School of Shotokan Karate & Self Defence.

22/02/2025

I never really understood the Yoi or ready position of Karatedo.
It seemed to me that a guy or indeed girl that is ready for anything should have a neutral open handed stance.
Through the practice or the internal arts of China I came to understand the purpose of the loosely clenched hands sitting either side of the Hara.
In near central position in both hand we have an acu point known as Laogong.
Laogong is conveniently ( almost by design eh ) the main emission points of our internal energy Qi or Ki.
In the internal arts ( Neigong ) the Laogong points are used as tools to magnetically move Qi around the body.
In the Hara we have a Tandem ( Dantian in China ) and when Laogong closes ( hence gripped hands ) the Dantian compresses and intensifies the build up of energy in the Hara.
In this state the human body is like an idling car engine with a soft foot touch on the pedal.
In this state the karateka is indeed ready for anything.
One hell of a baby to throw out with the bath water eh?

20/02/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BuxacbpUk/?mibextid=wwXIfr

(Approx 1 minute 50 second read)

In the dojo, we all follow strict rules - often guided by a ‘creed’ or ‘Dojo Kun’ (training hall precepts). Every bow, every gesture, and every word carries meaning.
We call this ‘Reishiki’ (礼式) - the practice of manners, etiquette, and respect. It shapes how we interact with our teachers, our training partners, and even the art itself.
But Reishiki isn’t just for the dojo. It should belong everywhere - at home, at work, and even online.
In reality, Reishiki, is about how we carry ourselves and treat others. It's about consideration, humility, and simple courtesies that foster mutual respect.
And in a world where everyone is online, all the time, everyday, it has never been more relevant.
A simple “hello” before asking a question, an introduction goes a long way, or a “thank you” after receiving help - these small gestures reflect just simply good manners. They show that we value the other person’s time and presence, even through a screen.
Just as we bow before sparring, drills, or when we perform kata, acknowledging others roles in our learning, we can show the same respect online by engaging with kindness and clarity.
In my own online interactions, I try to apply the same principles I teach in the dojo. Before I post or send a message, I ask myself: Is this respectful? Is it clear? Would I say it this way face-to-face? It's a habit I diligently follow, just like bowing before stepping on the mat - for me it’s a simple act that sets the right tone.
This Page, for example, is a space where I share my passion for martial arts. I welcome thoughtful comments, different viewpoints, and the spirit of learning. Just as in the dojo, Reishiki should guide how we interact here too - with good etiquette, patience, and mutual respect. You’re here because you are interested in the martial arts right?
The truth is, the principle of Reishiki extends far beyond the dojo floor. It’s in how we listen to others, ask for help, how we disagree without hostility, and how we show gratitude for shared experiences.
Whether we are shaking hands, bowing, or simply replying to a message online, Reishiki reminds us that every interaction is an opportunity to demonstrate good character.
The spirit of the dojo should be in every part of our lives, not just when we walk through the door. Manners, humility, and respect should be practiced just like anything else. After all, it’s not just how we fight that defines us, but how we conduct ourselves every day. As the saying goes, 'Manners maketh the man (or woman)’.
Written by Adam Carter

18/02/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1A39SnyPw4/?mibextid=wwXIfr

16/02/2025

(Approx 1 minute 45 second read)

Confidence is something every martial artist needs. Without it, even the most skilled person can freeze when it matters most. I’ve written about this recently - the impact of how a lack of confidence can ruin any skill you may have.
However, just as too little confidence is a problem, too much confidence can be just as dangerous. Maybe even more so.
Some people believe that because they have avoided a fight, their martial art must be effective. But is that really the case?
Maybe you've been lucky enough to never get caught up in violence. But eventually, that moment might come when you least expect it. Claiming your martial art works just because you've never been in a fight is like saying your house has never caught fire just because you have a fire extinguisher.
Of course, avoiding a fight is always the best option, but it doesn’t prove your martial art works.
In the real world, violence is unpredictable. There’s no such thing as a fair fight. The “common average person" you think you can handle might not be alone. They might have a weapon. They might strike first. And they may not play by the rules.
The problem with overconfident people is they don't think about these things. They assume that their training is enough to guarantee safety. But training without the ability to adapt? That’s a liability. Real self-defense isn’t just about knowing techniques; it’s about understanding how unpredictable violence can be.
So, how do we avoid falling into the trap of overconfidence?
The key is knowing your limits. Understanding what you can't do is just as important as knowing what you can.
You really should avoid complacency as it kills understanding. There's always something new to learn. Never assume that violence will follow the rules, or that you're safe just because of your training. Even if you have been training a lifetime, assuming an opponent is weak, or that a situation is under control, is a mistake that could have serious consequences.
Confidence is great, but overconfidence? That’s a weakness.
The martial arts should teach you how to fight when necessary, to avoid it at all costs - but if you’ve managed to avoid an altercation and stay safe, was it because your martial art is so effective, or was it just luck and circumstance?
You have to question your assumptions. The moment you think you’ve got it all figured out is the moment it all goes wrong.
Written by Adam Carter
Photo Credit: Hohan Sōken - quote attributed to Sōken and his philosophy on training.

31/01/2025

29/01/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/1C5sEzP7aq/?mibextid=wwXIfr

(Approx 3 minute read)

There are so many different opinions about what karate is, where it came from, and what it was actually used for. Who’s right?
We have a few snippets from history - newspaper articles, a few books written at the time - but even these have their limitations. Everything written was done so for the time, and by then, karate had already started to change. It was written for the audience of the day.
Many researchers have given us facts from their perspective, and some of the "oral legends" have been debunked.
So where does this leave us today?
After WWII, there weren’t many of the old masters left to tell us about early karate. Most of the practice - and what is widely known today - comes from post-WWII karate.
Many experienced instructors have their own take on what karate is and how it should be used. And, like many of them, I do too.
I get a lot of messages disagreeing with some of the content in my articles, and that’s fine. After all, these are just my opinions and my experiences. I base them on the writings of past masters, my understanding of history, learning from others over five decades, and my own common sense and logical reasoning. These are my thoughts, my opinions, and how I teach. And I’m okay with my conclusions - they work for me and my students. But for you? It might be different, and that’s okay too.
Someone asked me the other day, “Which Okinawan teacher told you this?” It was about something I’d written in an article - something they believed Okinawan teachers didn’t use (or didn’t say).
The truth is, I know many Okinawan teachers, and a lot of them study the post-WWII karate. I mean no disrespect when I say this, as many Okinawan teachers are immensely knowledgeable and skilled, with incredible lineages and history.
Fighting isn’t overly complicated. Of course, I don’t have all the answers - very few do - but over time, learning from others far more experienced than me, the jigsaw starts to come together. Okay, it might go against some of the teachings of those masters.
But for me - and for many pragmatic teachers - common sense, logic, and practical experience begin to define your training, especially if you have an enquiring mind.
With that said, what should we focus on in our training?
For me, it boils down to a few key questions: Does it work in the context I train for? Can it be applied under stress? Does it make sense given the context of karate’s origins and purpose? These are the guiding principles I emphasize in my dojo.
While tradition is important, blindly following it? I’m not so sure. Which tradition is it? Whose tradition? Are they right about it?
Without understanding its purpose, we’ll never truly understand karate. Instead, we should seek a balance - honoring the past while evolving to meet the demands of today.
This doesn’t mean dismissing the old ways - far from it. Much of what’s been passed down holds great value, especially when you understand the context in which it was created. The problem is, that context is often lost.
A principle that could save your life in a self-defense situation might be overlooked because it’s hidden beneath layers of tradition - or because your interpretation of something doesn’t match what someone else believes.
Ultimately, karate is what you make of it. Your interpretations are yours. If it works for you, then great.
And for me, this is the crux: ensuring karate works in the context you teach in. If you’re a teacher, it’s your responsibility to guide students toward a deeper understanding - not just of the techniques, but of the principles and mindset that underpin them. If you’re a student, the onus is on you to ask questions, seek clarity, and ensure that what you’re practicing aligns with your goals.
Karate may have changed over time, but its essence remains. And whether you view it through the lens of history, tradition, or practicality, the important thing is to keep asking questions, keep learning, and keep moving forward.
So, who’s right?
Maybe no one. Or maybe everyone. Because karate isn’t static - it evolves with us. And in the end, its true purpose is what we make of it.
Written by Adam Carter

24/01/2025

Interesting read:

(Approx 2 minute 20 second read)

When you look into kata and their applications, breaking things down, you usually look at individual techniques, sometimes obsessing over what’s going on in a specific movement.
You probably consider the terminology of a technique too, using it to try and work out how a series of moves might connect. Occasionally, you zoom out and try to grasp the overall theme of the kata. But, more often than not, you’re fixated on individual techniques or small sequences, hoping to uncover their purpose.
And sometimes, you strike gold. You find an application that fits, and aligns with the theme of the kata. That’s a great feeling - there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of finding something that works, especially when it proves useful in practice.
But, here’s where the trap lies: you can get caught up in trying to make techniques fit your preconceived ideas that you miss the bigger picture. You settle on your interpretation, pat yourselves on the back, and move on to the next technique.
However, it’s easy to overlook the intent behind the movements, and that’s where real understanding happens.
The individual techniques or sequences that everyone searches for are just examples. They’re teaching tools for broader concepts. Once you grasp the concept, you can adapt it to many different situations giving you a myriad of movements to choose from, far beyond what’s explicitly shown in the kata.
Let me give you an example.
Take the opening movements of any of the Pinan kata. They start by moving left. Someone is not attacking from the left, you are moving left to get off an attack line, hoping to gain an advantage.
Now, this isn’t just about that one angular movement - it’s about the concept of attacking or defending at an angle. That’s the lesson. Once you understand this, you can apply it in countless ways, even in situations where the movement doesn’t look exactly like the kata.
Kata isn’t trying to teach you isolated techniques. It’s giving you examples that illustrate principles. The angular movement in the Pinan kata are templates, not a rulebook.
When you recognize these templates, the possibilities become endless.
Each kata has segments that showcase specific strategies. These segments are not the final word on how to apply a concept - they’re starting points. Just like the way people often practice by concentrating on the end of the technique, instead of viewing the beginning and the middle, which can be equally important, if not more.
As an example, just as in math(s) where addition isn’t about memorizing hundreds of sums, but understanding a simple process to combine numbers, kata movements provide a framework to explore and apply underlying principles.
This can be a tough pill to swallow for those who’ve been taught that kata applications must look exactly like the movements in the form. But those movements are just examples, designed to teach the concept, which will look very different under the pressure of a real-world attack.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: you don’t fight with kata. You fight with the principles and concepts within them. And when you understand those principles, you’ll realize they offer far more than just techniques tied to specific terminology.
Written by Adam Carter
Photo Credit: Stockcake