Hanratty on Karate
Episodes
Episode 82: The Use of Safety Equipment in Competitions
23 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei John Hanratty discusses the use of safety equipment in competitions.
Episode 81: Effective Officiating
13 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei John Hanratty with the Canadian Shotokan Karate Association offers his thoughts on effective officiating for karate competitions.
Episode 81: Effective Officiating
13 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei John Hanratty with the Canadian Shotokan Karate Association offers his thoughts on effective officiating for karate competitions.
Episode 81: Effective Officiating
13 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei John Hanratty offers his thoughts on effective officiating for karate competitions.
Episode 80: Master Funakoshi's 20 Precepts (Part 5)
06 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty wraps up his discussion of the 20 precepts, focusing on numbers 11 through 20:11) Karate is like boiling water; without heat, it retur...
Episode 79: Master Funakoshi's 20 Precepts (Part 4)
01 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty continues his discussion of Master Funakoshi's 20 precepts, focusing on precepts 8, 9, and 10.8th PreceptDo not think that karate ...
Episode 78: Master Funakoshi's 20 Precepts (Part 3)
24 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty continues his discussion of Master Funakoshi's 20 precepts, focusing on precepts five, six, and seven.Precept 5: Mental technique ...
Episode 77: Master Funakoshi's 20 Precepts (Part 2)
15 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty discusses Master Funakoshi's fourth precept: "First know yourself, then know others."先ず自己を知れ、而して他...
Episode 76: Master Funakoshi's 20 Precepts (Part 1)
10 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty discusses the first three of Master Funakoshi's 20 Precepts:1) Karate begins and ends with courtesy.(Karate-dō wa rei ni hajimari...
Episode 75: Bouncing Back from Injuries
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty discusses how to identify and recover from martial arts injuries.
Episode 74: What Makes a Karateka Worthy of a Grade?
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty discusses the awarding of 10th Dans and what makes a karateka worthy of a particular grade.
Episode 73: A Closer Look at Yoko Geri Keage (Side Snap Kick)
22 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty discusses why he's not a big fan of the side snap kick. He also touches on the following:-The power sources of rotation, counter-r...
Episode 72: Body Types and the Martial Arts
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty discusses the following:-The three main body types and the types of activities to get the best out of them-Ability vs. capability-Diff...
Episode 71: Grading Systems for Karate
06 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty offers thoughts on how he grades and how other instructors grade. He touches on the following:-How grading systems have evolved-The fi...
Episode 70: Running a Dojo
29 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty discusses the following:-Some of the nicest dojos he’s seen-Things to consider if thinking of running a full-time dojo-Why running a...
Episode 69: Coaching and Training in Karate
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty discusses the following:-Why the focus in your first year of training is going to be 90% physical-The role of self discipline at the s...
Episode 68: Coaching Teams and Individuals for Competition
20 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty offers coaching tips. Among the topics discussed: -The difference between coaching and instructing-How to build a good team-Tips for t...
Episode 67: Comparing Shotokan and Goju Ryu
06 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty looks at the differences between the Shotokan and Goju Ryu styles. He also discusses the following:-Difference between inside tension ...
Episode 66: Trip to Okinawa
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the 66th episode of the Hanratty on Karate Podcast, Sensei John Hanratty discusses the following:-A trip some of his students just took to Okinawa,...
Episode 65: Ethics and Standards in the Dojo
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty discusses ethics, morals, standards, and responsibilities in the dojo. He touches on the following:-Certification of instructors-Why t...
Episode 64: The Evolution of Kata
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty discusses how katas evolve. He also touches on:-Teaching Jitte kata-Using a bō in the kata-Whether some katas are meant to be done wi...
Episode 63: Bunkai for Kanku Dai and Heian Shodan
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty breaks down the application of the katas Kanku Dai and Heian Shodan.
Episode 62: Reverse-Engineering Katas for Bunkai
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty discusses his views on kata application and how you can reverse engineer katas to come up with bunkai.
Episode 61: The Body's Natural Weapons
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty describes some of the body's natural weapons and the best targets to use them against.
Episode 60: What Makes a Great Karate Camp (Part 5)
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty wraps up this series of discussions about karate camps. Some of the topics he discusses in this episode:-A karate camp at CFB Esquimal...
Episode 59: What Makes a Great Karate Camp (Part 4)
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this ongoing discussion of karate camps, Sensei Hanratty touches on the following: -Some Japanese instructors he got to know-His involvement with s...
Episode 58: What Makes a Great Karate Camp (Part 3)
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty continues his discussion of what he enjoyed about the karate camps he has attended, including those in La Jolla, California, and Banff...
Episode 57: What Makes a Great Karate Camp (Part 2)
22 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty continues his discussion of karate camps. In this episode, he discusses the following:-Attending camps in California hosted by Sensei ...
Episode 56: What Makes a Great Karate Camp (Part 1)
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty begins a series of discussions about karate camps. In this episode, he describes camps and competitions he attended at the Crystal Pal...
Episode 55: Tips for Karate Instructors (Part 5) – Final Tips About Teaching Kumite
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Sensei Hanratty wraps up his discussion of kumite by discussing the following:-Importance of proper mindset-Difference between predat...
Episode 54: Tips for Karate Instructors (Part 4) – More About Teaching Kumite
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty offers more tips on teaching kumite, including:-Different drills for teaching kumite-Importance of situational awareness and attitude ...
Episode 53: Tips for Karate Instructors (Part 3) – Teaching Kumite
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty offers tips for teaching kumite.
Episode 52: Tips for Karate Instructors (Part 2) – Teaching Kata
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty offers tips on how to effectively teach kata.
Episode 51: Identifying and Treating Karate Injuries
13 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty discusses the most common injuries suffered by practitioners of karate and other martial arts, including how to identify and treat the...
Episode 50: Tips for Karate Instructors (Part 1) – Intro
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty begins this series of episodes about karate instruction by discussing the following: -What belt to wear when joining or visiting a clu...
Episode 49: Similarities Between Karate and Golf
03 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty discusses what karate has in common with golf, another sport he loves. He touches on the following:-The importance of a good mental at...
Episode 48: Anatomy of a Front Kick
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty discusses the following:-importance of looking at the weapon used in each kick-stretches to help your kicks-value of using kicking pad...
Episode 47: Reflections on my 80th Birthday
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty offers some thoughts on his surprise 80th birthday celebration earlier this month, at which he was awarded his 9th Dan. He also discus...
Episode 46: Returning to Training After a Break
22 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday and also received his 9th Dan, discusses the following:-The best way to handle a return to ...
Episode 45: Common Myths About Karate and Other Martial Arts (Part 2 of 2)
04 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty continues his discussion of common misconceptions about karate and other martial arts, particularly as they're depicted in movies ...
Episode 44: Exploring Tang Soo Do with Angus Rogers
19 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty is joined by Angus Rogers, chief instructor of Heads of the Valleys Tang Soo Do, based in Wales, for a conversation about the similari...
Episode 43: Kata Deep Dive: Unsu
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty discusses the kata Unsu (cloud hands) – where it comes from, when it came into the Shotokan system, and what it means.
Episode 42: The Ancient History of Japan (Part 4 of 4)
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty concludes his four-part series on Japanese history by covering the Meiji period, a major period in the dissolution of the samurai clas...
Episode 41: The Ancient History of Japan (Part 3 of 4)
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty discusses the Edo period, sometimes informally referred to as the "samurai period" because it was dominated by the Tokugawa shogunate,...
Episode 40: Common Myths About Karate and Other Martial Arts (Part 1 of 2)
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty discusses common misconceptions about karate and other martial arts, particularly as they're depicted in movies and TV shows. Some que...
Episode 39: The Ancient History of Japan (Part 2 of 4)
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty continues his exploration of Japan's past, including an in-depth discussion of the Bushido Code.
Episode 38: Karate Answers for Beginners
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty answers questions that new karate students, as well as those thinking of starting training, might have. The questions are posed by his...
Episode 37: The Ancient History of Japan (Part 1 of 4)
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty goes deep into the past to discuss the pre-historical roots of the Japan that would later give rise to Samurai and eventually karate.
Episode 36: Secrets of Timing and Distance
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty discusses the role of timing and distance in fighting, whether at a competition or in a self-defense situation. He also covers the fol...
Episode 35: Does it Work in the Street? (Part 2 of 2)
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty continues his discussion of using martial arts in the real world. Some points he covers:-Adrenaline’s effect on fine motor skills-Wh...
Episode 34: Does it Work in the Street? (Part 1 of 2)
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty explains the differences between fighting in the dojo and fighting in the real world. He uses examples of real confrontations he's bee...
Episode 33: Stretching for Martial Arts
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty discusses the importance of a proper stretching routine. He covers the benefits and risks of various types of stretching, including st...
Episode 32: The Biomechanics of Karate
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty discusses how understanding biomechanics can help you develop safer and more effective techniques.
Episode 31: Origins of Shotokan Karate - Part 3
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty discusses the introduction and growth of Shotokan karate in North America. Also discussed:-The two main reasons karate organizations s...
Episode 30: Origins of Shotokan Karate - Part 2
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty continues his discussion of the history of Shotokan karate, focusing on the post-World-War II era, including the establishment of the ...
Episode 29: Origins of Shotokan Karate - Part 1
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty explores the origins of Shotokan karate, from its pre-Okinawa roots to its spread to mainland Japan, and then to America and the rest ...
Episode 28: The Marketing and Monopolizing of Karate
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty offers his thoughts on the recently published letter by Takeshi Oishi, chief instructor of the Japan Karate Association (JKA).Key quot...
Episode 27: The Japanese Concept of Shuhari
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty discusses the Japanese concept of Shurahi and the philosophy behind it.
Episode 26: Conversation With Sensei Edmond Otis, 8th Dan (Part 3 of 3)
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Senseis Hanratty and Otis discuss a wide variety of topics, including:-Where karate as a whole is at, and where it’s going.-The three key components...
Episode 25: Conversation with Sensei Edmond Otis, 8th Dan (Part 2 of 3)
03 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Otis discusses his tournament experiences and the role intensity plays in training and competition.Key quotes:“Normal kids aren’t supposed ...
Episode 24: Conversation with Sensei Edmond Otis, 8th Dan (Part 1 of 3)
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Edmond Otis sensei, chairman of the Shotokan International Alliance, discusses his long and storied karate career, which began at age 12 and is still ...
Episode 23: What is a Karate Master?
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What is a karate master? How do we distinguish between the three branches of karate: karate-jitsu, karate-do, and sport karate? What does it mean to a...
Episode 22: Is Karate Drifting Away from Its Budo Roots?
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty discusses the difference between budo and sport karate with Robert Hargreaves, president of the Canadian Shotokan Karate Association (...
Episode 21: Finding Your Own Karate
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty discusses the JKA's Funakoshi Gichin Cup tournament, his own experiences as a longtime (former) JKA member, and the issue of "refineme...
Episode 20: Conversation with Kevin Warner, 7th Dan (Part 2 of 2)
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty continues his conversation with Kevin Warner, 7th Dan, with the two of them reminiscing about past karate camps in the U.S. and Hungar...
Episode 19: Conversation with Kevin Warner, 7th Dan (Part 1 of 2)
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty interviews Kevin Warner, 7th Dan, in Riverside, California. Sensei Warner shares how he became introduced to karate and what it was li...
Episode 18: Loyalty in Karate and Why People Quit
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty discusses the reasons people quit karate, the issue of loyalty, and the special relationship between instructor and student. While adm...
Episode 17: Revisiting a Classic Tournament at Crystal Palace - Part 2 of 2
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty continues his discussion of a legendary tournament at Crystal Palace, including an epic battle in the finals between Steve Cattle and ...
Episode 16: Revisiting a Classic Tournament at Crystal Palace - Part 1 of 2
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty revisits some classic matchups that occurred at the 1978 Nationals at Crystal Palace in Liverpool, England.
Episode 15: The Purpose and Evolution of Kata
25 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty describes a recent open tournament that he directed, which included karate and kung fu practitioners, among others. He then delves int...
Episode 14: The Roots of Shotokan Karate
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty discusses the origins of Shotokan Karate, including Master Funakoshi's role in introducing Okinawan martial arts to the Japanese mainl...
Episode 13: Karate Belts and the Grading System
13 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty discusses the reason there are so many belt levels and how karate's grading system was first adopted by Master Funakoshi. He also disc...
Episode 12: The Difference Between Coaching and Teaching
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty discusses the differences between coaching and teaching, as well as: -The importance of distance exercises-Developing your favourite ...
Episode 11: Benefits of Karate as You Age
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In addition to the benefits of karate as you age, Sensei Hanratty discusses the following:-The roots of karate in Okinawa.-Why there are so many karat...
Episode 10: JKA Seminar with Sensei Tatsuya Naka
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty discusses a Shotokan seminar he recently attended in Toronto, Ontario. The seminar was hosted by the Toronto JKA and was taught by Sen...
Episode 9: Facing Adversity – The 2001 WSKA Tournament and 9/11
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty and his guest Robert Hargreaves, president of the CSKA, reminisce about the 2001 WSKA Tournament held in Prague, Czech Republic. Sense...
Episode 8: Dealing With Training Plateaus
20 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty discusses how to overcome training plateaus. He also shares memories of the 1997 WSKA competition in Riverside, California. Also, moun...
Episode 7: Memorable Karate Competitions
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty provides a recap of the 40th Annual Competition held this week by the Canadian Shotokan Karate Association (CSKA) and offers some tips...
Episode 6: Exploring the Power of Kime and Chi
30 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty discusses the often misunderstood concept of kime, as well as the related concept of chi.Hanratty also discusses karate’s role in ...
Episode 5: One of the Best Fights I Ever Saw
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty describes one of the best fights he ever saw, which took place in 1977 at Crystal Palace, in south London, between Shotokan legends St...
Episode 4: Grading the Tournaments
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty delves into the history of karate competitions, including some of the more controversial and colourful individuals involved. He also d...
Episode 3: Introduction to Karate Stances
09 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty discusses the principles of basic karate stances, looking at the distinguishing features of inside tension and outside tension stances...
Episode 2: History of the CSKA and WSKA
08 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty discusses how the Canadian Shotokan Karate Association (CSKA) and the World Shotokan Karate Association (WSKA) got their starts. He of...
Episode 1: Starting the Karate Journey
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sensei Hanratty discusses what first attracted him to karate and the tough upbringing in post-war Liverpool that preceded his karate journey. Dan Kost...