November 2019

Form and Principles

Precise form is very important in Karate training, Good form provides us a structure that allows to maximize force production and delivery with least effort, while minimizing stress on body segments. Yet optimal form is not an end, it is a mean, a vehicle, through which we should discover, understand and internalize the underlying mental and physical principles of karate techniques and applications. In those underlying principles lies the beauty of karate, those principles are what makes karate an effective martial art, which enables the small to overcome the big. Those principles are what makes karate into an endless search […]

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Oji Waza, How You React is Not A Conscious Choice

Avi Rokah

Oji Waza is what we refer to as response techniques, or as some understand it as defense techniques. There are many types of timing and techniques we can use to respond and capitalize on opponent’s attack. We can use Sen timing and hit the opponent as they intend to attack, we can use Sen timing while avoiding the line of attack, and this is called Nuki Waza. We can use timing of Go No Sen and catch the opponent after first attack and before they can switch to second attack. We could use variety of footwork and technique depending on

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What Feels Powerful is Not Necessarily Powerful

Avi Rokah

Butch Harmon was chosen as world best golf instructor since 2003 and he said “for longer drives, forget what feels powerful”. I thought that this is really cool, he said the instinct to try to pound the ball of the tee result in what is known as “hitting from the top”, which is a power killer because it disrupts the natural sequence of motion. He said: “if you cannot hold your finish, have a balanced finish, you are going at a speed your body cannot support. Try to go at 70, 80% of your max speed – and get your

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