Thursday, May 6, 2021

Training Thoughts.


All techniques are one technique, one flowing principle moving into different ‘positions’ if we were to stop movement (as Karate does).

I would say that all ways are one way of the principle is understood, but not all ways are created equal... We have flawed methodologies to which many cling because ‘Tradition,’ which is fine until it is sold as something it is not, then it is not fine at all.


Good principles should be applied across the board, they should be trained effectively with ineffective methods tossed in the dumpster since they serve no purpose other than to propagate ineffective training.


Take stances and footwork, for example; many Karateka are taught to cross their legs/feet when turning... A ‘stance’ of sorts, albeit traditional as well as highly ineffective and something that puts the Karateka at a disadvantage.

Certainly there are strategic uses for it, maybe as an attack along the lines of a leg sweep, but cross stepping for the sake of cross stepping serves only to entangle one’s own legs if the opponent utilizes the opportunity... And it doesn’t take much.


It is more about structure, moving whilst keeping proper structure as the delivery system for power... To what end? Strike to disrupt and disrupt to strike, basically, attack their structure, seek to as much damage as possible in as little time as possible.


That is basically it when breaking down the aim, nothing really fancy, so no need for fancy training that does not have this goal in mind.

Methodology should be centered around how we do this quickly and effectively, once this is done THEN work on nuances for when those opportunities present themselves.


In a recent slow sparring session my partner stated ‘never give me your head,’ good advice, however, never say never as there are opportunities present in everything and what seems like a disadvantage may just work in one’s favor of one knows how to utilize it... As stated above, there are strategic uses for the cross step as well, albeit not necessarily as a step or turn.

More effective methods for training this exist, though, that would not confuse it with a step or actual footwork and does not even really require a crossing of the legs.


Critical thinking is a must, hanging on the words of someone who will not be there should you have to actually engage in counter violence is not going to do you any favors.

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