Hanratty on Karate

Sensei Hanratty discusses the role of timing and distance in fighting, whether at a competition or in a self-defense situation. He also covers the following: -What’s meant by “personal space” -The difference between stances and footwork -The different types of "kyo" – the interval when an opponent is vulnerable

Sensei Hanratty continues his discussion of using martial arts in the real world. Some points he covers: -Adrenaline’s effect on fine motor skills -What soccer hooliganism and skydiving can teach us about the addictive nature of adrenalin -How to use the psychology of bullies to your advantage

Sensei Hanratty explains the differences between fighting in the dojo and fighting in the real world. He uses examples of real confrontations he's been in to illustrate his points.

Sensei Hanratty discusses the importance of a proper stretching routine. He covers the benefits and risks of various types of stretching, including static stretching, PNF stretching, ballistic stretching, and dynamic stretching.

Sensei Hanratty discusses how understanding biomechanics can help you develop safer and more effective techniques.

Sensei Hanratty discusses the introduction and growth of Shotokan karate in North America. Also discussed: -The two main reasons karate organizations split up.-The best karate practitioner he ever saw, the best teacher, and the one with the best spirit.

Sensei Hanratty continues his discussion of the history of Shotokan karate, focusing on the post-World-War II era, including the establishment of the JKA in 1948.

Sensei Hanratty explores the origins of Shotokan karate, from its pre-Okinawa roots to its spread to mainland Japan, and then to America and the rest of the world.

Sensei Hanratty offers his thoughts on the recently published letter by Takeshi Oishi, chief instructor of the Japan Karate Association (JKA). Key quotes by Sensei Hanratty: “You can’t be proprietary about rules.” “I don’t think it’s going to do anything for the unity of karate and I don’t think it’s going to do anything for the good of martial arts."

Sensei Hanratty discusses the Japanese concept of Shurahi and the philosophy behind it.

Senseis Hanratty and Otis discuss a wide variety of topics, including: -Where karate as a whole is at, and where it’s going. -The three key components of quality of technique, timing, and distance. -How karate training gives you more options and helps you be more decisive in real-world confrontations. -Frustrations with kata as performed in sport karate. -How competition prepares you for situation...

Sensei Otis discusses his tournament experiences and the role intensity plays in training and competition. Key quotes: “Normal kids aren’t supposed to make black belt. It’s supposed to be something deep that you ask of yourself." “The goal is not to get your black belt, it’s to be a black belt.”

Edmond Otis sensei, chairman of the Shotokan International Alliance, discusses his long and storied karate career, which began at age 12 and is still going strong.

What is a karate master? How do we distinguish between the three branches of karate: karate-jitsu, karate-do, and sport karate? What does it mean to attack the intention? What's with all the McDojos out there? Sensei Hanratty discusses all this and more.

Sensei Hanratty discusses the difference between budo and sport karate with Robert Hargreaves, president of the Canadian Shotokan Karate Association (CSKA). They express their views on how karate, in some organizations, seems to be drifting away from traditional methods of training and competing.

Sensei Hanratty discusses the JKA's Funakoshi Gichin Cup tournament, his own experiences as a longtime (former) JKA member, and the issue of "refinement" of techniques. He also explains how everyone has their own way of doing karate and their own reasons for doing it.

Sensei Hanratty continues his conversation with Kevin Warner, 7th Dan, with the two of them reminiscing about past karate camps in the U.S. and Hungary. Sensei Warner describes his successful use of ura mawashi geri (hook kick) in competitions. Hanratty and Warner also discuss the importance of resilience in karate and life.

Sensei Hanratty interviews Kevin Warner, 7th Dan, in Riverside, California. Sensei Warner shares how he became introduced to karate and what it was like in his first years of competing in kata and kumite. This is Part 1 of a two-part interview.

Sensei Hanratty discusses the reasons people quit karate, the issue of loyalty, and the special relationship between instructor and student. While admitting that it's painful when a longtime student leaves, “An instructor has to realize that it’s not personal," he says.

Sensei Hanratty continues his discussion of a legendary tournament at Crystal Palace, including an epic battle in the finals between Steve Cattle and Terry O’Neill. He explains how competitions in the 1970s were different from today, particularly regarding intensity.

Sensei Hanratty revisits some classic matchups that occurred at the 1978 Nationals at Crystal Palace in Liverpool, England.

Sensei Hanratty describes a recent open tournament that he directed, which included karate and kung fu practitioners, among others. He then delves into the role that kata plays in karate training and how kata has evolved over the years. He also discusses how karate training shaped his responses to the frequent violent confrontations he experienced as a young taxi driver in Liverpool, England.

Sensei Hanratty discusses the origins of Shotokan Karate, including Master Funakoshi's role in introducing Okinawan martial arts to the Japanese mainland.

Sensei Hanratty discusses the reason there are so many belt levels and how karate's grading system was first adopted by Master Funakoshi. He also discusses the advanced titles of Renshi, Shihan, and Hanshi, and touches on the politics of honorary black belts.

Sensei Hanratty discusses the differences between coaching and teaching, as well as:  -The importance of distance exercises -Developing your favourite techniques -Dangers of being a "passive aggressor" -The role of correction by instructors -Types of "kyo" (state of being off)