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.

KarateBenjamin Eayrs26 February 2020karateComment

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.

KarateBenjamin Eayrs9 December 2019karate, Funakoshi, Budo, Karatedo, philosophy, twenty guiding principles, Shotokan, twenty precepts, KarateDo, Karate, niju kunComment

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.

KarateBenjamin Eayrs30 May 2019karate, hokama, senaga, goju-ryu, uechi-ryu, dell hamby, james pankiewiczComment

Ageshio Japan

Recently I was contacted by a friend who is making the journey to Japan and, becuase of his continued passion and curiosity for Karate, to Okinawa.

He messaged me asking for tips on accomodation and where to train.

And straight away I provided him with the simplest option available to all those unfamiliar with Okinawa.

KarateBenjamin Eayrs28 May 2019karate, travel, experience, Ageshio, Training, Karate Comment

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?

Karate, LifestyleBenjamin Eayrs5 February 2019karate, Kung Fu, Bruce Lee, Value, Funakoshi, Mabuni, Kyan Comments

Why I Prefer Kata, Instead of Kata?

The first Kanji signifies suffering above ground, and indeed this is fitting for some methods of practicing Kata.

Where you keep going, pushing, sweating and panting to hone your technique and train your body so that when the time comes it will work.

To me, however, this is just one way, and not, by all means, the only way.

KarateBenjamin Eayrs1 November 2018karate, Kata, Form, Water Comments

My Favourite Karate Gi: Shureido (Part 3 of 3)

Last in the series of posts about what I consider my favourite Karategi is none other than Shureido.

The Seishin is light, airy, and has great snap; ideal for the hot Okinawan conditions.

The Kamikaze is heavy, hard wearing, and I know to be long lasting so it will be with me for a long time, giving me the best cost per wear.

The Shureido is something special however; from the birthplace of Karate the K10 is a heavyweight 100% cotton keikogi that comes unwrapped in a signature blue hue.

KarateBenjamin Eayrs6 September 2018karate, Shureido, Karategi Comments

The Ugly side of Beauty

In many aspects of life there exists that which is pleasing to the eye, and that which is not.

Often that which is deemed the most "beautiful" is held to a higher regard than that which is considered "ugly".

Beauty is of course something which is dictated by the society in which we live in and no culture can claim to have more beauty than any other.

Now, I want to turn my attention to the dangers of practicing Karate only for pure aesthetics.

KarateBenjamin Eayrs5 April 2018karate, ugly, beautiful, aesthetics Comments

A Very Okinawan Dojo Experience

I spent over 20 years practicing Shotokan at various Dojo across the UK and Australia, and many were similar in their breakdown of practice. Line-up, bow, warm-up, Kihon, Kumite, Kata, warm-down/stretching or simply sit, meditate and bow to finish.

Having experienced a few different Dojos I'd like to give you my experience of practice in an Okinawan Dojo.

Karate, Fitness, Diet & NutritionBenjamin Eayrs5 December 2017Okinawa, karate, Karatedo, training, dojo, sensei Comment