Written by Sensei Mitch on March 14, 2022
Gekisai Dai Ichi Kata with Instructions
Karate . Styles . Technique . Training notesThe southern Kata have their origins in Goju Ryu karate, which Oyama learned while training under So Nei Chu and Gogen Yamaguchi. Gekisai (Conquer and Occupy) means conquer and occupy. The name is derived from the characters Geki 撃, meaning defeat or conquer, and Sai 塞, meaning fortress or stronghold (literally translated as “closed”, “shut”
Written by Sensei Mitch on March 10, 2022
6 Unarmed Defense Principles
Self-Defense . Training notesThe following are training notes and methods. Please bare in mind these are only notes and should be used as guidelines to increase your understanding of hand-to-hand combat techniques and issues. As we progress from unskilled to seasoned fighter this information becomes intuitive and second nature. Here we will cover 6 basic principles of unarmed
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 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 February 24, 2022
Control Yourself, Control Others
Law Enforcement . Self-Defense . State of Mind . Training notesControl is required to successfully handle most of life’s difficult tasks. In the Martial Arts we train to maintain control of ourselves in confrontations, especially physical ones. There are many careers that require the same level of control of self, Police Officer, Astronaut, Surgeon, Soldier, Fireman are among these careers. Control lets your brain stay
Written by Sensei Mitch on February 22, 2022
Bridge Pose Benefits
Fitness . Training notesThe Bridge Pose is a great stretch and strengthening technique. The Bridge Pose stretches your back, neck and chest, relaxes your body and helps release the stress trapped in the back. This pose also strengthens the muscles of the back, glutes, legs and ankles. Many health benefits attributed to this “exercise” include calming the body,
Written by Sensei Mitch on February 11, 2022
Practice Safely
Training notes . WeaponsWhen we practice with weapons we should always use training, dummy, blunted or padded weapons. Never use actual weapons no matter how experienced you are! Here is what happens when you practice with no regard to your safety! Also wear the correct attire in case you get caught on video. And clean up the room!
Written by Sensei Mitch on February 6, 2022
Prayer, Faith and the Martial Arts
Quotes . Religion . State of MindPrayer is not something you hear much about in the Martial Arts, which I think if unfortunate. Many of the ideals taught in the Martial Arts are religious. Specifically I see a strong connection to the teachings of Christianity. Take for example the quote pictured to the Right: “The best reason for learning karate is
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 February 4, 2022
Your Chances of Success
A Zen Thing . Articles of Interest . State of Mind . Training notesWords that other people speak only have power if we give them. The Words we speak can either empower or defeat us before we even start. I use the above chart with everyone but mostly my younger/adolescent students. Honestly hearing anyone say I can’t makes my blood boil, nothing is harder to overcome than someone
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