Comparison of Jiǎo Lì and Shǒubó
Jiao Li (角力) and Shoubo (手搏) are often discussed together in modern scholarship because they appear within the same historical framework of early Chinese unarmed combat. Researchers such as Stanley …
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Author: Gert Corfitzen Jürgensen
Jiǎo Lì (角力)
Definition and General Overview Jiao Li (角力) is one of the earliest documented forms of organized unarmed combat in Chinese history. The term is usually translated as “wrestling” or “grappling,” …
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Shǒubó (手搏)
Definition and General Scope Shoubo (手搏) is usually translated as “hand combat” or “hand-to-hand fighting.” According to several scholars who study early Chinese sources, the term appears in classical literature …
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Bullshido vs Karate Tradition, Part 2/2
This is the second part of Bullshido versus Karate Tradition. Building on my previous article, I will continue how to distinguish true martial skill from superficial or deceptive techniques. Bullshido …
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Bullshido vs Karate Tradition, Part 1/2
This is the first article in my series exploring the differences between Bullshido and traditional karate. I will examine what truly defines authentic karate practice and how it contrasts with …
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Stances in Karate
Quote from Gichin Funakoshi “Beginners must master low stance and posture; natural body positions are for the advanced; formal stances are for beginners; later, one stands naturally”. Hitotsu, kamae wa …
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Digging into the Mysterious Bubishi
I have returned to exploring the mysterious Bubishi. It has long fascinated martial artists around the world, including me. The Bubishi is often called the “Bible of Karate”. It combines …
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The Many Faces of Unsu
Exploring the Different Versions and Lineages Unsu, also spelled Unshu, is a kata found in several karate styles, with significant variation in structure and execution. Shotokan and Shito-ryu include a …
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Ichariba chōdē
Phrase from the Uchināguchi dialect of Okinawa Ichariba chōdē – Once we meet, we are family. Origins and Meaning While visiting Okinawa I came across the phrase “Ichariba chōdē” which …
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Meaning of Martial Arts
Origin and Meaning of “Martial” The word “martial” comes from the Latin word “Mārtiālis,” meaning “related to Mars”. Mars was the Roman god of war and also an agricultural guardian, …
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