Hanratty on Karate

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)

In addition to the benefits of karate as you age, Sensei Hanratty discusses the following:
-The roots of karate in Okinawa.
-Why there are so many karate organizations.
-Author Patrick McCarthy's Habitual Acts of Physical Violence (HAPV) theory.
-Author Hermann Bayer's theory on the hidden movements in karate.

Sensei Hanratty discusses a Shotokan seminar he recently attended in Toronto, Ontario. The seminar was hosted by the Toronto JKA and was taught by Sensei Tatsuya Naka, 7th Dan, a full-time JKA instructor who has starred in several films.

Hanratty covers highlights of the seminar, the differences between kata and street fights, the contents of a typical beginner class, and more.

Sensei Hanratty and his guest Robert Hargreaves, president of the CSKA, reminisce about the 2001 WSKA Tournament held in Prague, Czech Republic. Sensei Hargreaves offers a fascinating account of how Canada's karate team dealt with being stranded in London in the wake of 9/11. They also discuss how karate builds character and helps people deal with adversity.

Sensei Hanratty discusses how to overcome training plateaus. He also shares memories of the 1997 WSKA competition in Riverside, California. Also, mountain camps and the benefits of elevation training are covered.

Sensei Hanratty provides a recap of the 40th Annual Competition held this week by the Canadian Shotokan Karate Association (CSKA) and offers some tips for effective refereeing. Hanratty also reminisces about hosting the first WSKA competition in Calgary in 1991, along with some other memorable competitions in which he has participated.

Sensei Hanratty discusses the often misunderstood concept of kime, as well as the related concept of chi.

Hanratty also discusses karate’s role in building mental and physical resilience. From this episode: “It’s such a shame that [couch potatoes] are never going to experience the absolute joy of making a technique work and being at your absolute fittest.”

Sensei Hanratty describes one of the best fights he ever saw, which took place in 1977 at Crystal Palace, in south London, between Shotokan legends Steve Cattle and Terry O’Neill. He also discusses the differences between KUGB (Karate Union of Great Britain) rules and sport karate rules.