What's the deal with Karate anyway?
What's the deal with Karate anyway?

There is a question that everyone will ask who encounters Karate. From the person who found out their colleague regularly practices it, the student taking that first step on the mat, and even the bruised and battered seasoned black belt.

Is Karate actually any good?

Sometimes this leads to doubt, which can end up in the student taking up any other number of options, or they continue but change their thinking to be one of faith, rather than trust.

First off, i’m not here to fire up anymore debate about the efficacy of one style over another.I’m just going to state everything I have observed so far about Karate.

After that, you can make your mind up.

Read More
KarateBenjamin EayrskarateComment
Gary’s Weight Loss Journey
Gary’s Weight Loss Journey

Gary’s wieght loss journey has been inspirational. Triggered by a desire to paticipate in a supercar track day experience Gary went above and beyond in tackling his weight.

After I asked that he write something so that I could shre with you all he also took the time and effort to create a fantastic article including pics, tips, stats…. you name it.

I’m sure you’ll enjoy as much as I did, and can take away the important pieces of information to help you on your journey.

Read More
Diet & NutritionBenjamin EayrsDiet, Self help, Food, Self-Actualisation, Fitness, Nutrition, HealthComment
Twenty Precepts …And Justice for All
Twenty Precepts …And Justice for All

Following on from my previous post regarding the Precept Karate Ni Sente Nashi – there is no first attack in Karate, this next one homes in on the idea that karate is on the side of justice; it’s what is used by the good guys, against the bad guys.

Surely those reading this publication in 1938 would be in no doubt that Karate was to be a useful tool for good?

Then again, it depends on what is defined as “Justice”, and what the “good” and the “bad” are.

Read More
KarateBenjamin Eayrskarate, Funakoshi, Budo, Karatedo, philosophy, twenty guiding principles, Shotokan, twenty precepts, KarateDo, Karate, niju kunComment
Twenty Precepts: Attack
Twenty Precepts: Attack

When I first heard this precept, it was during an explanation about Kata, and why all Kata start with an Uke – or in English parlance a “block”.

I can already hear the gasps and the rush to make a correction.

Of course, my understanding now is that all Kata start with an Uke which is often a form of attack whilst defending – for beginners though perhaps it’s ok to teach Karate a particular way.

This precept has also come up in discussion online over the years. You surely know which one I am referring to by now.

Read More
KarateBenjamin EayrsKarate, KarateDo, Attack, twenty guiding principles, twenty preceptsComment
Twenty Precepts: Respect
Twenty Precepts: Respect

If there is ever a resource that acts as a top-notch guide and learning tool for all karateka it must be one of my all-time favourites that I constantly reference throughout my life.

Funakoshi Gichin’s “The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate” – a.k.a. ‘the twenty precepts’ is a book that all Shotokan practitioners will have read and many Karateka from other styles will have surely heard of if not also read.

I was going to say let’s look at number one, but of course they are all “Number One” – Hitotsu, so to be pedantic I’ll start from the precept that you’d read first on the list.

Read More
KarateBenjamin EayrsKarate, Karatedo, Respect, twenty guiding principles, twenty precepts, niju kun Comments
Shotokan: Why I still love it
Shotokan: Why I still love it

First things first, I am a complete convert to Shorin-Ryu.

After spending time in Okinawa training at the Shimbukan under Sensei Akamine I could see why Shorin-Ryu was not only a natural progression for me in terms of style, but that the method also allowed a greater expression of power and technique.

However, I have not, nor will I ever abandon my knowledge of Shotokan. Why?

Read More
KarateBenjamin EayrsShotokan, Jesse Enkamp, Karate, Mind, Body, Spirit Comment
Classical Mess Master or Fist Fighting Freestyler?
Classical Mess Master or Fist Fighting Freestyler?

Bruce Lee was a pioneer of his time, but not the first to realise that there is more to learning martial arts than the system that teaches you.

In the latest Biography Bruce Lee: A Life Matthew Polly writes that Bruce was capable of learning and executing a form in mere minutes, and to do so with a very high standard.

He is famous for having practiced Wing Chun, showing himself to be diligent in practicing movements over and over again, and was a stickler for perfection during movie shoots.

Read More
HistoryBenjamin EayrsFreestyler, Fighting, Bruce Lee, Classical Mess, Jeet Kun Do Comment
Claire's Weightloss Journey
Claire's Weightloss Journey

There is no doubt that at present, many of the illnesses that befall us are down to poor diet, lifestyle and the rising cases of obesity.

However, often a major scare comes along which soon brings about positive changes; perhaps it’s the Doctor informing of a Diabetes diagnosis, or that sudden drop in energy was a miniature heart attack which has left permanent arterial scarring, or the damaged joints and tissues that have had to cope under the excess weight for a number of years.

Thankfully for Claire the incentive for change came from the disappointing thought that if she didn’t improve, she would not be able to take her Black Belt grading.

Read More
Diet & Nutrition, Fitness, LifestyleBenjamin EayrsHealth, Fitness, Karate Fit, Diet, ExerciseComment
Train Like an Okinawan
Train Like an Okinawan

I am very lucky - I had the time, some money, and an opportunity to go train in Okinawa.

It was amazing!!

Life changing, inspiring, and it altered my path in so many ways.

I’d say many who have gone to Okinawa for Karate feel the same.

And most people who have been to Okinawa realise that it is a big commitment, and not everyone has the opportunity, or time, or money to do so.

So instead, you have a few options.

Read More
KarateBenjamin Eayrskarate, hokama, senaga, goju-ryu, uechi-ryu, dell hamby, james pankiewiczComment
Karate Ain't Your Crutch
Karate Ain't Your Crutch

Angry - Do more Karate. Frustrated - punch a Makiwara. Sad - another 5 Kata ought to do it. Family relationships breaking down - at least I have Karate.

Sounds familiar?

For some Karate is the default to life’s curve balls.

Stepping into the Dojo is like passing through a portal where one’s troubles vanish and for those 2 hours there is nothing else in the world except to train.

Well, is anything actually getting done about the issues that require disconnection from?

Read More
LifestyleBenjamin EayrsKarate, Crutch, Self-Actualisation, Self helpComment
Self-Actualisation: Karate's Obvious Secret
Self-Actualisation: Karate's Obvious Secret

For many, stepping into the Dojo and donning the white and black is the continuation of that elusive search for ‘perfection of character’, better technique, attainable skill and the mental calm that proceeds the enduring trial for the session.

From the first Kata to the many learnt thereafter Karate contains no secrets, only things not yet understood, left open to the imagination of the practitioner.

On the surface of the Karate training, to those not ready to receive the fullness of what Karate teaches, the physical and mental improvement is the goal. Beyond that, however, lies the greatest lesson for all who would strive on.

Read More
LifestyleBenjamin EayrsKarate, Karatedo, Life, Self-ActualisationComment
What is Karate Worth?
What is Karate Worth?

Money and Karate are supposedly like chalk and cheese. They just don’t work together.

And yet, look closely into the history of Karate and you’ll see that money played a very important role, as it does with everything in life.

Sure, money can’t buy you the passion and dedication needed to become proficient in the art, but it certainly acts as a major source of exchange between student and teacher.

So, what is Karate worth?

Read More
Karate, LifestyleBenjamin Eayrskarate, Kung Fu, Bruce Lee, Value, Funakoshi, Mabuni, Kyan Comments
War on Okinawa
War on Okinawa

On a not to unusual windy and cloudy day in Okinawa I was ready to get picked up, I had my Gimbal, my pen and notepad and my Drone.

Just after 11 am Evan Muxen and his new boss William McEvoy were at the door and soon we were heading off.

Boy was I excited.

Evan had been in touch with me before I arrived in Okinawa with an offer I wouldn't ever refuse - a tour of some of the most famous military history sites in Okinawa.

Read More
HistoryBenjamin EayrsKarate, Urasoe, Gusuku, War, Battle of Okinawa, Hacksaw Ridge, Kakazu Ridge, Chuzan Comments