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The Complete Guide to GKR Karate |
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THOUGHTS ON KUMITE
In most cases of self-defence, it is the other person who initiates the first move or attack. So it makes sense to have and be in a defensive position (stance) first. Work on your ability to defend (block) first and defend well. Be sure you are in a position to retreat or side step initially as this may give you the advantage or give you the advantage back.
Do you and should you in kumite, attack first and "hope" that you get the first point? Train yourself to be more confident and skilful.
A skill or tool to adopt and develop is your awareness. Never take your eyes off your opponent. Watch their eyes, their body, their feet, and their hands. Watch for the subtle movements and use your peripheral vision. This can give you the advantage and ability to see your opponent’s weaknesses and strengths. Work out quickly, what positions, stances, kicks and techniques they favour.
In order to develop your fighting ability, there truly are so many beneficial skills to learn.
Start with your STANCES, leg strength and agility. Your legs are powerful versatile weapons/tools. Be prepared to step back or forward quickly this will get your opponent to show you their "arsenal" of skills. By being able to move quickly on your legs, you can develop the skill of being able to pick off their favourite, fastest moves. From this you can work out how to counter or block and counter to score and win.
One way to develop your blocking and countering skills is to "go slow". This must be done with the right fighting posture. If you relax the body and stand in a poor stance, you will not get the right benefits. Do not underestimate the benefits of slow sparring, if its practised correctly you will learn much about realistic blocking and countering. It is important to remain in a fighting (defensive) stance at all times while in close proximity of your opponent.
A good way to practise combinations of "attack and defend" is to be your own choreographer. "If I go here and you go there, I would do this...and that". I enjoy watching a martial arts movie and when I see some good moves I like to see how they came up with the combination by slowing the movie down to frame by frame.
When you are sparring and you find a technique regularly gets you, ask your partner to repeat it again (slowly) so you can work out what they do and find a countering combination.
Do not be a "one technique wonder". You may have a fast punch or kick, but what if it's blocked? This is one reason why you need to have good stances, so that you can retreat or follow-up immediately with a counter technique.
Sensei Joe
Estrada
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The first aim and
purpose of Karate is self-defence. This is a good place/point to start and
to adopt in your karate. Yes, scoring the first
point and getting in first is sometimes a wise move. But not always.
That's a judgement call. After all, karate is a thinking/fighting art.