Karate Teaching / Coaching How We Structure a 45-Minute Kids’ Karate Class in Our Japanese Dojo
A children’s karate class does not have to be long to be effective.In our dojo in Japan, our regular children’s class is...
Karate Teaching / Coaching 
Karate Training Why Do Karate Instructors Keep Telling You to Relax?
“Relax” is one of the most common instructions in karate—and one of the hardest to follow. Here’s what relaxing actually means in our Japanese dojo, from footwork and balance to shoulders, punching, and hikite.
Japanese Karate & Dojo Culture Why Do Karate Practitioners Practice the Same Things Again and Again?
Beginners and black belts often practice the same basic techniques. Discover why repetition in karate is not just about memorizing movements, but noticing, refining, and improving them.
Japanese Karate & Dojo Culture What Is Karate? A Simple Beginner’s Guide
Karate is more than punches, kicks, and black belts. This beginner-friendly guide explains kihon, kata, kumite, dojo etiquette, and what karate training is really like.
Japanese Karate & Dojo Culture What Does a Black Belt Really Mean in Our Japanese Dojo?
What does earning a black belt really mean in a Japanese karate dojo? A karate instructor in Japan explains shodan, responsibility, teaching, maturity, and why black belt is only the beginning.
Japanese Karate & Dojo Culture How Karate Belt Rankings Really Work in Our Japanese Dojo
How do karate belt rankings really work in Japan? A karate instructor explains kyu grades, belt colors, grading, skipping ranks, black belts, and the philosophy behind promotion in one Japanese dojo.