Martial Arts: Kata and Applications

Channan: The "Lost" Kata of Itosu?
By Joe Swift
The series of five basic kata called Pinan (later renamed Heian in Japan) are probably the most widely practiced kata in karate today, but were they based on an earlier kata known as Channan? More

         Martial Arts: Self Defense

Up Against The Wall by
Christopher Caile
Pushing someone from behind into a wall or object to hit or steal from them is a common technique, but it is easy to counter with a little knowledge. More

         Martial Arts: Self Defense

Some Personal Observations On Dealing With Dog Attacks:Part 1- Prevention
By George Donahue
A dog attack can be dangerous and terrifying, but if you know what to do it can often be avoided before it begins. More

         Martial Arts: Asian Art and Culture

Japanese Woodblock Prints
By Christopher Caile
The colorful Japanese woodblock prints (hanga) that we see today are the culmination of centuries of development. More

The Value of Uchikomi in the Development of Judo Skills
By Elie A. Morrell, Hachidan
In Judo just practicing the skill(s) of throwing in part does not improve the skill. Sports psychologists now point out to improve throwing skills they should be completed in an environment closer to competition.

Budo Belts and Ranks: The Forgotten Symbolism
By Christopher Caile
Are the belt we wear only imported figments of oriental culture, or are they meaningful symbols charged with the energy of years of dedication and hard work?

The Significance of Movement in Judo
by Elie A. Morrell, Hachidan
One of the most satisfying feelings in judo is the experience of performing a throwing technique with a minimum of effort and flawless execution. But why do most judo players rarely experience this feeling?

Precautions For Kids To Avoid Street Crime
By Christopher Caile
Kids should be prepared to avoid or reduce risks of crime against them and how to react. Here are some ways to minimize chances of being chosen for a target as well as ways to avoid problems if your kids are approached.

Martial Arts Strategy & The Five Element Theory Of Chinese Medicine
By David Bock
Obviously in the midst of a fight analytical decision based on the five elements theory or any theoretical framework is not practical. However this type of structure can be a source of innovative ideas and ways to think about a particular type of attack and the best ways to defeat it.

Kata
by David A. Hall
In the classical martial traditions (koryu), not all kata were equal.

Savate: Martial Sport of France
By Mark V. Wiley
Boxe Francaise savate was developed in the 1800s and is a highly effective means of self-defense and reality-based full-contact 'kickboxing' sport.

Relationship of Kuzushi and Tsukuri in a Judo Throw
By Elie Morrell, Hachidan
I find it disconcerting that to date all the individuals involved in judo that I have met still maintain the prevailing belief that tsukuri means to fit in during the execution of a judo throw.

Getting to the Point: The European Art of Fencing
By Ken Mondschein
As with most things in the martial arts, the story of fencing is not a simple one.

THE ZEN MIRROR: Life & The Scenery of Life
By Jeff Brooks
If we recognize the ultimate purpose of our practice we will never be distracted by the shifting scenery of our lives.

The Straight Arm Double Lapel Grab, Part 1
By Christopher Caile
This technique taken from the karate kata Pinan four is a simple, easy to execute self-defense for this type attack.

Defense Against A Rear Bear Hug Attack - Part 2: A Static Upper Arm Grab From The Rear
By Christopher Caile
If you respond quickly you can slip out of an attacker?s initial rear grab.