Bunkai: Naihanchi Ni, 1-2
This interpretation shows two ways to use the first two counts of naihanchi ni to defend – against a shove to a wall and against a pin to a wall.
Origin of the title “True Karate Dō”
Sakiyama Sogen Roshi, karate practitioner and abbot of Kozenji Zen temple in Shuri, Okinawa gave the name “True Karate Dō” to an essay by Jeff Brooks, which describes a unique path of karate.
Book recommendation – what Sakiyama Roshi called “True Karate Dō”
“One of the best books I’ve read in years… A splendid achievement.”
— Philip Zaleski, Editor, The Best Spiritual Writing series
Endangered Theses
“By nature people are similar. By training they become vastly different.” – Confucius. We cultivate our natural talents, or we lose them.
Bunkai: Pinan GoDan set up to Kiai
This bunkai interprets the technique sequence that leads up to the kiai in Pinan GoDan. Key tactics include the use of trapping techniques, and vacating target space without moving the foundation.
Bunkai: Pinan Sandan – Okinawan Sumo defense
Okinawan sumo and other grappling arts were popular when the Pinan katas were devised. Fighters close and clinch. Karateka learn to defend against these tactics and techniques.
Bunkai: Pinan Nidan, Count 2 to 3
This interpretation shows the use of the 180° turn as a throw, (not defending against a new opponent, approaching from behind you.) Note the use of the ulnar head to strike.
100 Kata Workout 2.0
Congratulations to all those who participated in multiple 100 kata workouts this week, commemorating the 1936 meeting of karate leaders.
This is Your Art
There is a limit to force. There is a limit to power. There is a limit to harm. There is no limit to mastery: in a life, a dojo, a community, or in the world.
Power
You have power. You are training. Your power is increasing.
You are training. Your power is increasing. More power does not mean more happiness. Power can be used well or badly. Power can be used to help or destroy.
Training the Mind
Physical training and mind training are both necessary for high performance, and for a cultivated life. They form a continuum of practice.
100 Kata Workout
We joined in with dojos around the world for a 100 kata workout, to just train, without any words, interruptions or distractions.
Training Vs. The Culture of Death
From time to time the spirit of killing people and taking their stuff crashes like a wave over nations. We respond.
Bunkai: Pinan YonDan – Fourth Direction
In this bunkai interpretation from “True Karate Dō” we defend our center, reroute incoming, off-balance the opponent, and quick-reverse.
Bunkai: Pinan Yondan, Third Direction
This interpretation is against a kick to your exposed side. It uses the quick reversal principle to prevent the opponent from countering…