Bassai Dai’s Opening Sequence now Featured on Patreon
When I published Breaking Through: The Secrets of Bassai Dai Kata, we had captured a snapshot of insights from our multi‑year deep dive into the form. What I didn’t expect was how much more we would grow since writing the book.
While a huge amount of effort was invested, every application in the kata has layers that didn’t make it into publication. The book’s print format couldn’t contain everything. My publisher GM Mike Swope (RIP) from Moosul Publishing Inc. even floated the idea of producing DVDs to complement the applications. At the time, that wasn’t feasible.
But now, Patreon provides an opportunity for us to take this project to the next level.
Patreon gives me the space to revisit each application, add material that couldn’t fit into the book, and present ideas and further insights through photos, seminar clips, coaching analysis, and long‑form explanations. It’s the perfect channel that Bassai Dai and Breaking Through deserves.
This blog post introduces the first instalment of that journey on Patreon: Application One, Full Article Series.
Why Application One Needed More Than the Book Could Offer
Most hard style practitioners perform kata thousands of times without ever asking what value it actually offers, or accept without question the very sparse and limited explanations when questioned of its functionality. Bassai Dai’s opening sequence (Step 1a–1b), for instance, is one of the most underrated parts of the kata, relegated to being a simple wrist release skill.
When I wrote the book, I had to make hard decisions:
Which photos to include
Which applications to prioritise
Which sequences served the broader learning pathway
Some material that perfectly matched the kata, including a wrist‑release sequence that mirrors Step 1a–1b, didn’t even make the final cut. Not because it lacked value, but because it didn’t fit the pedagogy of the book.
Patreon allows me to restore that material, explain why it matters, and show how it connects to the rest of Application One.
Why Patreon Is the Right Platform for This Work
A book can only do so much, and this is the kind of content that simply doesn’t fit neatly into print. It needs space. It needs multimedia. It needs time. Fortunately, Patreon gives me all of that, and gives readers a way to follow our journey with Bassai Dai in real time.
Breaking Through Application One, Full Article Series
Application One begins with a jab-cross defence, moves into a head‑capture sequence, and a takedown of the opponent. The Patreon series expands this significantly.
1. Free Article: Bassai Wrist Release Photos That Didn’t Make the Book
A behind‑the‑scenes study of the photos that mirror the opening sequence of Bassai Dai kata, why they didn’t make it into Breaking Through, and why they do matter.
2. Premium Article: Bassai Dai: The Wrist Release, Head Capture, and Hidden Skills Behind Step 1a–1b
Bassai Dai Application One Hidden Skills shared in Seminar Video through Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ColinWee/posts/bassai-dai-wrist-165716897
A full breakdown of the application, including:
exclusive seminar video
photo sets
structural mechanics of kata and bunkai
footwork logic
how the practitioner controls opponent’s mass
3. Free Article: Training for Multiple Opponents in a Hard Style Context
Bassai Dai Application One Against Multiple Opponents
How awareness and movement apply when facing more than one adversary, including:
environmental awareness
spatial control
unexpected relevance from a soft style practice
Together, these three articles form the complete expansion of Application One to complement the material in the book. They provide material that didn’t fit into the book and the material that evolved after publication.
Why This Matters for Hard‑Style Practitioners
Hard‑style training often emphasises line drills, fixed stances, predictable sequences, single-opponent exchanges, and a reliance on strength and endurance to win the day. But Bassai Dai encodes skill Ryukyuan fighters needed for castle defence, not dojo sparring. Their combative approach required a depth of ability that can immediately enrich your hard style training. With Breaking Through Application One, Full Article series you can take the shortcut along the learning curve, and tap directly into the insights from our journey.
Where to Read the Full Series
Start with the two free articles:
Bassai Wrist Release Photos That Didn’t Make the Book → [link]
Training for Multiple Opponents in a Hard Style Context → [link]
Then explore the full premium series:
Patreon Premium: Breaking Through Application One → [link]
The Book Was the Beginning, Not the End
Bassai Dai is not a relic. It’s not choreography. It’s a protocol, a training approach that reveals more the deeper you go.
Writing the book opened the door. Patreon now lets both you and me walk through it together.
Bio: Colin Wee is a Singaporean author, martial‑arts instructor, and cultural historian whose four‑decade practice spans Asia, Australia, and the United States. Known for his analytical approach and deep tactical insight, Colin blends historical research with lived experience to illuminate the human stories behind martial traditions. He is the founder of Joong Do Kwan in Perth, Western Australia, and serves as Secretary of the Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame (see About the Author).
This clip was filmed during my official induction into the Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame, an event delayed from 2020 until borders were reopened. Western Australia had been fortunate during that period; while the world was locked in, life continued with relative freedom, and I had the luxury of continuing my preparations for the demonstration and seminar portion of the AMAHOF weekend.
Many who watched my demo later shared with me they were expecting aerial kicks and acrobatics, the spectacle people associate with Taekwondo. What they saw instead was something far more traditional, and far more reflective of the work my school had been immersed in for years.
What do you expect from a martial arts seminar?
Jion Bamboo Forest Colin Wee 2023
My usual explanation is I wanted to share traditional applications, or perhaps I was demonstrating whatever my school happened to be practising at the time. The truth was that I’d been deep in the rabbit hole for many years leading up to this point. In the late 2010s I pulled my school into an intense, single‑kata focus. When COVID shut the world down, and when we realised how much insight that deep dive had produced, we finally gave in to the idea that had been circling around for years: this needs to become a book.
Motivated by our phenomenal progress, I switched tracks and plunged into the next kata Jion. Supporting me was the last remaining black belt at JDK. While I could say COVID decimated my school, the reality was that training one kata day‑in, day‑out was not for everyone.
How do you ‘find’ bunkai?
Our process is demanding. When we explore a kata or a combative system, we deconstruct every facet of it. We break it apart, test it against a non‑compliant opponent, rebuild it, and repeat. By the time this video was filmed, we had spent nearly three intense years taking Jion on a wild ride. And then we reached an event horizon: when we took stock of Jion, we were shocked to find at a high level it was nothing like Bassai. For those who don’t already know, Bassai was the kata that formed the backbone of my first book, Breaking Through: The Secrets of Bassai Dai Kata.
The Jion seminar at AMAHOF 2022 was when we were standing at the cusp of embarking on an amazing journey back into the beginnings of hard style martial arts.
How do you start writing a Martial Arts Book?
That realisation forced us into frenzied research. Pulling on Jion’s threads was what led to unexpected discoveries about the pioneers of our martial art. One insight led to another, and before long an entire historical tapestry fell into view. It was then I knew I owed it to the world to begin work on Anko: The Lost Scrolls of Ryukyu.
I was apprehensive not quite believing I had the chops to adequately deliver the story. It was an epic beginning with the Japanese subjugation of Ryukyu in the 19th century, and culminating with beleaguered ex-bureaucrats attempting to preserve their culture by developing karate as a training program for the century ahead.
Acquiring Soft Power in Martial Arts
If you watch the demonstration, you can see my search for precursor know-how had influenced my own practice. My abilities were clearly shifting, though it wasn’t a deliberate move on my part to emulate the Ryukyuans. My research had led me to postulate their goals, and that required the retrofit of hard‑style and soft‑style skills back into kata and application work.
From 0:02–0:08, you can see me working through an application to bypass the tangle of arms – while my partner was deliberately offering active resistance. I remember noticing the difficulty as I narrated; eventually I had to trust my senses to take over, read his movement, bypass the resistance and displace his structure for the takedown.
What this is is me dealing directly with my opponent. I’m not “demonstrating” Jion nor trying to prove how closely my skills resemble its sequences. Yes, I’ve worked with Jion’s technical sequences. I’ve also varied them endlessly. And when the adversary opposes them, I naturally circumvent and bypass the obstruction instinctively. The read of the situation and response to the unscripted, dynamic attack come easily – because that is what the training helps you do. Jion informs the initiative, it does not limit it.
Likewise, I could have written another non-fiction book laying out a sequence of historical facts. I could have stuck rigidly to historical cannon, the way many insist application bunkai must resemble the kata. But would that do justice to the story though? Or is it more meaningful to feel their journey, like the way I’m now pushing past hard-style training into soft-style tactics.
That, I believe, is the truth martial artists actually want.
Bio: Colin Wee is a Singaporean author, martial‑arts instructor, and cultural historian whose four‑decade practice spans Asia, Australia, and the United States. Known for his analytical approach and deep tactical insight, Colin blends historical research with lived experience to illuminate the human stories behind martial traditions. He is the founder of Joong Do Kwan in Perth, Western Australia, and serves as Secretary of the Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame (see About the Author).
Waneroo, Perth, 2 Dec 2024. Kyoshi Peter Hunt hosted a session to explore concepts in the book Breaking Through: The Secrets of Bassai Dai Kata. In that seminar, we looked at the underlying thought process which led to the publication which we referred to as “The JDK Method.”
Guest Contributor Shihan Leonard Montagnana participated in the Wanneroo event, and we’re excited to share his report on AJJJCBFI’s Academy News Summer 2025 Edition #95 below.
The JDK Method is a distillation of two decades of work to answer the question “What is Bunkai?” It firstly considers the vagaries of preemption. Under duress, practitioners are hard pressed to read the combative landscape and accurately predict what is happening.
The other questions that may be asked are “What attack is coming my way?” or “Is it a left or right handed strike?” For this, we advocate for techniques to be used as multitools. Ideally, your one technique should apply to a left side attack, as does to a right side attack. Secondly, we assume failure of technique. The opponent is there to oppose you. Thus, it is to your advantage to prepare for that opposition. If resistance could shut down your tactic at any point, train for workarounds, and draw freely from your library of skills.
If you bunkai to you is simply one solution to one problem, you may need to revisit your training pedagogy. What is the end goal your training is leading you towards? Is it choreography? Or is it to acquire fight IQ?
The Breaking Through book eventually leads to the work on my historical fiction manuscript. For those practitioners who think a novel is beneath them, that operative word ‘fiction’ is there only so I may pick apart the facts from the truths. Stick with me, it’s going to be a compelling ride!
📖 Flip through Breaking Through here and then get your free Book Club Kit
Bio: Colin Wee is a Singaporean author, martial‑arts instructor, and cultural historian whose four‑decade practice spans Asia, Australia, and the United States. Known for his analytical approach and deep tactical insight, Colin blends historical research with lived experience to illuminate the human stories behind martial traditions. He is the founder of Joong Do Kwan in Perth, Western Australia, and serves as Secretary of the Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame (see About the Author).
During AKATO’s 50th Anniversary weekend in Dallas (March 2026), I taught a session that allowed me to share the research shaping Anko: The Lost Scrolls of Ryukyu. Much of my work over the past few years has involved reconstructing how Ryukyuan retainers combined hard‑style initiative with soft‑style internal mechanics, a blend that’s rarely seen in modern training.
The demonstration opened with an application drawn from Nam Seo Hyung: closing distance, prompting reaction, and using circular movement to create openings along the centreline. From there, the sequence branched into two close‑quarter variations inspired by Jion, each exploring a different way to manage the opponent’s structure: either through limb control or through neck manipulation, and balance disruption.
What is the difference between hard-style v soft-style martial arts?
For many practitioners in the room, this was unfamiliar territory. Hard‑style systems often emphasise direct power, while soft‑style methods rely on timing, whole‑body coordination, and subtle changes in pressure. Bringing these ideas together and showing how Ryukyuan retainers may have used them in real conflict, created some dramatic moments. With very little visible movement, my training partner’s balance was broken and his momentum carried him across the floor. In another variation, a circular pulse around the neck opened the way for a controlled takedown and a simulated weapons check.
What I hoped to share wasn’t a highlight reel of ‘lethal’ techniques, but a window into the research process: how historical context, body mechanics, and cross‑style exploration can reshape our understanding of a fighting system. Ryukyu’s retainers were small in stature, but they relied on efficiency, teamwork, and a fusion of ideas to maintain advantage in asymmetrical situations. That blend continues to fascinate me, and it’s a core part of the world behind Anko: The Lost Scrolls of Ryukyu.
If you’d like to see a portion of the Dallas session, the video is available at:
Bio: Colin Wee is a Singaporean author, martial‑arts instructor, and cultural historian whose four‑decade practice spans Asia, Australia, and the United States. Known for his analytical approach and deep tactical insight, Colin blends historical research with lived experience to illuminate the human stories behind martial traditions. He is the founder of Joong Do Kwan in Perth, Western Australia, and serves as Secretary of the Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame (see About the Author).
Etiquette plays a crucial role in shaping the mindset and environment that support effective martial training, including mental visualization.
Following etiquette helps you enter the training hall with intention. Bowing at the door becomes a physical and mental ritual to set aside daily concerns and step into a focused, reverential space. This ritual marks the transition from the outside world to the practice floor, preparing you to be present and ready.
Etiquette builds respect and discipline. When you treat the training floor, your instructors, and your training partners with consideration, you contribute to an atmosphere that encourages growth, learning, and mutual support.
ITF Tul Tour 2018, 63rd Anniversary of Taekwon-Do Proclamation, One First Monument, Jeju Island, South Korea.
Just as importantly, etiquette establishes safety and trust. When everyone follows the same framework, you can train without distraction, knowing the environment is safe and predictable.
These rituals also help you shift smoothly between phases of training. Bowing to a partner or observing prescribed forms primes your mind to absorb instruction, respond to feedback, and engage with clarity.
Etiquette works hand‑in‑hand with mental visualization training. By rehearsing techniques with both your body and in your mind, you strengthen the neural pathways that support muscle memory, improve focus, and sharpen tactical awareness. Mental visualization let’s you bring the best parts of your yourself with you wherever you go.
Etiquette is not meant to make you uncomfortable or change who you are. Don’t let the guidelines discourage you. Learn them for the lessons they teach, they exist to help you train with intention, respect, safety, and clarity.
General Etiquette Guidelines
Arrive early to warm up before class; inform your instructor in advance if you can’t come, disclose any pertinent issues to your instructor which might affect your performance or safety whilst practicing.
Review material from previous classes.
Wear a clean and presentable uniform.
Ensure your feet are clean.
Practice personal hygiene.
Prioritize safety by using controlled techniques, seeking collaborative exchanges with training partners, keeping your fingernails trimmed short, removing jewelry, regularly exercising for strength and flexibility, getting enough sleep, and staying hydrated.
Avoid attendance if you are unwell; do not spread your illness to fellow practitioners.
Etiquette of Greeting Seniors
Upon entering the training hall, seek to first greet bow the highest-ranking instructor present, where possible. Then bow to each other instructor in descending order of rank. When approaching instructors, use formal greetings like their official organizational title, or the appropriate title for their specific martial art lineage (Sahbumnim for Korean arts, Sensei for Japanese arts, and Sifu for Chinese arts). When an instructor addresses you, respond promptly with “sir” or “ma’am,” avoiding informal language. If you don’t know the instructor’s name, use “Sir” or “Ma’am” until you can properly greet them by name.
Bowing Etiquette
Bowing is a form of greeting and respect, similar to a handshake. The angle and duration of a bow vary depending on the situation. The general bow is a 30-degree forward bow from the waist, lasting about 3 seconds. During the bow, men keep their hands flat on their sides, while women may place their palms on the front of their thighs. Avoid nodding your head and keep your eyes slightly lowered toward the angle of the bow. . If someone from a different culture bows to you in acknowledgment or greeting, it’s customary to return the bow. This may lead to a series of bows, depending on the situation. A 5-degree bow is a simple greeting or acknowledgement, 15 degrees is a common salutation, 30 degrees is a respectful bow to show appreciation, and 45 degrees signifies deep respect, extreme gratitude, or an apology.
Entering the Training Area
Before stepping onto the mat, place your footwear facing outward and off the mat. Bow before stepping onto the mat.
Starting Regular Class
After regular class starts, it is important to follow the instructions and commands given by the instructor. When the instructor signals the start of class, all students should immediately stop what they are doing and move into a standing formation based on seniority. The highest ranking student will give the commands for a standing bow, as prompted by the instructor.
Starting Formal Class
During formal class, the instructor will clap his hands to gather the attention of all students. At this point, students should stop what they are doing and move into a kneeling formation based on seniority. Assistant instructors or guests will position themselves on the side left edge of the room, facing both the instructor and the students. Students will then wait for the commands to follow a kneeling bow to the flags or kamidana, bow to the instructor, and bow to the assistant instructors.
To kneel properly, make sure there is a fist width between your knees and cross your right toe over your left. Keep your back upright and rest your palms on your thighs. When bowing, hinge from the hip, extend your left hand in front of you, followed by your right hand, forming a diamond shape on the floor. Lower your head to about a hand span above your hands. When sitting back up, pull your right hand up first, followed by your left hand.
Recitation of Tenets or Precepts
During the class, there may be a recitation of precepts or tenets led by the instructor or assistants. Pay attention to these recitations and be aware that different schools may have variations in the specific wording.
On Lateness and Punctuality
If you arrive late to class due to circumstances beyond your control, enter the dojang quietly and wait at the edge of the mat. Wait for an instructor to acknowledge you before bowing in and quietly joining the class. Being punctual is important, as habitual tardiness can disrupt the training environment and is disrespectful to fellow students.
Talking in Class
While in class, it is important to maintain a focused and serious attitude. Avoid extraneous talking, coaching, or commenting on other students’ techniques, unless it is necessary for safety or constructive feedback. If you have observations or difficulties, discuss them in a respectful manner that does not disrupt the class or interrupt the instructor.
On Having Fun
Remember to enjoy yourself during class, but always work with dedication and effort. Follow the instructions given by your instructor and strive to repeat the techniques as demonstrated, without modifying them unless specifically encouraged to do so.
Following Training Instruction
If you have any concerns about the training, do not request special treatment, challenge opponents, argue with the instructor, or compare different instructors. Instead, communicate with your partner about any safety issues or discuss the matter with the instructor when appropriate.
Walking Around a Group
When moving around the training area, be respectful and mindful of others. Choose to cross behind people who are practicing, seated, or waiting for instruction. Never cross between the instructor and the students he is teaching, unless you are physically unable to do so. In that case, apologize and cross while holding your right hand in front of you, palm facing left, and lowering your head.
Begin and End with a Bow
Always begin and end any practice or interaction with a bow. Before engaging in practice with your partner, bow first. When finished, bow to conclude the session. If you are asked to assist the instructor with a demonstration or as a partner during the lesson, approach the instructor, bow, and stand ready for instruction. If the instructor turns away from you, drop to your left knee with your hands folded on your right. When the instructor turns back to you, quickly get up and assume the ready position until told otherwise.
Working Collaboratively
Throughout the class, maintain a respectful attitude towards your fellow students. Treat everyone with courtesy, regardless of their rank or skill level. If you are working with a partner, always show consideration for their safety and well-being. Avoid excessive force or aggressive behavior during training. Remember that martial arts are not about dominating your fellow training partners but about self-improvement and mutual growth.
Leaving the Training Area
If you need to leave the training area during class for any reason, seek permission from an instructor before doing so, explaining the reason for your exit. If you need to use the restroom or take a break, do so in a timely manner, but try to minimize your absence, and do not disrupt the class on your return. If you are injured, please make sure to inform the instructor and communicate if you require medical attention.
End of Class
At the end of the class, the instructor will again gather everyone’s attention. Follow the instructions given by the instructor for the closing formalities. This may include bowing to the flags or shomen or kamidana, bowing to the head instructor, and bowing to the assistant instructors. Pay attention to the specific commands and sequences and follow them accordingly.
After the class is officially dismissed, it is customary to thank the instructor and the assistant instructors for their guidance. You can do this by approaching them, bowing, and expressing your gratitude. It is also a good practice to show respect to your training partners by acknowledging their efforts and thanking them for their cooperation during the class. Additionally, if you are unable to make the following training session, this is a good time to advise your instructor and apologise for the lack of attendance.
When you return home, wash your uniform, air-dry equipment if needed, and revise your material before your next class.
Visiting External Schools or Seminars
The principles and etiquette discussed here may vary slightly depending on the specific martial art style or school you are training in; it is important to ask ahead about the specific rules and customs of any martial arts school you visit and follow them accordingly. This extends to the insignias you use on your uniform, the grade you display, and the fees you might have to pay on the day. It might also be appropriate to bring a small gift or token of appreciation when visiting a school for the first time. Refrain from taking photos or videos until you have sought permission to do so.
By adhering to the guidelines and etiquette of the class, you will contribute to a positive and respectful training environment. Martial arts training is not only about physical techniques but also about developing discipline, respect, and character. Embrace the opportunity to learn and grow both as a martial artist and as an individual.
On Supporting Martial Art Schools
This last one is not advice on etiquette. If you come across a worthy martial art leader who is also an ethical business owner, why not show your appreciation by bringing a friend along with you, drop a positive review on Google (or FaceBook,) or send them Seasons Greetings.
Bio: Colin Wee is a Singaporean author, martial‑arts instructor, and cultural historian whose four‑decade practice spans Asia, Australia, and the United States. Known for his analytical approach and deep tactical insight, Colin blends historical research with lived experience to illuminate the human stories behind martial traditions. He is the founder of Joong Do Kwan in Perth, Western Australia, and serves as Secretary of the Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame (see About the Author).
A trip to JDK USA Schenectady, New York, for a martial arts seminar in January 2024 pushed me outside my comfort zone. It followed a successful seminar and book launch in Dallas the previous year.
New York felt daunting. It was uncharted territory, a stark contrast to the familiarity of Dallas. Yet, it presented an excellent opportunity to strengthen my working relationship with host Master Will Just
Will had connected with me five years prior, and was my demonstration partner in Dallas. He was captivated by training methodology, and the emphasis on extracting practical applications from traditional forms.
When my wife’s work led to a short stint in New York, I reached out and encouraged Will to organize a seminar. The timing wasn’t ideal: as the holidays and harsh winter would decrease attendance and ticket sales. Undeterred by the challenges, Will, fueled by his experience in Dallas, mobilized his network, visited schools he wasn’t connected with, and promoted the event feverishly.
Getting to my martial arts seminar
Traveling from Australia was an adventure itself, and after a week trampling around Manhattan with my wife, I took the three hour train ride up to Schenectady. It was good to see two familiar faces : Will Just, and long time JDK Associate Jeff Palm. Taekwondo Times Editor Jack Berry, whom I had connected with just the week earlier had also traveled up from Manhattan with me.
The seminar focused on unlocking the hidden potential of traditional forms and exploring their practical applications. We emphasized the importance of anticipation, sensitivity to the opponent, and circumventing the opposition. While the material took participants to the edge of their comfort zone, it was good seeing enthusiastic smiles, and the willingness to give things a go.
A highlight was witnessing a visiting Grandmaster seamlessly blend her long-time police experience with the seminar material, demonstrating the inter-relatedness of tactical skill.
Expanding my martial arts network
This journey to Schenectady was far from being just another martial arts seminar. It reaffirmed the value of venturing outside comfort zones, embracing the unexpected, and fostering meaningful connections. Directly inspired by the visit, Will Just moved to establish a new branch of JDK to develop his own martial arts training group.
This is a reminder that growth often lies beyond familiar territory, and that stepping outside our comfort zones can open doors to new possibilities and enrich our lives in profound ways.
Bio: Colin Wee is a Singaporean author, martial‑arts instructor, and cultural historian whose four‑decade practice spans Asia, Australia, and the United States. Known for his analytical approach and deep tactical insight, Colin blends historical research with lived experience to illuminate the human stories behind martial traditions. He is the founder of Joong Do Kwan in Perth, Western Australia, and serves as Secretary of the Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame (see About the Author).
In October 2025, I travelled to Okinawa as part of my ongoing research for a historical fiction manuscript that is set in 19th‑century Ryukyu. This new book project follows a group of bureaucrats navigating the political and cultural pressures of the Japanese annexation, and I couldn’t write about that world responsibly without spending time there myself. Even though the work is historical fiction, I wanted to avoid grossly misrepresenting the people, the culture, or the context I was drawing from.
During the trip, I had the opportunity to teach at a Master Instructor Seminar held at Midorigaoka Park in Naha coordinated with Okinawa Karate Day. My session focused on Jion kata bunkai, using applications and tactical logic that tie into themes from the manuscript. The work blended structural mechanics, hard‑ and soft‑style concepts, and principle‑based interpretation. It was a good chance to share ideas in front of expert practitioners who enjoy the roots of these traditions as much as I do.
Author Colin Wee Martial Arts Cultural Exchange Seminar at Midorigaoka Park
Finding where Anko Itosu and Matsumura Sokon are buried
One of the moments that has stayed with me wasn’t from the seminar itself, but from a quiet visit I made with our small group to the graves of Matsumura Sōkon and Itosu Ankō (Visit Matsumura Sokon’s grave26°13’28.7″N 127°42’20.4″E Google Map: 6PF4+V7 Naha and Itosu Anko’s grave – 84m SE of Matsumura’s grave, at Makabi. Directions: take monorail to ‘13 Naha City Hospital’, walk 700m Southwest of Station. Address: 3-10 Makabi, Naha City, Okinawa 902-0068, Japan.)
Standing there and speaking about their lives and contributions felt significant in a way that’s hard to articulate. It wasn’t about romanticising the past; it was simply to acknowledge the people whose work shaped so much of what we practise today. That experience grounded the rest of the trip for me.
Being in Okinawa helped me understand the environment, rhythms, and cultural texture I’m trying to represent in the manuscript. It also reminded me that martial arts is always connected to real people, real places, and real histories. That’s something I want to carry forward in both my writing and my teaching.
Author Colin Wee visiting with his protagonist Anko Itosu, Makabi Cemetary, Okinawa Oct 2025
As I prepare for the American Karate and Taekwondo Organization’s 50th anniversary event next March 2026, I’m looking at how to integrate insights from this research, the Jion applications I’ve been finessing, and material that aligns with AKATO’s lineage. My aim is the same as it has always been: to contribute in a way that allows us to understand and celebrate the traditions we’ve inherited.
I’d love to hear what you think. If you’re on Goodreads, drop a question there. Or if you’re an Okinawan business or organisation that identifies with my work 琉球武術支援, I would love to connect with you. What would you like to see in a story that supports the lived experiences of martial art pioneers? What would you expect of these historical characters?
Bio: Colin Wee is a Singaporean author, martial‑arts instructor, and cultural historian whose four‑decade practice spans Asia, Australia, and the United States. Known for his analytical approach and deep tactical insight, Colin blends historical research with lived experience to illuminate the human stories behind martial traditions. He is the founder of Joong Do Kwan in Perth, Western Australia, and serves as Secretary of the Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame (see About the Author).
We’re thrilled to share a milestone moment: the cover artwork from Breaking Through: The Secrets of Bassai Dai Kata was selected for the May 2023 Issue 171 of Totally Taekwondo Magazine (see TotallyTKD on Facebook).
The issue also featured a full article titled “Breaking Through: The Writing of a Martial Arts Book,” which traced the journey behind the project: reaching out to publisher GM Mike Swope of Moosul Publishing LLC for guidance, shaping the manuscript through the pandemic, and launching the book in Dallas with the support of GM Keith Yates and the American Karate and Taekwondo Organization during their annual seminar in March 2023.
A huge thank‑you goes to Editor Stuart Anslow, who took a genuine punt on promoting a book that, at first glance, looks like a karate publication. The irony, of course, is that the insights in Breaking Through were forged through decades of traditional Taekwondo training. We’re grateful Stuart spotted that line of thinking, and his willingness to introduce the book to a wider Taekwondo audience.
The accompanying article offers a behind‑the‑scenes look at the writing process, the research, the unexpected discoveries, and the long, sometimes stubborn journey of turning one kata into a book. It highlights the mindset and methodology that shaped the project, and the community that helped bring it to life.
Being featured on the front cover of Totally Taekwondo is a celebration of shared roots, overlapping histories, and the mutual respect that continues to shape an open‑minded martial community of engaged, intellectually curious practitioners. We invite you to explore the cover, read the article, watch our short video snippet, and enjoy this moment with us.
Bio: Colin Wee is a Singaporean author, martial‑arts instructor, and cultural historian whose four‑decade practice spans Asia, Australia, and the United States. Known for his analytical approach and deep tactical insight, Colin blends historical research with lived experience to illuminate the human stories behind martial traditions. He is the founder of Joong Do Kwan in Perth, Western Australia, and serves as Secretary of the Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame (see About the Author).
GM Kelly Cox and Master Colin Wee at Rendokan Dojo, Richardson, TX, 2023. GM Cox teaches a number of systems, one being a traditional system named Marudo Karate-do, and both he and Colin find great similarities in their approach to training.
For a long time, the relationship between Karate and Taekwondo has been framed as a rivalry. But when you peel back organisational identity, stylistic branding, and historical development, a different picture emerges. The real connection between these arts isn’t found in how they look today, but in how they function when practitioners are under duress and when stylistic expressions are not a value add to a combative exchange.
This article isn’t about proving that Karate and Taekwondo are the same. It’s about understanding why they diverged from a shared lineage, what they still share, and where their tactical advantage lies.
Early Korean Karate/Taekwondo: Hard‑Style, But Not Yet Standardised
Recent archival comparisons done by Ørjan Nilsen, show that early Korean Karate, the precursors of modern Taekwondo did not entirely resemble modern Shotokan (see Early Taekwondo was just Shotokan (it was and it wasn’t)). Early Korean practitioners did train in hard, direct techniques, and linear entries. They just lacked the polished standardisation that JKA would later impose on Japanese Karate, or that ITF would later impose on Taekwondo. While some stylistic comparisons from this era could even be made with Okinawa’s Shorin‑ryu lineage such comparisons could only occur because practitioners were still figuring out what “hard‑style” meant. Both groups had still some way to go towards the “pre‑refinement” stage of their hard‑style evolution.
What Hard‑Style Martial Arts Actually Is (And Isn’t)
Colin Wee with his teacher Shodai Bryan Robbins, Dallas, TX, 2006. Mr Robbins taught Colin Traditional Taekwondo and Aikido. Here Mr Robbins “catches up” Colin on both hard style and internal concepts he’s missed over intervening years.
Most modern definitions of “hard‑style” come from a Shotokan‑centric lens: linear acceleration, percussive techniques, rigid stances, and Shotokan’s muscle lock-down. But this is an aesthetic definition, not a functional one.
A more accurate definition is that Hard‑style is blitz‑fighting tactics. This means rapid entries, chunked sequences, and the reuse of high‑yield solutions that overwhelm an opponent. Yes, linear acceleration matters. But the real power of hard‑style lies in pre‑emptive striking and overwhelming pressure.
This is why beginners rehearse single techniques in line drills, and why upper belts should be “chunking” functional combinations until they become fluent. Hard‑style is not about looking rigid. It’s about revving a tactical engine that compensates for low fight IQ.
Why Karate and Taekwondo Diverged
Both JKA and ITF faced the same organisational challenge, they both needed to scale a martial art to thousands of students.
Like all member-based organisations, the answer relied on standardisation.
JKA created a precise, repeatable system that depended on a muscle lock down called ‘kime’ for power transmission, taught concurrently with an ethical code, and supplemented by a text written by the Father of Modern Karate titled “Rentan Goshin Karate Jutsu.”
ITF created a codified, rhythmic, prescriptive system packaged with Taekwondo’s Tenets. This was differentiated by a sine wave concept of power generation, and a reliance on the Founder’s Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do.
The words used sound different, but also so similar. Even across the divide, these were the moves necessary for growth. But there’s a cost to this standardisation.
Internal Mechanics: The Part Everyone Forgot
Colin Wee attends AKATO Annual in 2016, representing the Korean MA lineage through choice of uniform, while standing behind his teacher Sensei Mike Proctor, and enjoying the camaraderie of cross-training.
Recently, through research into my second book, I had the good fortune to explore Chinese internal arts and its influence on Ryukyuan fighting systems. Yes, indeed, research into an Okinawan ‘hard-style’ kata led me to fajin and how it utilised concepts like leverage and directional vectors. From that insight, I was able to gain a unique perspective of Taekwondo’s Sine Wave, though not the stylised version performed in tuls.
Master Colin Wee showing tactics that are not quite hard style, AKATO Annual and 50th Anniversary Celebrations 2026, Dallas, Texas.
Similar to the engine behind White Crane, Southern Chinese boxing, and early Okinawan Tode, the Sine Wave’s use of compression, expansion, and the release of energy along specific angles had more in common than most could see.
During a recent seminar with an ITF group, I used these internal Chinese principles and sent a black belt flying. Not because I was doing “Karate” or “Taekwondo,” but because I was using functional mechanics which underly both arts. In all honesty, I could have compared the movement to Taekwondo’s Sine Wave as much as I could to Karate’s Kime.
This ITF group shows that good training doesn’t make them less good at Taekwondo. ApproachTKD Seminar in Aberdeen 2026.
The irony is that ITF practitioners perform sine wave every day, but its prescriptive choreography might not lead to this deeper potential. As my martial art colleague Dr Sanko Lewis has previously pointed out, sine wave has real value. Some of it comes to the fore in stand‑up grappling but only if practitioners are allowed to train in that manner (see The Sine Wave Motion as a Mnemonic Device for Joint-Locks and Throws).
Free Sparring as the Acid Test
When Karateka and Taekwondoin engage in dynamic exchanges, something predictable happens: many Karateka start punching like boxers, and many Taekwondoin start kicking like kickboxers.
Master Colin Wee mixing it up at Kidokwan Perth, 2014.
Under pressure, practitioners reach for the simplest, most accessible combative analogies available. Boxing and kickboxing offer simple mechanics, high‑yield tactics, intuitive movement, and a plethora of training resources available through YouTube.
Under duress, and when stylisation drops away, almost all practitioners simply default to functional movement.
The Bridge Between Karate and Taekwondo
Karate and Taekwondo do not need to be stylistically similar. They do not need to agree on aesthetics, pedagogy, or organisational identity.
What they do need is an understanding of where their tactical advantage lies beyond blitz logic, and functional mechanics. Style is a school’s training pedagogy. Style is their training method. Aesthetic style however is not the end goal.
When practitioners mature, many transcend stylistic signatures and move toward functional, adaptive, and personal expression. And that is where Karate and Taekwondo finally meet. Not in how they look, but in how they prepare students for growth.
