Wildcatdojo

05/10/2026

11/29/2025

Did you guys know that I've been uploading old podcast episodes to our YouTube page? Here's a link. If you decide to check it out, give me some feedback on the slide show. As you all (might) know, our podcast isn't video. I've changed the slide show a lot since I started these uploads. Thanks!

Join us each week for a 20 to 25 minute conversation on all types of subjects. We go from managing the distractions of daily life, through martial arts histo...

07/15/2025

Tracey Seymour, a fine karateka and a person giving back so much to karate and to life, asked people to post a note re Veterans. I'm glad to do it. Please respect and care for the men and women who protect and serve this country. And please, veterans, know you are seen and cared for: Twenty-two Veterans succumb to their struggles daily. Call the Veteran's Hotline at 988 #1 or 844-647-1354. Please share and care.

12/28/2024

I posting this is a few places so the word gets out - I was asked to tell everyone that Hanshi Malanoski has lost his phone. As you know, that is his lifeline. So, if he isn't getting in touch, you know why. I'm not sure exactly when the issue will be remedied and will let you know if I hear something.
I hope that everyone has a safe and fun New Years holiday.

10/25/2024

Any of you who follow the podcast (Wildcatdojo Conversations) know that just a month ago we did an episode where Koken (wrist strike) came up. At that time my friend Shihan TD McKinnon wrote me to say he'd been working on a blog post about it. (I love timing!) Here's the blogpost - It's another good one.
https://www.torakankarate.com.au/single-post/kakuto-keito-chicken-wrist-chicken-beak?fbclid=IwY2xjawGJBVpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHfOxAH9iFA-VT760U1M3vekQanJTcrvcsWBBkDMlYSHlYvWeJXimaI5NPA_aem_IJ4VL3Q36sBAk1dlgQ05sg

Karate Essence‘Reality Check’Kakuto & Keito: Chicken Wrist & Chicken BeakThis month’s ‘Reality Check’ is on two techniques: ‘Kakuto’ & ‘Keito’: ‘Chicken Wrist’ & ‘Chicken Beak’. These techniques are only similar in that they are hand strikes, and the shape of the hand for t...

08/24/2024

Taking a moment to share this Wildcatdojo Conversation episode from 2020 on the Masamune sword. I recently dropped it into YouTube. While you're listening you can check out the slideshow.
Thanks

In 2020 Sensei Jay joined us to dig into the mystery of when and how the most famous blade by the most famous blade maker came up missing. We had fun convers...

08/16/2024

This month Shihan McKinnon discusses choking. I'm glad that he mentions the danger of chokes in the very beginning of the blog post. As usual, it is a professional post, jam packed with information: https://www.torakankarate.com.au/single-post/karate-essence-reality-check-sleeper-hold-blood-choke?fbclid=IwY2xjawEst-BleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHVIJHXSMynoPNOFLzAtl1gsbZdkeMiKCyFdnLvzaVXfmDByQZ4gqySntSA_aem_peeogxEqUyVIc-geEeT3Ug

Karate Essence‘Reality Check’Sleeper hold/Blood ChokeThis month’s ‘Reality Check’ technique, the ‘Sleeper Hold’ or ‘Blood Choke’ – also known by other names such as a ‘Stranglehold’ or ‘Neck Restraint’ – is a grappling technique used in Martial Arts, Self-defence, and L...

08/01/2024

Here’s a fun thing that happened- Sensei Jackie and I were interviewed on a podcast called Meticulous Moments with Juanita Kapp (remember when we interviewed her?). We had fun (thanks Juanita). Here’s the YouTube link:

Meticulous Moments with Juanita Kapp: Interview with Michelle Darbro

07/30/2024

Once in a while we throw away the rule book and have a fun night of getting together and playing old fashioned board games. Tonight was that night. We played everything from Uno to Sorry, Chess to Go Fish and so much more. Thanks to everyone who came and had fun. Also, thanks for all the great sportsmanship! Of course we got a few pics:

07/25/2024

Another great blogpost from Shihan TD McKinnon. Nukite anyone?
https://www.torakankarate.com.au/single-post/karate-essence-reality-check-nukite-spear-hand?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1AGfR8EUsW7VujANOaTXf2jyMFJJB2Bvc7zSLemy3WlPeTsNyQff4Dwsg_aem_gxTAiUOWpc8_aq69uCc9Og

Karate Essence‘Reality Check’ Nukite/Spear Hand StrikeThis month’s ‘Reality Check’ technique is the Spear Hand Strike, which is an open handed, Rigid fingered, strike. There are differing opinions on the validity of this open hand technique and its uses; and, as you might expect, each art ...