This article is about an alternative approach to the basic block Uchi-uke. The well-known basic use of Uchi-uke. Everybody knows that one. My interpretation: Uchi-uke Uchi-uke can be used as an attack against the head (reverse hammer-fist), elbow joints, and other parts of the body. The first two pictures; Instead of blocking Oi-zuki as you Read More ...
This article is about an alternative approach to the basic block Soto-uke. The well-known basic use of Soto-uke. Everybody knows that one, so no further comments. My interpretation: Soto-uke Soto-uke can be used as an attack against the head (hammer-fist punch), elbow joints, and other parts of the body. Furthermore, you can use it as Read More ...
In this article and the upcoming five articles, I will show some alternative approaches to basic blocking techniques. Here I will show you how I interpret basic blocks, and how they can be used in Stand-up grappling. The five basic blocks I want to show are Age-uke, Soto-uke, Uchi-uke, Gedan-barai, and Shuto-uke. The well-known basic Read More ...
The invisible bond – The way of life! In Japan, they have a concept called Giri (duty, sense of duty, honor, decency, courtesy) Giri is an invisible thread, a bond that connects important parts of our lives. This could be the relationship between teacher and student, or the relationship between two friends, or the relationship Read More ...
After practicing Karate for many years, it becomes a part of one’s life. Thus, Karate is no longer a physical sports discipline, as it was at the beginning. Karate becomes a lifestyle as time goes by. It’s like a drug! You will become addicted to it. Many factors have influenced my Karate before it evolved Read More ...
Now and then, I get this question from a student: “Which part of the foot should we use as a pivoting point when we turn?” “Should we pivot on the heel or the ball of the foot?” Before I come up with my opinion, and what I do, there is just one topic we need Read More ...
The Naihanchi Kata The Naihanchi Kata is a very old Kata, which can be found in many different styles and variations. The special thing about this Kata is the movement in a straight line (sideways). This has led many Karateka incorrectly to believe that the Kata is for fighting with the back against a wall. Read More ...
The Pinan/Heian (平安) Kata Itosu Anko created the Pinan Kata for use in the Okinawan Elementary School around 1900. The creation of the Pinan Kata was to make the introduction to Karate easier for children and beginners. It also made it easier to learn the more advanced Kata later on. The name Pinan was an Read More ...
The Taikyoku Kata Gichin Funakoshi and his son Yoshitaka “Gigo” Funakoshi, are said to be the creator of the Taikyoku Katas around 1940. Some claim that Shigeru Egami and Hironishi Genshin also were involved in the creation. Taikyoku can translate into Great culmination Great education First Cause or First Course Basic Ultimate Taiji; Read More ...
Re-examination of the Itosu Ankō photo Only a few karate masters have had as much influence on karate development as Itosu Ankō (Itosu Yasutsune), he was born in Gibo Village (Shuri, Okinawa) in 1831. Itosu Ankō was the teacher of Choyu Motobu, Choki Motobu, Gichin Funakoshi, Kenwa Mabuni, Chōshin Chibana, Chojun Miyagi and many more. Read More ...
