Second Dan thesis by Helena Grobbelaar
Since I can remember, I always wanted to do karate. Thinking back, it was probably triggered by the fact that I was the youngest child in my family. Everybody (so it felt) tried to bully me. I then thought that there must be a way to defend myself in a manner where size and strength do not play such a major role.
My first opportunity to practise karate only occurred after I matriculated. I then thought that a black belt was the ultimate achievement in karate. When I was awarded my first Dan, I realised how little I knew. Indeed, it was the first step in learning karate.
My first opportunity to practise karate only occurred after I matriculated. I then thought that a black belt was the ultimate achievement in karate. When I was awarded my first Dan, I realised how little I knew. Indeed, it was the first step in learning karate.
I realised how important it is to use your hips to generate power. Without this, the movement just seems so incomplete and powerless!
The next fact I realised was that there was a vast difference between karate (competition), free fighting and street fighting. I am privileged to train with sensei Pierre Jordaan and to explore some self-defence principles and techniques that work in typical street situations. I realised that the two scenarios are worlds apart. I made my choice to concentrate on self-defence rather than competition free fighting.
Self-defence techniques
I find it fascinating to play around with the various principles. When analysed, you realise that it is actually common sense principles.
E.g. apply the principle of "closest weapon, closest target". While in defensive mode, (i.e. keeping your arms up and showing your open hands to your attacker, palms facing the attacker, simultaneously turning sideways to give him a smaller target area), you are already in a semi-attacking position! Use the hand closest to the attacker to attack with. If you fake your defensive movements well enough, he will never expect you to attack in any case.
One should spend quite a bit of time practising to attack and not telegraphing the movements. I find it quite challenging to talk in an even voice while preparing to hit. The slightest twitching of an eye could be a dead give away.
A technique that I enjoy using is the 'double block' which sensei Pierre taught us. While in defensive mode, use the hand that is slightly in front of the other hand to parry first, followed by a block and take-away from the back hand. By doing so you are making absolutely sure that your defence is solid, while simultaneously preparing for an attack. The hands should be automatically in the right position to make the attack.
Many of these techniques are not normal karate movements, but adaptations, though the basics stay the same. Remember vulnerable points and attack those. Revert to "dirty" tactics like biting, spitting, sticking fingers into eyes or "shredding", if required. You only need a split second to distract the attacker and then you can react quickly. This could be the difference between life and death.
The faking of defensive movements, while preparing to react, ties in nicely with a seminar of Clive Murphy that I attended with our black belt class, organised by sensei Pierre. Taking the current crime rate into consideration, you will be foolish to think that you could never be a victim of crime yourself.
Clive stressed to not pretend bravery and to assess each situation in a split second, reacting upon that. Unlike typical karate movies where everyone awaits their time to attack and the hero winning in the end, Clive encouraged us to attack when it is required to, and to then run to safety. Previously I would have asked myself: "How can I be a coward and run away?" In real life I would rather run away and still be alive, than be killed by a bullet. There is no fair play out there! It is a matter of getting the mindset right so that, when needed, you are prepared.
We were also taught various ways not to become a victim of crime. An important principle in this regard is to be alert and aware of your surroundings. Another very important principle is one promulgated by Sensei Gichin Funakoshi, namely that the best way of self-defence is not to fight. Emanating from this, one should avoid visiting dangerous areas and places. Where possible, rather leave the area than waiting for trouble to happen. The key is to remain alert at all times. Karate definitely increases your awareness and reflexes and makes it easier for you to react.
There are many different devices and tools available for self-defence. To always carry it on you requires a lot of discipline. The problem, however, when reaching for the torch/pepper-spray etc., is that the sudden movement could result in your attacker thinking that you are reaching for a gun. You might just end up being shot. These tools should be available and only used in the right circumstances.
Using your body and limbs as weapons, is still the ultimate. Just practise the effective use of it. If your body and mind is aware and alert, fears are replaced by knowledge and skill.
Discipline
The next fact I realised was that there was a vast difference between karate (competition), free fighting and street fighting. I am privileged to train with sensei Pierre Jordaan and to explore some self-defence principles and techniques that work in typical street situations. I realised that the two scenarios are worlds apart. I made my choice to concentrate on self-defence rather than competition free fighting.
Self-defence techniques
I find it fascinating to play around with the various principles. When analysed, you realise that it is actually common sense principles.
E.g. apply the principle of "closest weapon, closest target". While in defensive mode, (i.e. keeping your arms up and showing your open hands to your attacker, palms facing the attacker, simultaneously turning sideways to give him a smaller target area), you are already in a semi-attacking position! Use the hand closest to the attacker to attack with. If you fake your defensive movements well enough, he will never expect you to attack in any case.
One should spend quite a bit of time practising to attack and not telegraphing the movements. I find it quite challenging to talk in an even voice while preparing to hit. The slightest twitching of an eye could be a dead give away.
A technique that I enjoy using is the 'double block' which sensei Pierre taught us. While in defensive mode, use the hand that is slightly in front of the other hand to parry first, followed by a block and take-away from the back hand. By doing so you are making absolutely sure that your defence is solid, while simultaneously preparing for an attack. The hands should be automatically in the right position to make the attack.
Many of these techniques are not normal karate movements, but adaptations, though the basics stay the same. Remember vulnerable points and attack those. Revert to "dirty" tactics like biting, spitting, sticking fingers into eyes or "shredding", if required. You only need a split second to distract the attacker and then you can react quickly. This could be the difference between life and death.
The faking of defensive movements, while preparing to react, ties in nicely with a seminar of Clive Murphy that I attended with our black belt class, organised by sensei Pierre. Taking the current crime rate into consideration, you will be foolish to think that you could never be a victim of crime yourself.
Clive stressed to not pretend bravery and to assess each situation in a split second, reacting upon that. Unlike typical karate movies where everyone awaits their time to attack and the hero winning in the end, Clive encouraged us to attack when it is required to, and to then run to safety. Previously I would have asked myself: "How can I be a coward and run away?" In real life I would rather run away and still be alive, than be killed by a bullet. There is no fair play out there! It is a matter of getting the mindset right so that, when needed, you are prepared.
We were also taught various ways not to become a victim of crime. An important principle in this regard is to be alert and aware of your surroundings. Another very important principle is one promulgated by Sensei Gichin Funakoshi, namely that the best way of self-defence is not to fight. Emanating from this, one should avoid visiting dangerous areas and places. Where possible, rather leave the area than waiting for trouble to happen. The key is to remain alert at all times. Karate definitely increases your awareness and reflexes and makes it easier for you to react.
There are many different devices and tools available for self-defence. To always carry it on you requires a lot of discipline. The problem, however, when reaching for the torch/pepper-spray etc., is that the sudden movement could result in your attacker thinking that you are reaching for a gun. You might just end up being shot. These tools should be available and only used in the right circumstances.
Using your body and limbs as weapons, is still the ultimate. Just practise the effective use of it. If your body and mind is aware and alert, fears are replaced by knowledge and skill.
Discipline
One has to be extremely disciplined to practise karate. Holding a full-time job, looking after a family, getting fitness levels up to scratch and practising karate, requires a lot of discipline and buy-in from the family.
It goes without saying that karate techniques should never be abused in any situation. Always be defensive and only use your skills when absolutely necessary.
The physical aspects
I am a great believer in training the body in order to strengthen specific muscles or groups of muscles to practise karate techniques more effectively. If a technique is executed correctly, one does not need a lot of strength for it to be effective (although it will always be an added bonus!) Using the correct training methods, speed, power and endurance will definitely improve.
You are responsible for your own fitness. One cannot expect to practise karate if your fitness levels are not up to standard. A basic knowledge of the different muscles or groups of muscles will always be an advantage. A visit to a professional biokineticist is always a good idea! One's body gets too used to doing the same exercises all the time. New ideas are always refreshing. This always emphasises how unique our bodies are. No matter how fit you are, there will always be an exercise that will test your body in a different way.
A healthy diet is very important. Looking after your body is absolutely important. What you put in is what you get out! Our muscles definitely need a lot of energy and endurance in our mission to strive for perfection in karate! This way you stay active and healthy much longer and you can do karate for longer.
Psychological aspects
It goes without saying that karate techniques should never be abused in any situation. Always be defensive and only use your skills when absolutely necessary.
The physical aspects
I am a great believer in training the body in order to strengthen specific muscles or groups of muscles to practise karate techniques more effectively. If a technique is executed correctly, one does not need a lot of strength for it to be effective (although it will always be an added bonus!) Using the correct training methods, speed, power and endurance will definitely improve.
You are responsible for your own fitness. One cannot expect to practise karate if your fitness levels are not up to standard. A basic knowledge of the different muscles or groups of muscles will always be an advantage. A visit to a professional biokineticist is always a good idea! One's body gets too used to doing the same exercises all the time. New ideas are always refreshing. This always emphasises how unique our bodies are. No matter how fit you are, there will always be an exercise that will test your body in a different way.
A healthy diet is very important. Looking after your body is absolutely important. What you put in is what you get out! Our muscles definitely need a lot of energy and endurance in our mission to strive for perfection in karate! This way you stay active and healthy much longer and you can do karate for longer.
Psychological aspects
The mind plays a very important role. A strong mind is needed to succeed in difficult or stressful situations and to keep going when the going gets tough.
Karate training is training of the body and the spirit. To be capable of inflicting devastating damage on an opponent with one blow of the fist or a single kick has indeed been the objective of the ancient Okinawan martial art (Best karate - sensei Masatoshi Nakayama). He mentions that the practitioners of old placed stronger emphasis on the spiritual side of the art than on the techniques.
In conclusion
To me, karate has become a way of life. It increases my awareness, reactions and reflexes. Being a woman of small posture, it gives me great confidence knowing that I can defend myself. That should immediately give me the element of surprise, as my attacker would not expect much resistance.
One should always strive to have a balance in life. Karate is one of the components to provide a balanced life for me.
To be a JKS black belt means that I should at all times do justice to the art of karate.
Karate training is training of the body and the spirit. To be capable of inflicting devastating damage on an opponent with one blow of the fist or a single kick has indeed been the objective of the ancient Okinawan martial art (Best karate - sensei Masatoshi Nakayama). He mentions that the practitioners of old placed stronger emphasis on the spiritual side of the art than on the techniques.
In conclusion
To me, karate has become a way of life. It increases my awareness, reactions and reflexes. Being a woman of small posture, it gives me great confidence knowing that I can defend myself. That should immediately give me the element of surprise, as my attacker would not expect much resistance.
One should always strive to have a balance in life. Karate is one of the components to provide a balanced life for me.
To be a JKS black belt means that I should at all times do justice to the art of karate.
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