The Beijing Subway

In July of 2011 my father-in-law very generously took our entire family to China for a ten day vacation.

Part of the vacation was spent on a personal-style tour of the City and environs of Beijing.  On the first night we decided to visit a famed area of the city where all sorts of things are sold down narrow alleys. To get there we took the subway since it appeared to be the quickest way from the hotel. What we didn't realize was how incredibly busy it was: literally wall to wall humanity hustling and bustling down tunnels to and from the trains.  My elderly father-in-law was very nervous so I acted as his buffer to keep the crowds away from him as best as possible.

This was about a year and a half since I had restarted self training, so I was being particularly aware of the situation, while in a controlled and relaxed state. It's interesting how the practice of delivering great force while remaining mentally calm and in control can be put to use in different situations.

Today, while working on Heian Yondan and Sochin, I thought about that time and how difficult it would be to apply self defense techniques in such a confined situation. It's situations like this where instantaneous self defense may become necessary. High stress situations can easily become violent so mental preparation is tantamount. Be very aware and maintain a low profile.  Stay calm in potentially volatile situations and remember apologies are far safer than engaging in physical brutality, even if not the instigator.

One other aspect to consider though, is how to actually apply self defense techniques, if necessary, in a crowded, tight place. It's with this in mind that all techniques must the thought of having close-quarter applications.  In fact, many Shotokan karate-ka believe nearly all kata techniques have close-in fighting as the primary applications. This is my belief as well.  Strikes, controls, breaks, throws and take-downs all are found where the assailant is nearly shoulder-to-shoulder with the karate-ka. You have to imagine that you can nearly whisper in the assailant's ear as you're about to snap his elbow for attempting to pickpocket your wallet.

Well, that's all for now...