The training in KDS Karate is focused on learning how to respond to a strong, committed attack by using appropriate distance, timing, and bio-mechanics, and a relaxed body condition. We work extensively with various partners attempting to further develop our skills together, rather than fighting an opponent. In order to learn how to effectively learn to defend against an attack, we must also learn how to attack with speed, power and timing. We also practice karate kata (forms) in order to train our bodies to move in various ways in a fluid and relaxed manner, and as a link to karate traditions.
In KDS we teach a variety of techniques (blocks, strikes, kicks, etc.) that are found in the syllabus of many traditional karate schools. However, we do tend to spend more of our time on the more basic (and useful) techniques, studying them in-depth and internalizing them. We do not place a lot of emphasis on free-sparring.
In our training it is not enough to merely go through mindless repetitions of movements (even though repetition and muscle memory are important components of the training); we must also analyze our bodies and our movements with an understanding of of how and why things work. This is particularly important for smaller people.
There are a number or core physical principles that we work on in order to make our techniques more effective. We do various drills and practices to work on these elements, trying to incorporate them in everything we do. For those of us who are of a smaller stature it is especially important that we understand these things. It is always about improvement, which is continuous and ongoing. Some of the key elements that we study and work on are: timing, mobility, distance, relaxation, breathing, posture, use of the legs and hips, torso rotation, stability, blocking contact, use of wrists and forearms, and others. These items will eventually be further explained on this site.
Even though we practice the techniques of karate, it may be said that there are certain similarities to Aikido with respect to the use of movement and relaxed power.
Core Physical Principles
Here are brief explanations of some of the core physical principles that we follow. These ideas form the basis of much of our training, regardless of the specific techniques that are being practiced.
Timing:
Timing is the skill of identifying and reacting to the intention of the other person to attack before the attack is actually on its way. It is not mind-reading, but rather the result of close observation, practice, and learning to respond without hesitation. The more intense the attack, the easier it is to pick up the timing. Unnecessary tension (both physical and mental) on the part of the defender will make it more difficult to pick up the attacker's timing and react without hesitation.
Distance:
KDS is primarily a defensive martial art. As a result we normally try to maintain slightly more distance from the other person than many other martial arts. Martial arts that emphasis fighting take a closer distance because they are always looking for that opportunity to attack, as well as defend. Grappling arts like Judo will take an even closer distance. For us, the goal is to control the distance so that the attacker must step forward into our space in order to hit or grab us. That gives us time to respond with a counter-attack, an imbalancing technique, or to move back or to the side. Conversely, we sometimes move a bit closer to try to elicit an attack at a time when we are fully prepared, allowing the attacker to believe they "have us" in to encourage them to over-commit to the attack. We are not looking to fight, so not being close enough to trade kicks and punches doesn't concern us.
Centre of Gravity:
We use low stances similar to many other styles of karate, but the important point is to have a dropped centre of gravity with lowered hips. Very low stances are good for training, but one can still have a low centre of gravity without being in a super-low stance. Naturally it is also important to be able to move, regardless of the stance. A low centre of gravity makes one more stable and allows us to engage the large muscles in our hips and legs and to bring weight into our techniques.
Stances:
We teach beginners front stance (zenkutsu-dachi), with the back leg almost straight and the hips more-or-less square to the front. A bit later we introduce back stance (kokutsu-dachi), a defensive stance with the weight mostly on the back leg that is used with many of the blocks. However, the stance that we use most of the time is fudo-dachi, with the weight more evenly distributed between the two legs, the knees bent and pushed out, with the back straight and hips engaged. Oddly enough, fudo-dachi is usually translated as "immovable stance", which correctly implies that it is a very strong stance, but we use it because it is also more mobile than the other traditional stances.
Many martial arts emphasize having the weight centred or slight forward--being "on the back leg" is considered a bad thing. Conversely, we work on having a strong back leg, accepting the force of an attack into that leg, then using it like a spring to return with a counterattack. Regardless of the stance we always emphasize keeping the weight down and our knees strongly out with the hips forward. Stances are not static and one might move through several stances in executing a defence and counter-attack.
Mobility:
One of the best self-defence techniques is simply to not be where the attack is. Moving back or to the side changes the range of the attack, reducing it's effectiveness giving us an opportunity to launch a counterattack--or to move out of the way again. It is particularly useful when there is more than one attacker. We want to be mobile but we don't bounce up and down as many tournament fighters do; instead we want to maintain strong contact with the ground at all times.
Relaxation and Smoothness:
We practice many of the same techniques and kata as other styles of karate, but KDS looks quite different. Instead of stopping our techniques with a sharp snap, KDS techniques are relaxed and smooth throughout. Muscles have to work in order to generate force, but without any unnecessary tension in the opposing muscles and without any sudden stops. Learning to move and respond with a relaxed body is key to learning Shotokai, but it can be a very difficult skill to learn.
Body Rotation:
Karate techniques are not executed solely with the arms, we want to use the full body to the greatest extent possible. This is particularly true for smaller students who may not have the size and strength of a larger person, so we need to develop what we have as much as possible. Learning how to use upper body rotation and the core are are a very important part of this. A beginner might use his or her arm and shoulder in executing a technique, but those muscles are relatively small. Adding body torque creates a multiplier effect of the force and connects the limbs to the lower body, creating a much more effective technique. However, we must also learn to keep the legs strong and engaged at the same time, not letting the knees sag in weakly. The upper body rotates while the legs provide a solid base and connection to the floor.
Weight in the Elbows:
Obviously we cannot make our elbows any heavier, but by relaxing our arms, dropping our shoulders, and slightly engaging our core and back muscles, we can make it seem as though our blocking techniques are "heavier". This then enables us to connect our hand and arm to rest of the body.
Use of the Wrists:
There is an amazing amount of power in the wrists. "Breaking" them when performing blocking-type techniques can add a great deal to the effectiveness.
Timing:
Timing is the skill of identifying and reacting to the intention of the other person to attack before the attack is actually on its way. It is not mind-reading, but rather the result of close observation, practice, and learning to respond without hesitation. The more intense the attack, the easier it is to pick up the timing. Unnecessary tension (both physical and mental) on the part of the defender will make it more difficult to pick up the attacker's timing and react without hesitation.
Distance:
KDS is primarily a defensive martial art. As a result we normally try to maintain slightly more distance from the other person than many other martial arts. Martial arts that emphasis fighting take a closer distance because they are always looking for that opportunity to attack, as well as defend. Grappling arts like Judo will take an even closer distance. For us, the goal is to control the distance so that the attacker must step forward into our space in order to hit or grab us. That gives us time to respond with a counter-attack, an imbalancing technique, or to move back or to the side. Conversely, we sometimes move a bit closer to try to elicit an attack at a time when we are fully prepared, allowing the attacker to believe they "have us" in to encourage them to over-commit to the attack. We are not looking to fight, so not being close enough to trade kicks and punches doesn't concern us.
Centre of Gravity:
We use low stances similar to many other styles of karate, but the important point is to have a dropped centre of gravity with lowered hips. Very low stances are good for training, but one can still have a low centre of gravity without being in a super-low stance. Naturally it is also important to be able to move, regardless of the stance. A low centre of gravity makes one more stable and allows us to engage the large muscles in our hips and legs and to bring weight into our techniques.
Stances:
We teach beginners front stance (zenkutsu-dachi), with the back leg almost straight and the hips more-or-less square to the front. A bit later we introduce back stance (kokutsu-dachi), a defensive stance with the weight mostly on the back leg that is used with many of the blocks. However, the stance that we use most of the time is fudo-dachi, with the weight more evenly distributed between the two legs, the knees bent and pushed out, with the back straight and hips engaged. Oddly enough, fudo-dachi is usually translated as "immovable stance", which correctly implies that it is a very strong stance, but we use it because it is also more mobile than the other traditional stances.
Many martial arts emphasize having the weight centred or slight forward--being "on the back leg" is considered a bad thing. Conversely, we work on having a strong back leg, accepting the force of an attack into that leg, then using it like a spring to return with a counterattack. Regardless of the stance we always emphasize keeping the weight down and our knees strongly out with the hips forward. Stances are not static and one might move through several stances in executing a defence and counter-attack.
Mobility:
One of the best self-defence techniques is simply to not be where the attack is. Moving back or to the side changes the range of the attack, reducing it's effectiveness giving us an opportunity to launch a counterattack--or to move out of the way again. It is particularly useful when there is more than one attacker. We want to be mobile but we don't bounce up and down as many tournament fighters do; instead we want to maintain strong contact with the ground at all times.
Relaxation and Smoothness:
We practice many of the same techniques and kata as other styles of karate, but KDS looks quite different. Instead of stopping our techniques with a sharp snap, KDS techniques are relaxed and smooth throughout. Muscles have to work in order to generate force, but without any unnecessary tension in the opposing muscles and without any sudden stops. Learning to move and respond with a relaxed body is key to learning Shotokai, but it can be a very difficult skill to learn.
Body Rotation:
Karate techniques are not executed solely with the arms, we want to use the full body to the greatest extent possible. This is particularly true for smaller students who may not have the size and strength of a larger person, so we need to develop what we have as much as possible. Learning how to use upper body rotation and the core are are a very important part of this. A beginner might use his or her arm and shoulder in executing a technique, but those muscles are relatively small. Adding body torque creates a multiplier effect of the force and connects the limbs to the lower body, creating a much more effective technique. However, we must also learn to keep the legs strong and engaged at the same time, not letting the knees sag in weakly. The upper body rotates while the legs provide a solid base and connection to the floor.
Weight in the Elbows:
Obviously we cannot make our elbows any heavier, but by relaxing our arms, dropping our shoulders, and slightly engaging our core and back muscles, we can make it seem as though our blocking techniques are "heavier". This then enables us to connect our hand and arm to rest of the body.
Use of the Wrists:
There is an amazing amount of power in the wrists. "Breaking" them when performing blocking-type techniques can add a great deal to the effectiveness.
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