Article

The Road to Karate – A Budoka’s Way To Live
By Hiroshi Shoji. Shihan of the Japan Karate Association.

Part 29 - Technique and Mindset

I would like to write about the attitudes and aims in Karate training for those who are thinking about taking up Karate or who are already practicing Karate. As in anything, it is common in the learning of Karate to start with the standard basic techniques. After having learned some simple basic techniques - Uchi Waza (striking techniques) such as Uraken Uchi, Shuto Uchi, Tsuki Waza (punching techniques) such as Jun Zuki (Oi Zuki), Gyaku Zuki, Keri Waza (kicking techniques) such as Mae Geri, Yoko Geri, Mawashi Geri, Uke Waza (blocking techniques) against attacks to the upper, middle and lower sections of the body, we will move onto Yakusoku Kumite (prearranged sparring drills).

The aim of the training of basic techniques is to learn the correct forms and acquire the strength to deal with an assumed opponent. There are three different stages in the prearranged sparring training, i.e. Gohon Kumite (five step sparring), Kihon Ippon Kumite (one step sparring) and Jiyu Ippon Kumite (semi free sparring), in all of which we will be facing the opponent.

Gohon Kumite (Five Step Sparring)
In Gohon Kumite, the attacker will attack the opponent in the predetermined targets, repeating the same attacks five times. The defender will block, repeating the same blocks five times and after the fifth block the defender will deliver a counter-attack. The most important purpose of Gohon Kumite is to make the basic techniques we learn as strong as possible. The attacker’s aim is to break through the strong blocks which the defender may put up. The reversed is the defender’s aim. Gohon Kumite is incorporated in the stage of training of basic techniques.

Kihon Ippon Kumite (One Step Sparring)
In Kihon Ippon Kumite there will be only one attack and one block with one counter-attack executed. It may looks simpler than Gohon Kumite, but it takes a form a little closer to fighting. This form of fighting aims at the accomplishment of a block and a counter-attack in one breath using a body shift in blocking, as opposed to the defender moving straight backwards in Gohon Kumite. In Kihon Ippon Kumite, many factors are required to deal with an attack from the opponent, in addition to the basic factors. The aim of Kihon Ippon Kumite is to try to create a stronger counter-attack with a combination of a body shift and a block.

Jiyu Ippon Kumite
Jiyu Ippon Kumite involves the distance to the opponent, the opportunity and timing for an attack. It involves the complex relationships of a block using a body shift and a counter-attack. It involves various factors, which are not learned in Kihon Ippon Kumite. In other words it becomes more complex. To master such complex factors step by step is an important goal for Jiyu Ippon Kumite. Jiyu Ippon Kumite is a prearranged sparring, which holds an essential position before we move onto Jiyu Kumite (free sparring). It can be said that Jiyu Ippon Kumite is Kata carrying the name of Kumite.

Jiyu Kumite
In parallel to Yakusoku Kumite (pre-arranged sparring), there is Jiyu Kumite (free sparring). In Jiyu Kumite, both sides can exchange techniques freely without any prearrangements. This is equivalent to Randori in Judo. People tend to want to rush into Jiyu Kumite as soon as possible. It is dangerous to move on to Jiyu Kumite after only having practiced Kihon (basic techniques). Therefore, Yakusoku Kumite (pre-arranged sparring) which is a step before Jiyu Kumite (free sparring), is an indispensable process. We must practice Jiyu Ippon Kumite (semi-free sparring) fully, so that we can improve our Jiyu Kumite (free sparring). Likewise, we should not lose the mentality of Jiyu Kumite (free sparring) when we practice Jiyu Ippon Kumite (semi-free sparring).

Competition Kumite
On the subject of psychology or mindset for competition Kumite, both defensive and offensive techniques need to be executed naturally rather than intentionally. It means that the body will respond immediately with defensive or offensive techniques, the brain reacting to the situation. The movements and techniques calculated in the brain to respond to an assumed situation or attack may work only when there is a significant difference in capability between the opponents. In a situation like a competition where there exists very little difference in capability between the opponents, techniques executed on calculation will be in most cases blocked or counter-attacked.

Therefore, in our regular training, we must practice pre-arranged Kumite or if it is Kata we must study the meaning of the Kata whilst practicing it repeatedly as many times as possible, so that our techniques can be executed without thinking. The conscious movements will quite often lead to self- destruction. It is imperative not to be preoccupied with the intents of punching or kicking the opponent, but to maintain within ourselves a clear mind-set like a flowing water, to elevate our spirit which we should try to emit outwards (towards opponent).

The above is all related to mind-set, but the ability to fully bring out one’s best techniques is also crucial. When we become too nervous or too tense in competition, quite often we lose the match without performing to the best of our ability. Important is not only daily physical training but also mental training to maintain calmness, with which we can remove hesitation, fear against the opponent, hot temper or stagnation of mind, thus making the free execution of techniques possible.

Changes in Techniques for Competition
The techniques that are often used in competition have changed throughout the history of competitions, which started 20 odd years ago (translator’s notes: this book was written in1976). Techniques used at early years of competition were mainly big techniques. Examples of them are Jun Zuki (Oi Zuki) with a big forward stepping-in movement or long-range Mae Geri. The clashes of big techniques were a characteristic of competition then. This stage lasted for a while, and then changes emerged where counter punches or kicks were executed after blocking big attacking techniques. In other words Deai (a counterattack at the precise moment when the opponent tries to initiate an attack) was delivered.

The new trend gave the Deai a main spot in competition, moving away from the clashes of big techniques. What then emerged was Sen no Sen attack where an attack is initiated before the opponent tries to do Deai. Attacks with a quick Kizami Zuki with the front hand are quite often seen in today’s competition. Deai does not involve much body and hand movement as compared to other techniques. Due to its relatively short effective range and due to difficulty in breaking into the right distance, the speed of the attack becomes a critical issue. Any experienced person would understand that sharp snaps like bamboo are required in the ankles and knees.

We should experience and practice repeatedly those techniques that emerged at different points of time in competition and make them our own natural techniques, through which process we get closer to the perfection of the techniques. Ultimately we should be able to make every kick and punch we execute effective and destructive, not unnecessary actions, with which we can achieve the ultimate goal of Ikken Hissatsu (destruction of the opponent with a single attack).

Oyo Waza (Practical Techniques)
Now I would like to mention a summary of Oyo Waza (practical techniques). Oyo Waza are offensive and defensive techniques based on the basics which are able to cope with the changing movements of the opponent.

Renzoku Waza (Consecutive Techniques)
Renzoku Waza (consecutive techniques) are offensive techniques executed in succession, immediately after the initial attack, in the direction of the retreat or body shift of the opponent, without giving the opponent any time to counterattack. Every punch and every kick in consecutive techniques must be accurately executed to the correct target in Jodan or Chudan with full spirit and force. For this purpose, training in the correct stances essential to maintain the correct postures is a requisite.

Deai
To execute a technique just a split second before the opponent executes a technique or precisely at the time of sensing that the opponent is just about to attack is called Deai. Deai is the most effective and easy to execute against big techniques. The bigger the movement of the opponent such as Oi Zuki and Mae Geri, the easier and more effective the Deai is. The risk associated with Deai is that as a big technique generates a body mass and speed, if the timing for Deai is wrong, the opponent could bulldoze or squash us down. As catching the right timing for Deai is extremely difficult, the ability to develop athletic reflection to detect and capture the right moment needs to be enhanced through training.

Read our Tribute to Shoji Sensei from November 2003

Back to Articles

Home

Copyright © Japan Karate Association of Australia (Victoria) Limited 2008