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Many martial artists are impressed with the Bruce Lee's, Jackie Chan's and Jet Li's of the world, and rightly so...
Their moves, although choreographed for the big screen, are a culmination of years of dedication and of course natural ability.
Like the superstars of the sports world, they are in an elite club and deserve the praise of the world.
The road to becoming even remotely proficient at freestyle kumite, especially in a tournament setting, is an arduous journey indeed.
It's a path that is long, demanding and requires dedication, both physical and spiritual.
It's a journey that is also ultimately worthwhile.
To reach that goal, a Karateka has to master the proper stages of their development.
The reason being is that any short cuts in ones training, is magnified 1000 times in a freestyle kumite match.
Having a black belt does in no uncertain terms ensure you will be able to master freestyle kumite, but rather it is the essential first stage.
On becoming a black belt you've worked hard and taken many years to develop your foot work, proper kata movements, 5 step kumite, 1 step kumite and now your ready for freestyle.
Let's say that along with a well trained body you've spent considerable time training your mind. We'll say that you've overcome the fear of being hit and that your mind is calm in the midst of intense activity.
Why is it then, that the very first kumite match you ever have ends up in disaster?
Why does fear, tenseness and a "deer in the headlights" feeling, suddenly turn one into a punching bag for their opponent?
You see, freestyle kumite is not a culmination of all your training but rather it is the fist step in a journey that is as long and arduous as your entire black belt training.
It's another journey that will take a life time to master if ever...
...so don't feel bad if things go badly your first freestyle kumite match.
There is so much to learn about techniques, timing and distance, quality of the mind of your opponent as well as your own and other factors that makes it impossible to encompass that knowledge in any context.
This blog can only point the direction and offer a few pointers along the way that will help the karateka on this path with a heart...
So here is your first pointer...don't take short cuts with your basic training, kata, and 1, 5 step kumite...
...study them equally and always follow up freestyle kumite with more basics.
It sounds boring and it is...
"...you must become a master before you can become a master"...I just made that up, but I might have picked it up from somewhere so don't quote me on it.. :)
Don't forget to check out the exciting books and dvd's on Karate, Martial Arts, Zen, Weapons, Nutrition and Health from the Indulgent Samurai Store...
RJF
Sunday, October 28, 2007
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