Okinawa Karate Day 2025 – Jion Kata Bunkai Seminar with Colin Wee (Master Instructor Session)
In October 2025, I travelled to Okinawa as part of my ongoing research for a historical fiction manuscript set in 19th‑century Ryukyu. My book project follows a group of bureaucrats navigating the political and cultural pressures of the Japanese annexation, and I knew I couldn’t write about that world responsibly without spending time there myself. Even though the book 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.
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. 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.
As I prepare for the American Karate and Taekwondo Organization’s 50th anniversary event next March, 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 share what I can, as clearly and respectfully as possible, and to contribute in a way that allows us to celebrate the traditions we’ve inherited.
I’d love to hear what you think. Better yet, if you’re on Goodreads, drop a question there. What would you want to see in a historical fiction story about martial arts? What kind of character would speak to you?
The Lost Scrolls of Ryukyu In Conversation with Author
Back in May 2025, I sat down with my editor David Moore here in Perth to talk through a new project we’ve been working on. It’s called The Lost Scrolls of Ryukyu, and while the title hints at something ancient and mysterious, the real story is about Karate—how it evolved, how it was shaped in resistance to the Japanese Empire, and how we might retell that journey through historical fiction.
The snippet we filmed is twelve minutes long, but it captures both of us bouncing ideas, challenging each other, and trying to talk about a narrative that respects martial tradition while exploring new creative ground.
That week, apart from other things, we talked about:
What Breaking Through revealed about Bassai Dai kata and practical bunkai
The strengths and contrasts between hard style and soft style martial arts
How concepts like chi energy, structure, and manipulation play into training
Why historical fiction might be the right vehicle to explore Karate’s origins in Ryukyu
The challenge of building character arcs from real martial arts personalities
And how tactical decisions—like stripping soft-style elements from a new hard style methodology—affects both story and philosophy
There’s also a bit of behind-the-scenes talk: photography, editing, manuscript prep. Just two people trying to make something meaningful.
If you’ve read Breaking Through, you’ll probably see the through-line. This new project builds on the same foundation—kata as a living document, tradition as a conversation, and martial arts as a lens for understanding human conflict and growth.
I’d love to hear what you think. Better yet, if you’re on Goodreads, drop a question there. What would you want to see in a historical fiction story about martial arts? What kind of character would speak to you?
Bushi Matsumura Portrait Drawing on Left, and AI rendition from https://deep-image.ai/ on Right
“Recently, Ankō briefed us on the Boxer Rebellion in China, an uprising instigated by the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists … [who] were anti-foreign, anti-imperialist, anti-Christian, and ultra-violent. … the boxers believed an Eight Trigrams Society ritual … endowed them with spiritual protection, making them invulnerable to modern weapons. Hearing this, Sensei coughed out one of his rare laughs, startling the hell out of the two of us. Even Ankō, who had faced off samurai, pirates, a battalion of U.S. soldiers, local gangs, and his fair share of annoying bureaucrats was unnerved.”
– Colin Wee, Excerpt from “The Lost Scrolls of Ryūkyū” (Unpublished Manuscript 2025)
Historical fiction allows an author great liberty when working interpersonal relationships and exploring internal struggles which are both key in bringing a person to life. In saying this, a certain amount of effort has gone into “The Lost Scrolls of Ryūkyū” to present the history and people with care and fidelity.
There are two instances the book departs from this, and I’d like to talk about the one shared in the above excerpt. While I won’t give away too much, this is a scene between the legendary Matusumura Sōkon, Itosu Ankō, and Asato Ankō.
My eventual hope, of course, is a reader would pick up this book, get invested in the characters and their arcs, attempt independent research on the subject, and then discover the events and situations I have portrayed are indeed factual. Or, some would say, “real.”
When you drill into Matsumura’s backstory, however, you find his birth and death are wildly different dependent on the source you use. For instance, Wikipedia states Matsumura passes in 1899, which is the same year the Boxer Rebellion starts. Other sources list his passing in 1896 or 1901.
The Boxer Rebellion https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxer_Rebellion as explained in the excerpt was a violent uprising against what they saw was an increase in foreign invaders and collonialists in China. While the situation was explosive and complex, these sentiments mirrored sentiments of pre-Meiji era Japan. Elements of the Boxer Rebellion and the “mystical power” the boxers believed to have been granted by the Eight Trigrams Society ritual are featured in Jet Li’s Once Upon a Time in China movies (watch the first clip to the end, then see how their mudras fail them after getting a kick from Wong Fei Hong in the second clip 0:37).
Once upon a time in China 2 (Wong Fei Hung vs White lotus sect part 1)
Matsumura may have had an inkling of the foment happening in China leading up to the Boxer Rebellion. Up to his death, Ryūkyū Shimpo, the island’s newspaper, would have been in operation for 6+ years. The newspaper would have had experience by then covering the First Sino-Japanese war, the anti-Japanese sentiment, and the complex fractionated politics of Ryūkyū’s bid for independance.
Why I couldn’t resist bringing Matsumura and the Boxer Rebellion together was the huge contrast between the legendary Bushi Matsumura, his predilection for risk analysis, pragmatic combat, stategic preparation, and obsession with martial effectiveness, and the “Boxer fighters, [who were] convinced they were invulnerable to foreign weapons.”
In modern parlance, Bushi Matsumura would better be labelled as a RBSD or Reality Based Self Defense practitioner rather than a “Traditional Karate Master.” The face presented in the portrait above and the AI rendition on its right shows it all: a person who has spent a lifetime being the security advisor to the Ryūkyū Kingdom would be laser-focused on what works, avoiding any fantasy of being invulnerable to the weapons of the day.
Once Upon a Time in China II - Fight Scene 4 - Jet Li at White Lotus Society
We know this because Matsumura travelled extensively to acquire the skills and to refine knowledge that would make him a more formidable adversary. This is irrespective of Ryūkyū having been disarmed by their Satsuma overlords. Side note: for history buffs, Matsumura travelled to Foochow in 1860, and would have been a stone’s throw from the real Wong Fei Hong, who was the medical officer for the Black Flag Army in Guangzhou at the time.
So while facts may have been stretched, I felt the need to unfold the story this way to focus on the truths important to these masters. Readers may be interested to look into Matsumura’s makimono to understand the “true martial way” he described and the pitfalls he wanted all practitioners to avoid. These are relevant now as a warning against wishful thinking in martial arts as they were when they were written in 1882.
The above is a behind-the-scenes look at Colin’s latest historical fiction novel titled “The Lost Scrolls of Ryūkyū.” Stay tuned for further updates.
Lithograph of a photo taken by Commodore Matthew Perry of Ryukyuan Regent Sho Taimu, possibly flanked by Matsumura Sokon (left) and Itosu Ankō (right)
Shinzato Shuzo, established in 1846, is the oldest existing awamori distillery in Okinawa, and it’s known for its traditional techniques and the quality of its products, which includes the Ryukyu Classic and Shinzato 7 awamori.
At the time of its inception, Matsumura Sōkon aka Bushi Matsumura would have served the Shō government for just over a decade, and a young Ankō Itosu would have only begun training under Matsumura. It would take another four year until he became Secretary of Ryūkyū Kingdom.
Shinzato Shuzo indicated that when Commodore Matthew Perry and his black ships stopped in Ryūkyū in 1853, there were only three distilleries on the island sanctioned by the government.
Perry “landed two cannons and two companies of U.S. Marines … Along with 50 naval officers and two brass bands” at Naha port before he literally invaded Shuri Castle (Clayton, Shotokan’s Secret p77).
This means the awamori Perry may have enjoyed could very well have been from their distillery. If so, the lithograph on the left, taken by the Commodore, may show some of their awamori being served in the drinking cup in the lower left hand corner of the frame. For more information see The story of Commodore Matthew C. Perry’s trip to Shuri Castle in 1853.
Shinzato Shuzo is characterized by a deep richness and smell of awamori on the nose. On the palate, it is fruity and has refreshing drinkability. With aging, sweetness and umami are enhanced, resulting in a smooth and profound flavor.
Ryūkyū Awamori Shinzato Classic
For those interested in trying what the Ryukyu Royals, Matsumura Sokon, Itosu Ankō and Asato Ankō were drinking at the time, click on the image to the right. For those of you who are interested to find out more of this culture see The essence of awamori.
Historical fiction comes alive in Colin’s next martial art book. The following is inspired by the unfolding of an actual story within his manuscript.
“Indeed, Itosu was so well trained that his entire body seemed to be invulnerable. Once, as he was about to enter a restaurant in Naha’s amusement center, a sturdy young man attacked him from the rear, aiming a hearty blow at his side. But the latter, without even turning, hardened the muscle of his stomach so that the blow glanced off his the right wrist of his assailant. Still without turning his head, he calmly dragged the man inside the restaurant.
Funakoshi Gichin (Funakoshi, Karate-do: my way of life: Funakoshi Gichin, 1975, p15)
Anko Itosu in a group photo
Az said he had heard of this incident but wasn’t there that evening.
You’d be surprised how some strong, headstrong fellows behave. They feel the need to test themselves against someone well-known—sometimes as a drunken rite of passage, sometimes out of sheer arrogance. And let’s not forget the occasional grudge-holder who thought it was his duty to sneer at Shurite “parlor karate” or the new “empty hand shamisen” hacks.
Every time he heard that shamisen comparison he felt like hitting them with a real shamisen.
Anyway, this musclehead wasn’t looking for a fair fight, nor did he have the guts to come at Ankō from the front. He rushed in blindly, hoping to prove a point or end things quickly.
As for Ankō’s response? Exactly what we’d expect. We were always aware of our surroundings, even when relaxed. If the young man was making a scene, had poor footwork, or pulled back his arm before the strike, that would’ve been all the warning Ankō needed. He would brace his body, demonstrate the phenomenal conditioning he had acquired, and have the blow glance off without so much as a flinch.
Most men would have turned and retaliated. Ankō? He knew how to manage the optics. He calmly took control using soft power, dragged the attacker inside, and sat him down to sober him up. That’s the kind of man he was—no ego, and without the need for posturing. He knew he had nothing to prove. And by treating the fool with a little kindness, he landed the hardest hit of all.
The above is a behind-the-scenes look at Colin’s latest martial art book and historical fiction novel titled “The Lost Scrolls of Ryūkyū.” Stay tuned for further updates. If however, you’re here for ideas on what to do if you’re faced with a drunk and disorderly person, please see WA Mental Health Commission: Managing an intoxicated person.
Karate’s Bassai Dai Kata opens with a leap into a cross stance, backfist, and an open hand guarding block.
Bypassing an opponent’s lead guard, or oncoming strike, the immediate application we derive from this opening sequence has the technician take control of the opponent’s head and neck. What happens next rather depends on the situation. If absolutely necessary, we manipulate the opponent, crankshafting him around, and then propel his head like a basketball into the floor. Though it will not bounce. Much.
If we are surrounded by multiple opponents, we can instead accelerate the opponent’s head hard laterally into an object or structure, or catapult it straight into opponents who think they’re standing safely out of range.
Variations around the theme are equally brutal and unpleasant – for him.
If you’ve seen this application in my recent book, Breaking Through: The Secrets of Bassai Dai Kata, we have Hanshi Bruce Clayton to thank for all the fun.
No, this application is not stolen from Hanshi Clayton’s popular book, Shotokan’s Secret: The Hidden Truth Behind Karate’s Fighting Origins. But Dr. Clayton may still be held accountable. Shotokan’s Secret encouraged me to investigate the human condition of those early Karate pioneers, the combat scenarios they prepared for, the purpose of their various kata, and the absolute need for applications to be explosive.
Pages from Totally Taekwondo show the people who matter to me
Breaking Through, the title of my book, calls to the translation of Bassai as “breaking down the fortress” or “breaking out of the fortress.” As a spoiler, Shotokan’s Secret hypothesizes that Bassai as a Kata was a team-based bodyguarding system, and along with several other kata, was central to the extraction of the royal family of Okinawa in times of threat.
Breaking Through is also thus titled because it required a huge shift in perspective on my part and no small effort to crack the secrets hidden in traditional source material.
I believe Breaking Through is the first book of its kind as it is a book on kata application written by a Taekwondo practitioner. Bassai Dai is, of course, a well-known Okinawan Karate pattern, a precursor system to several modern hard-style fighting arts including Japanese Karate, Korean Karate, and traditional Taekwondo. So more than one lineage lays claim to it in their syllabus.
JDK’s Joshua Lay 3rd Dan runs through the kata
While modern systems often emphasize the differences between styles, my ongoing research leads me to believe that martial practitioners prior to the 20th century frequently sought cross training opportunities from other systems. This meant that prior to the 1900s old school practitioners who braved the difficulties and dangers of travel could study a mix of Northern and Southern Shaolin arts, Okinawan Te, Japanese Koryu arts, and precursors of modern Muay Thai.
When South Korean Chung Do Kwan Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee brought his system of training to the Southwest United States in the mid-1950s, what he taught wasn’t yet called Tae Kwon Do. It was Tang Soo Do, a literal translation of Karate as The Way of the China Hand, China Hand being a reference to the original name of Japanese Karate.
Tang Soo Do instructors taught Karate kata like Pyung Ahn 1-5, Tekki 1-3, Bassai Dai and Sho, Jitte, Jion, and Jiin. Grandmaster Rhee only started using the term Tae Kwon Do in 1962 at the behest of General Choi Hong Hi, though most Americans would continue to use the terms Karate and Taekwondo interchangeably. Our members then adopted the more modern Tae Kwon Do Chang Hon patterns in 1967 at the behest of General Choi Hong Hi, Founder of Taekwon-do.
Members of Marudo Ryu Karate Do in Dallas play around with JDK concepts, March 2023
Our Taekwondo lineage’s proximity to Japanese and Okinawan arts persisted beyond the conversion to the Chang Hon forms. When I arrived in the United States from Singapore in the early 1990s, my teachers used Chang Hon forms to put us through our paces, but black belts were able to access an expanded curriculum, which included elements of Okinawan and Japanese patterns, aspects of Ju-Jutsu, and an Okinawan weapons-based system called Kobudo. Such was the training with American Karate and Taekwondo Organization (AKATO).
I had an early affinity for Bassai Dai and was pleased to see the appearance of the kata in Hanshi Clayton’s Shotokan’s Secret. The similarities various Chang Hon patterns shared with Bassai was a plus when I sought to use patterns as the syllabus for my training in 2005.
While I was interested to identify applications from all my patterns, the goal in 2005 was to understand the tactical worth of the traditional source material – to see the world through the eyes of the Karate pioneers. Bassai Dai, woven into the tapestry of our Chung Do Kwan Taekwondo lineage, was the oldest of the patterns I knew and it became a lens for me to peer back through time.
Working with Bassai Dai, we were often able to compare and contrast individual tactical phrases with the more modern hardstyle forms we knew. We would deconstruct and explore technique sequences using the JDK Method. As one feature, the JDK Method applies tactics to oncoming initiatives from the same side and from the opposite side. The best applications allow us to apply one technique to receive a strike irrespective of it coming from the opponent’s left or right side.
The JDK Method also assumes critical failure somewhere along the sequence. We always assume non-compliance. Such an obstacle forces us to search for solutions from within the pattern to create workarounds. If these workarounds are nowhere to be extrapolated in the form under consideration, we then seek inspiration further abroad, sometimes dredging through soft style concepts for the advantage we seek. This variegated approach to pattern analysis has reaped us huge rewards and led to a depth of understanding which simply had to be shared.
Colin in the midst of his March 2023 seminar at American Karate and Taekwondo Organization
While the book centers on Bassai Dai kata, it isn’t solely a how-to book. I share my journey and growth from being a white belt to becoming a black belt instructor, how I found myself 10,000 miles away from the mothership and on the verge of giving up martial arts altogether. That personal journey is juxtaposed with the challenges of establishing a fixed pattern-based framework as our learning environment, the various pitfalls a modern practitioner may experience on his or her own journey, and ways to extract the best results from traditional source material. This is the first part of the book.
The book’s value to the Karate and Taekwondo community lies in its ability to offer a fresh perspective on traditional or old school, training material. My fundamental training in hard style Taekwondo does not need reinvention, I myself train new students very similarly to the way I was trained when I first started. The esoteric insight I have since acquired from the likes of Bassai Dai does not shake the foundations of hard style Karate or Taekwondo training nor the basics taught to me by my teachers. In reality, application training as I present in the book fills out that training framework and makes it come alive.
Any talk of a written martial art resource for the Taekwondo community eventually brings up the Encyclopedia of Taekwon-do written by the art’s Founder, General Choi Hong Hi. Undeniably, the Encyclopedia is an excellent resource. It provides amazing information that helps develop and structure a worldwide martial art. To this day, there is still nothing like it. But an over-reliance on any single source of knowledge might not always facilitate one’s progression in the martial art. If practitioners are open to assessing other perspectives while still understanding and enjoying the value the Encyclopedia brings, they are richer for it. The assessment of other perspectives may validate what they already know. Or might, in fact, identify areas they do not know.
Aside from theory and fundamentals, Taekwondo practitioners focus on fast and powerful strikes, often delivered from a distance, and often demonstrating a penchant for head-high techniques or techniques which require a lot of athletic ability. Close-range fighting, trapping, stand-up grappling, and joint manipulation are not equally emphasized in training. This is where Breaking Through offers an edge, as it presents skills that can enhance hard style training.
Such skills are not simply taken from systems like Judo, Jujitsu, or Wing Chun, as is often the case. The applications in Breaking Through are drawn directly from material within the pattern set. Extrapolated, pressure tested, and drilled, they point to the prerequisite knowledge the pioneers of the patterns developed and ensconced in their kata.
Shout out to GM Mike Swope (RIP), Jeff Palm, and Will Just who supported me through the Dallas Road Trip.
I didn’t stop at the boundaries of hard style Karate or Taekwondo concepts, either. Hard style techniques involve linear, forceful movements designed to displace and destroy an opponent’s structure. Soft style techniques, on the other hand, emphasize the immobilization and disruption of an opponent’s structure and center of gravity. By being platform agnostic and incorporating the discussion of both hard style and soft style tactical concepts, the analysis of forms comes alive! We then get to cherry pick tactics that work well at specific distances. This is the 21st century after all. If we want to learn certain tactical elements or develop defenses when faced with such opposition, we should have the freedom to do so. Just as the early pioneers traveled in order to broaden their knowledge.
Recently, it was my honor to be invited to present at the American Karate and Taekwondo Organization (AKATO) Annual Seminar in Dallas, Texas. AKATO is the organization with where I started my journey in Traditional Taekwondo. For my seminar, I chose to show skills drawn from those older forms that are part of our Karate and Chung Do Kwan legacy.
However, these aren’t sparring skills to be used in a sport-based martial arts setting. They are incredibly deceptive, subversive, and subtle. The applications include their own self-correcting mechanisms to match the dynamic situations you’d face with a live opponent. And like my first example where the opponent’s head becomes your basketball, all come with a level of shock and awe. Some have called it magic!
The smiles and nods of appreciation from the 130 or so participants became more enthusiastic as the level of discomfort inflicted on my demonstration partner increased. This is one of the reasons I wrote this book in the first place. Black Belts want this kind of information. It might have been informative talking about where the pattern originates, but when we see it for its tactical value, when we learn to shut down an opponent, when we feel the ease at which this happens, when we acquire the ability to account for multiple opponents — demonstration trumps everything!
As I reach the conclusion of the remarkable journey to write and present Breaking Through: The Secrets of Bassai Dai Kata, my heart swells with immense pride and fulfillment. This book has been a deeply personal endeavour, driven by my passion for martial arts and my need to express a gratitude to my teachers by showing what I have learned based on their teaching. It is a testament to my growth in their system and a testament to the continuing benefits of traditional training.
Author Colin Wee
I hope that Breaking Through serves as a guiding light for both Karate and Taekwondo practitioners looking to explore the depths of their own training. It is my desire to empower martial artists with a fresh perspective, to bridge the gap between hard style and soft style techniques, to foster a deeper understanding of traditional martial arts training, and to encourage all to “break through” their own barriers in their lifelong quest for self-improvement. May this book be a source of inspiration, a catalyst for growth, and a taste of the exciting possibilities that await us on our martial arts journey.
About: Colin Wee has practiced three martial arts systems over three continents in the past 40 years. Colin was inducted into the Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2020, and was formerly an Asst National Coach in Archery.
The original version of this article was submitted to and published in Totally Taekwondo Magazine July 2023 Issue 173.
[Trailer] 跆拳震九州 ( When Taekwondo Strikes) - HD Version
‘When Taekwondo Strikes’ Movie is about a Korean Taekwondo master who enlists the aid of martial artists to help protect a church from a crew of Japanese fighters. Hero ‘Lee Chung Tun’ is played by real life GM Jhoon Rhee who brought my lineage to Southwest USA in 1956.
Introduction: The martial arts world has witnessed a long-standing rivalry between Taekwondo and Karate practitioners. Both disciplines have their unique characteristics and cultural significance. However, beneath the surface of rivalry lies a rich history and shared principles that bind these two martial arts together. In this article, we delve into the historical tensions between Taekwondo and Karate, explore their similarities, and shed light on the significance of a Taekwondo practitioner authoring a book on Karate.
Historical Tensions: The historical tensions between Taekwondo and Karate practitioners can be traced back to the evolution and cultural contexts of these martial arts. Taekwondo, with its roots in classical Karate, has become deeply ingrained in Korean culture and is considered a significant practice in Korea. On the other hand, modern Karate reflects the cultural characteristics and interests of Japan. These associations with cultural heritage and the evolution of the martial arts have sometimes led to a sense of rivalry and competition between the two styles.
Exploring Similarities: Despite the perceived differences, Taekwondo and Karate share a common lineage and underlying principles. Both styles emphasize discipline, respect, and the development of physical and mental strength. They incorporate variously similar techniques, including strikes, kicks, blocks, and forms (kata). By examining the historical connections and shared techniques, practitioners can discover the threads that bind Taekwondo and Karate together.
There are less differences that you might believe. Author Colin Wee poses with GM Kelly Cox from Marudo Ryu Karate. Both of these instructors find great similarities in their practice despite having lineages that come from different geographical regions.
A Taekwondo Practitioner’s Karate Book: In a fascinating and significant development, this Taekwondo practitioner has recently authored a Karate book titled ‘Breaking Through: The Secrets of Bassai Dai Kata.’ This remarkable achievement has garnered attention within the martial arts community for its in-depth exploration of a central form practiced across various styles in both the Karate and Taekwondo communities. The author’s ability to delve into the heart of this form, facilitated by his training in Traditional Taekwondo, is a testament to their similarities and his open-mindedness in seeking a deeper understanding of martial arts.
At the prestigious AKATO Annual Seminar 2023 in Dallas, Texas. Seminar leaders Master Colin Wee, Master Vivica LaMarche, and GM Mike Bonstaff pose and represent Traditional Taekwondo Applications, Okinawan Training, and Sport Karate respectively.
Beyond Superficial Differences: By delving into the source material and history of Taekwondo and Karate, the author of ‘Breaking Through’ has uncovered the profound essence that transcends superficial differences between the two disciplines. This book serves as a bridge, connecting practitioners from both styles and providing valuable insights into the shared heritage and underlying principles that bind them (See Bassai: Transforming Disadvantage into Advantage in Martial Arts and Life). Through this comprehensive exploration, practitioners are encouraged to break free from siloed approaches, access their analytical framework, and gain a holistic perspective that goes beyond the boundaries of any specific martial art, enriching their overall martial arts journey.
The Value of Martial Arts: While Taekwondo and Karate have their unique characteristics and applications, there is great value to be found in any training hall which offers combative sport, self-defense training, and traditional martial arts. Each approach serves different purposes and caters to the goals and aspirations of practitioners. Combative sport offers a platform for competition, physical fitness, and honing skills, while self-defense training equips individuals with practical techniques for real-life situations. Traditional martial arts provide a pathway for personal growth, discipline, and connecting with cultural heritage. The key lies in being clear about what one aims to achieve and aligning the chosen martial art accordingly.
Conclusion: The long-standing rivalry between Taekwondo and Karate practitioners has shaped their relationship throughout history. However, the 21st century presents an opportune time to shift our focus towards supporting individuals, elevating our understanding of the human condition which created this cultural practice, and celebrating the rich historical tapestry of each martial art. The publication of ‘Breaking Through: The Secrets of Bassai Dai Kata’ serves as a reminder that by embracing diversity and understanding the underlying principles, practitioners can unlock a deeper understanding of martial arts, finding profound value that extends far beyond superficial differences. Let us embrace this new era and celebrate the vibrant and interconnected nature of the martial arts community.
We are overjoyed to share a momentous achievement with our readers – the cover artwork from Colin Wee’s book, “Breaking Through: The Secrets of Bassai Dai Kata,” has been chosen to grace the cover of Totally Taekwondo Magazine in the May 2023 Issue 171 edition (see TotallyTKD on FB).
Our artwork featured in Totally Taekwondo Magazine
Being on the cover for Totally Taekwondo Magazine is a prestigious honor. The artwork shows a current day practitioner performing a modern technique, with a backdrop of Shuri castle emerging from the mists of time. We are grateful to Totally Taekwondo for the opportunity to showcase Traditional Taekwondo training as we know it, and for helping us to introduce “Breaking Through” to a wider audience.
Breaking Through on the Cover of Totally Taekwondo Magazine 2023 Made with Clipchamp
We provide an exclusive glimpse into the article inside titled “Breaking Through: The Writing of a Martial Arts Book,” which accompanies our cover artwork within the magazine’s pages. We highlight key sections and insights, offering readers a taste of the transformative ideas explored in the article.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Master Stuart Anslow, the editor of Totally Taekwondo Magazine, for recognizing the significance of Colin Wee’s book and showcasing its cover artwork. We acknowledge the collaborative effort between our team and the magazine, celebrating the fusion of art and martial arts that has led to this exceptional milestone.
Being featured on Totally Taekwondo Magazine’s front cover is a celebration of martial arts excellence. Please watch our exclusive video snippet, explore the remarkable cover artwork, and come along for the ride.
Breaking Through: The Journey of Writing a Martial Arts Book
Introduction: In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, martial arts enthusiast Colin Wee took on the ambitious task of writing a martial arts applications book. Little did he know the amount of work and dedication it would require. In this article, we will delve into Colin’s experience and the challenges he faced while writing his recently published book, Breaking Through: The Secrets of Bassai Dai Kata.
The Motivation to Write: Colin’s decision to write a martial arts book stemmed from multiple sources of inspiration. Seeking approval from his teachers and seniors, along with the persistent requests from friends over the years, motivated him to share his valuable knowledge with others on the same martial arts path. Reflecting on his previous manuscript, which didn’t turn out as intended, Colin discovered that even perceived failures can lay the foundation for future success.
The Development of the JDK Method: Colin’s collaboration with his students led to the development of the Joong Do Kwan (JDK) Method, a unique training methodology for dynamic martial arts situations using fixed pattern sets. This method became the core of his book, showcasing how traditional training can be applied effectively in real-world scenarios.
The Challenges Faced: Writing a martial arts book proved to be a demanding undertaking. Colin recounts the extensive timeline of the project, including the year spent writing the manuscript, two years of submitting, rewriting, and editing, as well as the need for commissioned cover artwork and multiple photo shoots. Despite the hurdles, Colin’s determination remained unwavering.
The Unique Perspective: Breaking Through: The Secrets of Bassai Dai Kata stands out from traditional martial arts books. It challenges the belief of guaranteed success in martial arts techniques and introduces the possibility of failure, emphasizing the importance of adaptation and workarounds. By inviting non-compliance from opponents, the JDK Method trains practitioners to expect and respond to dynamic situations effectively.
The Collaborative Process: Colin sought the expertise of Master Mike Swope to help refine his manuscript. Mike’s valuable insights and recommendations pushed Colin to reframe his story, allowing readers to experience his journey alongside the exploration of kata-based training. The editing process, which extended even after the manuscript was submitted, ensured the accuracy, flow, and clarity of the content.
The Impactful Seminars: To coincide with the book launch, Colin organized seminars in Dallas, Texas, where he aimed to present high-level concepts to participants. The seminars mirrored the content of Breaking Through, encouraging attendees to make connections with their own training and gain combative insights while exploring traditional forms.
The Road Trip and Meeting Fellow Practitioners: Colin’s road trip to Dallas with Master Mike Swope turned out to be an incredible adventure. Joined by two fellow black belts, Jeff Palm and Will Just, they shared their passion for martial arts and had the opportunity to train and bond with like-minded individuals. The experience was a testament to the positive impact martial arts can have on personal growth and connection.
The Gratitude and Fulfillment: Completing Breaking Through and sharing it with the martial arts community brought an overwhelming sense of fulfillment to Colin. The positive reception from seminar attendees and the opportunity to express gratitude to his teachers and supporters filled him with gratitude. Holding the finished book in his hands symbolized the culmination of 40 years of training and a deep sense of appreciation.
Conclusion: Colin’s journey of writing Breaking Through: The Secrets of Bassai Dai Kata is a testament to the unwavering dedication and immense passion needed to craft a martial arts book. It vividly portrays the initial inspiration, the obstacles confronted, and the ultimate sense of accomplishment that comes from sharing knowledge with fellow enthusiasts. Through his book, Colin not only reveals the profound transformative impact of martial arts but also emphasizes the significance of imparting wisdom to those treading a similar path. Breaking Through stands as an invaluable resource, providing practitioners with invaluable guidance to enhance their comprehension and practical application of traditional martial arts principles.
![[Trailer] 跆拳震九州 ( When Taekwondo Strikes) - HD Version](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/RfsUq98OJL4/0.jpg)
