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Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
Kumite Drills # 1/Kumite Drills # 2/Kumite Drills # 3
What exactly is the Mind Body connection and how can I take advantage of it in freestyle Kumite?
To me, it's a mind that simply and quietly observes everything that is taking place in the moment, including the awareness of one's own thoughts. It’s also a body which is totally relaxed and ready to pounce in a moments notice. The resultant combination of the two creating a powerful "feeling" of letting go...
If I can't even understand the mechanism which is "thought" and how it manifests in my daily activities, how am I going to understand it and make use of it in a highly stressful situation, like a freestyle Kumite match?
Also, if I don't know what it feels like to experience total body relaxation while sitting at home on my couch , how am I going to relax my body when a 200 lb opponent is bearing down on me with a lunge punch?
First of all, the idea of "letting go" of thought and the resulting bodily tension, can be a rather difficult idea to think about...
...mainly because the tool I am using to think about this subject with, is the very tool I am trying to "let go of".
Meditation is very good for calming the mind and seeing how the mechanism of thought works, how it seems to rise all on its own accord without ever have been given an invitation to do so.
Also, if I can sit for a while and watch thoughts come and go, without paying any attention to them, I can experience a temporary feeling of freedom and clarity.
The interesting thing about this type of sitting and observing, is that my body responds in kind, and is allowed to explore even deeper levels of relaxation.
Now in a freestyle Kumite match, I can see how this kind of mind clarity and relaxed body feeling, can be a real benefit to me.
I would be able to see my opponent’s movements almost as soon as they happened as opposed to seeing the "thoughts" about my opponent’s movement.
The benefits of a relaxed body, would be an effortless starting point from which I could make use of the principles of dynamic tension...
So, if you’re having trouble relaxing or are thinking too much, like myself, in freestyle Kumite, try some mind body awareness techniques...
...at the very least, they'll open up a new level of self discovery, and that isn’t such a bad thing...
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, March 18, 2007
Sunday, February 04, 2007
More thoughts on Karate Kumite tournament fighting...
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Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
Kumite Drills # 1/Kumite Drills # 2/Kumite Drills # 3
You know, preparing for a Kumite match is to say the least, complicated...
...and what I'm learning about it, is that one needs experience and a good instructor.
I recently had my first ever Kumite test match and believe me it was quite an eye opener...
Although it was one of the funnest things I have ever done, so many things went wrong.
It was if I had found myself in a fog facing an opponent who seemed afraid of the street thug that I was turning into, after all, it was suppose to be a fun test match.
Suddenly I was in a fight for my life and my punches started zeroing in on my opponents head, who was by now in total shock, as hitting to the head was only allowed if there was total control and light contact.
I lost total control of myself and was attacking my opponent like Rocky Balboa...
After the stoppage of the match and regaining my senses, I had to go over to my opponent and apologize for my bewildering behavior...
I still don't know what happened to me...
At the end of the evening when my Sensei was handing out participation medals, he had only one word for me, "control"...
...How did I lose control so easily...I'll be talking with my Sensei about that one next time I see him at the Dojo...
Anyway I did some searching on the internet and came across some really good information on preparing for a Kumite match at a tournament, its at
G.Scott on Kumite
Check it out, there's some really good information in there and some stuff that I'm going to be trying myself...
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
Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
Kumite Drills # 1/Kumite Drills # 2/Kumite Drills # 3
You know, preparing for a Kumite match is to say the least, complicated...
...and what I'm learning about it, is that one needs experience and a good instructor.
I recently had my first ever Kumite test match and believe me it was quite an eye opener...
Although it was one of the funnest things I have ever done, so many things went wrong.
It was if I had found myself in a fog facing an opponent who seemed afraid of the street thug that I was turning into, after all, it was suppose to be a fun test match.
Suddenly I was in a fight for my life and my punches started zeroing in on my opponents head, who was by now in total shock, as hitting to the head was only allowed if there was total control and light contact.
I lost total control of myself and was attacking my opponent like Rocky Balboa...
After the stoppage of the match and regaining my senses, I had to go over to my opponent and apologize for my bewildering behavior...
I still don't know what happened to me...
At the end of the evening when my Sensei was handing out participation medals, he had only one word for me, "control"...
...How did I lose control so easily...I'll be talking with my Sensei about that one next time I see him at the Dojo...
Anyway I did some searching on the internet and came across some really good information on preparing for a Kumite match at a tournament, its at
G.Scott on Kumite
Check it out, there's some really good information in there and some stuff that I'm going to be trying myself...
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
Saturday, February 03, 2007
On becoming a Karate/Martial Arts Champion
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Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
Kumite Drills # 1/Kumite Drills # 2/Kumite Drills # 3
Want to be a Karate or Martial art Champion? Then you had better start now…
Like any sport, the athlete’s age and experience, determines his ability to become a champion…
…so for all you 30 year olds and older farts who haven’t been training all your lives in the martial arts, well I’m afraid you’ve missed the boat. I should know, I’m 49 and have only been doing Karate for about 4 years.
That’s ok though, it’s still fun to enter small time recreational tournaments put on by your association and see what you can do, besides it’s really fun.
Up until lately, the world of competitive tournament karate and martial arts hasn’t had much of a following outside of Japan and Europe.
With the recent fights in the UFC and in particular the Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz match, a much wider audience, has shown their interest in putting down serious money to watch quality athletes pound it out in what is being perceived as a legitimate sporting event, and rightly so.
The new interest will fuel bigger monetary prizes and lucrative advertising contracts, giving impetus to athletes whose grueling training and dedication rarely ever, except perhaps on an Olympic scale, was actually worth the commitment.
The determination and training that these athletes have to go through is nothing short of superhuman in scale, but the monetary rewards and recognition has always been lacking.
The success of the UFC will have other tournament styles and martial arts associations pulled along behind them, creating more opportunities for martial artists of all styles, to make lucrative salaries and be given more venues to showcase their skills.
So, if you’re young and think that making money and fame on the tournament circuit might be something for you, then you’ll have to develop amongst other things, two very important qualities.
They are a competitive spirit or attitude and relentless dedication to training…
…both of which are huge sacrifices to make for a young person.
But then again, to be crowned champion and handed a 6 figure paycheck, that’s not so bad either…
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
Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
Kumite Drills # 1/Kumite Drills # 2/Kumite Drills # 3
Want to be a Karate or Martial art Champion? Then you had better start now…
Like any sport, the athlete’s age and experience, determines his ability to become a champion…
…so for all you 30 year olds and older farts who haven’t been training all your lives in the martial arts, well I’m afraid you’ve missed the boat. I should know, I’m 49 and have only been doing Karate for about 4 years.
That’s ok though, it’s still fun to enter small time recreational tournaments put on by your association and see what you can do, besides it’s really fun.
Up until lately, the world of competitive tournament karate and martial arts hasn’t had much of a following outside of Japan and Europe.
With the recent fights in the UFC and in particular the Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz match, a much wider audience, has shown their interest in putting down serious money to watch quality athletes pound it out in what is being perceived as a legitimate sporting event, and rightly so.
The new interest will fuel bigger monetary prizes and lucrative advertising contracts, giving impetus to athletes whose grueling training and dedication rarely ever, except perhaps on an Olympic scale, was actually worth the commitment.
The determination and training that these athletes have to go through is nothing short of superhuman in scale, but the monetary rewards and recognition has always been lacking.
The success of the UFC will have other tournament styles and martial arts associations pulled along behind them, creating more opportunities for martial artists of all styles, to make lucrative salaries and be given more venues to showcase their skills.
So, if you’re young and think that making money and fame on the tournament circuit might be something for you, then you’ll have to develop amongst other things, two very important qualities.
They are a competitive spirit or attitude and relentless dedication to training…
…both of which are huge sacrifices to make for a young person.
But then again, to be crowned champion and handed a 6 figure paycheck, that’s not so bad either…
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
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
What is it like to be a Black Belt?
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Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
Kumite Drills # 1/Kumite Drills # 2/Kumite Drills # 3
What is it like to be a Black Belt?
I recently received my Shodan (first Black Belt) and I’m very thrilled about doing so…
It’s been nearly 4 years of twice a week training as well as practicing at home and sometimes at work.
Even though I’m 49 years old, my body has responded positively to the unnatural movements associated with Shotokan Karate and it’s much stronger and leaner for one thing and slightly more flexible for another…although some things will never change.
My mental abilities of concentration and memory have also improved, as well as my self consciousness of standing out and performing in a room full of people.
So, for me reaching this level of expertise has been very gratifying in so many ways.
For others who achieve their Black Belt, it means they have simply reached the end…
…while still others feel it is a first step and that they are just at the beginning their journey.
To me, it is simply a signpost, pointing the right direction I should follow and signifying that I’m on the right path.
An individual won’t live long enough to know everything there is to know about Karate, not because the movements can’t be mastered, but rather because it is a journey of self discovery…
…and what a person discovers is the human spirit.
Once discovered, the traveler is awe struck and humbled at the potentiality that lies there…
…more importantly, one discovers that it has always been there for them if they had simply paid attention to it.
I encourage everyone to continue their journey along their chosen path of Martial Arts or spiritual enlightenment, to discover for themselves, the precious gift the universe has afforded us as human beings…
Happy Holidays
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
Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
Kumite Drills # 1/Kumite Drills # 2/Kumite Drills # 3
What is it like to be a Black Belt?
I recently received my Shodan (first Black Belt) and I’m very thrilled about doing so…
It’s been nearly 4 years of twice a week training as well as practicing at home and sometimes at work.
Even though I’m 49 years old, my body has responded positively to the unnatural movements associated with Shotokan Karate and it’s much stronger and leaner for one thing and slightly more flexible for another…although some things will never change.
My mental abilities of concentration and memory have also improved, as well as my self consciousness of standing out and performing in a room full of people.
So, for me reaching this level of expertise has been very gratifying in so many ways.
For others who achieve their Black Belt, it means they have simply reached the end…
…while still others feel it is a first step and that they are just at the beginning their journey.
To me, it is simply a signpost, pointing the right direction I should follow and signifying that I’m on the right path.
An individual won’t live long enough to know everything there is to know about Karate, not because the movements can’t be mastered, but rather because it is a journey of self discovery…
…and what a person discovers is the human spirit.
Once discovered, the traveler is awe struck and humbled at the potentiality that lies there…
…more importantly, one discovers that it has always been there for them if they had simply paid attention to it.
I encourage everyone to continue their journey along their chosen path of Martial Arts or spiritual enlightenment, to discover for themselves, the precious gift the universe has afforded us as human beings…
Happy Holidays
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
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Timing...it's all about awareness and opportunity...
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Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
Kumite Drills # 1/Kumite Drills # 2/Kumite Drills # 3
We can all become proficient when it comes to punching, blocking and kicking.
What takes practice, is the "timing" of our punches, blocks and kicks.
Without proper timing, like a baseball batter, you'll never hit the ball or your target with any kind of effectiveness.
It all begins with awareness and in particular awareness of your opponent and your environment...
...in the dojo, with both karate-ka focusing on sparring, there are no outside influences to distract one another, so what do you do you ask?, well you create your own distractions
You learn by feinting and then observing if your opponent falls for them or not, but most likely they will, the "first" time. Consequently, if they don't fall for the feint, you step in like your feinting with the exact same timing and drive your fist or kick to the target.
Don't try to "think" about timing and opportunity... just execute...
...your attack of the target area should always follow your feint in a single heart beat.
If your timing was correct and you successfully scored a hit on the target, immediately follow it up with a combination and then retreat as quickly as you attacked...
...it's a mistake to momentarily pause and admire your cleverness at scoring a point...
...because in that split second of gloating, if your opponent is aware enough to see your lapse of concentration and take advantage of it, all your effort will have been wasted.
There is no real defense for feints, because the human body is reactive...you see a punch coming to your head and you cover high or you cover low for what looks like a kick...
...but there is a strategy you can use to keep the mind of your opponent busy...and that is giving and taking away targets for him to attack.
...more on that later.
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
Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
Kumite Drills # 1/Kumite Drills # 2/Kumite Drills # 3
We can all become proficient when it comes to punching, blocking and kicking.
What takes practice, is the "timing" of our punches, blocks and kicks.
Without proper timing, like a baseball batter, you'll never hit the ball or your target with any kind of effectiveness.
It all begins with awareness and in particular awareness of your opponent and your environment...
...in the dojo, with both karate-ka focusing on sparring, there are no outside influences to distract one another, so what do you do you ask?, well you create your own distractions
You learn by feinting and then observing if your opponent falls for them or not, but most likely they will, the "first" time. Consequently, if they don't fall for the feint, you step in like your feinting with the exact same timing and drive your fist or kick to the target.
Don't try to "think" about timing and opportunity... just execute...
...your attack of the target area should always follow your feint in a single heart beat.
If your timing was correct and you successfully scored a hit on the target, immediately follow it up with a combination and then retreat as quickly as you attacked...
...it's a mistake to momentarily pause and admire your cleverness at scoring a point...
...because in that split second of gloating, if your opponent is aware enough to see your lapse of concentration and take advantage of it, all your effort will have been wasted.
There is no real defense for feints, because the human body is reactive...you see a punch coming to your head and you cover high or you cover low for what looks like a kick...
...but there is a strategy you can use to keep the mind of your opponent busy...and that is giving and taking away targets for him to attack.
...more on that later.
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
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Rhythm...and no, you don't have to be a dancer.
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Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
Kumite Drills # 1/Kumite Drills # 2/Kumite Drills # 3
Rhythm is an element that must be incorporated within the movements of a particular Martial Art.
In Kumite, it's best described as an internal beat that a person times his/her movements to.
Examples might be a 3 beat block, punch, and step away rhythm and when your opponent chases you, deliver another 3 beat combination of punches, kicks and blocks.
If your opponent doesn't realize that you've trapped them into your rhythm they'll soon be picking themselves up off the ground...
Consequently, while creating your own rhythm, you must try to break the rhythm of your opponent.
Rhythm in Kumite is not always as evident as in Kata, where an advanced Karate-ka can display powerful and beautifully rhythmical movements.
Rhythm is the glue that binds the elements of correct application of strength at the right time, the control of speed and transitions of the body from technique to technique.
Rhythm, develop it and see the improvement in your Kata and Kumite...
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
Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
Kumite Drills # 1/Kumite Drills # 2/Kumite Drills # 3
Rhythm is an element that must be incorporated within the movements of a particular Martial Art.
In Kumite, it's best described as an internal beat that a person times his/her movements to.
Examples might be a 3 beat block, punch, and step away rhythm and when your opponent chases you, deliver another 3 beat combination of punches, kicks and blocks.
If your opponent doesn't realize that you've trapped them into your rhythm they'll soon be picking themselves up off the ground...
Consequently, while creating your own rhythm, you must try to break the rhythm of your opponent.
Rhythm in Kumite is not always as evident as in Kata, where an advanced Karate-ka can display powerful and beautifully rhythmical movements.
Rhythm is the glue that binds the elements of correct application of strength at the right time, the control of speed and transitions of the body from technique to technique.
Rhythm, develop it and see the improvement in your Kata and Kumite...
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
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Principles of good Karate and Martial Arts...continued
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Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
Kumite Drills # 1/Kumite Drills # 2/Kumite Drills # 3
When is a punch or kick not really a punch or kick? It's not really a punch or kick if the technique is applied with only your arm or leg.
If your not using all of your body and muscles in unison, to deliver a swift and fluid technique
then you're not making efficient use of relaxation and concentration of power to deliver a strike.
It's really a foreign concept for some that a totally relaxed body and muscles can deliver more power than if your muscles are tense...
...but it's true.
A tensed muscle lacks the elasticity to smoothly pass on generated power to the next set of relaxed muscles.
Power essentially doubles then quadruples in magnitude, if allowed to freely flow through your body via your relaxed muscles.
Practicing with bag will develop powerful fluidity in your strikes and kicks...
...the next trick will be to concentrate all that energy at a target.
to be continued...Rhythm
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
Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
Kumite Drills # 1/Kumite Drills # 2/Kumite Drills # 3
When is a punch or kick not really a punch or kick? It's not really a punch or kick if the technique is applied with only your arm or leg.
If your not using all of your body and muscles in unison, to deliver a swift and fluid technique
then you're not making efficient use of relaxation and concentration of power to deliver a strike.
It's really a foreign concept for some that a totally relaxed body and muscles can deliver more power than if your muscles are tense...
...but it's true.
A tensed muscle lacks the elasticity to smoothly pass on generated power to the next set of relaxed muscles.
Power essentially doubles then quadruples in magnitude, if allowed to freely flow through your body via your relaxed muscles.
Practicing with bag will develop powerful fluidity in your strikes and kicks...
...the next trick will be to concentrate all that energy at a target.
to be continued...Rhythm
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, September 24, 2006
Principles of good Karate and Martial Arts...
Use the Google search this site for the article your looking for...
Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
Kumite Drills # 1/Kumite Drills # 2/Kumite Drills # 3
Well summer is officially over and now it's time to re-focus on ones martial art...
...in my case Karate.
It's almost like starting over but with a little more understanding than before...
...too me, Karate is kind of like a slow boil. I seem to be progressing, but sometimes I feel like I'm not and that I'm standing at the start line.
I have a red belt and I wanted to take a full year for my black belt training and exam...
...my Sensei wants me and another red belt to test in December.
How can someone as indulgent as I am, transform myself into a black belt by December?
This should be interesting...
Anyway, here's a basic principles refresher and another Kumite drill to muse over...
Points of importance are:
Form, Balance, and center of Gravity.
...a students balance is constantly shifting from one foot to the other...so one's center of gravity must shift quickly from forward and back, and side to side...
...all the while looking for an opening to attack and avoiding the attack of your opponent.
Power and Speed
To achieve power you must incorporate the action of speed.
For example, the punch of an advanced Karate-Ka can travel at a speed of 43 feet per second and carry enough potential energy of 1500 lbs per sq inch...
Speed training should be based on techniques that move the muscles quickly rather than techniques that build strength like weight lifting...
...which are important, but not for application of speed...
...punching the Makiwara board is one such training technique.
Too be continued...Abdomen and Hips, Concentration of Power, Timing, Rhythm and how the muscles work together to create power...
Oh ya, the Kumite Drill...
Movement is one of a Karate-Ka's greatest assets...
...if you can move around with ease, you'll never really get nailed with a solid technique, conversely you'll be in a perfect position to unleash your own solid technique when your opponent finishes, or lands from their technique.
Start from the Kamae position...left leg forward...
...shift forward then bring the back foot up to the front foot and push your front foot forward and finally take a full step forward with your back leg.
Your right leg and foot should now be forward...
...shift back then bring the front foot back to the rear foot and push your back foot out to the rear and finally take a full step back with your left foot.
You should now be back to your original position...
Switch legs and repeat...
Practice moving like that for straight forward attacks and straight back defensive techniques...
In Kumite, those are the 3 basic means of making distance on your opponent...so practicing those movements in unison with your opponents movements will frustrate them and set them up for your jab and reverse punches...
Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
Kumite Drills # 1/Kumite Drills # 2/Kumite Drills # 3
Well summer is officially over and now it's time to re-focus on ones martial art...
...in my case Karate.
It's almost like starting over but with a little more understanding than before...
...too me, Karate is kind of like a slow boil. I seem to be progressing, but sometimes I feel like I'm not and that I'm standing at the start line.
I have a red belt and I wanted to take a full year for my black belt training and exam...
...my Sensei wants me and another red belt to test in December.
How can someone as indulgent as I am, transform myself into a black belt by December?
This should be interesting...
Anyway, here's a basic principles refresher and another Kumite drill to muse over...
Points of importance are:
Form, Balance, and center of Gravity.
...a students balance is constantly shifting from one foot to the other...so one's center of gravity must shift quickly from forward and back, and side to side...
...all the while looking for an opening to attack and avoiding the attack of your opponent.
Power and Speed
To achieve power you must incorporate the action of speed.
For example, the punch of an advanced Karate-Ka can travel at a speed of 43 feet per second and carry enough potential energy of 1500 lbs per sq inch...
Speed training should be based on techniques that move the muscles quickly rather than techniques that build strength like weight lifting...
...which are important, but not for application of speed...
...punching the Makiwara board is one such training technique.
Too be continued...Abdomen and Hips, Concentration of Power, Timing, Rhythm and how the muscles work together to create power...
Oh ya, the Kumite Drill...
Movement is one of a Karate-Ka's greatest assets...
...if you can move around with ease, you'll never really get nailed with a solid technique, conversely you'll be in a perfect position to unleash your own solid technique when your opponent finishes, or lands from their technique.
Start from the Kamae position...left leg forward...
...shift forward then bring the back foot up to the front foot and push your front foot forward and finally take a full step forward with your back leg.
Your right leg and foot should now be forward...
...shift back then bring the front foot back to the rear foot and push your back foot out to the rear and finally take a full step back with your left foot.
You should now be back to your original position...
Switch legs and repeat...
Practice moving like that for straight forward attacks and straight back defensive techniques...
In Kumite, those are the 3 basic means of making distance on your opponent...so practicing those movements in unison with your opponents movements will frustrate them and set them up for your jab and reverse punches...
Sunday, August 06, 2006
The lazy indulgent days of Summer....
Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
Kumite Drills # 1/Kumite Drills # 2/Kumite Drills # 3
Summer is really a bad time for staying focused on one's martial arts training, it is for me anyway...
That's why our family oriented Karate organization completely shuts down, except for perhaps one or two dojo's.
Martial arts, in particular Karate, are an important part of mine and other people's lives...
...but so is family...
So other than a yearly karate retreat on beautiful Vancouver Island, my karate takes a back burner to hikes, mini vacations to the mountains and visiting family members who have cabins at the lake, with my wife.
Not to mention all the great barbecued food and drinks that get consumed while on holidays...
...my poor waistline.
That's not to say I stop practicing, but rather a "do it when I feel like it" attitude takes over.
I'll start to crank my training up in the fall again when the weather gets cooler and the memories of summer have begun to fade.
I'll be coming out with some more Kumite Tips and Drills for beginners, in the coming months so stay tuned.
Here's a training tip for all you martial artists out there, one that you'll find quite interesting...
...try your martial art's training and Kata's on different surfaces and with different footwear.
If you've never tried it before, your in for a real surprise...
...that beautiful balance you've developed on the hardwood floor of your dojo, has suddenly been transformed into something not so beautiful.
Train on the grass without sandals and then with them on...
...put on your sneakers and train on a hard surface like asphalt, at an outdoor basketball or tennis court.
And of course there is the sand of your local beach or desert.
The different surfaces and having weight from shoes on your feet, places new demands on the muscles you use for your particular martial art.
You'll notice how much stronger you'll feel when you get back onto the hardwood of the dojo.
Have a good rest of the summer...
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
Kumite Drills # 1/Kumite Drills # 2/Kumite Drills # 3
Summer is really a bad time for staying focused on one's martial arts training, it is for me anyway...
That's why our family oriented Karate organization completely shuts down, except for perhaps one or two dojo's.
Martial arts, in particular Karate, are an important part of mine and other people's lives...
...but so is family...
So other than a yearly karate retreat on beautiful Vancouver Island, my karate takes a back burner to hikes, mini vacations to the mountains and visiting family members who have cabins at the lake, with my wife.
Not to mention all the great barbecued food and drinks that get consumed while on holidays...
...my poor waistline.
That's not to say I stop practicing, but rather a "do it when I feel like it" attitude takes over.
I'll start to crank my training up in the fall again when the weather gets cooler and the memories of summer have begun to fade.
I'll be coming out with some more Kumite Tips and Drills for beginners, in the coming months so stay tuned.
Here's a training tip for all you martial artists out there, one that you'll find quite interesting...
...try your martial art's training and Kata's on different surfaces and with different footwear.
If you've never tried it before, your in for a real surprise...
...that beautiful balance you've developed on the hardwood floor of your dojo, has suddenly been transformed into something not so beautiful.
Train on the grass without sandals and then with them on...
...put on your sneakers and train on a hard surface like asphalt, at an outdoor basketball or tennis court.
And of course there is the sand of your local beach or desert.
The different surfaces and having weight from shoes on your feet, places new demands on the muscles you use for your particular martial art.
You'll notice how much stronger you'll feel when you get back onto the hardwood of the dojo.
Have a good rest of the summer...
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
Monday, July 17, 2006
Kumite Drills for the beginner...Kumite Drill # 3
Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
Kumite Drills # 1/Kumite Drills # 2/Kumite Drills # 3/
Kumite Drill # 3
Start with the left leg forward.
Bring the back foot almost up to where the front foot is and transfer your weight onto that leg.
With the front leg, do a front kick at jodan or chudan level. After the kick and from the hikite, place the kicking leg down in front of the weight bearing leg (Not too far forward), then transfer your weight to the front leg and shift back.
You should almost be completely back in your original position in a balanced kamae.
Next, bring the back foot up almost to where the front foot is, transfer your weight and do a roundhouse kick with the front leg.
Return the kicking leg to the ground in a medium front stance, transfer your weight once again and then shift back.
From your left leg forward Kamae, bring the back foot up to where the front foot is and do a side thrust kick with the front leg. Place the kicking leg down and in front of the weight bearing leg (Not too far forward) and then strongly shift back.
Bring the back foot up to where the front foot is and do a reverse roundhouse kick with the front leg. Place the kicking leg down and in front of the weight bearing leg (Not too far forward) then once again, strongly shift back.
Change to the right leg forward Kamae and repeat the drill...
Pointers:
Your hikite must come back quickly and you must be perfectly balanced and not leaning forward or backwards.
Your placement of the kicking leg should not be too far forward, unless of course you are setting your opponent up for a reverse punch by stepping into a front stance.
When you transfer your weight on to the front leg, thrust the back leg backwards for a faster and stronger shifting motion.
This drill helps to develop kicking from a balanced kamae, to the unbalanced kick itself and back into a balanced kamae, ready for the next offensive or defensive technique.
Like always, practice it about a hundred times from each side.
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
Kumite Drills # 1/Kumite Drills # 2/Kumite Drills # 3/
Kumite Drill # 3
Start with the left leg forward.
Bring the back foot almost up to where the front foot is and transfer your weight onto that leg.
With the front leg, do a front kick at jodan or chudan level. After the kick and from the hikite, place the kicking leg down in front of the weight bearing leg (Not too far forward), then transfer your weight to the front leg and shift back.
You should almost be completely back in your original position in a balanced kamae.
Next, bring the back foot up almost to where the front foot is, transfer your weight and do a roundhouse kick with the front leg.
Return the kicking leg to the ground in a medium front stance, transfer your weight once again and then shift back.
From your left leg forward Kamae, bring the back foot up to where the front foot is and do a side thrust kick with the front leg. Place the kicking leg down and in front of the weight bearing leg (Not too far forward) and then strongly shift back.
Bring the back foot up to where the front foot is and do a reverse roundhouse kick with the front leg. Place the kicking leg down and in front of the weight bearing leg (Not too far forward) then once again, strongly shift back.
Change to the right leg forward Kamae and repeat the drill...
Pointers:
Your hikite must come back quickly and you must be perfectly balanced and not leaning forward or backwards.
Your placement of the kicking leg should not be too far forward, unless of course you are setting your opponent up for a reverse punch by stepping into a front stance.
When you transfer your weight on to the front leg, thrust the back leg backwards for a faster and stronger shifting motion.
This drill helps to develop kicking from a balanced kamae, to the unbalanced kick itself and back into a balanced kamae, ready for the next offensive or defensive technique.
Like always, practice it about a hundred times from each side.
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, July 16, 2006
Kumite Drills for the beginner...Kumite Drill # 2
Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
Kumite Drills # 1/Kumite Drills # 2/
This drill is similar to Kumite Drills # 1/...
...when you've pulled your kicking leg back to it's original position, take a full step back with your left forward leg instead of shifting back. Your final stance will now be with your right leg forward.
This drill trains your body to take stances from both sides and to kick with either leg...
Start with the left leg forward.
Shift forward half a step and jab or back fist...this time instead of shifting back, take a full step back and end up with your right leg in front.
Shift forward again half a step and jab or back fist with your right fist...
...again, instead of shifting back, take a full step back and end up with your left leg once again in front.
Do this drill hundreds of times until you feel comfortable changing from your left leg forward stance to your right leg forward stance.
Once your comfortable changing stances, it's time to add all of your kicks.
Starting with your left leg forward, shift forward half a step, jab or back fist, and then do a front kick with the back leg. Return the kicking leg to its original position and then instead of shifting back like in Kumite Drills # 1/...step back with your left leg, ending up with your right leg and guard in front.
Shift forward half a step, jab or back fist, and then do another front kick with the back leg. Return the kicking leg to its original position and then take a step back ending up with your left leg and guard once again in front.
Do the same drill for the round house, side thrust kick, back kick and the reverse round house kick.
You can also add a reverse punch in after changing your Kamae from one side to the other for a variation...if your opponent made the mistake of chasing you, the reverse punch can be used to great affect.
Pointers:
When stepping back, try to keep the back straight and don't let the head trail your shoulders.
Instead of stepping back with the forward leg, it should actually be thrust back into position, this will allow you to set up much more quickly for your opponents counter attacks.
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
Kumite Drills # 1/Kumite Drills # 2/
This drill is similar to Kumite Drills # 1/...
...when you've pulled your kicking leg back to it's original position, take a full step back with your left forward leg instead of shifting back. Your final stance will now be with your right leg forward.
This drill trains your body to take stances from both sides and to kick with either leg...
Start with the left leg forward.
Shift forward half a step and jab or back fist...this time instead of shifting back, take a full step back and end up with your right leg in front.
Shift forward again half a step and jab or back fist with your right fist...
...again, instead of shifting back, take a full step back and end up with your left leg once again in front.
Do this drill hundreds of times until you feel comfortable changing from your left leg forward stance to your right leg forward stance.
Once your comfortable changing stances, it's time to add all of your kicks.
Starting with your left leg forward, shift forward half a step, jab or back fist, and then do a front kick with the back leg. Return the kicking leg to its original position and then instead of shifting back like in Kumite Drills # 1/...step back with your left leg, ending up with your right leg and guard in front.
Shift forward half a step, jab or back fist, and then do another front kick with the back leg. Return the kicking leg to its original position and then take a step back ending up with your left leg and guard once again in front.
Do the same drill for the round house, side thrust kick, back kick and the reverse round house kick.
You can also add a reverse punch in after changing your Kamae from one side to the other for a variation...if your opponent made the mistake of chasing you, the reverse punch can be used to great affect.
Pointers:
When stepping back, try to keep the back straight and don't let the head trail your shoulders.
Instead of stepping back with the forward leg, it should actually be thrust back into position, this will allow you to set up much more quickly for your opponents counter attacks.
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
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Kumite Drills for the beginner...Kumite Drill # 1
Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
Kumite Drills # 1/Kumite Drills # 2/
Freestyle Kumite is hard, damn hard and it seems that after a few minutes of sparring, all of my Karate technique goes out the window...
...I then have to remind myself about what I should be doing, technique wise.
When that happens I lose focus on what I am suppose to accomplish against my opponent.
Here's a simple drill that is the basis for all beginners in freestyle Kumite...
...it must be practiced so that the movement becomes a part of you.
Practicing this drill will give the beginner both an offensive and defensive posture and is the basis for more advanced Kumite movements...
Drill # 1
Start with the left leg forward.
Shift forward half a step with the left leg and jab, shift back to original position.
Practice that a few times to get the feeling of shifting in and shifting back out.
Then shift forward half a step, jab, and then do a front kick with the back leg. Return the kicking leg back to it's original position and then shift back...
At this point you should be standing exactly where you started.
Now shift forward half a step, do a back fist or jab and then do a roundhouse kick with the back leg. Return the kicking leg to its original position and then shift back to your starting position.
Now, shift forward half a step, back fist or jab, and then do a side thrust kick with the back leg, return the kicking leg to its original position then shift back to your start position.
Shift forward half a step diagonally to the right side, back fist or jab, and then do a back kick with the back leg, return the kicking leg to it's original position and then shift back to your start position.
Shift forward half a step, back fist or jab, and then do a reverse roundhouse kick with the back leg, return the kicking leg to it's original position and then shift back to your initial start position.
Switch to the right leg forward and repeat.
Shifting forward a half step stretches the body like an elastic and the kicks naturally snap towards the target with greater speed...
...getting the kick back as fast it left and then shifting back, doesn't allow your opponent enough time or distance to counter attack you.
Even if he does make up the distance, you will be in a perfectly balanced position to defend or attack once again..
Practice those movements about a thousand times until they become automatic.
Pointer:
The key to shifting is in dropping your weight on your supporting leg and pushing straight forward or straight back. Also keep your hips as level as possible.
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
Kumite Drills # 1/Kumite Drills # 2/
Freestyle Kumite is hard, damn hard and it seems that after a few minutes of sparring, all of my Karate technique goes out the window...
...I then have to remind myself about what I should be doing, technique wise.
When that happens I lose focus on what I am suppose to accomplish against my opponent.
Here's a simple drill that is the basis for all beginners in freestyle Kumite...
...it must be practiced so that the movement becomes a part of you.
Practicing this drill will give the beginner both an offensive and defensive posture and is the basis for more advanced Kumite movements...
Drill # 1
Start with the left leg forward.
Shift forward half a step with the left leg and jab, shift back to original position.
Practice that a few times to get the feeling of shifting in and shifting back out.
Then shift forward half a step, jab, and then do a front kick with the back leg. Return the kicking leg back to it's original position and then shift back...
At this point you should be standing exactly where you started.
Now shift forward half a step, do a back fist or jab and then do a roundhouse kick with the back leg. Return the kicking leg to its original position and then shift back to your starting position.
Now, shift forward half a step, back fist or jab, and then do a side thrust kick with the back leg, return the kicking leg to its original position then shift back to your start position.
Shift forward half a step diagonally to the right side, back fist or jab, and then do a back kick with the back leg, return the kicking leg to it's original position and then shift back to your start position.
Shift forward half a step, back fist or jab, and then do a reverse roundhouse kick with the back leg, return the kicking leg to it's original position and then shift back to your initial start position.
Switch to the right leg forward and repeat.
Shifting forward a half step stretches the body like an elastic and the kicks naturally snap towards the target with greater speed...
...getting the kick back as fast it left and then shifting back, doesn't allow your opponent enough time or distance to counter attack you.
Even if he does make up the distance, you will be in a perfectly balanced position to defend or attack once again..
Practice those movements about a thousand times until they become automatic.
Pointer:
The key to shifting is in dropping your weight on your supporting leg and pushing straight forward or straight back. Also keep your hips as level as possible.
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, June 25, 2006
Devise at all times...Funakoshi's 20th and last principle of Karate...
Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
Use the Google search bar to the right to find articles of interest...
Devise
1. To use ingenuity in making, developing, or achieving: concoct, contrive, dream up, fabricate, formulate, hatch, invent, make up, think up. Informal cook up. Idioms: come up with. See make/unmake.
2. To form a strategy for: blueprint, cast, chart, conceive, contrive, design, formulate, frame, lay1, plan, project, scheme, strategize, work out. Informal dope out. Idioms: lay plans. See planned/unplanned.
3. To give (property) to another person after one's death: leave1, will. Law bequeath. See give/take/reciprocity, law.
Here's some quotes on the importance of using the mind as a creative tool in Kumite...
"“They say that necessity is the mother of invention, and when the necessity is survival she can be one mean mother, but it's her child invention that's the real dangerous one."
Darien Fawkes quotes
"“Conflict is the gadfly of thought. It stirs us to observation and memory. It instigates to invention. It shocks us out of sheeplike passivity, and sets us at noting and contriving."”
John Dewey quotes (American Philosopher, Psychologist and Educator, 1859-1952)
"It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation."
-- Herman Melville
"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep."
-- Scott Adams
"Man's mind stretched to a new idea never goes back to its original dimensions."
-- Sri da Avabhas
"Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way."
-- Edward de Bono
I think it is very important to use the mind in this way...
...if a person is devising and creating on the fly then the mind is in a place free of fear and failure, it's right where it ought to be...
...completely in the here and now.
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
Use the Google search bar to the right to find articles of interest...
Devise
1. To use ingenuity in making, developing, or achieving: concoct, contrive, dream up, fabricate, formulate, hatch, invent, make up, think up. Informal cook up. Idioms: come up with. See make/unmake.
2. To form a strategy for: blueprint, cast, chart, conceive, contrive, design, formulate, frame, lay1, plan, project, scheme, strategize, work out. Informal dope out. Idioms: lay plans. See planned/unplanned.
3. To give (property) to another person after one's death: leave1, will. Law bequeath. See give/take/reciprocity, law.
Here's some quotes on the importance of using the mind as a creative tool in Kumite...
"“They say that necessity is the mother of invention, and when the necessity is survival she can be one mean mother, but it's her child invention that's the real dangerous one."
Darien Fawkes quotes
"“Conflict is the gadfly of thought. It stirs us to observation and memory. It instigates to invention. It shocks us out of sheeplike passivity, and sets us at noting and contriving."”
John Dewey quotes (American Philosopher, Psychologist and Educator, 1859-1952)
"It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation."
-- Herman Melville
"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep."
-- Scott Adams
"Man's mind stretched to a new idea never goes back to its original dimensions."
-- Sri da Avabhas
"Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way."
-- Edward de Bono
I think it is very important to use the mind in this way...
...if a person is devising and creating on the fly then the mind is in a place free of fear and failure, it's right where it ought to be...
...completely in the here and now.
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
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Funakoshi's 19 th principle of Karate..."Do not forget light and heavy application of power"
Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
Use the Google search bar to the right to find articles of interest...
Funakoshi's 19 th principle of Karate..."Do not forget light and heavy application of power"
In my Kumite and Kata experience so far, I've noticed a direct correlation between Speed and Power.
While muscular strength is important, it isn't as important as the effective use of ones strength...
...and that's why some women and smaller men, can effectively deliver more power than others who have more muscle strength.
I'm not sure what Funakoshi means by light application of power, because it seems to me that when you are delivering a punch or kick with maximum speed and maximum concentration of power it will automatically be a heavy application.
It is possible he was referring to the light application of power while one is moving and making use of what the Japanese refer to as Tanden or the area behind the navel in the very center of the body...
...it was believed that this is where the spirit resides and this is the center of power and balance.
The use of the lower abdominal area and in particular the hips, plays a central role in all Karate movements...
...thus the relevance of the saying "...punch with the hips, kick with the hips and block with the hips"
I believe that through the correct use of a harmonized and powerful balance, built upon a proper stance, a very quick and devastating delivery of concentrated power, can easily be achieved.
I guess it would similar to being in the "zone" or perhaps seeing perfection from a place void of the ego and being aware enough to know, you've just witnessed the spirit.
RJF
Use the Google search bar to the right to find articles of interest...
Funakoshi's 19 th principle of Karate..."Do not forget light and heavy application of power"
In my Kumite and Kata experience so far, I've noticed a direct correlation between Speed and Power.
While muscular strength is important, it isn't as important as the effective use of ones strength...
...and that's why some women and smaller men, can effectively deliver more power than others who have more muscle strength.
I'm not sure what Funakoshi means by light application of power, because it seems to me that when you are delivering a punch or kick with maximum speed and maximum concentration of power it will automatically be a heavy application.
It is possible he was referring to the light application of power while one is moving and making use of what the Japanese refer to as Tanden or the area behind the navel in the very center of the body...
...it was believed that this is where the spirit resides and this is the center of power and balance.
The use of the lower abdominal area and in particular the hips, plays a central role in all Karate movements...
...thus the relevance of the saying "...punch with the hips, kick with the hips and block with the hips"
I believe that through the correct use of a harmonized and powerful balance, built upon a proper stance, a very quick and devastating delivery of concentrated power, can easily be achieved.
I guess it would similar to being in the "zone" or perhaps seeing perfection from a place void of the ego and being aware enough to know, you've just witnessed the spirit.
RJF
Sunday, June 04, 2006
"Practicing a Kata is one thing and engaging in a real fight is another " ...# 18 of Funakoshi's Principles
Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
Use the Google search bar to the right to find articles of interest...
Ah yes, the question that always crosses the mind of every Karate-ka...will I be able to hold my own in a real fight?
Well, it depends...
...my wife who doesn't practice Karate, would probably do pretty well in a fight.
She's one of those people who just seems to know what to do once things get physical.
On the other hand, I myself have never been in a fight, so what happens next, would depend on the circumstances.
My sensei says, in a real fight forget about taking a Karate stance and making a bunch of noises like Bruce Lee...let your back fist be your first weapon of choice.
He also says that when faced by someone holding a knife, grab the closest movable object and clobber the guy with everything, I mean everything you've got.
How well I do in a fight, depends on a couple of important points, the first one being "fear".
The second one is how well I can control the adrenaline rush flushing through my body.
I believe if I can overcome those 2 self induced obstacles initially, I might have a fair chance of holding my own when the fists start flying.
When it comes to Kata practice, it's always a good idea to train as if you were really fighting someone, rather than just going through the motions.
Also, if you've worked on training your spirit as well as your body, it may well just be the spirit that settles things down before the fight even gets started...
What do I mean by that?
You see, my Sensei has a stare, a stare that is as cold and as feeling-less as the moon...it's like a Mike Tyson, I'm going to tear your f*%#ing head off kind of stare...
...get the idea.
I don't have that kind of stare, it's the kind of stare you don't want to run into...
...unless your crazy and looking for that macho chip on your shoulder kind of stuff...
...because if you are, there's all kinds of those people out there waiting for you.
My Sensei says that in a fight with a real street fighter I wouldn't stand much of a chance...
...I might put up a good fight but that's about it.
In the end the deciding factor may very well be compassion for human life, or most likely, the lack there of...
In a fight for your families or your own life, compassion is something that you will have to forego...
...because you won't be shown any by your opponent.
No, Kata is not like being in a real fight, but I would rather have had those hours of training under my belt than not...
RJF
Use the Google search bar to the right to find articles of interest...
Ah yes, the question that always crosses the mind of every Karate-ka...will I be able to hold my own in a real fight?
Well, it depends...
...my wife who doesn't practice Karate, would probably do pretty well in a fight.
She's one of those people who just seems to know what to do once things get physical.
On the other hand, I myself have never been in a fight, so what happens next, would depend on the circumstances.
My sensei says, in a real fight forget about taking a Karate stance and making a bunch of noises like Bruce Lee...let your back fist be your first weapon of choice.
He also says that when faced by someone holding a knife, grab the closest movable object and clobber the guy with everything, I mean everything you've got.
How well I do in a fight, depends on a couple of important points, the first one being "fear".
The second one is how well I can control the adrenaline rush flushing through my body.
I believe if I can overcome those 2 self induced obstacles initially, I might have a fair chance of holding my own when the fists start flying.
When it comes to Kata practice, it's always a good idea to train as if you were really fighting someone, rather than just going through the motions.
Also, if you've worked on training your spirit as well as your body, it may well just be the spirit that settles things down before the fight even gets started...
What do I mean by that?
You see, my Sensei has a stare, a stare that is as cold and as feeling-less as the moon...it's like a Mike Tyson, I'm going to tear your f*%#ing head off kind of stare...
...get the idea.
I don't have that kind of stare, it's the kind of stare you don't want to run into...
...unless your crazy and looking for that macho chip on your shoulder kind of stuff...
...because if you are, there's all kinds of those people out there waiting for you.
My Sensei says that in a fight with a real street fighter I wouldn't stand much of a chance...
...I might put up a good fight but that's about it.
In the end the deciding factor may very well be compassion for human life, or most likely, the lack there of...
In a fight for your families or your own life, compassion is something that you will have to forego...
...because you won't be shown any by your opponent.
No, Kata is not like being in a real fight, but I would rather have had those hours of training under my belt than not...
RJF
Monday, May 29, 2006
Low stance for beginners; natural stance for advanced students....# 17 of Funakoshi's principles
Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
The reason your Sensei is always telling the class to get lower in their stances, is to build the strength of the leg muscles.
Having strong legs means having quickness in movement and power when kicking.
Being low initiates the flow of power from low to high.
Power comes from the ground and moves laterally or upwards.
Just try to deliver power from a high to low position and you'll soon understand where power comes from.
If beginners don't train from low and deep stances, they'll be at a disadvantage when sparring against someone who has...
...they'll get to feel the extra sting and power in their opponents attack and it'll be intimidating, knowing that they can't respond in kind.
Advanced students who have trained low and deep have the power and spring built into their legs and can train at more natural stances for increased manueverability.
They've also learned to drop their weight and rebound off the floor when punching or kicking.
No one, including myself likes to get down lower and deeper in stances, for the simple reason that it hurts, it's down right painful...
...but like what my Sensei says, "...if it doesn't kill you it will make you stronger"
Then there's the old adage, "no pain no gain"...
...I never new what that meant until I started my Karate training...
...I do now.
So, when your Sensei says get lower, then get lower, it's for your own good and you'll advance a lot faster on your path to becoming a true Karate-ka.
RJF
The reason your Sensei is always telling the class to get lower in their stances, is to build the strength of the leg muscles.
Having strong legs means having quickness in movement and power when kicking.
Being low initiates the flow of power from low to high.
Power comes from the ground and moves laterally or upwards.
Just try to deliver power from a high to low position and you'll soon understand where power comes from.
If beginners don't train from low and deep stances, they'll be at a disadvantage when sparring against someone who has...
...they'll get to feel the extra sting and power in their opponents attack and it'll be intimidating, knowing that they can't respond in kind.
Advanced students who have trained low and deep have the power and spring built into their legs and can train at more natural stances for increased manueverability.
They've also learned to drop their weight and rebound off the floor when punching or kicking.
No one, including myself likes to get down lower and deeper in stances, for the simple reason that it hurts, it's down right painful...
...but like what my Sensei says, "...if it doesn't kill you it will make you stronger"
Then there's the old adage, "no pain no gain"...
...I never new what that meant until I started my Karate training...
...I do now.
So, when your Sensei says get lower, then get lower, it's for your own good and you'll advance a lot faster on your path to becoming a true Karate-ka.
RJF
Saturday, May 27, 2006
"As soon as you leave home for work, think that millions of opponents are waiting for you...."
Funakoshi's 16 th principle of Karate...
Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
This principle I believe, is all about awareness...
...awareness of your surroundings and of the circumstances that are ever changing as you go about your daily business.
It's not about being schizophrenic and fearing that your going to be attacked by someone at any moment ...
...it's more of a moving meditation or paying more attention to what is happening to you from a moment to moment reality.
If your attention is firmly anchored in the here and now, which takes a lot of practice to accomplish by the way, your ability to make the proper decision at the proper time will be significantly enhanced.
For example, if your stuck in a traffic jam and talking on a cell phone to someone, maybe the wife or husband...
...you won't even notice the car jacker walking up, smashing your car window and sticking a gun in your face.
Perhaps your at the ATM bank machine at night getting some cash, and your mind is a million miles away, thinking about something else...
...you won't even feel that baseball bat to your head until it's too late.
Get the picture...
To be totally aware of your situation means to have your mind and attention where it belongs...in the present and not in the imaginary realm of the future or reliving memories from the past.
When your mind is focused on the present, you have an array of self defense tools at your disposal...
...your peripheral vision can be developed to a point of being able to see things clearly happening from the side...
...and from the sides to your back, your sense of feeling can be developed so that you know when someone is coming up from your rear.
If your aware of your body and paying attention to it, you can actually feel your ears perking up to sounds coming from behind you...
Your body will alert you to danger but you must be there in the here and now to receive those messages.
Make a habit of reminding yourself throughout the day to simply stop for a moment and cease the activity of the mind. Focus the mind on your surroundings. Exercise your peripheral vision by trying to identify objects off to the sides. Feel the presence of others around you and use your ears to hear people moving about, particularly from the rear.
Practice bringing your mind back into the present and no one will ever be able to sneak up on you or catch you off guard...
RJF
Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
This principle I believe, is all about awareness...
...awareness of your surroundings and of the circumstances that are ever changing as you go about your daily business.
It's not about being schizophrenic and fearing that your going to be attacked by someone at any moment ...
...it's more of a moving meditation or paying more attention to what is happening to you from a moment to moment reality.
If your attention is firmly anchored in the here and now, which takes a lot of practice to accomplish by the way, your ability to make the proper decision at the proper time will be significantly enhanced.
For example, if your stuck in a traffic jam and talking on a cell phone to someone, maybe the wife or husband...
...you won't even notice the car jacker walking up, smashing your car window and sticking a gun in your face.
Perhaps your at the ATM bank machine at night getting some cash, and your mind is a million miles away, thinking about something else...
...you won't even feel that baseball bat to your head until it's too late.
Get the picture...
To be totally aware of your situation means to have your mind and attention where it belongs...in the present and not in the imaginary realm of the future or reliving memories from the past.
When your mind is focused on the present, you have an array of self defense tools at your disposal...
...your peripheral vision can be developed to a point of being able to see things clearly happening from the side...
...and from the sides to your back, your sense of feeling can be developed so that you know when someone is coming up from your rear.
If your aware of your body and paying attention to it, you can actually feel your ears perking up to sounds coming from behind you...
Your body will alert you to danger but you must be there in the here and now to receive those messages.
Make a habit of reminding yourself throughout the day to simply stop for a moment and cease the activity of the mind. Focus the mind on your surroundings. Exercise your peripheral vision by trying to identify objects off to the sides. Feel the presence of others around you and use your ears to hear people moving about, particularly from the rear.
Practice bringing your mind back into the present and no one will ever be able to sneak up on you or catch you off guard...
RJF
Monday, May 22, 2006
Funakoshi's 15th principle says "Consider your opponent's hands and legs as you would sharp swords."
Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
"Consider your opponent's hands and legs as you would sharp swords."
A lot of the martial art's techniques and styles, have evolved from historical sword fighting warfare.
In fact, I believe, if it weren't for the invention of hand guns and rifles, swords of all sizes would still be king...
...whether or not a society of sword wielding citizens would be less violent than today's gun toting one, I'm not sure...
...but it certainly wouldn't be as easy to rob or kill someone, as any coward on the street can do today.
Skill and honor has been replaced by the simple act of pointing and shooting...
...an act requiring as much skill and honor as a 10 year child possesses.
I believe, the gun has given power to the insane and uncaring elements of society...
...the very last group of people that we would want to be empowering.
Getting back to Funakoshi's principle...
...your going to have a keener sense of awareness of an attacker, if he is wielding a knife or sword.
You might have 1 or at the most 2 opportunities to finish off your attacker, so you've got to be focused and be able to deliver a fatal blow to a vulnerable area.
So, why not use that extra awareness when facing all of your opponents?
Spar and fight in Kumite as if you have just one chance, one opportunity to survive.
Not only will it cut out all the extraneous stuff but it will develop your spirit for bravery...
...you won't have time to retreat from a knife or sword attack, you must fearlessly advance towards those sharp points, deftly moving within centimeters of them to launch your own laser focused attack.
If you practice and develop that kind of attitude and concentration, you'll be very well prepared when you have to exercise those skills in a real life and death situation.
RJF
"Consider your opponent's hands and legs as you would sharp swords."
A lot of the martial art's techniques and styles, have evolved from historical sword fighting warfare.
In fact, I believe, if it weren't for the invention of hand guns and rifles, swords of all sizes would still be king...
...whether or not a society of sword wielding citizens would be less violent than today's gun toting one, I'm not sure...
...but it certainly wouldn't be as easy to rob or kill someone, as any coward on the street can do today.
Skill and honor has been replaced by the simple act of pointing and shooting...
...an act requiring as much skill and honor as a 10 year child possesses.
I believe, the gun has given power to the insane and uncaring elements of society...
...the very last group of people that we would want to be empowering.
Getting back to Funakoshi's principle...
...your going to have a keener sense of awareness of an attacker, if he is wielding a knife or sword.
You might have 1 or at the most 2 opportunities to finish off your attacker, so you've got to be focused and be able to deliver a fatal blow to a vulnerable area.
So, why not use that extra awareness when facing all of your opponents?
Spar and fight in Kumite as if you have just one chance, one opportunity to survive.
Not only will it cut out all the extraneous stuff but it will develop your spirit for bravery...
...you won't have time to retreat from a knife or sword attack, you must fearlessly advance towards those sharp points, deftly moving within centimeters of them to launch your own laser focused attack.
If you practice and develop that kind of attitude and concentration, you'll be very well prepared when you have to exercise those skills in a real life and death situation.
RJF
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Move according to your opponent...# 14 of Funakoshi's principles...
Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
Move according to your opponent...
I like this quote by Bruce Lee, from the movie "Enter the Dragon"...
"A good fight should be like a small play but, played seriously. When the opponent expands, I contract. When he contracts, I expand. And when the opportunity presents itself, I do not hit. It hits all by itself."
Along with that premise is the use of minimum energy...
...Why minimum energy? Well, a skilled Kumite player can often exploit the use of excess energy and use it against his opponent.
Deflection and circular motion is more effective diverting attacks to the middle of the body than the use of hard blocks.
I mentioned this before, that the body must be relaxed...
...if it is tense or stiff, the center of balance can be influenced from any point, rather than having that energy easily diverted by means of a relaxed moving body.
In most encounters in Kumite, awareness and reaction often triumph over force and aggression.
RJF
Move according to your opponent...
I like this quote by Bruce Lee, from the movie "Enter the Dragon"...
"A good fight should be like a small play but, played seriously. When the opponent expands, I contract. When he contracts, I expand. And when the opportunity presents itself, I do not hit. It hits all by itself."
Along with that premise is the use of minimum energy...
...Why minimum energy? Well, a skilled Kumite player can often exploit the use of excess energy and use it against his opponent.
Deflection and circular motion is more effective diverting attacks to the middle of the body than the use of hard blocks.
I mentioned this before, that the body must be relaxed...
...if it is tense or stiff, the center of balance can be influenced from any point, rather than having that energy easily diverted by means of a relaxed moving body.
In most encounters in Kumite, awareness and reaction often triumph over force and aggression.
RJF
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Funakoshi's 13th principle of Karate..."Victory depends on your ability to tell vulnerable points from invulnerable ones."
Kumite Tips #1/Kumite Tips #2/Kumite Tips #3/Kumite Tips #4/Kumite Tips #5/Kumite Tips #6/Kumite Tips #7/Kumite Tips #8/Kumite Tips #9
Funakoshi's 13th principle of Karate..."Victory depends on your ability to tell vulnerable points from invulnerable ones."
This principle is fairly self explanatory...
...a good example is a young supple tree, maybe a few years old compared to an old oak tree.
In a stiff wind, the young flexible tree will bend almost in half and will bounce back into shape after the wind has subsided...
...conversely, a very old tree with hardened and stiff branches will break and splinter against the might of the wind.
In Kumite, you must become like the young tree, fluid and ever bending in response to an attack, and always trying not to tighten up and becoming stiff like an old tree.
The harder you are when you get hit, the more the damage that will be inflicted on you.
Of course, martial artists are well trained in the vulnerabilities of the human body...
...knowing full well that an attack on those sensitive areas will result in severe permanent damage or even death.
It may be necessary to use lethal force on someone who is attacking you or your family on the streets...
...but it should never to be used in Kumite or in tournaments.
Sometimes it requires a judgment or an assessment of a situation...as an example, do you really want to be responsible for blinding some drunk with a spear hand shot to the eyes in a bar, who made some rude comments to your wife...or would it be better to simply kick his knee out with a roundhouse kick or a hard thrust kick?...
...sure he's going to need surgery to repair his knee, but at least he'll have his eyesight...
The martial artist has a responsibility to use his skills wisely...
...and part of that wisdom is to win, or at least to hold his own in a physical confrontation.
Knowing what areas to attack are crucial for ending an altercation early...
...so make sure you practice hitting those areas in your training...
...that will ensure that you can hit them, when you absolutely need too...
RJF
Funakoshi's 13th principle of Karate..."Victory depends on your ability to tell vulnerable points from invulnerable ones."
This principle is fairly self explanatory...
...a good example is a young supple tree, maybe a few years old compared to an old oak tree.
In a stiff wind, the young flexible tree will bend almost in half and will bounce back into shape after the wind has subsided...
...conversely, a very old tree with hardened and stiff branches will break and splinter against the might of the wind.
In Kumite, you must become like the young tree, fluid and ever bending in response to an attack, and always trying not to tighten up and becoming stiff like an old tree.
The harder you are when you get hit, the more the damage that will be inflicted on you.
Of course, martial artists are well trained in the vulnerabilities of the human body...
...knowing full well that an attack on those sensitive areas will result in severe permanent damage or even death.
It may be necessary to use lethal force on someone who is attacking you or your family on the streets...
...but it should never to be used in Kumite or in tournaments.
Sometimes it requires a judgment or an assessment of a situation...as an example, do you really want to be responsible for blinding some drunk with a spear hand shot to the eyes in a bar, who made some rude comments to your wife...or would it be better to simply kick his knee out with a roundhouse kick or a hard thrust kick?...
...sure he's going to need surgery to repair his knee, but at least he'll have his eyesight...
The martial artist has a responsibility to use his skills wisely...
...and part of that wisdom is to win, or at least to hold his own in a physical confrontation.
Knowing what areas to attack are crucial for ending an altercation early...
...so make sure you practice hitting those areas in your training...
...that will ensure that you can hit them, when you absolutely need too...
RJF
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