re looking at here, beyond the white pegs marking where the dojo will stand, is a drainage ditch going in. In between the old dojo closing and the new dojo being ready for use, I not only had time to think about many things, but I had the space too. Not having a dojo to go to in the mornings separated me from my usual routine, and provided an opportunity to think and evaluate how I engage with...
I used to watch Zoro as a kid and of course picked up sticks and fight with my friends. Later as I got involved in Eastern Martial Arts (I knew as Martial Arts), I discovered that kicking and punching is a more effective fighting method. I learned some sword katas in Kenpo but the […]...
ve been involved in a conversation recently concerning the future of karate; but little of what has been said so far has concerned itself with the sense of pleasure derived from training. In the rush to control karate, the very fundamental concept of joy has been left behind or forgotten altogether. For many years I've held the belief that many of the people teaching karate today no longer enjoy training...
When I was a kid we debated about who would win in a fight – the boxer or karate guy. I would point out that the karate guy could kick the boxer in the nuts. My friends would call kicking sissy fighting and for girls. I don’t know if we ever settled that debate but […]...
A big ooops… It seems that there was some sort of cache file corruption on AppliedKarate.com that was showing visitors to the site that the most recent post was in mid-May 2013. In fact, there had been a number of … Continue reading → ...
t you just love these people. Afterwards I was thinking, what is it about karate that has lead to almost everyone you meet having an opinion on it; what it is, what it should be, what it could be! Is it just me who thinks that most people simply haven't got a clue; or, has karate been sold like a harlot for so long now that it no longer attracts the respect it once did? But if karate has been sold...
Castles were once considered impenetrable. They evolved from simple mounds of earth to wooden structures. As attackers discovered they could burn them down with flaming arrows, stone became the norm. Unfortunately for the defenders, Medieval attackers were soon able to penetrate their defences. Common techniques included burrowing beneath the corners of towers–undermining their foundations, thus...
I've been working with a trainer (Nicole) and part of the program is not just working out but also working on my nutritional habits. She thinks balanced eating with many meals a day but sensibly comprised and sized could make a difference. She has me tracking my food on MyFitness Pal which I do intermitently. I just saw this great video on 200 calories. Powerful and educational. Enjoy! ...
s most basic weapon, but I'm not so sure it was always that way. Karate = empty hand...so where did the closed fist come from...and why is this particular technique used so much in modern karate? Nine years ago, when this photo was taken, being asked to hit the bag by the photographer presented me with a bit of a problem. I knew the kind of shot he was looking for when he was setting up the high-speed...
ve had on the island however, have been when I've arranged to meet with my closest friend, Richard Barrett. Richard and I have been friends for almost 30 years and I think of him as a brother. Recently, Richard posted a short article on his Shinsokai web page that provides plenty of food for thought concerning promotion tests within karate. Richard asks, " What are they meant to represent? " and describes...
This morning I wait by the ‘phone for Jessica’s call, seeking guidance on diet and training. Ever since revealing my track record in these matters, it’s fair to say that my opinion and top tips for fitness through pregnancy are is sought often by elite athletes: Take Professional Tennis Player Natalia Koguta, whose baby boy […] ...
We are devoted Denby Collectors and coffee drinkers. Imagine our delight yesterday when we spotted a set of Denby’s rare, original Marakesh Coffee Cups and Tea Plates with matching Milk Jug in mint condition “going for a song” in West Bridgford. Today we have been busy: confirming teaching availability for Nottingham University Medical School and […] ...
It is 5th January 2014 and as of 11am our yearly war with our utility provider comes to a negotiated end. At this point we accept their apologies and generous offers of compensation gracefully. Mary files the metre high threatening/mistaken/demands (no pun intended or implied) for another 11 months, at which point they will be […] ...
... as a happily married man I need some down-time just to chill and cannot under any circumstances commit to regular touring with attractive young dancers ... ...
ve seen monks going about their daily life many times while in Okinawa, they often have a calm but focused look about them as they move quietly and deliberately through the crowd. It's as if they are aware there is a lot of "stuff " going on around them, but they don't allow it to interfere or distract them from the task at hand. I often wish more karateka could adopt this kind of thinking...that is,...
s floating mansion. Passengers buy a "timeshare" to live on board. No reason not to live here permanently, were you as rich as Croesus. The entire ship...
I have not trained for some time, nor written about karate that much because I became too wrapped up in it. For a while after stopping I felt like an addict must after kicking the habit (no pun intended) and it’s only in the last few days that my mind has changed. I have kept […] ...
Bo, sai, nunchaku & hand weights used at Kyoda sensei’s garden dojo The Kobudo weapons and kata of Kyoda Juhatsu were a huge surprise to me when I first laid...
I am never short of volunteer training buddies and here you see me interviewing for the post of Guernsey Father’s Day 2014 Half-Marathon Buddy. The competition was intense, with one daughter-in-law, three grandchildren and a cuddly dog aka Douglas all stating their case for selection. It was a tough call and in the end? Douglas […] ...
i consider a trip to Norway in the spring and while there may well resume training after a year off. ...