Written by Sensei Mitch on March 8, 2022
Tameshiwari Brick Breaking Made Easy
Karate . Technique . Training notesTips for breaking bricks ( Tameshiwari ) as described and demonstrated by Mas Oyama. Prepare a hard base, Hold a brick on it (as shown), Lay a folded washcloth under the hand. Hold the brick with a hand sword Place a folded washcloth on top of the brick (as shown) Hit the brick with a
Written by Sensei Mitch on March 6, 2022
Mas Oyama World Tour
History . KarateIn 1968, Mas Oyama was welcomed by US branch managers Shigeru Oyama, Tadashi Nakamura, and Frank Walters at JFK Airport in New York. Mas Oyama was beginning a world tour and he went on to visit Puerto Rico, England, the Netherlands, Italy, Greece, Jordan, among others. Tadashi Nakamura went on to break with mas Oyama
Written by Sensei Mitch on March 5, 2022
Musubi Dachi Stance
Karate . Technique . Training notesFormally known as Musubi Dachi, this stance is analogous to a soldier standing at attention. This is the stance you assume before bowing and at beginning/end most Katas or formal routines. For my students I refer to is as the Start Position, once in this position, you are signalling you have completed and are ready
Written by Sensei Mitch on March 4, 2022
Mas Oyama’s Home
History . KaratePictured below is Mas Oyama around 1955 practicing at his home in Mejiro, Toshima City, Tokyo, Japan. Here Mas Oyama appears to be executing the first move of the Pinan Shodan Kata executing a Chudan Soto Uke (middle outside block) with his left arm and an Jodan Age Uke (upper block/side arm strike sometimes referred
Written by Sensei Mitch on February 9, 2022
Real Fights Don’t Last
Karate . Self-Defense . State of Mind . VideoIt still amazes me how many of my students regardless of age have never been in a fight before, never been hit in the face. I guess I grew up in a rougher area and a tougher time, where a wise comment could result in a fat lip. I understood two sayings that seem to
Written by Sensei Mitch on February 8, 2022
Mas Oyama Message to Kyokushin Members
History . Karate . Profiles . Styles“I send this message to all of you with a lament for the confusion that exist in the world” We are a strong organization that maintains the same belief, purpose, and idea without consideration of the frontier, race, or religion. Together we choose our own destiny, and we even consider ourselves as one big family,
Written by Sensei Mitch on February 5, 2022
The Perfect Flying Kick
Fitness . Karate . State of Mind . Styles . Technique . Training notesCapturing the Perfect Flying Kick on film is no easy task without using time capture devices (like most phones these days!) That said there still are not many pictures because Perfect form is not that common, because these kicks require substantial practice. In seeking to write this article I found the following photo and thought
Written by Sensei Mitch on January 29, 2022
Why We Train: Karate
Articles of Interest . For Kids . Karate . Questions . StylesWhy do we train and practice and drill in the Dojo? The ultimate purpose of karate is to develop the better features of human character rather then merely to strengthen human beings against a physical enemies. Karate training is different then any other form of training. It can be done anywhere, no special equipment necessary.
Written by Sensei Mitch on January 26, 2022
Comical Competition
Articles of Interest . Competition . Karate . VideoCompetitions are often witness to exaggerations and comical actions. Here is one of my favorite from 1999 by Wayne Dalgish: While Wayne was comically animated, his form was excellent. Watching this still makes me chuckle, of course the joke is on me, because Wayne Daglish went on to incredible success, while I am just writing
Written by Sensei Mitch on January 25, 2022
Basic Sparring Equipment Explained
Articles of Interest . Competition . Karate . Products . Questions . Training notesWritten by Sensei Mitch Sparring with an opponent is one of the most fundamental aspects of any martial arts training. It is after all, the time to test all the skills, strength, speed and techniques you have learnt and put them all together. Nevertheless, there’s an important thing to consider first before rushing into a
