“Students often underestimate the Heian kata, but they are the truest test of basics performed correctly.” Teruyuki Okazaki Heian Nidan (平安二段) 🥋 I’ve been thoroughly enjoying this kata lately. Studying and training different bunkai ideas, exploring the kata through omote, ura, and go. Recently, I had one of those “karate geek, oh, that’s the kata” moments. During some light kumite training, one student lunged in with a kizami-zuki jodan followed by a gyaku-zuki chudan. I ma

🥋⛩️ Shōjin (精進) literally means "devoted effort towards improvement." Lately a lot of my effort has been on the idea of Kōbō Ittai — blocking and attacking (or preparing) at the same time. They exist as one. When one hand blocks, the other is already in motion. Controlling distance. Creating pressure. Preparing what follows. Hence the work on kamae and what they can offer. The study of kamae brings this to life. Different structures, feelings, and intentions — but always rea

A beneficial aspect of karate is we can always train on our own. I recommend training with other students and sensei, but sometimes this isn't an option. Over time, my self training routines have grew into something I love. Before I use to struggle and I'd spend more time looking into space thinking about what to train. Now I start and just start training what comes to mind. This time it was Sharpening up my Zuki. (Punching). I started from Shizentai, slowly punching, increas

Yes, it’s me again — with another Fudō-dachi and another “shape.” 😅 I get a few people who like to point out that it’s just a shape and...