Straight up: I think Shotokan Karate-Do offers a wide variety of self defense applications.
From Striking specialties; hand and elbow, or knee and foot. Close in fighting, or penetrate then retreat fighting, Shotokan has it all.
For me though, I view it as a controlling/Standing grappling to take down and throws as my primary attack philosophy. Striking is integral, but the ultimate goal is to either put the person on the ground in intense pain, or control their joints, typically arm, shoulder or neck, in a standing manner, using available resources, such as walls, to aid in controlling. Taking the joint to its limit as to provoke surrender. The striking is either an entering technique series, or an immediate attack from an advantageous position, such as arm/elbow/wrist control is being applied - release attack then regain control.
Throwing and Take Downs are equally important. If the opponent is on the ground in such a painful situation - thrown in such a manner as to break a limb or clavicle for example, he will be very hesitant to continue the attack which he instigated.
This is my aim. There is more of course... For another time though.
That's all for now.
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Dojo Kun, and Personal Thoughts
Seek Perfection of Character.
Be Faithful.
Endeavor.
Respect Others.
Refrain From Violent Behavior.
http://www.iskf.com/dojo%20kun.html
and I say:
Seek First The Kingdom of Heaven.
Through Jesus Christ Alone.
Be Faithful.
Endeavor.
Respect Others.
Refrain From Violent Behavior.
http://www.iskf.com/dojo%20kun.html
and I say:
Seek First The Kingdom of Heaven.
Through Jesus Christ Alone.
Saturday, October 25, 2014
The Art of Self Correction
I think it's safe to say, "To excel at any physical endeavor you must know your own body."
Regarding karate, or any martial art, this is especially true, For it's not the mere performance of the techniques which makes one an expert, but the deeper understanding of how these movements translate to self defense scenarios and the ability to apply them in non-compliant situations.
This is where the art of self correction becomes so important. As you absorb your teacher's lessons and are corrected in the dojo, you must remember and correctly apply them on your own. As you become more proficient you begin testing what you've learned to the point of making their application your own. Listening to your body, interpreting what it's suggesting, is the best way to learn karate techniques.
For a new karateka, learning very different gross motor skills just feels "strange". As these skills (think stepping punch) are practiced they begin to make sense, but only to a certain point as dojo learned in a class situation, unless you have a knowledgeable and willing upper level student willing to spend time pointing out the finer aspects of each technique. Even with this assistance only a certain plateau of knowledge can be attained. It's the personal, self training which elevates the karateka to the next level of expertise - self training based on understanding one's body dynamics and limitations, as well as the purpose of each part of the body's synchronized members working in unison.
All technique must be seen in three stages: beginning, middle and end. The technique must be practiced repeatedly in a relaxed manner in a 1-2-3 format - slow thoughtful comprehension of the stage of the technique you are performing it is being translated from your body to your mind; then back from mind to body. The instantaneous response only comes with repetition which corrects itself through comprehension of the purpose of the technique time over time over time. Over time the practice of relaxed movement into intense kime then nearly instantaneously back to a relaxed, prepared state (to retreat or continue the attack, decisions made in milliseconds) is made natural. For this is what you strive for in karate.
Well, that's all for now.
Regarding karate, or any martial art, this is especially true, For it's not the mere performance of the techniques which makes one an expert, but the deeper understanding of how these movements translate to self defense scenarios and the ability to apply them in non-compliant situations.
This is where the art of self correction becomes so important. As you absorb your teacher's lessons and are corrected in the dojo, you must remember and correctly apply them on your own. As you become more proficient you begin testing what you've learned to the point of making their application your own. Listening to your body, interpreting what it's suggesting, is the best way to learn karate techniques.
For a new karateka, learning very different gross motor skills just feels "strange". As these skills (think stepping punch) are practiced they begin to make sense, but only to a certain point as dojo learned in a class situation, unless you have a knowledgeable and willing upper level student willing to spend time pointing out the finer aspects of each technique. Even with this assistance only a certain plateau of knowledge can be attained. It's the personal, self training which elevates the karateka to the next level of expertise - self training based on understanding one's body dynamics and limitations, as well as the purpose of each part of the body's synchronized members working in unison.
All technique must be seen in three stages: beginning, middle and end. The technique must be practiced repeatedly in a relaxed manner in a 1-2-3 format - slow thoughtful comprehension of the stage of the technique you are performing it is being translated from your body to your mind; then back from mind to body. The instantaneous response only comes with repetition which corrects itself through comprehension of the purpose of the technique time over time over time. Over time the practice of relaxed movement into intense kime then nearly instantaneously back to a relaxed, prepared state (to retreat or continue the attack, decisions made in milliseconds) is made natural. For this is what you strive for in karate.
Well, that's all for now.
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Getting Your Kicks From Kata
Some people get their kicks on Route 66. I get mine performing kata.
When performing kata for trophies high kicks are often the norm, and this makes sense since the kata is an "artistic performance". But for me, in attempting to interpret kata for real world self defense, I target my kicks to either the lower abdominal area or legs. Certainly there is a training and aesthetic benefit when performing head level kicks - and certainly there are those who can successfully use these kicks in real world situations. But for most people, I think, it would be extremely dangerous attempting to kicking someone in the head - unless they've lowered the target first via some other technique.
Take today for example: it's a wet and rainy fall day - wet leaves abound and the asphalt in the parking lot is slippery as well. If I were to be accosted while walking to my car - even if the opportunity presented itself - would it be wise to attempt a head kick as an initial strike? I think the answer is obvious - no. There are too many variables working against me. Another reason to avoid high kicks - clothing. In the dojo your gi pants are loose fit allowing greater movement, but on the street wearing your stylish tight jeans is another story. Restrictive clothing obviously restricts movement. So unless your an expert fighter when flat on your back please don't try head kicks in the tight jeans you are wearing. A third reason head kicks aren't ideal - time of day and the weather's effect on the body. When I arrive at work around 6:45 AM my body isn't nearly as flexible as it is by late afternoon. Factor in a cold winter day and I'm at an even greater disadvantage for applying techniques requiring flexibility. While this may not apply to the same degree to a twenty-something karateka, I believe it still a a factor of some degree.
Now back to kata. I think it's safe to say all kicks found in the Shotokan kata syllabus are part of a combination of techniques meant to immobilize your opponent offering you the opportunity to escape. A kick to the knee or shin, as part of flurry of techniques, may be all you need to temporarily injure your opponent enough to run and seek help and safety. A kick to the groin or lower abdomen will have the same effect - it's hard to chase someone when you're doubled over in pain. Lower kicks also are safer for the karateka as well, since they are less likely to be caught by your opponent. Additionally lower kicks can be more sneaky - you can supply sufficient power while "cheating" by not applying full leg motion as done when kicking to higher levels (look up the flick kick).
Remember, when performing and interpreting kata, keeping it real is the best way to understand its intent - and this especially applies to kicks I believe.
Well, that's all for now.
When performing kata for trophies high kicks are often the norm, and this makes sense since the kata is an "artistic performance". But for me, in attempting to interpret kata for real world self defense, I target my kicks to either the lower abdominal area or legs. Certainly there is a training and aesthetic benefit when performing head level kicks - and certainly there are those who can successfully use these kicks in real world situations. But for most people, I think, it would be extremely dangerous attempting to kicking someone in the head - unless they've lowered the target first via some other technique.
Take today for example: it's a wet and rainy fall day - wet leaves abound and the asphalt in the parking lot is slippery as well. If I were to be accosted while walking to my car - even if the opportunity presented itself - would it be wise to attempt a head kick as an initial strike? I think the answer is obvious - no. There are too many variables working against me. Another reason to avoid high kicks - clothing. In the dojo your gi pants are loose fit allowing greater movement, but on the street wearing your stylish tight jeans is another story. Restrictive clothing obviously restricts movement. So unless your an expert fighter when flat on your back please don't try head kicks in the tight jeans you are wearing. A third reason head kicks aren't ideal - time of day and the weather's effect on the body. When I arrive at work around 6:45 AM my body isn't nearly as flexible as it is by late afternoon. Factor in a cold winter day and I'm at an even greater disadvantage for applying techniques requiring flexibility. While this may not apply to the same degree to a twenty-something karateka, I believe it still a a factor of some degree.
Now back to kata. I think it's safe to say all kicks found in the Shotokan kata syllabus are part of a combination of techniques meant to immobilize your opponent offering you the opportunity to escape. A kick to the knee or shin, as part of flurry of techniques, may be all you need to temporarily injure your opponent enough to run and seek help and safety. A kick to the groin or lower abdomen will have the same effect - it's hard to chase someone when you're doubled over in pain. Lower kicks also are safer for the karateka as well, since they are less likely to be caught by your opponent. Additionally lower kicks can be more sneaky - you can supply sufficient power while "cheating" by not applying full leg motion as done when kicking to higher levels (look up the flick kick).
Remember, when performing and interpreting kata, keeping it real is the best way to understand its intent - and this especially applies to kicks I believe.
Well, that's all for now.
What Is My Style of Shotokan Karate?
Well, it's tough to explain, since it's continually evolving and changing.
I think though that through it's evolving it is becoming more cohesive in it's philosophy and execution. Nearly five years ago I began the journey of self training in Shotokan Style karate. It's basis is ISKF from when I trained in a dojo many years ago, and is very much influenced by men such as Kanazawa and Asai. Certainly my original Sensei, Marc Steiner, had a tremendous influence on my karate as well. In just over two years of training with him the foundation was laid to be able to successfully teach myself thirteen (and counting) kata over the original seven I learned in Glenside.
One thing is certain, it is my style - the subtleties of how I interpret movement and technique, each being explored and tested so each kata has a legitimate purpose for existing in my repertoire. That's the beauty of having one's own style, interpretation allows a kata to become the property of its owner, as long as the owner understands its intent. Please understand though, I'm not saying I know the "true intent" of the kata I've learned - it's truly a continual life long process of education and practice. What makes kata so special though is it's both universally practiced across the continents, yet completely personal as it becomes a part of its owner through practice and reflection.
Yet, personalizing a style creates a dilemma. As one interprets kata techniques subtle changes in the performance of the kata are introduced. What makes sense to me may not look right to another experienced Shotokan karateka. This is where explanation and sometimes education come into play. While I'm not saying I know more about a particular kata than someone who learned it through traditional means, I do think sometimes I may have a more robust understanding from the internet research I've done. For example, yesterday while reading a karate based blog, I learned of a judo site (http://judoinfo.com/) which has tons of examples of Judo techniques. While reviewing some of them I couldn't help but see the similarities to some movements in Shotokan kata. I know it's somewhat common knowledge among the more experienced karateka that many kata techniques can be interpreted as throws and take downs, but at the same time there are those who hold to a more rigid interpretation and still see a pivoting technique as a defense against an opponent attacking from another direction.
I think what it all boils down to is strive to self train regularly for that's where your own personality influences your karate - making it your own, making it work for your purposes.
That's all for now.
I think though that through it's evolving it is becoming more cohesive in it's philosophy and execution. Nearly five years ago I began the journey of self training in Shotokan Style karate. It's basis is ISKF from when I trained in a dojo many years ago, and is very much influenced by men such as Kanazawa and Asai. Certainly my original Sensei, Marc Steiner, had a tremendous influence on my karate as well. In just over two years of training with him the foundation was laid to be able to successfully teach myself thirteen (and counting) kata over the original seven I learned in Glenside.
One thing is certain, it is my style - the subtleties of how I interpret movement and technique, each being explored and tested so each kata has a legitimate purpose for existing in my repertoire. That's the beauty of having one's own style, interpretation allows a kata to become the property of its owner, as long as the owner understands its intent. Please understand though, I'm not saying I know the "true intent" of the kata I've learned - it's truly a continual life long process of education and practice. What makes kata so special though is it's both universally practiced across the continents, yet completely personal as it becomes a part of its owner through practice and reflection.
Yet, personalizing a style creates a dilemma. As one interprets kata techniques subtle changes in the performance of the kata are introduced. What makes sense to me may not look right to another experienced Shotokan karateka. This is where explanation and sometimes education come into play. While I'm not saying I know more about a particular kata than someone who learned it through traditional means, I do think sometimes I may have a more robust understanding from the internet research I've done. For example, yesterday while reading a karate based blog, I learned of a judo site (http://judoinfo.com/) which has tons of examples of Judo techniques. While reviewing some of them I couldn't help but see the similarities to some movements in Shotokan kata. I know it's somewhat common knowledge among the more experienced karateka that many kata techniques can be interpreted as throws and take downs, but at the same time there are those who hold to a more rigid interpretation and still see a pivoting technique as a defense against an opponent attacking from another direction.
I think what it all boils down to is strive to self train regularly for that's where your own personality influences your karate - making it your own, making it work for your purposes.
That's all for now.
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