Opinion
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When Kōdōkan integrated karate into its curriculum
Kanō Jigorō (嘉納治五郎, 1860–1938) undertook a visit to Okinawa and Kyūshū in 1927. Although no photographs of the trip are known to exist today—indeed, the Kōdōkan Archives has no record of any—it was prominently documented in the Kōdōkan publication Sakkō, No. 3 (1927), which featured a detailed account of Kanō’s stay. Interestingly, just two issues Continue reading
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Debunking karate myths
Ikigaido Karate is a German-language channel for karate in Switzerland, Germany and Austria. I was recently invited to debunk seven karate myths with Stephan Rickauer, ‘Chief Karate Officer’ and podcast host. A great format and an interesting experience. Stephan really did an excellent job. Keep up the good work! The recording is unfortunately only available Continue reading
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Speaking about karate research
Over the past few years I have been invited to take part in a number of conversations about my passion for research and my work. Please find below a collection of the available recordings. With a click on the tiles directly to the clip. Continue reading
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Brief thoughts on the origins of karate
The exact origins of karate cannot be clearly reconstructed today. This would require extensive research in the East Asian region, which has not been carried out to the extent that would have been necessary. And in the end, it can be said that many questions remain unanswered. However, the Japanologist and sports scientist Heiko Bittmann Continue reading
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Why is it difficult to compare kata in historical discourse?
There have been repeated attempts to compare karate, especially kata from different styles, in order to draw conclusions about their origin or lineage. However, the methodical approach of analysing the movements and execution of kata has its weaknesses, because kata was and is not a fixed construct over time. Karate (and therefore kata) is constantly Continue reading
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No high kicks in Okinawan karate?
Recently a video was published about the supposed influencing factors of high kicks in karate. The theory is interesting, the video very entertaining. But there is a lack of historical evidence. There are so many myths and legends in the world of martial arts. For many years, serious efforts have been made to explain historical Continue reading
Investigations into the history of karate 