Using Nagashi Uke and Maai

 

          The principles of Karate-do teach us to be Non-violent. We practice to be able to control our negative emotions like anger or fear, to swallow our pride, to respect other people and to be patient. All such virtues are to enable us to avoid conflicts. Karate is for self defense only and fighting should always be the last resort. The principles “Kata always begins with a block” and “In Karate never attack first”, does not mean that we should not strike first because there would be instances where we would need to strike first tactically. What they mean is that we should have the mentality of not being the aggressor, to have the attitude of avoiding conflicts and preferring peaceful solutions. In our daily life it is very rare that we encounter physical attacks, what we encounter more often are verbal attacks. There might be a harsh person in your life. He or she would always shout at you, curse you, offend or humiliate you and make your life difficult. Hopefully you have not punched the guy yet. Getting back at them, retaliate in every way, go to bed angry or sad is what we usually do. But what is the extra ordinary thing to do?

          If there is a harsh person or bully in your life, he can be your class mate, group mate, your Boss, a random angry guy, or a co-worker who taunts you or throws his verbal attacks at you, just deflect his attack. Let the attack pass through you and use his energy to counter. There was a story about a Karate master who went to an inn and he was met by a very angry guy who was jealous of him. The guy punched the Karate master and the Karate master deflected the punch, grasped the attackers hand and dragged him to a table and invited the guy to have a drink with him. The guy actually tried to physically harm the Karate master; but the attitude of the Karate master serves as a good example specially for verbal conflicts. There was also someone I knew who was very patient and when he heard that his older friend whom he calls Manong was bad mouthing him, he just told us not to mind Manong because he has a health problem and that he is already old. He was sincerely patient and understanding of Manong.

          So the first thing about deflecting a verbal attack is to check your pride and be humble. If the harsh person is shouting and cursing at you, you look at him or her and imagine that he/she is like a small toddler shouting and throwing tantrums because that is exactly how they are behaving. This way you will not be hurt because what you see is that your aggressor has the mind of a small child and that he must be dealing with far deeper issues in his life. If you have inner peace you will not

Having deflected the attack,
 you can choose your counter

let yourself be affected by their negative and aggressive actions. You just let the words and the deeds go past you, and just like the Karate master you redirect and counter positively. “Sticks and stones may hurt your bones but words should never hurt you”. You deflect and let it go past you, just let it slide through. You counter not by being aggressive but by being assertive and let them know that you don’t like how he or they treat you. You counter disrespect with respect, respond to cruelty with kindness. You cannot deflect effectively and respond positively if you have fear and insecurity instead of confidence and courage. How can we have courage and confidence? Keep practicing Karate. Developing your knowledge and skills turns fear into confidence. Developing our character through practice of Karate-do turns pride or insecurities into humility and compassion. In Budo, there is no room for fear or anger because it will hinder your correct action. In our life, fear and hatred shackles our mind and spirit. We are unable to move on and unable to do the right thing. We would do or say things that we will regret. 

    In Kumite or sparring we can disengage from our opponent to a safe distance from his attack while we recover, relax and calm ourselves. We rethink our tactics or change our rhythm. 

We can also distance ourselves from that harsh person

"You control the distance, you win the fight"

and de-stress, calm ourselves and make sure that we don’t tie ourselves down with fear or anger. Distancing ourselves from the negative person will allow us to choose better ways to react or handle the situation and a chance to recover from the hurt and get stronger. However, when we increase distance from our opponent in sparring we may be safe from attack but we also miss opportunities to attack. If we allow ourselves to stay distant, our mind and emotion may be safe from the negative person  but then we will also miss the opportunity to become a better person. We will not have the compassion for that person. Be in control of how you engage or disengage mentally and emotionally because staying distant is either being afraid or prideful. 

          I have not yet mastered this techniques of deflecting the attack and controlling the distance. There are still instances where I would blow a fuse and say or do things that I would later regret; there are times I am unable to take a step back and breathe to be able to think more clearly and calmly before I react or speak. The process of forgiveness for me is still way too hard that it is easier to just be distant and angry. Let’s keep practicing this techniques in our daily life until they become our natural response to verbal conflicts. Keep practicing Karate-do to improve our character. Practice makes perfect.

Love your enemy.

Sport or Traditional Karate

               This has been the debate of many modern martial artists. I have heard every single argument and everyone’s opinion is valid and true. Sports do develop values and discipline and so does Martial arts; Combat sports help propagate the Martial arts. The old masters however, were wise and have foreseen that if we turned martial arts like Karate-Do into sport, we would lose its essence. 

    Many have resolved to have the best of both worlds and I think in this era, it is how it should be. I realized that there are three aspects of Martial arts; Karate in particular. The Self-defense (Combative) aspect and the Character development (Spiritual) aspect which are both associated to “Traditional Karate” and the Sport aspect. Can I share someone’s experiences while learning Karate-do? I’ll hide him under the name Wally Gozum. 

     I was a Karate student doing Dojo training, a balance of Sport and Traditional Karate under my teacher David Lay Sensei. When I became a Sho Dan  I was selected to be part of the athletes training pool. I trained in Sport Karate for many years, participating in Inter-clubs, Regionals, Nationals and International competitions. As an athlete I became very competitive; I loved winning and I hated to lose so I trained and worked very hard. But I was also learning about the principles of Karate-Do, which were all about letting go of pride or ego. What was it going to be? “Winning is the only thing” or “Do not think you have to win”? So I thought to apply the principles of Karate-Do to my Sports training. Back then it was easier because Sport training was not much different from Dojo training. We still followed strict dojo etiquettes in our sport training, we trained in our Gi most of the time, cleaned the dojo after practice (Soji). I was always assigned to clean the glass windows and mirrors. We did Mokuso (meditation) before and after our sport training. Things we do in Dojo practice open our

Meditation helps in easing emotional and mental
strains of training and competitions, Increases 
awareness.

 minds to grasp the path of Karate-do and allow us to stay grounded. Back then the local tournaments were truly an extension of the Dojo. The participants were all lined up sitting beside the Tatami (Mat). Respect or humility was emphasized by repeated bowing, but now it is less. Even if we lost we stayed and waited patiently beside the mat area so that after the event all players, winners; losers and the officials will bow together. Today it is not impossible to merge Karate Sport and Karate-Do. I’m not saying bring back the old ways but maybe we can make new ways to keep  our sport aligned with Karate-Do. The competitive atmosphere was there; performance evaluations, politics will always be there. Amidst all those noises we can still manage to marry the principles of the sport and way of Karate. By applying the “Way” we can become or make better athletes and sport officials.

          A year after I retired from competing I had my first and only self-defense experience. It was a road rage. A plus 80 Kg guy knocked down my friend and I had to engage; I was a minus 55 Kg. On that very stressful; very intense situation my training had kicked in, tournament skills like Kizami, gyaku tsukis, mawashi geri; I was hurting him but he quickly recovers, I was not even knocking the wind out of him. No I was not controlling my techniques. I was putting everything I got into every blow. I was naturally and accurately landing my techniques on WKF legal targets. My friend and I could not escape and the defense turned into a fight. The Big guy tired and sore just gave up and that was the only time we escaped. You must realize that self-defense is not about winning a fight it is about escaping or surviving that dangerous situation very swiftly. I realized that I needed to fill the gaps in my training; so I studied Hung Fut Kungfu under Master Alex Zamora and I trained in

Kakie or Push Hands is an exercise
for Intuitiveness; for Proprioception 
(awareness of space and self-movement)

Combative Karate under Sempai Hubert Posadas. I also learned from different Martial artists whom I crossed paths in my journey. I saw that our combative exercises also helped in my timing and improved my awareness of my opponent during point sparring or Kumite. I do believe that Kumite (Sport) allows one to learn all the dynamics of fighting in the safest way possible. Later on I organized a small group to practice with and further develop our Self-defense program. As I trained to respond to violence my mind was becoming violent, I felt a lot of aggressive energy. I noticed that my ego was getting bigger. I was becoming hot headed. So again I resolved to bring back the “Way” (Do) in my group’s self-defense training to be able to refrain from violent behavior. When we did our drills, responding to violent stimuli our minds remained clear and calm.      
                                                                                                                                                            As per my experience, I realized that a Sport Karate athlete has excellent agility and speed, timing and accuracy, stamina and endurance that put him into great advantage for self-defense but he

Hojo Undo
(Karate strength and Conditioning)

has very limited technique and tactical training, not for consensual   fighting but for self-defense. Sport training gives non-athletes great physical   conditioning. The Combative Karate practitioner has the vast techniques as   well as the intuitiveness to survive dangerous situations and can apply that   intuitiveness  when he performs Kata or fights in Kumite competitions. The   “Do” or the spiritual aspect keeps the Ego in check and makes sure that we   do not stray from the path of perfecting our character. However; there are   those who gain knowledge of the philosophies of Karate-Do but do not take the opportunity to gain deeper understanding by engaging in combat. Martial arts (Budo) came from either military arts like swordsmanship or fighting arts like Karate. As ancient warriors sought a way out of their entanglement in conflict, Budo became 

Functional/Sport specific Conditioning

an instrument of peace. But the enlightenment of great warriors was not realized without their experiences in the battle field or in real fights. I’m not saying that we should go to war zones or pick fights in the streets, but we should go out of our comfort zones and join tournaments because by participating we can at least experience combat but in a very controlled environment. In other countries elder Karatekas still compete as long as they are able. We can also do some drills for the more dangerous Karate techniques. We can practice real life self-defense scenarios. In Dojo training always have the mind-set “to kill with one blow” or ikken Hissatsu. This mind set will put us in combat or in life or death situation whenever we practice. By experiencing combat we experience the principles of Budo/Karate-Do.

I believe it is better if we did not have to balance “Traditional” and Sport training or to choose to specialize in one aspect. But instead we unify them and create a holistic approach to training because each aspect of Karate will greatly benefit the modern Karateka, especially our athletes.

Jodan Tsuki

Jodan Teisho uchi

          


    

Be the Lord's Warrior.

KARATEKA TRAITS FOR SUCCESS

Every time I would ask a new student or his parent why they chose to enroll in Karate, the answers are almost always self-defense and discipline.

Those were also my reasons when I was a Beginner. By the time I was in Intermediate level I was starting to understand the principles of Karate-do. Through years of training these principles are to aid in developing our character along with techniques and skills. Training enables us to live and experience these principles in the Dojo which results in deeper and better understanding. Years of Karate-do training instills in us character traits such as Humility. By being humble means we respect others; we have compassion; we are able to keep an open mind and keep learning new things, even from our failures and mistakes. As we persevere in training; we are motivated to improve our technique and to accomplish the goal that we set for ourselves. So we give our very best inside the Dojo; we learn to Endeavour, we develop an excellent work ethic. Master Gichin Funakoshi said that a person who has truly learned Karate can overcome difficulties or challenges.

Those who train and participate in Jiyu Kumite or free style sparring and fight hard each time should be able to develop a High tolerance for risks. In free style sparring, you see an opportunity and once you attack you are vulnerable and in risk of getting hit; when you create an opportunity and posture to defend, there is a big chance you get hit first. It’s not just about the points, because even if Kumite is a very controlled environment, you know that there is still a good chance of you getting hurt. It is in the rhythm of fighting that we are able to take calculated risks.  Also, in combat, be it in sparring or self-defense there is no room for hesitation because the essence of combat is life and death. Training in Karate develops Decisiveness.

There is a saying “move when your opponent moves”. Karate training enhances our awareness. Our awareness will enable us to adapt to our opponent or to the situation. Thus a Karateka is Flexible. Also our heightened awareness will open our minds to be Creative. Karate is an art and just as any other art it is a form of expression. However, most Karatekas could only be creative and fully express themselves in free style sparring; within the limits of the rules. We have to realize that Karate is very strict and rigid because it is necessary in building strong foundations. However, we can see the progression from Kihon and Kata to Kumite wherein the strict and rigid becomes loose and flowing; so the Form becomes formless. I have observed Kata players from one of the country’s biggest Karate organization and each player from age group to the seniors performs almost exactly the same. You can hardly tell any difference. Same timing, same accents and even the bad habits are the same. Learn the standard way of performing the Kata; follow your Sensei’s instructions because that will be your basis and foundation. After gaining knowledge and insights you can perform the Kata in your own way. Just as two singers singing the same song but each gave their own rendition. During Kyu and Dan exams we have to do the standards but during tournaments or when asked to perform in demonstrations you can do your own rendition of the Kata. You can also express your creativity by making your own Bunkai. Senseis are very creative in keeping the class always exciting and interesting. Those who have reached a high level of expertise can make their own Kata. Yes that’s what I said; I know it sounds crazy but as a Martial artist we should be capable of creating our own Kata. I haven’t made one just yet but I am

planning to. It does not matter if it will become popular, it’s yours and I will be honored if someone

will teach or share his own original Kata to me, just like musicians jamming and learning another’s original composition. These traits developed through Karate are the same as those who have Entrepreneurial Spirit; and just as a Karateka, Entrepreneurs honed their traits and skills.

With God you have the advantage.

The Principle of Ai Uchi

     Today's Sport Karate athletes probably do not know what Ai uchi is. The tournament rules have changed so much to make the sport more exciting, particularly  in Kumite or sparring. Back in the 90's I used to compete in the Kumite event. When both players deliver scoring techniques simultaneously, the referee declares "Ai Uchi" and no point is awarded to either player. In certain Kali or Arnis style they call this "double kill". 

   The concept of Ai Uchi meaning "mutual killing" comes from the Japanese Sword play or Ken-do. Ancient Japanese Sword play schools have emphasized Ai Uchi in their training. The ancient Swordsman was willing to sacrifice his own life for the death of his enemy; he accepted the inevitability of his death. His detachment to his own life enables him to fight more effectively to save or preserve the life of his family, his Lord or his honor. He knew and understood the greater value of life. His purpose was greater than his own. The Swordsman can sacrifice his life because he has no regrets and is fully content otherwise he will hesitate and his actions will falter. In battle he was very committed and determined to win.

   Ai Uchi is the mentality and the attitude when we do Sen no sen wherein you attack at the same time your opponent attacks. But to get the score you must be faster and hit your opponent before his technique hits you. The 15th Niju Kun "Think of your hands and feet as swords" make us truly understand the life and death situation

"Think that your hands
and feet are swords"

of the Swordsman. You had already stabbed or cut your opponent before his sword hit you as well; also when we do Sen sen no sen where you are able to strike your opponent as he is about to come in for a preemptive attack and you hit him before he can even throw his technique. There must be no hesitation otherwise you will be in more danger of getting hurt. 

    It definitely feels good to win but to gain the spirit of Ai Uchi, the desire to win should be the motivation to practice very hard. Your purpose should be bigger than yourself, is it for your family? for God? for your club? or for your country? Finally while in a bout do not think you have to lose(fear of death). If you have put in 110% in your training  then you should have no regrets, just focus on

"Sen sen no sen"
(Photo by mlmvillegas)

fighting your opponent.  

     In defending your friend or family from threat; knowing that if the bad guys get through you means death to your love ones, then you have to have the courage to put your life on the line and to have the determination to eliminate the threat. This is an extreme case scenario. 

     In our normal; daily lives as Karatekas, the spirit of Ai Uchi is to be able to give to others and be kind (self-sacrifice). Even a simple smile or saying encouragements so they will succeed is already giving. We are not afraid of failure (Death). In order to succeed we accept the possibility that we might fail and we learn from our failures. We can sacrifice and be determined to succeed because of a bigger purpose other than ourselves. If we are one of purpose we become more humble and compassionate. If we are always grateful for what we have and if we always do our very best in whatever we do then we will have the courage to help others because we will be content and we will have no regrets. 

     If we are to sacrifice or give ourselves for others constantly for family, friends or community we will need strength. We can draw strength from them but then you would also be taking from them and eventually they will run low. It is best to look up the sky.

     
     

To God be the glory.

    

   

   

   

Kata as the true essence of Karate-do

     There are many Karate practitioners who believe that Kata practice has very little or no significance at all to actual fighting; even in Jyu Kumite or free sparring. The 18th precept from the Niju Kun says "  Correct form (Kata) is one thing; a real fight is another". Many believe it means that Kata practice has nothing to do with sparring or actual fighting. What is Kata? Why is it important in our training? Kata is a tradition. The creator of a particular Kata intended to hide his fighting style within the Kata because during ancient times empty handed fighting had to be practiced in secrecy because the ruling Tokugawa Shogunate not only banned weapons but also discouraged any fighting systems. Through the Kata, the master was able to disguise his fight training as kind of a dance; also Kata enabled him to pass his system to future generations just like any oral traditions. 

      Kata serves as a database of many self defense applications. In today's modern age Kata practice is very relevant and important. Kata has now become a performance art not only in sport Karate but also for Martial arts demonstrations. My Non-Karateka friends would sometimes ask me to perform a Kata for them and I gladly oblige; they were not trying to mess with me but rather they seriously appreciate a good Kata demonstration. 

JKS-KDA Kata practice

     Kata is our training tool to develop and practice techniques to become effective. A Kung Fu master once told me that Kata forges our body to be able to strike effectively even in a very awkward position. My mind is focused on form, coordination, balance, footwork/stances and proper execution of technique. This is what I call technical Kata practice. I also practice Kata to develop my awareness. My mind lets go of all technical concerns. There are no longer techniques but instead there are movements. My mind is focused on how each movement feels because when you understand the movement it is easier to apply the Kata to respond to any kind of attack. For example a rising block can become a release against a grab, an arm break, a rising strike or a take down. This is my Awareness Kata practice. Lastly I do Shadow boxing Kata practice. In this type of practice my mind is now imagining opponents doing specific attacks and I am countering. In this type of practice my mind is not concerned with form and patterns; if you are watching me you will probably recognize the Kata but it will look very different. If  I am doing the first movement of Heian Yondan and I imagined my opponent shooting to grab my legs for a take down, you would see me sprawl low come up and see my arms swinging because I just threw my imaginary opponent. These are the ways I practice Kata for real fight. Combat Kata practice prepares our mind and body for realistic Bunkai partner drills. We should do several partner drills for Bunkai like Kihon ippon style, Kakie(Push hands) which is the Karate version of flow drill, pad/mitts drill, as Jyu ippon Kumite and light or study sparring. Most of us do the technical Kata practice only. But never use Kata practice for real fighting. Each martial art has their own system of developing technique and actual fighting skills and in the Karate system it is Kihon, Kata and Kumite/Bunkai. In free style sparring (Jyu-Kumite) many techniques are not allowed because they are dangerous and hard to control. They are also dangerous in Bunkai practice if done in real life intensity. Wearing protective gears does not allow total freedom of body movement and they still cannot provide adequate protection against combative techniques such as joint breakings and smashing. It is only in the different Kata practices that you can do those techniques with full power and real life intensity, you can brake your imaginary opponent's arm or neck in full force. 

     In Karate-do, Kata practice is a tool to eliminate bad habits. Through the discipline of trying to perfect our Kata; constantly improving our skill shall also contribute to improvement of our character. As Kata practice develops our awareness and intuitiveness we become more compassionate; by objectively knowing that we have progressed but clearly see where improvement and learning is still needed we become more humble; as we persist we become more patient. All these reasons both combative and spiritual make Kata the essence of Karate-do.