Martial Arts: Karate

The Art of War, Sun Tzu: Ancient Wisdom For Martial Artists-Part 1
By Gary Music
Sun Tzu's ancient text on military tactics, "The Art of War," is not only a source of wisdom that only applies to military principles. It can equally be applied to personal self defense too. More

         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

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.

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

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?

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.

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?

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

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.

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.

Multiple Assailant Training
By George Demetriou
The basics of a multiple assailant strategy is learning to how to cause chaos without becoming a part of it.

Review - Five Years One Kata: Putting Kata Back Into The Heart Of Karate
By Joe Swift
The old stories of karate training in Okinawa often revolve around a student spending a number of years, usually three, learning his first kata. Of course, modern teachers very seldom take this approach for fear that it will drive potential students away, but nonetheless, the stories persist.

Kagami Biraki: Renewing the Spirit
By Christopher Caile
Kagami Biraki, which literally means 'Mirror Opening' (also known as the 'Rice Cutting Ceremony'), is a traditional Japanese celebration that is held in many traditional martial arts schools (dojos) usually on the second Saturday or Sunday of January.

The Old Okinawan Karate Toe Kick: Part 2- Historical Introduction
By Christopher Caile
By taking up the toe kick, I was re-establishing a historical link to the past, to the heritage of technique and to the masters who once practiced it.