In this video I address the well-worn topic of whether it is better to have the heel up or down when punching. Cards on the table, I can see good tactical reasons for both methods. Heel down gives greater stability when needed. Heel up allows greater rotation and hence generates more power.

In this video we look at one way to get back up if we are knocked to our knees and the enemy is close. Firstly, we throw a hook punch to the inside of the enemy’s thigh. We do this simply because it is an available target the blow may physically and psychologically disrupt the enemy. Striking the legs in this way was a tactic endorsed by Gichin Funakoshi. While Funakoshi was taking about elbow strikes, we used a hook punch in this instance:

“If you are thrown to the ground, your elbows are useful in striking at your opponent’s legs” – Gichin Funakoshi, Karate-Do: My Way of Life.

In this video I discuss Consensual Violence (Fighting) vs. Non-Consensual Violence (Self-Defense). These are terms I coined to mark the difference between the natures, objectives and methodologies of criminal violence and duelling with other martial artists. They are very different, and we therefore need to be sure we approach them differently in training. This is not a matter of “good” vs. “bad”. This is a matter of appropriate vs. inappropriate.

“Karate ni Sente Nashi” (no 1st attack in karate) is undoubtedly one of the most misunderstood phrases in our art. Many take it to be a tactical instruction to always concede the initiative to the enemy by doing nothing until an assault is underway. To illustrate both the ridiculousness and immorality of this position, we can consider a teenage girl who has just been threatened with sexual assault. Are we really saying she is being immoral if she strikes before the assault begins in order to escape? I would hope not!