MY 2nd JAPANESE EXPERIENCE – World Competition

“The ultimate aim of the art of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the characters of its participants.” - Gichin Funakoshi

The above quote, from the founder of Shotokan Karate, is one that will not easily be dismissed from mind after my second expedition to this remarkable country.

In November of last year, I undertook to travel to Japan for the first time in my 27 years of practicing Karate. It was an unforgettable experience to be afforded an opportunity to train and grade with the masters of our beloved art.

As one can imagine, when I realised there was a chance to return to majestic Japan and compete against the best in the world, there was no deliberation, I needed to go.

As per my first trip, Japan greeted me with the warmth and congeniality that I have come to know of the Japanese people.

Our instruction commenced soon after our arrival. The training was extremely challenging and physically demanding on the body. The heat in Japan at the time was an average of 42 degrees Celsius and the humidity was almost unbearable, making the classes even harder.

However, it was during these strenuous sessions, when physical stamina was at its lowest, that I noticed something of real interest in the art of the Japanese way of training. It matters not how hard the training becomes, or how physically fatigued the Karateka feels, the Japanese do not allow a sacrifice in speed, power or form whatsoever.

Mentally, they shape their minds to push their bodies beyond any acceptable limit. A large amount of emphasis is placed on mental acuity, focus and discipline. It is with this mental resolve coupled with physical strength that they have become so adept at training with such consistency. When a Japanese Karateka performs a technique, it is done so with maximum dedication, precision and control.

They are an impressive nation that takes pride in all of their undertakings. This was easily observed by the exceptional organisation of the competition as well as the immaculate condition of the tournament venue.

The tournament began without a hitch and with precise punctuality, displaying another common trait of the Japanese, that being their utmost respect and consideration for people and their time. All the contestants were well informed regarding details of the competition agenda.

The South African Team was in high spirits, clearly demonstrated by their chanting of motivational cries and camaraderie. It fills me with pride to freely announce without a doubt, that the South African team had the finest spirit on the day of the competition.

To be afforded the freedom to watch the Japanese compete against each other and the rest of the world was like watching poetry in motion. They are true masters of the art and are absolutely fearless when they compete in Kumite. This was easily noticeable by the intensity, aggression and control with which the Junior black belts fight their Seniors.

However, there is a further skill that the Japanese have mastered, which makes them even more formidable. They are able to analyse and assess their opponents and his/her weaknesses very quickly and capitalise on those weaknesses during Kumite.

When performing Kata, the Japanese are precise in their technique. Each movement is performed with maximum power, speed and accuracy without any break in form.

The principles understood and taught by the Japanese to their students is absolutely invaluable to the furtherance of a Karateka’s pursuance of Karate mastery.

One Japanese contestant mentioned the following to me, which I will never forget. He said “Karateka never lose, sometimes they win, and other times they learn.”

If we wish to raise the standard of our own Karate, much wisdom and knowledge can be attained by the observation of the humble, yet fierce Japanese.

To the Japanese, Karate is not a sport or a way to exercise, it is a way of life. The principles of Karate extend into their everyday lives. Their humility, respect and friendliness serve to demonstrate their complete understanding of the art and its true essence. They do not practice Karate, they live it.

I leave you with the quote below, as I believe it clearly demonstrates the meaning of the above.

“Karate may be considered as the conflict within oneself or as a life-long marathon which can be won only through self-discipline, hard training and one's own creative efforts.” – Shoshin Nagamine

- GARY FORSTER

Japan JKS World Champoinships results

Click here to view the results from the 2013 JKS World Karate Championships held in Japan in July. We are proud to announce that South Africa won the second place overall on medal count.

We are extremely proud of all our medal winners as well as our competitors. You did us proud.

August newsletter

Click  here or on the picture below to download Shihan Norman's August newsletter.

Ready to show the world who is the best!

Our National JKS Karate team has arrived in Japan and they are ready to make amok.

Click here to see the photos from the airport.

Go Team South Africa!

We wish you all the best and know that you will bring home the honour, integrity and fruits of your labour!

5th JKS Training Session

5TH JKS TRAINING SESSION

These training sessions are compulsory for all dojo owners. Dojo Heads, please phone Shihan Norman when not attending these sessions.

WHO MUST ATTEND?

These training sessions are compulsory for all dojo owners. Dojo Heads, please phone Shihan Norman when not attending these sessions.

Dojo Heads, Japan World Championships Competitors and Brown & Black belts

Date 

Saturday 13^th July

Venue 

Friendsan Dojo, 88 Main Street, Blue Hills,Kyalami.

From Pretoria: From the N14, take the R55 Sandton and keep straight, this road becomes Main road, you will find the Dojo on the left hand side.

From Johannesburg: From N1, take the R55 Woodmead road it becomes Main road.

Click here to view on Google Maps

Times

09h00 – 11h00         Training

11h00 – 12h00         Kit Presentation

Please bring own refreshments as there is no canteen!

July Newsletter

Please click on the link to view our July Newsletter, full of exciting tips and events.

Newsletter - June 2013

We recently started with a monthly newsletter. Please click on the link to view our June Newsletter, full of exciting tips and events.

Fighting Arts Seminar - Postponed

Unfortunately, we had to postpone the fighting seminar due to a lack of interest. The fighting seminar will not be held on the 11th of May 2013 anymore. We will communicate a new date soon.

Fighting Arts Seminar - Book your place now!

 

 

Kick start your child’s development with Karate

 
Physical, sensory, intellectual, emotional and social development all come into play
in the disciplined precise sport of Karate. When your child enters the Dojo they
learns to cleanse themself of the days matters, slip into their white suit and focus on
the principles of good character and attitude towards life.
 
Repetition of these traits brings the karateka’s approach to life to conscious mind.
They learn to take responsibility for their actions. This is a powerful perspective to
hold on life as it empowers them to own their life and lead it.

 
The physical and sensory benefits are extensive. The karateka will gain better
balance, co-ordination, quick reflexes, agility and strength. They will learn to trust
their body’s ability to move with accuracy without having to guide their movements
by watching every action. This is a result of their enhancement of their sense of body
position and balance, known as proprioception and vestibular sense respectively.

Muscle tone is boosted through the stretching elements of Karate. This means that
they will develop a better level of resistance in their muscles that provide a platform
to push against to make movements precise and rapid. Karate demands the co-
ordination of the two sides of the body which improves communication between the
two halves of the brain.
 
Intellect is brought into play as the katas demand memory skills and sequencing.
These are foundation skills for spelling, reading and mathematics. Commitment to
work towards achieving a higher level of skill teaches them to set goals and strive
towards them.
 
Obtaining a new level of skill feeds their emotional growth, self esteem and sense of
value. Through karate they will learn strength of character, effort, etiquette, sincerity
and self-control.
 
Bottomline: Karate packs a powerful punch in all aspects of your child’s
development.

Shihan Norman Robinson

Overview of a Self Defence Approach

When self-defence is mentioned, the average person usually expects some mystical technique or power that will enable the person that knows it, to neutralise any opponent - and even a number of opponents - without any effort. In the minds of a large number of people these techniques can usually be found in the martial arts.

The average martial artist thinks that he would be able to defend himself in nearly any situation, and even that he would be able to handle a number of attackers at the same time. Although technique - whether punching, blocking, kicking, throwing or a lock - may form part of a self-defence strategy, it is by far not the only element of self-defence.

A complete self-defence strategy should consist of a number of elements, namely knowledge of the attitudes and thinking patterns of the attacker, knowledge on how situations that require self-defence usually develop, the correct attitude and mental approach in such a situation, the knowledge of self-defence techniques that are efficient, and correct body conditioning to enable you to perform the techniques at the required level.

Self-defence, in a broader perspective, consists of a number of disciplines of protection which would include, inter alia, the locks and alarm systems installed in houses, protective clothing worn by policemen and soldiers, and protection of vehicles by armouring them. The discipline concerned with the utilization of various weapons for self-defence is also comprehensive.

It is obvious that a discussion of any number of self-defence disciplines falls outside the scope of this thesis. This thesis will concentrate on an approach for self-defence on a personal basis. It is clear that, as with a lot of other subjects in life, there will be different views on the matter based on the personal outlook and experience of the individual involved.KNOWLEDGE OF THE ATTACKER
For the average person affected by an attack, for whatever reason, it appears as if these incidents happen on a random basis and the callousness and viciousness of some of the attacks defy explanation. Although all persons that attack another person are not hardened criminals as such, their conduct is criminal, and I am of the opinion that the same basic mindsets apply as those applicable to criminals. To understand and prepare oneself it is important to take a look into the mind of a criminal.

Massad Ayoob indicates the following with regard to mindset of criminals:

1.     They regard human beings that conform to society as a resource, to be harvested like corn or complacent livestock for their bounty.

2.     Psychiatrists call them sociopaths. Sociopaths don't really care about other people. They see people as a resource, as food as it were. A sociopath criminal feels that he does it for the greater good of himself. The suffering of his victims does not concern him. He is isolated from them. He feels that he has his own problems that drive him to this lifestyle; the agony he causes to others is simply their problem. He murders, assaults and rapes with no more compunction than the manager of a local grocery store ordering stocks for his shop.

3.     The predatory people don't think like normal people.

Clive Murphy indicates that attackers are driven by the following:

1.    The first group attacks for financial gain. Ninety five percent of attackers in this category will have weapons to intimidate you. However, they do not plan to use the weapon. The main aim of this group is to your take your possessions to provide for their needs.

2.     The second group attacks to obtain resources to gratify a physical need. These persons usually operate in isolated areas and usually require your possessions to gratify an immediate need, like money to buy drugs and liquor.

3.     The third group is attackers with a domination need. This group is super violent and feels that another group, or someone else, has put them down. The main aim of this group is to experience your fear and submission for as long as possible. They will therefore isolate you by moving you to a secondary location and if you submit to their demands, they will start escalating the violence.

From the aforementioned it is clear that there can be large variations in the motivation of different groups of attackers, but that they have one trait in common: they are only interested in satisfying their own needs, no matter what the consequences or the impact of their conduct on their victims.
 
KNOWLEDGE OF THE COURSE OF AN ATTACK

Most victims of an attack feel that the attack takes place ran
domly. This is not the case. Attacking another person involves taking a risk, as the attacker may be hurt. He could, for instance, be shot and put in jail. Attackers are afraid of being hurt. They fear the police, police dogs and people with weapons. To minimise their risks they plan their attacks and select their victims. In this process, certain opportunities to prevent and nullify an attack are presented.

Clive Murphy describes the following four phases through which an attack usually goes:

1.      The first phase is the selection process. This is out of your control and will be done according to generic selection criteria e.g. the car that you drive or the colour of your hair. The attackers will take the way of least resistance and if they want your car, they will follow you home. The attackers will determine whether you display a victim profile.

2.      The second phase is the evaluation phase. The attackers will determine whether you fit the victim profile. They will walk into your personal space and observe your response; if you have a submissive response, they will select you. They will also test you physically by bumping into you, or verbally through sudden inappropriate dialogue. It is important to again determine whether you fit the victim profile or not.

3.      The third phase of the attack is the demoralisation phase. In this phase they will rush and intimidate you. The attackers will make their demands and defeat you mentally and physically by playing mind games to get you to submit. The attackers are professional liars and intimidators.

4.      The fourth phase is the need fulfilment phase. The attacker has gained control of you and is in charge. There is often a clear change in the attacker's approach and the edge to intimidate and control you, comes off. The attacker therefore relaxes and his focus changes. It is clear that this change in conduct presents opportunities to get out of the situation.
 MENTAL APPROACH TO SELF DEFENCE

From the information supplied in the above paragraphs it is clear that your mental state plays an important part in an attack situation. This can be divided into two main parts, namely the situation before and during an attack. The first part is before the attack and entails the following:

1.    Firstly it is important to not be selected as a victim. If you are in a state where it is clear that you are not paying attention to what is happening in your environment, you are displaying a victim profile. It is important to keep your head up at all times and observe your environment. Utilise your knowledge on the conduct of attackers and the attack situation to look for pre-incident indicators. It is important that you trust your gut feel in this regard.

2.    Secondly is your reaction when you are tested. It is important to decide beforehand how you will react if a stranger enters your personal space uninvited. In the heat and surprise of the situation there will not be time to decide on an appropriate response. The response should be a clear and non-negotiable statement. It is important to remember that the attacker will always base his final judgment on whether you are a victim or not on your body language.

An attack is taking place because there where either no observable indications of the attack, or the indications had been missed and it is time to react. In this regard the following:

The first problem that you will be confronted with is what is called the generic victim conflict, namely: are you going to resist or not. Although the final decision will be made on the basis of the situation, it is important that the decision and possible reaction be thought trough before the time because it will not be possible in the stress and distractions of an attack. This is a difficult decision because of the risks involved in resisting. It is important to have your priorities right in this situation. It is better to lose a possession, that can be replaced, than risk injury that may cripple you for life.

The first reaction is to escape immediately by walking or running away. According to research presented by Clive Murphy, this approach can be used in about 90% of attack situations.

The second reaction is to feign submission by taking on a submissive posture. The next step is to hand over the objects that the attacker demands from you. Step away slowly, staying in the submissive posture until you are outside of contact distance, then turn away and run. This reaction will be applicable in about 8% of attack scenarios.

Reaction three is to resist and attack the attacker. It is important to note that this approach should be utilised as a last resort only, when an attacker is already using a weapon on you or is blocking your only escape route. The techniques discussed in the next part can be utilised to attack your attacker. It is important to only fight until you can escape. During this process improvised weapons and, for instance, pepper sprays can be utilised. PRE-EMPTIVE TECHNIQUES

The pre-emptive techniques discussed below were generally determined as effective in a fight. However, the techniques should be performed on the basis of the following principles:

1.    If time allows, adopt a stance that - to the uninformed - appears submissive but is, in fact, a very effective 'ready' stance. The stance entails the raising of your open hands with the palms forward, almost as in the traditional cowboy 'hands-up'position. The position of the hands will depend on the distance from the attacker. For this purpose three distances are applicable, namely kicking distance, punching distance and close-up. With kicking distance the hands should be about shoulder width apart, with punching distance the hands should be in front of the face, with the one hand a little more forward than the other. These hand positions also control the situation to the extent that it suggests certain targets to the attacker.

2.    The technique to be performed will be determined by the distance from the target.

3.     It also important that the technique should be in relation to the threat. The eyes should for instance not be attacked unless your life is in danger, since such an attack may blind the attacker.

4.    The principle that applies is that closest weapon attacks closest target.

5.    The aggressor's body language should be observed closely to determent whether he is going to attack, in which case a first strike should be made. Telltale signs are, for instance, the colour of the aggressor's face - e.g. a white face indicates that he is at the peak of readiness and a red face that the peak has passed. The body posture and language should also be observed carefully to determine signs of training in for instance martial arts, boxing or concealed weapons. With regard to a hand in a pocket or a hand concealed behind the back, it should be accepted that it conceals a weapon like a knife.

6.    Self-defence encounters are usually very violent, but have a short time span. Preparation should therefore be made to meet this violence but you should also be ready to deliver a high number of punches in a very short time span. The first strike attack should therefore be followed up immediately with a continuous, fast and uninterrupted attack, until the attacker is neutralised.

7.    Although the attack should be fast and continuous, it should also be efficient and effective. It should therefore be accurate and aimed at definite targets. The vulnerable parts of aggressors, where a strike would have the biggest impact, should be attacked.

8.    It is also important that the techniques should be simple and straightforward because the more complicated they are, the bigger the risk of forgetting them or doing them incorrectly.

The following nine techniques are generally considered efficient and affective first strike techniques. They should al be performed from the ready stance discussed above:

1.      For close distance fights, deliver an empi strike to the jaw or the side of the face.

2.      Deliver a hooking elbow strike diagonally downwards, from the cheekbone in the direction of the opposite side of the jawbone.

3.      Kick the top part of the front foot upward in a snapping motion into the groin of the aggressor. Do not pull the foot back as if a mae-geri is going to be performed.

4.      Deliver a forward kekomi kick to the upper part of the leg.

5.      Strike the opponent's nose, side of his face or jaw with the open palm of your hand.

6.      Strike the opponent on his throat with the hand open, using the part of the hand between the thumb and the forefinger.

7.      Strike the eyes with the fingers of the open hand, like the strike of a snake.

8.      Push the thumbs into the eyes; hold the thumbs nearly parallel to the forefinger; the fingers should end up next to the head of the attacker.

9.      Strike the nose of the opponent with a tetsui strike motion, but rip the action down by bending the knees.
 
PHYSICAL PREPAREDNESS

Considering the fact that it will be required that a lot of punches and kicks should be delivered in a very short time span, it is of utmost importance that the self-defence techniques should be based on an acceptable level of fitness. It is clear that this subject, in itself, can form a whole separate thesis.

We are again confronted with the situation that there can be lot of different views on the matter, so the following is one possible approach. One of the approaches that can be followed is to do combat fitness training which can involve the following approaches:

1.    An approach can be followed where the class is divided into two groups. The one group has punching bags and the other group takes up position on the other side of the dojo. This group does, for instance, 10 push-ups, runs over to the group with the punching bags and do five punches with each hand and five kicks with each foot on the bag; they then run back to the starting point and do push-ups again. This exercise can be done in rounds of 1, 2 or 3 minutes, depending on the fitness level of the persons involved. Rounds should also be done to exercise different muscle groups, like the legs and abdominals.

2.    The exercise routines of using one's own body weight to obtain fitness and strength as described by e.g. someone like Matt Furey, can also be utilised. Some of the exercises that come to mind are Hindu squats and push-ups, and breathing and abdominal exercises.

3.    Regular work on a heavy punching bag is also important. This exercise should again be done with a very high intensity to prepare for the possible real life situation.

4.    Exercises to strengthen the body, like slapping and controlled punching, will contribute to strengthening and preparing the body for possible punches in an encounter.

Godan Thesis 
Gert Oelofsen

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1.      The Truth About Self Protection - Massad Ayoob
2.      Presentation on self-defence - Clive Murphy
3.      Information given during numerous training sessions by my Sensei, Pierre Jordaan

Basic principles when defending against firearms and blunt instruments

This short article is intended to close the gap between traditional concepts of street defence against unarmed aggressors and the modern world of aggressors armed with firearms and blunt instruments.

Whilst one would not, by choice, confront an armed aggressor with "Empty Hands", you may end up in a situation where you do not have a choice: aggressors normally choose the time place for their attack.

Defence against an armed aggressor is "extremely hazardous to one's health" and, as a starting point, karateka would do well to remember:

-    Rather walk away; your ego will only get you killed.

-    Understand the principle of distancing when 'weapons' are involved:
    o      If you are out of range, you cannot be stabbed with a knife or beaten with a blunt instrument.
    o      If you are confronted by an aggressor armed with a firearm, you need to be close enough to defend yourself. If you try to attack from far away, you will be shot and possibly killed.

The views expressed here are my own, based on over 26 years experience in practical pistol shooting and over 10 years experience in Shotokan karate. Over the years I have been involved in numerous confrontations during which I have been attacked and shot at by armed and unarmed assailants. There is no romance or pleasure in facing death or taking another's life.

Firearms

There are two broad categories of hand guns, namely revolvers and semi automatic pistols. In confronting an aggressor armed with a handgun, the following points are relevant.

-    You cannot outrun a speeding bullet, i.e. you have to close the gap rather than extend the gap in most instances.

-     If you initiate an attack against an aggressor who is pointing a firearm at you, provided your distancing is correct, you will be able to deflect the muzzle of the firearm away from you before the aggressor is able to discharge the firearm.

-    The ability to render the firearm inoperative is a great advantage and for this reason a basic understanding of the mechanical workings of handguns is essential. 

Blunt instruments

Other than being completely out of range, it is generally better to be as close as possible when you are being attacked by an aggressor wielding a blunt instrument. The reason for this is quite simply that the end of a blunt instrument travels at greater velocity. The principle of "attack the attack" is of greatest importance in this situation.

 

Ian McLaren

What it means to be a black belt in JKS

I have had my Black Belt for nearly two years now and you would think that by this time the question would be easy to answer. Well, for me it has not been easy. I think that, in order to answer this question, you have to ask yourself why you actually did everything that was needed to get your Black belt. Why did I go through all of the hours of training, sweat, sore muscles, pain, frustration and sometimes disappointment, to work through the kyu gradings to get to Shodan level?

When starting this essay I went back to some of the notes and ideas that I had jotted down since the beginning of the year. I found that I had, even in this reasonable short period of time, changed and developed on those ideas and that I could still not fully answer the question in my mind properly. It only left me questioning my feelings and ideas even more.

One of the first things that came to mind when I started to try and answer this question, was the sense of self achievement that I had when I first put on my Black Belt. Self achievement from the fact that I had done what many younger, more athletic students, had failed to do; that I had persevered where others had given up. And, because of this, I had reaped the rewards.

Did that mean that I was a better student, that I was more athletic, more supple? No, it meant that I had continued despite the fact that it was not always easy. (This in some ways must point to something in my own character, something that I did not always appreciate) Yes, there were times that I doubted that I could do it properly but there was always somebody there to give an encouraging word or to push me a little further. But this means that I did not do it 100% alone, so the ￿self achievement￿ no longer holds totally true.

The second feeling I had was a sense of pride. All of a sudden I was being congratulated by colleagues and people I hardly knew. It gave me a little bit of a social status and this made me feel good. But, after a while, this wears off and you are back where you started emotionally.

So, I was proud of my achievement, but did that mean I was a better or a different person than the one before I got my Black belt?

In terms of Karate, most definitely. Not only am I much more fit, but I am also a lot more supple than I was before a started Karate. I have learnt to know my own body better and have surprisingly found that I can do more than I originally thought. I often get pushed to my perceived limits and have found that I can still continue beyond these. Also, from both a physical and health perspective, I can definitely see a difference in myself. I cannot think of where I would have been in these aspects had I not been doing karate for the last 7 odd years.

I started Karate because it has always been something that I was interested in, right from the days of the TV program ￿Kung Fu￿ with David Caradine, which I first watched in black and white on Rhodesian TV in 1972. This then progressed to Bruce Lee movies and the interest has not stopped since. According to my understanding at the time, being a black belt made you both deadly and invincible. And that is what I wanted to be, able to kill somebody with one chop to the neck, as in all James Bond (007) movies.

Did I want to achieve this rank in karate for only those reasons, pride, self achievement? I don￿t think so as I would have then stopped, and would not be here now preparing for my Nidan grading.

I admit that my goal was only to get a Black belt. But somewhere along the journey I learned that having that black belt did not make me invincible, and I realized that what I had learned to get my Shodan, was just a drop in the ocean. I came to realize how little I really knew and that the most unbelievable thing about it all was that this was just the beginning.

So why did I do it?

After reaching 4th kyu I stopped doing karate for more than eight years, so one reason I did it was to finish something that I had started and for some reason had stopped.

I did it to be a good example to my two boys, to try and teach them that you must not stop at the first hurdle, but to continue because although you may not always win, you will always learn something from the experience. These hurdles are tests in our lives and, often, more can be learned from failure than from success. What makes our lives individual are all of these experiences, it gives us something that makes life something to look forward too.

I did it because it was always something I had an interest in. Plain and simple. I cannot think of any other reasons. There may have been others reasons but I can no longer remember them.
Where to from now?
Having gone through all of the Kyu ranks means I have learnt many moves and techniques. However, now that I am a black belt, I have come to realize that I am in many instances learning more about those same moves and techniques while helping with the other junior students. Instead of just doing the movement, I am forced to think about the movement and about how to convey this successfully to the student. This forces me to think of the many practical aspects of the technique and, with that, the various applications as to how to use it. It is very satisfying to take a technique and to teach that to somebody: to see that they really understand why they are doing it the way they are, and to think that if I was taught it that way, maybe I would have been a lot less frustrated.

Many people have spent many hours helping me with my journey to Shodan and beyond. Without them it would not have been possible and to that I owe a debt. I may not be able to repay them directly, but in the spirit of Karate maybe I can help others in some way. By making myself available for other karate related tasks, such as competition judging, grading preparation, just giving a class or the likes, not only do I continue learning and expanding my own knowledge, but I may also free up others to do more important things. In this way I can start giving back to Karate some of what was given to me.

Karate movements and techniques are both physical and technical activities and as such are very difficult to describe correctly in words. The only true ways of continuing to properly teach these are through practically doing them, as well as showing or coaching the student the correct way. This then can be my contribution to continuing the JKS style of Karate to the next generation of karateka.

I have now grown to enjoy Karate despite often having sore muscles or joints or being frustrated because of something that is hard to do or difficult to master. It is also difficult to measure myself against others and to accept that there is only so much that I am capable of physically. This has however not stopped me yet, and a good coach does not necessarily have to be a champion.

I have no idea what is going to happen next. I am just grateful that I have been given and have taken the opportunity to learn something extraordinary. I now know that this is an ongoing experience in my life, that I still have much to learn and that this is just the beginning. My training to this stage has been very much the basics of Karate and I would like to expand and continue on this base. (I have not yet even obtained my Nidan, yet I catch myself already thinking about Sandan.)

I have also, on previous Gasshukus that I attended, been exposed to wrist locks, takedowns and close quarter fighting and I feel that this would be one of the future possibilities to explore and learn. Also, with information so freely available on the WEB and with any search of the word 'Karate' or 'Shotokan' bringing up literally thousands of websites, it is now a feeling of 'So much to learn, so little Time'.

I am again humble.

Shaun Everett

My Tokui-waza

I was once told that in the Second World War there was a debate on which martial arts must be trained by the Japanese Military. Masters from different martial art styles came together in this dispute. Most of the styles caused disagreement because it was too complex (Aikido, Judo) and it would take years and years of training to master it. The Japanese Military needed hand-to-hand combat training urgently since time was the factor. It was then decided that Karate would be used. Karate was chosen because it was easier to learn and it was very effective. Apparently the Japanese Military practiced (specialised more) on three basic techniques (Gyaku-zuki, Mae-geri, and Age-uke) and was sent into combat.

This thought stuck with me for a long time after I heard it quite a couple of years ago. Being in the fortunate position to have studied this art opened my eyes in various ways. I have seen spectacular kicks and combinations - all in vein. I have also seen the simplest techniques and combinations - with shocking potency. Without realising it, I started training and concentrating on the 'simpler' things (techniques), since in most cases this always seemed to work. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that the more complex techniques and combinations don't work. It's just that I have seen and experienced both the simple and more complex techniques, and although both can be effective, the simple basic techniques work.

This thesis is about my TOKUI-WAZA, how it is executed and taught to students, and how I have developed techniques around it for use to my own full benefit. It can in fact also be seen as a BASIS for general fighting techniques, as will be explained. In general, I don't believe in one favourite technique. It actually makes you a predictable fighter for your opponent to read, which makes you very vulnerable. I have found that most of my favourite combinations have the same basis, and that is my TOKUI-WAZA.

Someone once said: "If you hit the wall, go back to the basics". Building a favourite technique around basics will be effective, with the advantages that it is easy to teach, and easy to learn. With this simplicity as basis, one can easily evolve it into an advanced technique.

I will separate my TOKUI-WAZA into three categories: BASIC, INTERMEDIATE and ADVANCED. This will give a better understanding on how to develop, grow and perform this technique/combination to be very effective. Some of the pros and cons will also be addressed and through this a greater understanding will be created. 

This basis, which is also my favourite technique, is "Gyaku-zuki, step Gyaku-zuki".

BASIC

The utmost basic of the techniques is "Gyaku-zuki, step Gyaku-zuki".  Teaching this technique gives me great pleasure, and the advances in it are not always noticeable.  Students of all ages and levels can start with this as the basis.

It is very important to correctly and clearly demonstrate to students what needs to be done, since this is the basic phase. I found myself breaking it up into two parts: starting with a stationary position and executing the first gyaku-zuki. This is very easily done. The second part is easily picked up since it is merely another gyaku-zuki, but with a step. The difficult part is to get the proper kime and coordination (hand and foot to arrive simultaneously). After this has been mastered via two counts, the students will do both techniques in sequence, but in one count.

This technique is easily learnt and I've found that most students master it quite quickly, although they are sometimes very mechanical in executing the technique.  The more it is practiced and explained to the students to relax their shoulders, the easier and more fluent it becomes. If practiced with a more relaxed mindset, students will find it easier to relax.  The fluency and natural movement is easily picked up because the technique is actually being practiced everyday without students even realising it. This technique follows the basis of normal walking movement, hand and opposite foot moving forward together, which all of us do naturally every day.

To rectify sequences, I normally add an additional "step Gyaku-zuki". Students start with the left leg in front, and end in the same position. "Gyaku-zuki, step Gyaku-zuki, step Gyaku-zuki" is thus the basis, as in normal walking.  I found that mentioning this to students gives them a more open mind to execute the technique.  To watch the simplicity of the move makes it easier for them to execute and understand￿ just like walking ￿ how basic can it get?

The part that the student doesn't see or realise is the fact that they are learning to do more than one technique. The biggest problem I noticed in most competitions is that students only use one technique at a time.  The basic human nature of trying to avoid getting hurt and thus attacking with one only punch/kick, needs to be overridden with a double execution.

Once the students understand the technique, they can start applying it against each other. Both students can start in a static "jiyu kamae".  Here the student will learn to 'feel' distancing, which is normally a big problem at this level. Distancing problems can easily be overcome by just stepping through more deeply. Driving more with the hip can also help a lot. Problems occur if students over extend with punches or have 'body rock', which can be corrected when picked up.  Again the technique is broken down into three counts. Students will progress with time and through repetition. The attacker will become more fluent and the defender learns how to avoid more than one attack, but still keeping distance for the counter attack. The defender must concentrate on proper body posture to avoid being hit. This will help the defender to be in reach when it comes to the counter later, in the intermediate level.
INTERMEDIATE
Moving up towards the intermediate level, it will be seen that the TOKUI-WAZA stays the same. The intermediate phase involves more distancing, closing the gap and learning to take over through using "go no sen" (first block then counter).

On the intermediate level the technique will start with a "Yori-ashi Gyaku-zuki," then followed with a "step Gyaku-zuki, step Gyaku-zuki".  The basic gyaku-zuki step gyaku-zuki are thus still being executed.  The intermediate part of the TOKUI-WAZA is in actual fact the crux of the TOKUI-WAZA.  Students must be able to correctly and efficiently execute the intermediate stage before moving to the advanced stage.  After mastering the intermediate level, students will be on a high level, able to be skilled fighters.  The intermediate level has a very high skill level and due to speed and closing of distance, it is very effective. Students will learn how to use the TOKUI-WAZA with correct speed, and also the awareness of taking the initiative on an attacker that has stopped or paused his attack.

The student will again face forward, starting with yori-ashi gyaku-zuki, step gyaku-zuki, step gyaku-zuki.  The effectiveness, again, lies in the preparation of the technique.  Ensuring the correct height (low fighting stance but still movable) will ensure penetration and students will automatically have more intention and drive.  Intention and penetration will be lost when students are standing too high. If students can work lower than their normal in jiyu-kamae, their actions and emphasis will be to drive forward into the opponent.

After the intermediate technique has been mastered, students will face each other to apply the combination.  This time both students will be at a more comfortable fighting distance, just out of reach of the opponent, but still in a static jiyu kamae (front feet a foot's distance apart).  The attacker now needs to close the gap via a yori-ashi gyaku-zuki ￿ when the foot lands, student must have executed the first gyaku-zuki. By pulling hard on the hikite arm, the gyaku-zuki will be much faster and stronger to ensure "Ikken Hissatsu", which literally means "to destroy with one technique" or "killing blow".

The defender will have to make use of a backward yori-ashi to not get caught and needs to just stay out of reach.  Please note that the gyaku-zuki will be executed to jodan level, to force the defender to block at this higher level and, in so doing, create an open target on the defender.  The attacker will now execute the step with the second gyaku-zuki towards the chudan level, and the defender will step back.  The last part of the combination is then again executed to jodan level and the defender just steps back again.  It is important for both the attacker and defender to return to jiyu-kamae, maintaining the correct fighting distance between them.  Please note that the target of the gyaku-zuki will and can be changed by the attacker, as required during fighting or by the situation. Also bear in mind that all attacks of the combination must be executed with full intent - "Ikken Hissatsu".

From here, the next step would be exactly the same, but the difference comes in on the counter.  On the attacker's last gyaku-zuki, the defender will defend with an "Osae-uke" (pressing down block) for a chudan attack or a "Nagashi-uke" (sweeping block) for a jodan attack.  The defender will then become the attacker ￿ and this should be done instantly in an effort to catch the original attacker off guard.  GO NO SEN (block first then attack) is then applied and the new attacker applies the same combination.  Incrementally, GO NO SEN speed can increase, which would enable the student to react ASAP and take over the initiative.

This exercise is very intense and beneficial; it will enable students to start an attack with a simple and basic combination, which is very effective and which is very penetrating.  The way it is implemented enables one to close the gap over long distances, especially when opponents are very defensive.  For the more static defender it is more important to check the distancing and only a one step gyaku-zuki will be executed, followed by a double gyaku-zuki.  On the defence side it will help the student to move away faster from an aggressive attacker, but still maintaining the correct distance to take over the initiative.

The faster sen no sen can be applied, the better the chance of the defender defending himself.  The continuous sequence of events will force the students to stay focused and, typically, the first student that 'fades' and loses concentration, will fall out of sequence. Doing this exercise is all about helping the student to obtain the awareness and ability to attack as soon as the attacker stops and starts to move back to his normal non attacking position.

When a more free style jiyu-kamae is used, students must concentrate more on body posture, height and penetration.  I found that a lot of form is lost in the process, and it is then better to return to the previous exercise. That is why the intermediate level is so hard to master. It is important to have the ability to repeat this sequence of alternating attacks as long and as many times as it is necessary to outplay your opponent.

The idea is to get muscle memory in place and to take over via sen no sen.  By mastering this technique correctly, a student will build a very strong and effective defence and attack.

What the student does and doesn't notice

Though this is very basic, it is in fact very advanced at the same time and students normally only notice the benefits from the attacker￿s point of view - the opportunity to attack￿ but, there is more￿..

On too many occasions I have seen students attacking with only one technique, sometimes two, but from a very stationary position.  Through the above training students learn to use a more penetrating approach, and it forces them to close the gap. 

It is very easy to speed up; the body movement is natural and comes from normal walking and running: opposite hand and foot moves faster and the whole technique is more effective and faster. Students can also benefit from the defence point of view: it forces them to move away, but still stay in reach of the opponent.  It teaches them to apply sen no sen correctly and effectively; it gives them the mindset of not only being defensive, but also generates an ability of 'taking over'.
ADVANCED
The advanced stage of this combination isn't really the combination itself, but is focussed on how and when it can be used to your own benefit. It also involves what can be added prior to the combination, or at the end, to make it more effective and easier to execute.  This would include tactics to close the gap, as well as advanced extensions on the TOKUI-WAZA to outwit your opponent. To gain a better understanding, I will approach the advanced level from the attacking and defending point of view. The advanced level will ensure that the TOKUI-WAZA can be executed effectively and will make it more difficult for your opponent to read when you￿re going to execute your TOKUI-WAZA.

Tactics, from the attacking point of view

This is the difficult part.  The problem lies in closing the gap between you and your opponent.  The best way to do this would be to initiate your combination with a tsugi-ashi/yori-ashi kizame-zuki.  This forces your opponent to block, which is what you want so that the TOKUI-WAZA can be executed.  The yori-ashi is more focused on the static opponent, where tsugi-ashi can be used on the more mobile opponent.  The important aspect of the kizame-zuki is the fact that it should be executed with full intent and total focus on reaching the target.

Another attacking tactic is to start with a tsugi-ashi then a front foot ashi-barai (foot sweep) to break the opponent's balance.  This approach is more difficult if the opponent is awake, and your front hand should therefore be ready to block any counter attack.

The last attacking tactic I use is via faking and attack or approach, just by moving towards the oppopnent.  The idea is to instigate the opponent to attack so I can block with the front arm and apply my favourite technique.  This is a kamikaze approach because the attacker can respond with a double counter.  To avoid this, it is essential to get the front hand back to it's original position ASAP to assist with your defence, if needed.

Tactics, from the defending point of view

In general, this is the preferred point of view and from here it is normally easier to execute the favourite technique.  The only problem is to be able to deviate the attacker.  The advantage is that if the attacker stops, the favourite technique can be executed. Distancing plays a big role and the defender (you) should just stay out of reach when the attacker attacks.  When the attacker (opponent) stops his combination and pulls back, the defender (you) must react instantly with the combination, trying to catch the attacker of guard.  The human body moves forward quicker and when the attacker gets caught on the back leg, it's over.

The other and preferred defence option is the use of GO NO SEN.  While the attacker attacks either kizame or gyaku, and while blocking, the defender moves forward.  Speed and surprise is the essence here. The danger lies in distancing, and ending up very close to you opponent is almost guaranteed.  For this situation I would apply advanced technique 3, which would involve a take down (see advanced technique 3).

In advanced practicing, the use of tactics plays an important role, as described above.  Advanced techniques usually involve more practice and mere skill doesn't always work.  The opponent moves around a lot more, since it is free sparring.  Advancement thus lies in how the opponent is being approached in order to execute the favourite technique.  As for myself, I have 3 advanced technique combinations that I practice and concentrate on.  As I pursue an opponent, I would use one of the 3 techniques or maybe a hybrid of them.  All depends on what my opponent does, how and with which arm I block, or even if the opponent kicks or not.

The 3 Advanced combinations I work on are:

1.     Yori-ashi, kizame-zuki, gyaku-zuki, step gyaku-zuki, step gyaku-zuki.

2.      Yori-ashi kizame-zuki, gyaku-zuki, step gyaku-zuki, step mawashi-geri/ushiro-mawashi-geri.

3.      Yori-ashi/Blocking, kizame-zuki/gyaku-zuki, step gyaku-zuki.  If I am close enough, I will go for the take-down.  All depends on the situation and which foot is in front, even if I have my opponent￿s arm or shoulder.

The importance of and key to a take-down lies in breaking the opponent's balance.  The other important thing for me is full commitment and driving the take-down through.  I have seen too many take-downs fail due to insufficient pivoting/driving.  Other problems come with distancing from the opponent.  I have trained take-downs for my own maximum benefit, not just using arms and limbs as is usually done.  Effectiveness lies in breaking balance, with close pivoting round the hip/foot and the accompanied pulling and driving with both arms.

I didn't elaborate too much on the advanced side of the technique, though I personally spend much more time on it.  For me it￿s all about setting a basic standard on how to start a fighting technique, or taking initiative away from an attacker.  The emphasis is on whether the technique is efficient and easy to learn.

WHERE TO NOW?

The gyaku-zuki step gyaku-zuki is a very basic and effective combination.  It is easy to learn and can be used almost in every situation.  Incorporating this double combination into grading syllabus can be beneficiary.  The longer it can be trained in a student's karate career and development, the more natural it can become due to muscle memory.

The student can then evolve/develop more tactics on how to attack and how to take initiative from the attacker (GO NO SEN/ SEN NO SEN).  This combination is not the Alfa and Omega, but from personal experience I￿ve seen and found that it is very effective when your opponent is caught on his back leg and he cannot run away. The one position any fighter does not want to be in is on the back foot, trying to run or getting to a 'safe' distance.

This thesis is about the gyaku-zuki step gyaku-zuki, used as the basis for a fighting combination (TOKUI-WAZA).  Its effectiveness lies in the ability created to close the gap and putting the opponent on his back foot. It is a strong and simple combination which can be explored in many ways.

I believe in simplicity and effectiveness.

 

4th Dan Thesis - SEPTEMBER 2005

Jannie Buitendag