Tag - Karate History

Insights into the origins, evolution, and traditions of karate across different styles.

Articles

Sensei Is Not a Title: Understanding True Karate Ranks and Roles
Reading Time: 21 minutesIn karate, words matter. They carry not just meaning, but respect. And few terms spark more confusion, or quiet assumptions, than Sensei, Shihan, and Kyoshi. Are these titles? Are they ranks? Do they apply automatically once you earn a black belt? Or are they something deeper? As a lifelong student and instructor […]
Osu-Understanding the True Meaning and History of  “Osu” (or "Oss") in Karate
Reading Time: 21 minutes This article is part of the Karate Knowledge Vault — a curated collection of standalone educational entries designed to inform, inspire, and deepen your understanding of karate, one insight at a time. If you’ve spent any time in a karate dojo, particularly outside of Okinawa – chances are you’ve heard the […]
Unlocking The Power of Kiai-What is the Karate Kiai
Reading Time: 21 minutes This article is part of the Karate Knowledge Vault — a curated collection of standalone educational entries designed to inform, inspire, and deepen your understanding of karate, one insight at a time. Introduction: What Is Kiai Really? Why do karate-ka (karate practitioners) let out a sharp, powerful yell during their techniques? […]
Understanding the 5 Principles of Go Do Shin in Martial Arts
Reading Time: 21 minutes In martial arts, the journey is as much about the mind as it is about the body. The Go Do Shin which can be interpreted as “The Five Guiding Principles “—offers invaluable guidance for practitioners at every level.  These principles emphasize qualities that shape not only how we train, but also […]
Romaji - A Bridge to Understanding Karate Terminology
Reading Time: 21 minutes What if mastering karate terminology was no longer hard? Romaji (pronounced with three syllables: roh-mah-jee) makes it easy for students to learn and remember karate terms. It uses the Latin alphabet to write Japanese words. This makes karate terms easier to understand. In this article, we’ll explore karate terminology. We’ll show […]
What is Karate? - Discover the Meaning and Origins of Karate
Reading Time: 21 minutes Welcome to our exploration of karate which has been my passion for over 40 years. It is a fascinating martial art that originated in Japan in which I hold the rank of 6th Dan Black Belt issued by the Nippon Karate-Do Kai in Osaka. The complexity of karate has resulted in […]