While 基本 (KIHON)—the training of the
fundamentals—certainly “…is based on stationary and ido-kihon”, it must not end
there if one wants to develop highly effective techniques.
This is the mistake of many so-called
‘traditionalists’ who limit their kihon practice to the classical techniques,
extracted from the kata. This is, incomplete fundamental training as there are
several other aspects that MUST BE TRAINED. So what specifically are these?
1.
自由組手の基本 (The fundamentals of jiyu kumite)
2.
インパクトトレーニング (Impact training)
Let me
explain both of these, as just practicing jiyu kumite techniques randomly in any
way and arbitrarily ‘thumping things’ is not sufficient…
1. 自由組手の基本 (The fundamentals of Jiyu kumite):
(a) The
fundamentals of jiyu kumite, in the case of those who practice karate as
bujutsu, are not techniques to win competitions (although they can be, if full contact competition or 'old school JKA shiai' is the aim). These kihonwaza
are the techniques of ‘classical kihon’; nevertheless, they are executed in
how you will use them in a real fight, so they are more natural in form.
However, they fully express the biomechanical principles, tactical
templates—such as tight and wide trajectories, and power of the classical movements.
In fact, only by a strong and well-maintained base (in the ‘classical kihon’)
can one execute effective jiyu kumite no kihon (which retains karate’s innate
character of ichigekk-hisatsu: via the achievement of kime in each action).
(b) These fundamentals
must be practiced not only in 自由一本組手 (Jiyu Ippon Kumite) and 自由組手 (Jiyu Kumite)—and their many
variations, but also as 打ち込み (Uchikomi).
Uchikomi in its most basic form is controlled impacts with
maximum speed on a training partner. It looks dangerous, because it potentially is.
However, even though the maai is exact (which, if not controlled, would severely hurt the training partner),
and the speed/power is maximum: the waza connects but does not damage them.
This is the epitome of 寸止め (Sundome). Just to confirm—THIS IS NOT SPORTS KARATE. The point of sundome
is not at full extension, or penetration of the weapon. Therefore, if sundome is
not adhered to, the percussive impact on the opponent will be at its maximum. Clearly, this is impossible, even for professional fighters: as this would result in an abundance on injuries—which would be nothing more than nonsensical.
Accordingly, Uchikomi,
while controlled, is rehearsal for hitting with maximum power, with the correct
maai/distancing and so forth… Clearly though, all of this practice is also not
enough. Full power impact must be made to create reliable weapons and to
provide real feedback for advancement of effectiveness.
2. インパクトトレーニング (Impact training):
In addition
to the above methods, we must train our waza to be explosive and penetrating;
that is, to be ‘reliable’. This requires hitting with the concerted intent to
transmit destructive impact to the respective target. There are many
aspects to this. Firstly, the type of technique and the optimal distancing for
it. Secondly, the target and optimal weapon(s) to cause maximum damage. Thirdly,
developing explosive speed and use of natural energy: body weight, gravity, ground
power, forward momentum/propulsion and so on. In sum, one cannot only ‘hit the
air’ , we must impact with our fighting techniques (on both static and moving
targets with maximum concentration of power). Irrespective of one’s form, without
this aspect, karate as a form of self-defense is unambiguously unreasonable. I have written about 'Air Karate' in the past, yet very few have changed their approach. This is an underpinning principle of the International Karate Shotokan. However, it is my hope that more groups around the world independently take up this mantle.
To conclude, impact training
completes the full circle of kihon. While 'jiyu kumite no kihon' and 'impact training' intelligibly cannot exist independently, these practical aspects of fundamental training are utterly essential. Otherwise, KIHON IS NOT COMPLETED. Osu, André
© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2020).
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