Evidence Based Training otherwise known as EBT has been around for a long time, particularly in the academic space. This learning methodology has been successfully adopted by numerous industries where practitioners are required to train whilst in practice. EBT must now be adopted by Martial Arts practices where there is a clear

The Shotokan Tiger was originally created by a Japanese man named Hoan Kusugi who was a friend and student of Gichin Funakoshi Hanshi. This symbol of the tiger was as a representation of Funakoshi’s art to be published in the Master Text. This was to be the first book to be published on Karate. Gichin […]

The purpose of this blog is to reflect on the relationship between Yoga and Karate and how they complement each other. In KaraTe we often discuss the term Chi or Qi which moves around the body through Meridians. It is widely documented that the origin of Chi can be found in Chinese Medicine.  Similarly, in […]

It’s safe to say COVID has had a never ending impact on our lives, and adjusting to life under lockdown can take an immense toll on our mental health. It’s easy to get lost in the constant cascade of news updates reporting the latest death figures, being isolated from friends or family, stacking up on […]

This blog post is all about how karate helped me find myself, the reasons I do it and how I reap its benefits.   I took my first Karate lesson back in 2016, I remember practising roundhouse punches and it was so boring for me but my brother carried on and got himself to green belt. When I was in […]

This is a word that is often used within the Martial Arts and Healing circles to describe a phenomenon that exists within us. But what is Chi? It is often spelt as “Chi/Qi/Ki” and can be described as a Universal Energy, Vital Life Force Energy or just simply Energy. It has been long accepted and […]

The purpose of this blog is to share my experiences and some thoughts from the lockdown which have helped me to maintain routine without being perturbed by surreal circumstances. In every perceived downhill struggle, there is a need to reach for that ray light that may shine through and protect one’s inner core. During the […]

Dojo Kun is the “Code of ethic” for the KaraTe-ka, it embodies or contains the qualities that each individual should be striving for through their physical efforts of KaraTe training. These rules date back as far as 12th century feudal Japan. During this era the Samurai class followed a similar code known as Bushido (way […]

History of Karate began over a thousand years ago, possibly as early as the fifth century BC when Bodhidharma arrived in China (Henan Province, Songshan Mountain) from India; He sat in silent meditation and practiced a series of physical movements for nine years. Bodhidharma passed on his physical training techniques (Sutras) to the monks at […]

Running a Dojo during this turbulent time of social distancing is almost impossible but the concept of Online Dojo has been around for a while. The idea of distance learning has been around since the 1800s when teachers would write to their students to teach a given concept. However, computer based learning did not emerge […]

This is a question that is often asked of me by my students; “what is Budō Culture?”. The answer can be either very simple or complex; essentially Budō Culture is a representation of Martial Art behaviours, rituals, traditions, beliefs, customs and habits. That said, this term can mean many things to a follower as we […]

Although seeing our local doctor has become a tall order, we can still look after our immune system using Oriental Medicine (5,000-year-old system that uses tools like acupuncture, acupressure and diet to heal the mind and body). Kidney 27 Location: located about one inch from the mid-line on the lower border of the collar bone. […]

Karate-Do training requires intense study of numerous stances which are key to developing power and focus. If stances are not performed correctly then techniques cannot be executed properly, subsequently, blocking and striking will lack power and direction. Lack of stance understanding and training will result in poor application of drills and Kata bunkai. Maintaining proper […]

Karate-Do training encompasses six levels of mental development; these concepts are rooted in the practice of Zazen and are extremely powerful methods of strengthening ones mind. Below are some brief descriptions and contexts relating to the practice of Karate. Mushotoku – A state of mind where one does not train to seek anything tangible or intangible. […]

Have you have ever wondered which exercises are best for the internal organs and the brain? There is a common misconception that academic studies are the only route to enhancing brain development and IQ. However, research in Neuro-sciences have found that the “key to fully exercising your brain is to engage all the senses — sight, […]

Start the new year with simple actionable resolutions for your Karate training: EASY – Think about the most difficult aspect of your training and then break it down into smaller techniques or drills. REMEMBER,one must never climb a mountain without experiencing what it’s like to climb a smaller object…For example, if you are struggling with a […]

Have you ever had one of those days where you’re running late to work, force yourself into an overcrowded train and try to keep what little sanity you have left as you drink your third cup of coffee? That’s what stress looks like. And it manifests in various forms, from insomnia and headaches to losing […]

The study of Karate is often associated to just kicking and punching but it is much more than that. There is a world of knowledge beyond the physical practice. The masters often describe this aspect of training as the “meta-physical” aspect of the art. I would like to share my thoughts on how I have incorporated some […]