A reflection on Karate and other Martial Arts

[Gyaku]

Every year I reflect on my karate training. I thought this time I would share some of my ideas on Map.

Full Contact vs Light Contact
Full contact training is very good, it hlps you cope with the intensity of fighting. However if its practised in excess it is actually detrimental to your karate. Most of the greatest fighters - people like the Gracies etc, actually only train 100% resistance very rarely. Flat out resistance causes loads of injury - intelligent light sparring is the norm, it helps teh student focus on building skills rather than simply avoiding getting hurt. Keep the balance right!

Cross training
Cross trainig is an excellent way to learn new ways of skinning the cat. Karate means 'empty hand', this should also be the mentality of a karateka - a mind free of prejudice against other arts. No matter what the art form you can learn a great deal - I would encourage anyone at brown belt or above to cross train. I also suggest getting to know all teh martial artists in your area and form a good relationship with them.

Beaware of fad teachers though. Just like the ninja craze of the 80's where everyone ran around claiming to be Ninja Masters - the same applys to some of the newer arts on the scene.

Mixed MArtial art schools are a case in point. I've come across several very dodgy instructors. One of my senior students has had some odd exeriences in a few London clubs. In one case the instructor boasted about being a European champ and that he prided himself on never being beaten. During training my student proceeded to force him to tap out three times in a row.
Of course there are PLENTY of excellent MMA schools out there - I'm sure guys like Yoda, Timmy Boy and others will point you in the right direction!

Groundwork
If you train Karate for self -defense, you need to learn a bit of groundwork - you don't have to be a pro - the basics are fine.

Some karate dojos teach groundwork, in London for instance there is Sensei Gavin Mulholland, a really superb teacher.

On the other hand you might want to take up judo - most instructors are fairly compitant and its easy to check if they're accredited.

Technique & Visualisation
If you want a faster punch, visualise it moving faster - its that simple! I guarentee it will boast your skills no end. Use it on the bag/pads, during kata - even during sparring. Mike Tyson was famous for imagining smashing his opponants nose into his brain before punching him. It works - do it!

Karate and weapons
Learn to use at least 3 types of weapons.

1. A double grip weapon like the Bo has mechanics that can be transferred to everyday objects, baseball bats, brooms etc.

2. A single grip weapon - the nunchuku can also be transferred to loads of everyday items, a hammer, a pan etc

3. Paired weapons - the sai, kama etc. Same reason as above!

Working with a knife is also fairly important - learn how to use it and defend against it. Get a couple of rubber knives and have some fun. Don't just practise against the basic stab - introduce other aspects like a grab. Test and retest your techniques!

Tegumi
These partner drills are vital to real karate training - practise these as much as possible, they build the basic skills you need!

[NaughtyKnight]

I like it, especialy about the Light vs Full contact. Sounds plausable enough.

[jonmonk]

Nice one Gyaku, thanks.

[Gyaku]

Thanks guys I appreciate the comments!

[Moosey]

Yep, excellent reflections. I agree with everything apart from the weapons (which I think are fun but not necessary)

That is, learning knife defences is good, but learning nunchaku and the like is just frivolous really.

[NaughtyKnight]

I find that weapon training dramatically helped my strikes and avoidance.

Controlling something that is longing that your limbs takes more skill than controlling just your hands. That gives you better cordination.

Dodging a stick flying faster than you can see makes punches seem like in slow motion in comparison.

Weapons are an excellent ma training device.

[gojuman]

Originally Posted by moosey

Yep, excellent reflections. I agree with everything apart from the weapons (which I think are fun but not necessary)

That is, learning knife defences is good, but learning nunchaku and the like is just frivolous really.

Learning to use weapons like the nuchaku for the weapon's sake alone can be considered to be "frivolous", but the but benefit gained from weapons training to your empty hand can not be ignored. Strength, balance, coordination are but three things that are improved throught the study of weapons. A weapon is just an extension of your body so training with them ultimately enhances your empty hand techniques.
If you are by nature a very hard person being stiff and inflexable, training with weapons helps you develop your flow and grace because the weapons do not work if they are manipulated with too much hardness. Likewise if you are a soft natured person weapons training can and does improve your ability to exibit your strength and force. Take the weapon away and these lessons stay with you.
There are good ways to practice with weapons and not so good ways. Having a good teacher who understands the principles of the weapons other than their inherant juggling properties is very important. If you can get past the thin surface of the juggling then you can really benefit from practicing weapons at the right time in your martial arts training. I say right time, because trying to wield certain weapons without a full grasp of the basics can become a problem.

[Anth]

Gyaku - thanks for posting that, and I agree with it

[Moosey]

Well, Knightcommander and Gojuman, I defer! You may be right.

[chrispy]

I'd have to say I argee pretty much completely as well! Especially the sparring bit, you won't learn much if all you are trying to do is avoid being injured

[Haduken]

excellent post gyaku... found it very interesting reading... especially the visualization part... it has definately given me some food for thought