Training & Recovery

Can karate help you lose weight? Yes, and no. Karate can absolutely help you lose weight, but it is by no means the only factor. Practising karate regularly, as well as making other changes to your lifestyle, will help you get the results you're looking for. First let’s talk [...]

When things get crazy, how do you stay committed to your karate training? This week has been nuts. Southern British Columbia, where I live, has been going through a natural disaster. From an atmospheric river, to flooding, to mudslides: it’s been a horrible ordeal for so many. I have been incredibly [...]

Karate belt too stiff? Too hard to tie your belt? Ends sticking out like a moustache? Try this technique to soften your new martial arts belt. This belt-softening technique can be done with either one or two people. One Person Technique (As shown in video.) Loop your [...]

Let’s talk about fitness fallacies. Here’s a common fallacy in the fitness world: certain types of training are only for athletes. You need to be really really fit to engage in these forms of exercise, otherwise there’s just no point. Last week I made a video and article on [...]

Do you want to see a huge boost in your health, wellness, and athletic performance in karate? Yes? Then try this. Integrated Training This style of training combines seven forms of exercise into one kick-ass system: Flexibility training Cardio training Core training Balance training Plyometric training Speed, agility, and [...]

Do you remember getting a scraped knee as a kid? You were playing outside, having fun, doing something stupid or challenging or daring. And then you wiped out. Scraped the shit out of your knee. At the time it sucked. You may have even cried. But remember later? When [...]

You’d love to try karate, but you’re holding off, because you feel too old. Or too fat. Or too out of shape. Or too X, Y, or Z. Whatever the details, you think you don’t fit the minimum criteria to start martial arts. If you’re honestly concerned that your [...]

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 [...]