Principles and Methods
- Application of Kime
- Physical Conditioning
- Interpretation of Kata
- A Defensive Strategy
- Knowledge of Vital-points
Application of Kime
- Kime (focus energy) is a method of applying power that is Karate.
Concentration of physical strength and mental concentration. A process of controlling the focus of attention, along with your will and spirit, by suddenly exhaling and contracting the body from your core to the fist as you hit your target. If properly done it can produce a shock wave of energy that can enter an opponent’s body. Ikken Hissatsu-one blow, one kill: the principle that every punch thrown is intended to end the fight right then and there.
2. Physical Conditioning
Conditioning gives you the mental toughness and ability to accomplish your fighting goals. The success of a technique has a better chance of working when you are the most physically fit you can be. To fight hard you must train hard. This should be a major part of your strategy.
3. Interpretation of Kata
Learn all of what the kata has to offer and how to apply the principles of the kata. From the grappling techniques (tuite) as well as the striking and kicking techniques. Train to find the way to use KIME on all the offensive techniques and the self-defense techniques that the katas are full of.
4. A Defensive Strategy
Defensive strategy means having your opponent commit to an offensive move before countering, or by using a tuite technique to restrain. Make your move when there is an opening in his position. Don’t hold anything back.
Don’t think of attack and defense as two different things; an attack will be a defense, and a defense must be an attack. How you react in the heat of battle is also your strategy. Success in fighting depends upon who is better prepared.
- Knowledge of Vital-points
The practice of hitting the vital points was incorporated into the hidden knowledge found in kata. To counterattack to your opponents vital points as fast as your conditioning and training will enable you. To insure success of your strikes, train your hands and feet on a makiwara, so they’re hardened enough to deliver a powerful strike. By learning the vital points you can be successful in defending yourself.
It’s not so much all the combinations and different techniques that win fights, but an understanding of the principles of fighting and believing in your training. The techniques should come from these principles.
The principles and methods should be kept in mind, but just train with your heart and soul. The only way to learn them well is with time spent in the dojo. What you have learned with your whole body you will remember for the rest of your life.
see you in the dojo