
Avoiding the Short Weapon “Dead Zone”
Sparring with short weapons for the first time can be a jarring experience, especially when facing longer implements like bo, shinai...

Reflecting on IKKF Annual Training 2014 (Pictures and Videos Included)
I don't always create posts about training events I attend, but sometimes I feel they are big enough in scope that other martial artists...

Mai no Te – The Dancer’s Hand
" A long time ago, there was a karateka whose name was Machaa Buntoku or Kinjo Matsu in Itoman village, Okinawa. He was born in 1867....

The Power of Diamond Stepping
Few things are as critical yet as glossed over as footwork. With proper footwork the body can be moved in an efficient way while...
Reader Article #1: A Shotokan Perspective on Teaching and Self Discovery
GUEST AUTHOR: David Light is a third dan in Shotokan karate and a member of the International Shotokan Karate Federation (www.iskf.com)...
3 Teaching Strategies: Do You Dictate, W&S, or Nudge?
Imagine the most boring class you had in high school or college. The teacher's droning probably made you itchy to escape the intellectual...
QUESTION 1: Do People Use Kata During Sparring?
Our first question revolves around a very classic problem in traditional arts - do people actually use kata during sparring? Part of the...
What Are Sai Good For Anyway?
As you may know I help the KD team when it comes to matters of traditional martial arts. It's a great pleasure because I get to answer...