Hanratty on Karate

Sensei Hanratty reflects on the storied history of Liverpool's Red Triangle Karate Club where he began his karate career more than 50 years ago.

Key quote: "It was a place where the echoes of your training mixed with the ghosts of the military past."

Sensei Hanratty explains why you rarely see stances in competition or on the street. He also describes a stance drill he’s designed.Key quote: “When you’re delivering a technique, that’s when you need your platform.”

Sensei Hanratty discusses the origins of the Heian katas, including the weapons bans in medieval Japan.

Sensei Hanratty discusses how to adjust your training as you age.

Sensei Hanratty offers his thoughts on the book Meditations on Violence: A Comparison of Martial Arts Training & Real World Violence, by Sgt. Rory Miller.

Sensei John Hanratty discusses the use of safety equipment in competitions.

Sensei John Hanratty with the Canadian Shotokan Karate Association offers his thoughts on effective officiating for karate competitions.

Sensei John Hanratty with the Canadian Shotokan Karate Association offers his thoughts on effective officiating for karate competitions.

Sensei John Hanratty offers his thoughts on effective officiating for karate competitions.

Sensei Hanratty wraps up his discussion of the 20 precepts, focusing on numbers 11 through 20:

11) Karate is like boiling water; without heat, it returns to its tepid state.

空手は湯の如し、絶えず熱度を与えざれば元の水に戻る________________________________________

12) Do not think of winning; think, rather, of not losing.

勝つ考えは持つな、負けぬ考えは必要

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13) Make adjustments according to your opponent.

敵に因って転化せよ

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14) The outcome of a battle depends on how one handles emptiness and fullness (weakness and strength).

戦は虚実の操縦如何に在り

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15) Think of your hands and feet as swords.

人の手足を剣と思え

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16) When you leave home, think that you have numerous opponents waiting for you.

男子門を出ずれば百万の敵あり

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17) Beginners must master low stance and posture; natural body positions are for the advanced.

構えは初心者にして後は自然体

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18) Practicing kata is one thing; engaging in a real fight is another.

形は正しく、実戦は別物

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19) Do not forget the proper application of: strength and weakness of power, expansion and contraction of the body, and slowness and speed of techniques.

力の強弱、体の伸縮、技の緩急を忘るな

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20) Always think and devise ways to improve.

常に思念工夫せよ