The Essence of Shin Gi Tai. In Japanese martial arts, a profound concept stands as the cornerstone of training and philosophy: Shin Gi Tai. This concept embodies the unity of mind, technique, and body, shaping the very core of martial arts practice. The Three Pillars of Shin Gi Tai. Shin: Cultivating the Mind. At the […]
Written by Gert Corfitzen Jürgensen
Some instructors claim that Kata harbors hidden techniques, asserting that these were concealed during Karate’s integration into the Okinawan school system to prevent potentially dangerous injuries. The notion was that by veiling these techniques, students could focus on the health-promoting aspects of Karate. However, despite hearing about these hidden techniques, I’ve never encountered a demonstration […]
Written by Gert Corfitzen Jürgensen
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 […]
Written by Gert Corfitzen Jürgensen
Tsumasaki-geri is a kick with the tip of the toes. Some would argue that this is the right way to kick (the old way of Okinawan kicking), compared to our ordinary Mae-geri, where we generally kick with Koshi. Personally, I don’t believe there is a new or old way of kicking. Nowadays, Mae-geri, kicking with […]