剣士・剣道家): A Kendo Practitioner Dojo (道場): Training Hall – Specifically for Martial Arts Sensei (先生): Teacher or Instructor Shihan (師範): Head Instructor or Master Rei (礼): Etiquette or …
Permanent link to this article: http://findingkarate.com/wordpress/musings-basic-kendo-terms/
Oct 27 2019
Kaizen is a Japanese word meaning ‘continuous improvement‘. This should be the goal of all karateka. However, what prevents many of us from achieving kaizen is a lack of a positive self-image. Karate by Jesse has a great post on controlling one’s self-image. In the post Jesse states: “To change your performance, you must change …
Permanent link to this article: http://findingkarate.com/wordpress/musings-continuous-improvement-through-a-positive-self-image/
Oct 05 2019
The aim of most karateka is to reach the level of black belt. For some, this is seen as the pinnacle of their training. However, what does a karateka do when this goal is achieved? Typically attaining black belt is seen by many as being an indicator of mastery of one’s art. In my opinion, …
Permanent link to this article: http://findingkarate.com/wordpress/musings-beyond-your-first-black-belt/
Aug 31 2019
Miyamoto Musashi, the great Japanese swordsman once wrote: The way is in training This is a basic requirement of all martial arts. When translated from Chinese, Kung Fu means “hard work“. To progress in the world of martial arts you must be willing to toil and sweat. If you are willing to put in the …
Permanent link to this article: http://findingkarate.com/wordpress/musings-the-5-aspects-of-physical-training/
Aug 29 2019
We live in a world geared towards the young. In the professional sports world elite athletes are considered over the hill after the age of forty. We also see this in the Sport Karate arena, where it is rare to see competitors over the age of forty, unless in a Masters event. However, martial arts …
Permanent link to this article: http://findingkarate.com/wordpress/musings-training-for-the-over-40s/
May 03 2019
Iain Abernethy has made a name for himself by his study of the practical aspects of Karate kata and how the techniques can be applied to real life fighting scenarios. Below are nine observations put forward by Abernethy on the nature of real fighting.
Permanent link to this article: http://findingkarate.com/wordpress/musings-the-nature-of-real-fighting-according-to-iain-abernethy/
Apr 26 2019
Iain Abernethy has made a name for himself by his study of the practical aspects of Karate kata. Kata is not just something that is practised for competition or gradings. Rather, it is rich in techniques that can be applied in real-world situations. Below are fourteen guidelines put forward by Abernethy for analysing kata and …
Permanent link to this article: http://findingkarate.com/wordpress/musings-iain-abernethys-14-rules-of-bunkai/
Feb 26 2019
The twenty precepts put forward by Gichin Funakoshi are a set of principles put forward by him for the improvement of his students. He believed that Karate should be about developing the character of the practitioner and not only about developing their martial prowess. The precepts are intended as a guide referred to throughout the lifetime …
Permanent link to this article: http://findingkarate.com/wordpress/musings-funakoshis-20-precepts/
Jul 21 2018
We all have moments when we don’t fancy training. The following graphic details the questions we should ask ourselves when struggling with motivation to train.
Permanent link to this article: http://findingkarate.com/wordpress/musings-should-i-be-practicing-right-now/
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