Or should you?
There are many examples of bunkai for Shotokan kata on the web showing defensive then attacking moves from a traditional Shotokan distance. The question though is this really the optimal distance for correct kata "real world" application?
Since I only self train at this time I do a fair amount of online research relating to karate and other martial arts. One person who has had a tremendous influence on my interpretation of kata application is Iain Abernethy, who teaches that most kata applications can be thought of as being applied in a close-in situation. This opens up interpreting the "blocks" and pivots and being throwing or other take-down techniques. For me, as someone who stopped traditional training in the early 1980's after just 2 1/2 years, it's made understanding kata so much more enjoyable and relevant.
Considering that self defense situations which result in a physical altercation typically are within striking distance it makes sense to close the gap quickly and decisively with strikes, followed by throwing/disabling techniques then retreating. Obviously to throw/trip/break you need to be close to your opponent, so when interpreting kata techniques always keep these options and your distance in mind.
Well, that's all for now...
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
To Kiai or Not to Kiai?
Ninjas don't kiai, so why should Shotokan practitioners?
Since the majority of my training is outdoors in local parks I don't kiai when practicing my kata. At the appropriate points in the kata I will internalize the kiai sometimes, or "grunt" kiai other times, but I tend to focus more on imagining the technique being effective, which means they are performed with sufficient force emanating from the core that a kiai isn't necessary (in my opinion).
I do believe though that a kiai/shout/yell/scream has it's place in a self defense situation. Anything which increases the "attack and self preservation" mode is certainly beneficial. It also has the added advantage of alerting those nearby that something bad is happening which hopefully will cause them to assist, or at least call the police.
For kata though is a kiai necessary? I think the answer really is the underlying intent of the kiai - to yell just for the sake of yelling like you see in some "extreme karate" kata is nonsense in my opinion. A kiai incorporated into a finishing technique makes perfect sense though. Since I view kata a a series of smaller interrelated techniques I will sometimes use an internal kiai when breaking the kata down into smaller sections as well, finding it helps punctuate the ending technique. I also "grunt kiai" sometimes working heavy bag combos - 1,2 - kiai/3!
A suggestion: practice your kata with the kiai added at different points. Does it reinforce that section of the kata as being an integrated series of techniques ending in a finishing blow? Don't overdo it though - you don't want to become one of those "extreme karate" practitioners!
Well, that's all for now...
Since the majority of my training is outdoors in local parks I don't kiai when practicing my kata. At the appropriate points in the kata I will internalize the kiai sometimes, or "grunt" kiai other times, but I tend to focus more on imagining the technique being effective, which means they are performed with sufficient force emanating from the core that a kiai isn't necessary (in my opinion).
I do believe though that a kiai/shout/yell/scream has it's place in a self defense situation. Anything which increases the "attack and self preservation" mode is certainly beneficial. It also has the added advantage of alerting those nearby that something bad is happening which hopefully will cause them to assist, or at least call the police.
For kata though is a kiai necessary? I think the answer really is the underlying intent of the kiai - to yell just for the sake of yelling like you see in some "extreme karate" kata is nonsense in my opinion. A kiai incorporated into a finishing technique makes perfect sense though. Since I view kata a a series of smaller interrelated techniques I will sometimes use an internal kiai when breaking the kata down into smaller sections as well, finding it helps punctuate the ending technique. I also "grunt kiai" sometimes working heavy bag combos - 1,2 - kiai/3!
A suggestion: practice your kata with the kiai added at different points. Does it reinforce that section of the kata as being an integrated series of techniques ending in a finishing blow? Don't overdo it though - you don't want to become one of those "extreme karate" practitioners!
Well, that's all for now...
Monday, January 20, 2014
Circuit Training with Karate
I was just reading an article by one of my favorite karate bloggers, Jesse Encamp, regarding weight training and karate.
http://www.karatebyjesse.com/karate-strength-training-and-conditioning/
I'm no expert, so I recommend you read his blog for tips and further research the proper methods to train with weights to improve your karate. What I will do though is share what I've been doing the last couple of years. I guess it's like circuit training in some ways: depending on the the day I'll work a particular kata and mix in some body weight training and light dumbbell exercises which work the major muscle groups. At the end I'll do some bag work as well.
Typical indoor winter training:
10 minutes of dynamic warm-ups
Weight training with dumbbells - right now I'm focusing on 50 reps using two 20lb. dumbbells doing a full squat into bicep curls, into overhead press. Weights are lowered slowly once brought back to the shoulders from the press to work the triceps somewhat.
Planks ( I do different plank poses for each circuit, or switch the poses x number of seconds during one circuit - typically 40 - 60 seconds total)
Kata training - right now I'm working a kata 15 reps one night, then 15 the opposite side the next)
Bag work for 10 -15 minutes working ideas from the current kata, plus focusing on one or two kicks
Planks are done after each five repetitions of kata, so a total of three times for 40 - 60 seconds each.
Outdoor training:
This past year, in warmer weather training outdoors at a local park, I would mix in planks and push-ups between my kata sets - maybe two kata, then 10 push-ups, or 5 kata then 30 second plank. I also added a 10 minute run at the end on some days. Once home (about 5 - 10 minutes from the park) I'd finish with some bag work and some days add some dumbbell exercises.
One thing I don't do is static stretching - either before or after exercising. I'm sure I'd be more flexible if I did, since I used to when I was younger, but it's just not "my cup of tea" at this point.
This year one of my goals is to more systematically incorporate weight training as part of my karate training, as opposed to just doing periodically.
That's all for now!
http://www.karatebyjesse.com/karate-strength-training-and-conditioning/
I'm no expert, so I recommend you read his blog for tips and further research the proper methods to train with weights to improve your karate. What I will do though is share what I've been doing the last couple of years. I guess it's like circuit training in some ways: depending on the the day I'll work a particular kata and mix in some body weight training and light dumbbell exercises which work the major muscle groups. At the end I'll do some bag work as well.
Typical indoor winter training:
10 minutes of dynamic warm-ups
Weight training with dumbbells - right now I'm focusing on 50 reps using two 20lb. dumbbells doing a full squat into bicep curls, into overhead press. Weights are lowered slowly once brought back to the shoulders from the press to work the triceps somewhat.
Planks ( I do different plank poses for each circuit, or switch the poses x number of seconds during one circuit - typically 40 - 60 seconds total)
Kata training - right now I'm working a kata 15 reps one night, then 15 the opposite side the next)
Bag work for 10 -15 minutes working ideas from the current kata, plus focusing on one or two kicks
Planks are done after each five repetitions of kata, so a total of three times for 40 - 60 seconds each.
Outdoor training:
This past year, in warmer weather training outdoors at a local park, I would mix in planks and push-ups between my kata sets - maybe two kata, then 10 push-ups, or 5 kata then 30 second plank. I also added a 10 minute run at the end on some days. Once home (about 5 - 10 minutes from the park) I'd finish with some bag work and some days add some dumbbell exercises.
One thing I don't do is static stretching - either before or after exercising. I'm sure I'd be more flexible if I did, since I used to when I was younger, but it's just not "my cup of tea" at this point.
This year one of my goals is to more systematically incorporate weight training as part of my karate training, as opposed to just doing periodically.
That's all for now!
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Winter Garage Training
Three seasons of the year my primary training is done outdoors emphasizing kata practice, coupled with some heavy bag training once I get home and on weekends. Winter though my garage becomes my primary "dojo".
This winter I'm trying something different. Instead of doing kata in sections which fit into the limited space provided, I'm going through the kata completely, but switch stepping where necessary to limit the space covered. I'm finding it an excellent method of working on balance and shifting, since I often employ this method when working on my heavy bags. To clarify, my definition of switch-stepping is stepping forward with one leg, then immediately stepping back with the opposite leg as the forward stepping foot lands.
For now I'm doing ten repetitions one night, then ten on the mirrored side the next. One of my new year goals is to work in more weight training, so I've cut back a bit on winter kata repetitions, while increasing weight and heavy bag training.
Well, that's all for now.
This winter I'm trying something different. Instead of doing kata in sections which fit into the limited space provided, I'm going through the kata completely, but switch stepping where necessary to limit the space covered. I'm finding it an excellent method of working on balance and shifting, since I often employ this method when working on my heavy bags. To clarify, my definition of switch-stepping is stepping forward with one leg, then immediately stepping back with the opposite leg as the forward stepping foot lands.
For now I'm doing ten repetitions one night, then ten on the mirrored side the next. One of my new year goals is to work in more weight training, so I've cut back a bit on winter kata repetitions, while increasing weight and heavy bag training.
Well, that's all for now.
Mirror Mirror...
...on the wall. Well, unfortunately I don't have a full size wall mirror like you'll find in a good dojo - wish I did though, since they are very helpful in self correcting technique.
In this case though, I'm more interested in the "mirroring" of practicing kata in an opposite side manner, which mirrors the original. I don't do much kihon, where both sides of techniques are equally worked. Instead, I learn kata first in its originally taught sequence, then after enough familiarity with it, I'll learn it in its mirrored image. Typically then, I work each kata equally in both directions from that point forward. For example, currently I'm going through the Tekki katas 25 repetitions on one day, followed by 25 mirrored repetitions the next day (mid December 2013).
In terms of kihon, I may work through a kata bit by bit, breaking it down into small chunks of related sequences, first in one direction, then the opposite: typically 10 repetitions per sequence. Further kihon practice is typically practiced against a heavy bag - alternating sides for a total of 20 reps per side. Other types of kihon training may be reviewing the most fundamental Shotokan techniques, boxing style techniques, standing control and take-down techniques or kata sequence techniques, but mixing techniques from different parts of the kata, or even different katas as I see them fitting together.
Well, that's all for now.
In this case though, I'm more interested in the "mirroring" of practicing kata in an opposite side manner, which mirrors the original. I don't do much kihon, where both sides of techniques are equally worked. Instead, I learn kata first in its originally taught sequence, then after enough familiarity with it, I'll learn it in its mirrored image. Typically then, I work each kata equally in both directions from that point forward. For example, currently I'm going through the Tekki katas 25 repetitions on one day, followed by 25 mirrored repetitions the next day (mid December 2013).
In terms of kihon, I may work through a kata bit by bit, breaking it down into small chunks of related sequences, first in one direction, then the opposite: typically 10 repetitions per sequence. Further kihon practice is typically practiced against a heavy bag - alternating sides for a total of 20 reps per side. Other types of kihon training may be reviewing the most fundamental Shotokan techniques, boxing style techniques, standing control and take-down techniques or kata sequence techniques, but mixing techniques from different parts of the kata, or even different katas as I see them fitting together.
Well, that's all for now.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Let's KISS, Shall We?
I hope you didn't pucker up...
What I meant was: Let's Keep It Simple Shotokan (practitioner).
When looking at realistic applications for kata techniques keep in mind if they are ever to be useful in a self defense situation, they need to be simple: simple to understand and simple to apply. Think gross motor skills being applied under potentially very stressful situations.
One aspect of self training I enjoy is coming up with applications which, to me, meet the above criteria. One way I accomplish this is thinking of each technique being used in an attacking manner, rather than defending then attacking. When breaking down kata into bits and pieces my goal is to start with strikes of some sort followed by a control or throw, ending with retreating.
For me, there are no "mysterious and secret" techniques in kata, just straightforward applications with the intent of ending the conflict as quickly as possible. While I acknowledge there are more sensitive areas of the body better suited for attacking, in a self defense situation under extreme duress I believe hitting anywhere hard which has presented itself as an opening will suffice to, at the least, present the more vulnerable areas for attack.
That's all for now.
What I meant was: Let's Keep It Simple Shotokan (practitioner).
When looking at realistic applications for kata techniques keep in mind if they are ever to be useful in a self defense situation, they need to be simple: simple to understand and simple to apply. Think gross motor skills being applied under potentially very stressful situations.
One aspect of self training I enjoy is coming up with applications which, to me, meet the above criteria. One way I accomplish this is thinking of each technique being used in an attacking manner, rather than defending then attacking. When breaking down kata into bits and pieces my goal is to start with strikes of some sort followed by a control or throw, ending with retreating.
For me, there are no "mysterious and secret" techniques in kata, just straightforward applications with the intent of ending the conflict as quickly as possible. While I acknowledge there are more sensitive areas of the body better suited for attacking, in a self defense situation under extreme duress I believe hitting anywhere hard which has presented itself as an opening will suffice to, at the least, present the more vulnerable areas for attack.
That's all for now.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Training in Street Clothes
I've been self training for nearly four years now and the vast majority of it has been done in comfortable street clothes - foot apparel of all types included.
I train on numerous surfaces: tennis courts, asphalt parking lots, grass, gravel trails and thin carpet in my garage. Typically I wear either track pants or jeans with light minimalist sneakers, but I also wear other foot gear I own such as boots, loafers, sandals and other types of sneakers. I may be wearing a tee shirt, under armor, or a button down shirt. In the cold weather I'm using a fleece pull over, or light and loose jacket.
Footwear, especially, has an impact on training. Footwear for hiking, for example, has a stronger grip, so caution must be taken when pivoting until using them in a karate framework becomes second nature. I have three pair of minimalist sneakers I cycle through. Two of the pair are so worn down they have no tread left. They're great since the smooth surface enhances pivoting, but they are slippery too under some circumstances - great for balance practice while kicking though.
Pants also have an impact on technique. I have two types of denim jeans I wear: loose fit all around and a tighter fit around the hips and thighs. Stating the obvious, the tighter jeans do slightly restrict my kicking and deeper stance techniques, not enough to be an issue though for self defense purposes. The loose jeans are as comfortable as my track pants and wearing a thick belt with a larger buckle offers a minimal amount of protection.
Wearing light pull-overs or jackets also has a slight impact on technique, particularly around the shoulders. Another aspect to consider with any long sleeve apparel is the sleeves offer a target to be grabbed in a self defense situation. Good if you are doing the grabbing to control while attacking, but bad if the reverse is true. Keeping this in mind, it is even more vital to keep the returning arm powerful in its draw back so protect against control attempts by your opponent.
Well, that's all for now...
I train on numerous surfaces: tennis courts, asphalt parking lots, grass, gravel trails and thin carpet in my garage. Typically I wear either track pants or jeans with light minimalist sneakers, but I also wear other foot gear I own such as boots, loafers, sandals and other types of sneakers. I may be wearing a tee shirt, under armor, or a button down shirt. In the cold weather I'm using a fleece pull over, or light and loose jacket.
Footwear, especially, has an impact on training. Footwear for hiking, for example, has a stronger grip, so caution must be taken when pivoting until using them in a karate framework becomes second nature. I have three pair of minimalist sneakers I cycle through. Two of the pair are so worn down they have no tread left. They're great since the smooth surface enhances pivoting, but they are slippery too under some circumstances - great for balance practice while kicking though.
Pants also have an impact on technique. I have two types of denim jeans I wear: loose fit all around and a tighter fit around the hips and thighs. Stating the obvious, the tighter jeans do slightly restrict my kicking and deeper stance techniques, not enough to be an issue though for self defense purposes. The loose jeans are as comfortable as my track pants and wearing a thick belt with a larger buckle offers a minimal amount of protection.
Wearing light pull-overs or jackets also has a slight impact on technique, particularly around the shoulders. Another aspect to consider with any long sleeve apparel is the sleeves offer a target to be grabbed in a self defense situation. Good if you are doing the grabbing to control while attacking, but bad if the reverse is true. Keeping this in mind, it is even more vital to keep the returning arm powerful in its draw back so protect against control attempts by your opponent.
Well, that's all for now...
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