Stop me if you've heard this one: All martial arts are like paths up the mountain. They begin in different places and wind upward in their...
The Crossing and Uncrossing of Kama (Okinawan Sickle)
The kama is a very intriguing weapon. It behaves differently than both bludgeoning and slicing weapons, but contains a little essence of...
Gojushiho Kata Step-Toss Bunkai
I'd like to share a video this week that explores a portion of the Gojushiho kata. Many karate styles share this kata, which makes...
Eku Bo Fighting Theory and Application
The Eku Bo (aka Eiku Bo, Ekku Bo, Kai Bo) is a very interesting weapon. It is a traditional implement of Okinawan Kobudo, but not many...
How to Counter Joint Locks, Arm Bars, and Body Controls
Whenever I am teaching bunkai and self defense I advise students to "create a disturbance" before applying a joint lock. A disturbance...
Tegumi – Okinawan Grappling and Wrestling
Don't believe me? It's true I tell you! The Okinawans had both grappling and wrestling. They called it tegumi, and if you do karate you do...
Warning: Technique Overload
The funny thing about technique is that it can be very alluring. Martial arts inspire great leaps of imagination and originality. So much...
What is Tuite?
A little while ago I wrote an article for issue 5 of Jissen Magazine. In it I gave a brief overview of the main tools a classical karateka...
In Memoriam: Kiyoko (Miko) Teller, A Treasure of Okinawan Culture and Spirit
Bugeisha Article – How to Evolve with Your Kata
I Just Started Watching Sumo and Here’s What I’ve Learned
A Deep Dive into the StoryTelling and Karate of Cobra Kai
Interview: Pat McGale, Okinawa Kenpo and Kishaba Juku Karatedo