28/03/2026
Karate misconceptions.
Over the decades, the are two words in Karate that I've learned to hate: "stance" and "block". Outside the realm of Kihon (basics) and Kata ), these words don't really mean much. However, due to misunderstanding, they tend to be misleading terms.
Both words, tend to give the impression of stagnation, non-movement, being rooted in one position, rigidity...(the list goes on). Old martial arts movies (of which I'm a huge fan) tend to make matters worse. Just picture the scenes of the White Lotus Monk, Pak Mei, standing in his immovable "stance" absorbing all the punches and kicks (even to his groin- being he's a pugilist 😆). Or picture Sonny Chiba taking in deep ibuki (breathing) before taking on his arch enemy, Jonjo. That unstoppable "stance" and those rock hard "blocks".
Over the years I've seen (and continue to see) so many Karateka committing to being rigid, thinking that their "stances" make them strong or invincible. So much effort is put into a single "block" as if a real assailant will only attack you once; empty-handed waiting for your perfect soto uke (with tension hard enough to induce a migraine).
As an ex-doorman, ex body guard and ex-youth worker I've witnessed many real life scraps. Never once have i seen a "stance" or "block" during a single incident (even when those fights involved martial artists).
Let me clear my rant. I'm not speaking against the concept of stopping or deflecting attacks. I'm speaking against the common misconception that fighting involves a stop-start or one-two-step mindset. Assailants are always moving; so must you. Fighting is fluid and never have a planned outcome. "Blocks" should be viewed as movements that aid one's Fighting and survival, not stationary invincible techniques guaranteed to stop anything. "Stances" are a means of training one's legs, footwork and posture; not a means of rooting oneself.
It is not my place to dictate how one trains. I'm merely highlighting a common misconception that, in my opinion, renders one's training counterproductive and, in some cases, quite dangerous.
