Over the years i have observed the various ways that front kicks are used by different styles.
One way is by projecting the "ball" of the foot into the target as "point of impact". In doing so, the foot must be focused in such away as to pull back the toes and maintain a strong ankle position.
I often use this type of kick when kicking into a heavy bag and sometimes doing drills with partners.
There is also a "stomp type front kick whereas the "heel" is the projected weapon. Ths also has a valuable use in going into knees and inside legs as to break and/or distrupt ones stance.
Then there is the "Uechi" kick that is a "toe" kick. The foot must be focused as it strikes and the two main toes extend into the target. Although many of us know this, i often see it "not" being utilized in Hojo Undo drills, kata's or drills.
Although there is value in the three different ways of utilizing these kicks, Uechi people must understand and demonstrate the "toes in" front kick that is unique to our style.
The flopping up of these front kicks are inaffective, lacking both form and power.
As i contanly "remind" practicioners of whom i exchange with, there does not seem to be an overall understanding or practce of "perfecting" this unique kick.
I also understand in some systems a front kick will shoot straight up to the face and/or chin. This also utilizes the ball of foot for impact. Different from the sloppy "floating" front kick i refer to, that we all see.
Your thoughts ?
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Gary S.
Uechi Front Kick
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Gary Santaniello
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Uechi Front Kick
Gary,
>>Although there is value in the three different ways of utilizing these kicks, Uechi people must understand and demonstrate the "toes in" front kick that is unique to our style.<<
When you use a front kick on the street, you will either hit with the toe or the heel, rarely in between. Just the way it works out.
david
>>Although there is value in the three different ways of utilizing these kicks, Uechi people must understand and demonstrate the "toes in" front kick that is unique to our style.<<
When you use a front kick on the street, you will either hit with the toe or the heel, rarely in between. Just the way it works out.
david
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Bill Glasheen
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Uechi Front Kick
Gary
Although some may initially disagree, I would add one more kick to this collection - the Uechi sokuto geri. This kick is not a classic "side kick" (yoko geri) like you see in most karate styles. Soku to translates literally as foot sword, just as shu to translates as hand sword. So technically speaking (when you consider all other aspects of the leg and hips), the Uechi sokuto geri is actually a front kick that hits with the side of the foot (as opposed to the big toe, ball of the foot, or heel). The beauty of this thinking is realizing you only have one kick to practice, with four different ways to execute it. It's like thinking that the sanchin thrust teaches you how to do a seiken, shoken, and hiraken.
I agree, Gary, that we need to fight to keep the style identity. I am 100% in support of folks who look outside the style for both traditional and contemporary thinking to crystalize our thoughts and make the practitioner effective. But the problem I sometimes see is that foks begin to let their planets revolve around another sun and the sanchin and other traditional kata suddenly don't make sense from a "Uechi" perspective. It doesn't mean other ways are wrong; it just means they aren't doing Uechiryu any more.
I agree 100% with david about the practical application. In almost all self defense situations, we will have shoes on. A ball-of-foot kick then becomes a classroom artifact. Why should I try to bend the sole of my leather shoe when I can kick with the tip? And no matter how much my sokusen *****, I can still hurt someone all I need to with the tip of my shoe. So in the end, the sokusen makes better sense. I also tell my women to think "principles" when they are "dressed to kill." If you are attacked on the street with high heels on, then - by god - use the pointed heel the same way you use the big toe in the barefoot scenario. I tell them the only problem is that they may lose the shoe in the target.
And most women's dress shoes have toes that will put a hurt on almost anyone.
There's also serendipity in training the sokusen. If folks are training correctly, the big toe will be getting stronger and stronger. But even if one never develops the sokusen-o-doom (TM), stronger and more coordinated big toes will lead to better balance and footwork. It may be subtle to the untrained eye, but it is a very real phenomenon. Don't believe me? Then try "floating like a butterfly" with a sprained big toe.
Keep ranting, Gary. I love it!
- Bill
Although some may initially disagree, I would add one more kick to this collection - the Uechi sokuto geri. This kick is not a classic "side kick" (yoko geri) like you see in most karate styles. Soku to translates literally as foot sword, just as shu to translates as hand sword. So technically speaking (when you consider all other aspects of the leg and hips), the Uechi sokuto geri is actually a front kick that hits with the side of the foot (as opposed to the big toe, ball of the foot, or heel). The beauty of this thinking is realizing you only have one kick to practice, with four different ways to execute it. It's like thinking that the sanchin thrust teaches you how to do a seiken, shoken, and hiraken.
I agree, Gary, that we need to fight to keep the style identity. I am 100% in support of folks who look outside the style for both traditional and contemporary thinking to crystalize our thoughts and make the practitioner effective. But the problem I sometimes see is that foks begin to let their planets revolve around another sun and the sanchin and other traditional kata suddenly don't make sense from a "Uechi" perspective. It doesn't mean other ways are wrong; it just means they aren't doing Uechiryu any more.
I agree 100% with david about the practical application. In almost all self defense situations, we will have shoes on. A ball-of-foot kick then becomes a classroom artifact. Why should I try to bend the sole of my leather shoe when I can kick with the tip? And no matter how much my sokusen *****, I can still hurt someone all I need to with the tip of my shoe. So in the end, the sokusen makes better sense. I also tell my women to think "principles" when they are "dressed to kill." If you are attacked on the street with high heels on, then - by god - use the pointed heel the same way you use the big toe in the barefoot scenario. I tell them the only problem is that they may lose the shoe in the target.
And most women's dress shoes have toes that will put a hurt on almost anyone.There's also serendipity in training the sokusen. If folks are training correctly, the big toe will be getting stronger and stronger. But even if one never develops the sokusen-o-doom (TM), stronger and more coordinated big toes will lead to better balance and footwork. It may be subtle to the untrained eye, but it is a very real phenomenon. Don't believe me? Then try "floating like a butterfly" with a sprained big toe.
Keep ranting, Gary. I love it!
- Bill
Uechi Front Kick
Hi,
This is not really a front kick response, but since Bill-Sensei brings up the side kick.... here goes.
I have been reading Yang Jwing-Ming's book Shaolin White Crane. He states "There is no twisting of the foot in traditional Chinese martial arts." He is refering to a roundhouse kick or hook kick. He says the reason is that wrestling techniques specialize against kicks, and you need to have a firm root when kicking. If you "pivot" your hip into the kick by "twisting the foot" (rotating on the ball of your foot) then your root goes all to hell. I have always struggled with this twisting bit in my roundhouse kicks, it never felt right to do it and in fact I can kick with a good deal of power without doing it. My Sensei insists on twisting the foot. What do you guys think?
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"There ain't no graduation from this kind of education"
This is not really a front kick response, but since Bill-Sensei brings up the side kick.... here goes.
I have been reading Yang Jwing-Ming's book Shaolin White Crane. He states "There is no twisting of the foot in traditional Chinese martial arts." He is refering to a roundhouse kick or hook kick. He says the reason is that wrestling techniques specialize against kicks, and you need to have a firm root when kicking. If you "pivot" your hip into the kick by "twisting the foot" (rotating on the ball of your foot) then your root goes all to hell. I have always struggled with this twisting bit in my roundhouse kicks, it never felt right to do it and in fact I can kick with a good deal of power without doing it. My Sensei insists on twisting the foot. What do you guys think?
------------------
"There ain't no graduation from this kind of education"
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Gary Santaniello
- Posts: 288
- Joined: Thu May 06, 1999 6:01 am
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Uechi Front Kick
Billy B,
By rotating the hip into the thrust of the side blade kick, one involves more muscle groups upon the extention of imact "lockout" of the kick.
When simply standing with all weight and balance upon the rear leg, it is only the kicking leg that is involved in the "power" being generated.
Simular to a arm thrust lacking other "body mechanics" that assist in generating power.
Example: stand in front of a heavy beag, through the side blade kick with just the leg independant of the other muscle groups. Hit as hard as you can and feel the bag resistance actually move your center (balance) backwards.
Now use the hip rotation into the bag (middle or low) and feel the hip rotation go "into" the bag. Swin the bag a little and watch it now stop on impact.
The "power" generated without the body mechancs will lack in comparison that of what is only leg movement.
Simular to a jab with or without upper body movement. "Body Mechanics".
You may not be actually "feeling" the power or using the hip rotation in a correct mannor.
Regarding the weakness in the movement of twisting, there will alawys be points lacking foundation and balance in the transition of movements. The timming nd distancing is also relevent in getting the extention that is often needed to execute a powerful kick.
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Gary S.
By rotating the hip into the thrust of the side blade kick, one involves more muscle groups upon the extention of imact "lockout" of the kick.
When simply standing with all weight and balance upon the rear leg, it is only the kicking leg that is involved in the "power" being generated.
Simular to a arm thrust lacking other "body mechanics" that assist in generating power.
Example: stand in front of a heavy beag, through the side blade kick with just the leg independant of the other muscle groups. Hit as hard as you can and feel the bag resistance actually move your center (balance) backwards.
Now use the hip rotation into the bag (middle or low) and feel the hip rotation go "into" the bag. Swin the bag a little and watch it now stop on impact.
The "power" generated without the body mechancs will lack in comparison that of what is only leg movement.
Simular to a jab with or without upper body movement. "Body Mechanics".
You may not be actually "feeling" the power or using the hip rotation in a correct mannor.
Regarding the weakness in the movement of twisting, there will alawys be points lacking foundation and balance in the transition of movements. The timming nd distancing is also relevent in getting the extention that is often needed to execute a powerful kick.
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Gary S.
Uechi Front Kick
It's funny how this particular topic has come up now. In class my Sensei has be having us do drills on this topic of rotating the supporting leg during a side kick or hook kick. My teacher explains it that the supporting leg must rotate to become at least parallel to the foot that is doing the striking for it to be an effective kick. The reason being, is body alignment. The way the body is made the hip can't rotate to allow the kick with out the support foot rotating with it. He also explains that the kick shouldn't start its rotation right off the bat. All kicks, front kick, side kick, hook kick should all start out looking the same meaning with a high knee. As the kick starts to extend the rotation begins. That way your opponent has no idea what kind of kick is coming at him/her.
I agree that a person is more stable when the foot is facing forward rather then turned. But I would think if a wrestler got a hold of you when you're standing on one leg, weather or not your foot is turned or facing forwards. I would have to believe the wrestler has the advantage to the point of you being taken down to the ground.
Just my 2 cents worth.
I agree that a person is more stable when the foot is facing forward rather then turned. But I would think if a wrestler got a hold of you when you're standing on one leg, weather or not your foot is turned or facing forwards. I would have to believe the wrestler has the advantage to the point of you being taken down to the ground.
Just my 2 cents worth.
Uechi Front Kick
Ummmmm... Forgive this Goju-ka, but...
I thought that Uechi was like Goju in that you didn't do high kicks. I could be totally wrong and if I am, apologies in advance.
If I'm on one leg and I execute the beginning of my kick correctly... and a "wrestler" dives (which he'd have to do) for my supporting leg, then said wrestler is going to end up with a "stomp" kick into his head/back!
Paul_C-san, I agree with your Sensei completely, they should all start off looking the same.
Also, perhaps this is the cue to mention that empty-hand (kara-te style) arts aren't/weren't meant to defend/attack against grappling arts... and vice-versa.
I thought that Uechi was like Goju in that you didn't do high kicks. I could be totally wrong and if I am, apologies in advance.
If I'm on one leg and I execute the beginning of my kick correctly... and a "wrestler" dives (which he'd have to do) for my supporting leg, then said wrestler is going to end up with a "stomp" kick into his head/back!
Paul_C-san, I agree with your Sensei completely, they should all start off looking the same.
Also, perhaps this is the cue to mention that empty-hand (kara-te style) arts aren't/weren't meant to defend/attack against grappling arts... and vice-versa.
Uechi Front Kick
Panther-san
There may be no high kicks in Uechi-ryu katas, but we practice them so that we can learn to defend against them.
Knowing how to properly perform them is the best way to defend against them.
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Len Testa
There may be no high kicks in Uechi-ryu katas, but we practice them so that we can learn to defend against them.
Knowing how to properly perform them is the best way to defend against them.
------------------
Len Testa
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Bill Glasheen
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Uechi Front Kick
I would also argue that the same points hold about hip movement (and foot rotation) or not, whether you talking about TKD kicks to the head or roundhouse (side, etc.) kicks to the legs and knees.
Lenny
I like your comments and analysis above!
Billy B
One way I try to teach students to put this hip or center power into their kicks is to do front and roundhouse knee thrusts into a heavy bag. In fact...try them off the front knee. Yes, it is possible. Once you learn the body mechanics for applying knee techniques off the front leg - whether they be front or roundhouse - THEN you can add the leg extention and have a devastating kick. The classic karate yoko geri (side thrust kick) just applies the same general principles, but in a slightly different way.
I would also argue that the grappling situation is a good time to be thinking of knee (close in) rather than foot (far away) techniques. The same principles hold.
- Bill
[This message has been edited by Bill Glasheen (edited July 20, 2000).]
Lenny
I like your comments and analysis above!
Billy B
One way I try to teach students to put this hip or center power into their kicks is to do front and roundhouse knee thrusts into a heavy bag. In fact...try them off the front knee. Yes, it is possible. Once you learn the body mechanics for applying knee techniques off the front leg - whether they be front or roundhouse - THEN you can add the leg extention and have a devastating kick. The classic karate yoko geri (side thrust kick) just applies the same general principles, but in a slightly different way.
I would also argue that the grappling situation is a good time to be thinking of knee (close in) rather than foot (far away) techniques. The same principles hold.
- Bill
[This message has been edited by Bill Glasheen (edited July 20, 2000).]
Uechi Front Kick
Another good way to practice this rotaion is to do it with your hip against a wall. This way you force you knee to come up and then rotate and not swing out and around. Your knee going out and around can be a huge telegraph to those who are looking for it.
Uechi Front Kick
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by LenTesta:
There may be no high kicks in Uechi-ryu katas, but we practice them so that we can learn to defend against them.
Knowing how to properly perform them is the best way to defend against them.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Testa-sempai,
Thanks for the confirmation. We also practiced higher kicks for the same reasons. However, I would never have even considered using one "for real"(tm). The wrestler/grappler scenerio caused me to ask the question because (IMNSHO) if you aren't trying to do a high kick, then the dive for the supporting leg should be a moot point.
There may be no high kicks in Uechi-ryu katas, but we practice them so that we can learn to defend against them.
Knowing how to properly perform them is the best way to defend against them.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Testa-sempai,
Thanks for the confirmation. We also practiced higher kicks for the same reasons. However, I would never have even considered using one "for real"(tm). The wrestler/grappler scenerio caused me to ask the question because (IMNSHO) if you aren't trying to do a high kick, then the dive for the supporting leg should be a moot point.
-
Bill Glasheen
- Posts: 17299
- Joined: Thu Mar 11, 1999 6:01 am
- Location: Richmond, VA --- Louisville, KY
Uechi Front Kick
I got to thinking about the technique for body involvement in kicking last night. What intrigues me a bit is something I have seen manifested in Uechi Kanei and in Jim Thompson. The former I have seen on film; the latter I have had the opportunity to work with on maybe a half dozen different occasions. And - not surprisingly - Jim was a student of Uechi Kanei, which explains the connection.
When you watch Jim Thompson do a front kick, it's clear he has his body in the kick. The same is true for Uechi Kanei. At a younger age, I used to think badly of the way Uechi Kanei bobbed his head and even threw his arms out when executing a simple shomen geri. But with time I have come to appreciate that this may be artifact for something else that both he and Jim do. I think Jim does it better - probably because Uechi Kanei was there to polish and refine Jim, but few would dare comment on "the master's" form.
Basically my body movement involves what the anatomists call external rotation of the support leg. The directionality is actually the same, whether you choose to do a front kick or the classic, lean-back, side thrust kick. What this motion adds is complex, but it essentially involves a summation of movements that transfers like a wave through the leg to the foot that snaps at the end of the kicking motion.
What I have noticed that Jim does is another motion. I haven't taped him to dissect the movement, so I'm only going on my "internal video camera." But what I remember seeing is almost a windup with a back-pivot of the pelvis, and then a sudden abdominal contraction that thrusts the pelvis forward as the leg begins to extend. Both of them throw beautiful, powerful kicks. Anyone else seen this?
This almost seems counter-intuitive when you think about what we are supposed to be doing with the sanchin stance. But with time I have learned that "the static posture" can instead be a "median posture" around which we deviate in small amounts to add extra degrees of freedom of motion (and functionality) to the basic movement. Thus in my simplistic mode I'm doing a sanchin thrust with a perfectly rigid trunk. But there are days when my trunk feels "alive," and I instead let the energy ripple up and down my spine with slight twisting and flexing motions. Interestingly enough, a few abdominal machines that I have been working on (crunching and rotation) along with years of dancing seem to be suddenly making this "live spine" work the way it does when I'm in the mood.
I guess I'll have to take a closer look at Master Nakamatsu when he visits here next week.
- Bill
When you watch Jim Thompson do a front kick, it's clear he has his body in the kick. The same is true for Uechi Kanei. At a younger age, I used to think badly of the way Uechi Kanei bobbed his head and even threw his arms out when executing a simple shomen geri. But with time I have come to appreciate that this may be artifact for something else that both he and Jim do. I think Jim does it better - probably because Uechi Kanei was there to polish and refine Jim, but few would dare comment on "the master's" form.
Basically my body movement involves what the anatomists call external rotation of the support leg. The directionality is actually the same, whether you choose to do a front kick or the classic, lean-back, side thrust kick. What this motion adds is complex, but it essentially involves a summation of movements that transfers like a wave through the leg to the foot that snaps at the end of the kicking motion.
What I have noticed that Jim does is another motion. I haven't taped him to dissect the movement, so I'm only going on my "internal video camera." But what I remember seeing is almost a windup with a back-pivot of the pelvis, and then a sudden abdominal contraction that thrusts the pelvis forward as the leg begins to extend. Both of them throw beautiful, powerful kicks. Anyone else seen this?
This almost seems counter-intuitive when you think about what we are supposed to be doing with the sanchin stance. But with time I have learned that "the static posture" can instead be a "median posture" around which we deviate in small amounts to add extra degrees of freedom of motion (and functionality) to the basic movement. Thus in my simplistic mode I'm doing a sanchin thrust with a perfectly rigid trunk. But there are days when my trunk feels "alive," and I instead let the energy ripple up and down my spine with slight twisting and flexing motions. Interestingly enough, a few abdominal machines that I have been working on (crunching and rotation) along with years of dancing seem to be suddenly making this "live spine" work the way it does when I'm in the mood.
I guess I'll have to take a closer look at Master Nakamatsu when he visits here next week.
- Bill
Uechi Front Kick
Bill-Sensei,
I once worked with a Tai chi practicioner for a few hours. He asked me to demonstrate one of my Uechi forms. I performed Seisan for him, as at the time it was the most advanced kata I knew and I really liked it. When I was finished he said "Thats very interesting, you balance your body weight equally on both legs. Do you do that on purpose?" I replied that yes it was intentional and asked why he found it so peculiar. He told me that in Tai Chi practitioners are taught to balance on one leg at a time no matter what stance they happen to be in because it trains you for mobility. If you find yourself in a "static" sanchin type stance where you try to screw yourself into the floor, then you are immobile. At the time his observation went clear over my head, but now I am aware of what he meant and I try to use it in my kata practice. Of course, nobody can be a tree like a uechika can though!
I once worked with a Tai chi practicioner for a few hours. He asked me to demonstrate one of my Uechi forms. I performed Seisan for him, as at the time it was the most advanced kata I knew and I really liked it. When I was finished he said "Thats very interesting, you balance your body weight equally on both legs. Do you do that on purpose?" I replied that yes it was intentional and asked why he found it so peculiar. He told me that in Tai Chi practitioners are taught to balance on one leg at a time no matter what stance they happen to be in because it trains you for mobility. If you find yourself in a "static" sanchin type stance where you try to screw yourself into the floor, then you are immobile. At the time his observation went clear over my head, but now I am aware of what he meant and I try to use it in my kata practice. Of course, nobody can be a tree like a uechika can though!
Uechi Front Kick
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Panther:
Also, perhaps this is the cue to mention that empty-hand (kara-te style) arts aren't/weren't meant to defend/attack against grappling arts... and vice-versa.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Could we explore this idea a bit further? I'm not sure that makes sense to me. Why would a style, or a Master formulating a style not include tactics/techniques to deal with obvious threats? Why practice an incomplete style of fighting?
Also, are there not joint locks, take-downs, throws, reversals, etc., contained within traditional Okinawan karate kata? An example might be the Wauke technique common to Gojo and Uechi-ryu. Can this not be seen as a wrist reversal?
I have a video tape of Gojo-ryu. The Okinawan Gojo master explains a few applications of Sanseirui kata at the end of the tape. A few are wrassl'in type takedowns. A few are weapons techniques. (A 12 inch wooden dowel) He uses the dowel to apply a number of Jujitsu type wrist locks, all directly taken from Gojo Sanseirui.
Anything I have ever read about Chinese martial arts suggests that each art does take into account grappling, wrestling, kicking, and striking. Why would the Okinawan arts be different?
------------------
"There ain't no graduation from this kind of education"
Also, perhaps this is the cue to mention that empty-hand (kara-te style) arts aren't/weren't meant to defend/attack against grappling arts... and vice-versa.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Could we explore this idea a bit further? I'm not sure that makes sense to me. Why would a style, or a Master formulating a style not include tactics/techniques to deal with obvious threats? Why practice an incomplete style of fighting?
Also, are there not joint locks, take-downs, throws, reversals, etc., contained within traditional Okinawan karate kata? An example might be the Wauke technique common to Gojo and Uechi-ryu. Can this not be seen as a wrist reversal?
I have a video tape of Gojo-ryu. The Okinawan Gojo master explains a few applications of Sanseirui kata at the end of the tape. A few are wrassl'in type takedowns. A few are weapons techniques. (A 12 inch wooden dowel) He uses the dowel to apply a number of Jujitsu type wrist locks, all directly taken from Gojo Sanseirui.
Anything I have ever read about Chinese martial arts suggests that each art does take into account grappling, wrestling, kicking, and striking. Why would the Okinawan arts be different?
------------------
"There ain't no graduation from this kind of education"
-
Gary Santaniello
- Posts: 288
- Joined: Thu May 06, 1999 6:01 am
- Location: Randolph Ma USA
Uechi Front Kick
Billy B.
I believe that more understanding as to "application" of karate exsist where one will seek it out. Surely one must look into some of the "fundementals" of other systems and see how they may compliment
what we study. To expand upon ones knowledge without abandoning the base (core) system they study i believe is where much info. can be found.
I do believe that "Karate" (empty hands) by itself is basically a system of defensive and offensive strategy consisting of blocks, strikes, kicks etc.
From my experience, "Jujistu/Aikido" contains more locks, breaks, throws etc. Crosstraining is important to help understand how other arts tie into what we study. In Uechi-Ryu i have been able to see how other such arts can compliment our style that may "appear" limited to the average practicioner.
Years ago "grappling" was not as popular or wide spread as it is today. As i am sure "ground fighting" has always existed also.
Sanseiru kata can be viewed as a very "intight" fighting kata. So as can "Dan Kumite" and other drills we practice.
However, i believe that "ground fighting" is another animal in that when being smothered on the ground by a seasoned grappler, one will not get off punches or kicks to protect themselves. Biting, eye gouging, hair pulling, throat striking and whatever other means one can "adapt" to may be required to regain the distance a karate person will need to strike.
Learning some basic jokes, locks, pressure points and other "tools" certainly can't hurt to know.
What will work for us will depend on many things. However, our ability to respond without thought or hesitation must happen in the moment. Also the ability, intent, mindset, strength and knowledge of the opponent will play strong role in the outcome.
As i disscussed with a senior instructor last week, what will we really do when a 240 lb. raging lunatic comes charging out of no where over an incodent that seemed rather meaningless ? Such as in traffic, a parking lot, or some other unexpected place.
No system has "all" the answers, so it is the "practicioners" decision to seek out additional knowledge.
Then we have the "Eclectic" styles that murge together info from various styles. For many desire to learn short term effective techniques without the years of "traditional" values. In todays world many want "instant" results in everything.
Some of these instructors are knowledgable with many years of study of various art forms. No doubt they have the talent and/or ability to teach effective techniques to individuls who seek out such training.
However, a good martial artist should have a "base foundation" or core style to build upon. Imagine a house built without a strong foundation. Would you want it ?
------------------
Gary S.
I believe that more understanding as to "application" of karate exsist where one will seek it out. Surely one must look into some of the "fundementals" of other systems and see how they may compliment
what we study. To expand upon ones knowledge without abandoning the base (core) system they study i believe is where much info. can be found.
I do believe that "Karate" (empty hands) by itself is basically a system of defensive and offensive strategy consisting of blocks, strikes, kicks etc.
From my experience, "Jujistu/Aikido" contains more locks, breaks, throws etc. Crosstraining is important to help understand how other arts tie into what we study. In Uechi-Ryu i have been able to see how other such arts can compliment our style that may "appear" limited to the average practicioner.
Years ago "grappling" was not as popular or wide spread as it is today. As i am sure "ground fighting" has always existed also.
Sanseiru kata can be viewed as a very "intight" fighting kata. So as can "Dan Kumite" and other drills we practice.
However, i believe that "ground fighting" is another animal in that when being smothered on the ground by a seasoned grappler, one will not get off punches or kicks to protect themselves. Biting, eye gouging, hair pulling, throat striking and whatever other means one can "adapt" to may be required to regain the distance a karate person will need to strike.
Learning some basic jokes, locks, pressure points and other "tools" certainly can't hurt to know.
What will work for us will depend on many things. However, our ability to respond without thought or hesitation must happen in the moment. Also the ability, intent, mindset, strength and knowledge of the opponent will play strong role in the outcome.
As i disscussed with a senior instructor last week, what will we really do when a 240 lb. raging lunatic comes charging out of no where over an incodent that seemed rather meaningless ? Such as in traffic, a parking lot, or some other unexpected place.
No system has "all" the answers, so it is the "practicioners" decision to seek out additional knowledge.
Then we have the "Eclectic" styles that murge together info from various styles. For many desire to learn short term effective techniques without the years of "traditional" values. In todays world many want "instant" results in everything.
Some of these instructors are knowledgable with many years of study of various art forms. No doubt they have the talent and/or ability to teach effective techniques to individuls who seek out such training.
However, a good martial artist should have a "base foundation" or core style to build upon. Imagine a house built without a strong foundation. Would you want it ?
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Gary S.
