Karate in Context: It’s Not What You Know, But How You Apply It.

 

Posted by ADAM CARTER on NOV 21, 2024

Karate in Context: It’s Not What You Know, But How You Apply It.

(Approx 2 minute 35 second read)

We live in an age where knowledge is everywhere. The tools to enhance your martial arts practice – videos, books, apps, online courses – are more accessible than ever before. Yet, with all this information, why do so many karateka and dojo seem to struggle with defining what it is they are actually teaching, especially when it comes to practical self-defense?

The answer lies in a simple truth: knowledge alone is not enough. It’s easy to get caught in the cycle of consuming information. Watching tutorials, reading (my) articles, or signing up for programs, thinking that more knowledge will translate into better karate.

But unless that knowledge is put into action, it fades, sometimes faster than you expect. In fact, knowledge that isn’t applied can create a dangerous illusion – you think you know something, but when the moment comes to use it, hesitation or failure reveals the gaps in your understanding.

The martial arts are, at their core, about action. What good is a kata if its principles are never tested? What value is there in learning a technique if you don’t explore its applications under pressure?

Recently, someone commented on one of my articles about a problem they’ve noticed in some dojo in the US. They shared their concern that while these dojo claim to teach karate as self-defense, what’s being taught doesn’t reflect reality. Instead of preparing students for real-world encounters, some training methods focus on techniques without function or sport without context.

Let me be clear: I share this observation not to offend or single out any US dojo. After all, I am one of them now. There are many excellent instructors across the United States doing fantastic work. But this issue is not limited to any one country or region. It’s a broader challenge in modern martial arts: balancing tradition, practicality, and understanding.

A 2nd dan from another style who wanted to join my dojo confidently declared, “I know all your kata – I’ve watched them on YouTube.” Really? Oh dear.

While watching videos can be a helpful resource, it’s not a substitute for hands-on practice. Without experiencing the subtleties, the principles, and the corrections of a skilled instructor, what he “knew” wasn’t really knowledge – it was choreography.

This happens too often in the martial arts: confusing memorization with proficiency. The problem isn’t the knowledge itself; it’s how you approach it. Knowledge becomes power only when it’s applied correctly, consistently, and with purpose.

When karate is taught without depth – whether in person or through online resources – it can miss the mark. Movements become hollow, principles are overlooked, and students may freeze when faced with real danger. The curse of incomplete knowledge is hesitation, and hesitation in self-defense can be costly.

Instead of chasing endless techniques or ideas, focus on what truly matters. Ask yourself: Are the principles I’m learning preparing me for reality? Am I applying what I know to gain a deeper understanding? Is my training focused on effectiveness, not just performance? Is my training in the right context, for me?

True knowledge in martial arts is more than information – it’s understanding, action, and adaptation. It’s learning from mistakes, refining techniques, and challenging yourself to apply principles under stress.

To all instructors, wherever you teach: in my opinion, we should ensure karate remains effective and relevant, focusing on teaching our students to understand, not just to know. And to all students: don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek depth, and test what you’ve learned.

Knowledge is power, but only when you transform it into wisdom through applied and relevant practice.

As someone once said, “Any fool can know. The point is… to understand.”

Written by Adam Carter – Shuri Dojo

 Photo Credit: The late Gary Spiers from Fighter Magazine July 1989