Here I go again – Fixing Combination Two

Posted on October 21, 2026 by matt

Here’s another video where I complain about a combination. It’s a classic, and one of the first ones you learn. I’ve long had a problem with some facets of it, and here’s my thoughts on adjusting it. I’ve already made some folks a little salty with this one, so I know I’m on the right track. If the guy who signed my 3rd degree diploma says I don’t know what I’m doing, I know I’m pressing some buttons. Take a look and let me know what you think.

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Now I’ve done it.

Posted on October 18, 2026 by matt

Having reached (almost) the end of the combinations that I have access to for the archive, I’m embarking on a new project. In a world where folks always encounter ‘but I do it differently’ and ‘the guy is not going to stand there and let you finish your technique’ and ‘he’s just going to punch you with his other hand’, I’m going there. Chris and I are going to look at the combinations from a ‘jab-cross-hook’ lens, or whatever suits the occasion where the attacker doesn’t just step in, punch and stand still. It may ruffle some feathers, but I am 26 years older than Fred Villari was when he promoted himself to 10th Dan, and have the same number of years of training in Kempo as Walter Godin had been on this earth when Professor Chow promoted him to 10th Dan. My 7th Dan in Kempo-Jutsu celebrates its 15th birthday this week.

I’m not stating this to somehow elevate my position, but rather to suggest that with time, experience provides a viewpoint with which to comment and suggest alternative methods and refinements.

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Mitose’s training: I think my hunch is validated.

Posted on October 12, 2026 by matt

I was pointed to this blog post by the grandson of Motobu Choki. I’m posting it with a caveat that it’s an AI translation done by the Motobu Ryu page, so take it with that grain of salt. In the past, I’ve argued that Mitose likely trained with either Mizhuo Mutsu, Kamesuke Higashiona, or Thomas Miyashiro in Okinawan Karate. Technically it would be training in Motobu Ryu. If that’s the case, he would have had at most, six years of training when he started the self defense club. If the Motobu Ryu folks think it’s the most likely explanation, I feel I’m in good company.

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