Azato Ankoh: A Short Story About My Teacher

A fascinating translation of a 1934 article by Gichen Funakoshi portraying his own teacher Azato, the much talked about early 20th century karate master about whom, until now, there has been little information translated into English. More.

Making The
Eagle's Claw

When applied properly, the Eagle's Claw enables the practitioner to seize and control an opponent through pain and/or structural manipulation. More

Inside the Eagle's Claw

If you have ever felt the grasp of an Eagle Claw master, the pain is intense. No ordinary grip, the fingers close like white hot talons of steel piercing into you. It can be agonizing. More.

It's All in the Timing

The same principles of timing found in historical Italian swordsmanship also apply to your martial art. More.

Early Cornish Wrestling

The indigenous wrestling of England's West Country and of the Cornish people themselves has a history that extends before Medieval times and possibly back into ancient times as well. More.

Surviving A Multi-Opponent Attack

A series of articles exploring principles, approaches and techniques that can be used when confronted with multiple attackers.

Part 1:
Interfering With And Avoiding An Impending Attack

Part 2:
Principles & Tactics

Part 3:
Maneuvering For Advantage:
Basics

Part 4:
Maneuvering for Advantage:
Putting It All Together

Part 5:
Maneuvering for Advantage:
More Scenarios

Goju-Ryu Karate

Insights on karate-do and its principles by Gogen Yamaguchi, the flamboyant Japanese karate legend known as "The Cat." This is a three part translated excerpt from this master's classic book "Goju Ryu Karate Do Kyohan: The History and Fundamentals of Goju-Ryu Karate," now in reprint.

Part 1:
Fundamentals of karate-do and Goju-Ryu

Part 2:
The Significance of kata

Part 3:
Practice Fighting

Teacher As Facilitator

Mr. Miyagi's teaching methods in the movie "The Karate Kid" are actually very effective. While very old and respected they also reflect modern concepts of education. More.

Presidential Judo

He may be the head of one of the world's superpowers, but to his fellow judo club members, Russian President Vladimir Putin is best known for his wicked sweeping leg throw (Haraigoshi) More.

Pankration

Ultimate fighting dates as far back as ancient Greece where contestants in this full-contact art used a lethal combination of what we would recognize today as boxing, wresting and judo. They also often broke planks and stones to demonstrate their prowess. More.

Weight Training for Women and Older Martial Artists

An Interview with Charles Staley

The second part of a three part series. More.

Overcoming The Fear Of Falling

Learning to fall is a basic element in many martial arts. Here are some
simple ways to overcome the fear.
More.

Dealing With Bone Bruises

Most understand muscle bruises, but bone bruises are different. Here is a common sense guide to dealing with them. More.