Eléments essentiels à la compréhension du karaté

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Here are some useful features for practising kumite. These recommendations are drawn from Best Karate by M. Nakayama.

1. Introduction

1. Do not rush into the kumite. The basic techniques, stances, moves and katas must be endlessly repeated so that they become reflexes and develop kime.

2. Karate is a physical and spiritual training. To progress, it is first necessary to control oneself physically and mentally. To become a good karateka does not mean just working on your body; you also have to improve your character and enhance your willpower, accuracy, spontaneity and self-control

2 Stances and guards

1. Fighting stances are often likened to a fudodachi or sanchin dachi. The knees are slightly bent, the weight of the body is distributed evenly over the two lower limbs and the heels do not touch the ground (you can slip a sheet of paper between the ground and the heels).

2. The guard is an important feature. Ideally it should protect the chin, ribs and plexus. The trunk is often in a slightly slanting position. The upper limbs must be relaxed.

3. Distance is a key element that must be experienced. The “right distance” is when you can reach the opponent in one step. This distance varies according to the technique used (feet, fists, etc.).

3 Gaze and mind-set

1. The gaze must be fixed, as though you were looking into the distance. You need to be able to see your entire opponent (not just the eyes or the top or bottom half of the body).

2. Stay alert and attentive (zanchin) with your body calm and relaxed but ready to act.

3. Avoid making confused and uncoordinated attacks.

4. When the decision to attack or counter-attack is taken, it must be done so with determination. Carry out a real attack.

5. In martial arts such as Zen, you have to be able to detach yourself and evacuate everything. In combat, you must not focus too much on your own or your opponent’s movements, otherwise you run the risk of losing spontaneity and reaction speed.

4 Seize the moment

It is essential to grasp the right time, moment and opportunity to carry out an attack. Several strategies can be adopted:

Read more in the book "Karate: more than the move" .