Learn how to optimize your health and performance with smart karate training, cross-training, stretching, sleep and recovery.
You had planned on going to the dojo tonight, but now you’re thinking of skipping out on your karate class. Are you being lazy? Should you get off your butt and do your training anyway? Or do you actually need more recovery time? Karate Training is a Stressor Your [...]
Want to kick ass at karate? Of course you do! If you’re like me, you’ll try anything and everything to get that edge in the ring. And agility ladder drills have become one of my go-to workouts for getting that edge. Ladder drills are so much fun, and have provided a significant boost [...]
Making a proper fist in karate is one of the best ways of protecting your hand. Here are step-by-step instructions for making a fist. I've included a video version of these instructions at the end of this article. Start by curling your fingers into your palm, while keeping your thumb on [...]
New to karate? Not sure how to tie your uniform? Here are step-by-step instructions for tying your karate uniform. I've included a video version of these instructions at the end of this article. (If you need help tying your belt, watch this video. If you prefer the written version with photos, click here.) [...]
The first step in your karate training is learning how to tie your belt. Here are step-by-step instructions for tying your karate belt. I've included a video version of these instructions at the end of this article. (If you need help tying your uniform, watch this video. If you prefer the written version with [...]
Ever consider taking karate? You should! Here are my top 10 reasons why karate kicks ass, in no particular order. #1: It’ll give you street cred. Karate is cool. You get to do kata and play with weapons. You get to yell really loudly. You get to be barefoot, [...]
I am terrible at balance. All or Nothing Doesn’t Work When I’m really excited about something—like karate—I go all out. I absolutely LOVE karate. I want to be at my dojo all the time. I want to train all the time. I want to attend every possible tournament with [...]
I practise karate in my kitchen. That’s normal, right? Karate in the Kitchen I spend a lot of time in my kitchen. Cooking, eating, feeding my cats,… practising kicks. It’s my favourite room in the house. It has food, and a mirror on the wall; but mostly food, so [...]
My sleep habits suck at the best of times. I typically stay up too late, wake up groggy, and rely on caffeine to stay focused. Now, during a pandemic? My sleep habits are appalling. I stay up later. I get up earlier. I drink more caffeine to cope. I’ve lost track of how [...]
Strength training and conditioning workouts are so important for your health, and can have a huge impact on your karate performance. But what do you do when you don't have any equipment? Or your gym is shut down (*cough cough COVID cough*)? Or you're on vacation? Or you're staying in a hotel for [...]