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Monthly Message: February 2003
Fellow Karate-ka:
Punching, Blocking, and Kicking must
first be learned in a copy fashion by slowly following your instructor
in order to place your limbs and body in the correct position. Usually
this is done in steps. After these steps are executed then we practice
putting them together in a quicker and smoother fashion until we can do
the technique in one fluid motion. After we have the technique's form
down we next must concentrate our focus on the power required for the
given technique. Whether it be a punch, block, or a kick makes no
difference. The power and speed needed to make it effective is what we
are after.
With weak techniques we have weak karate.
Since there is no first attack in karate then we must first work on the
power and speed for our blocks. If I do not execute a block with speed
meeting my opponent's strike too late, then I will be punched.
Therefore, I must block fast enough to meet my opponent's strike before
it is fully extended thus taking away his power and effectiveness. I
also must execute my block correctly with the power needed to make my
opponent hurt when I block his strike. This will make him think twice
about striking me again.
I must think the same way with my punches
and kicks. They must be fast and powerful thus making them effective. I
have to counter my attackers strike after I block it with a powerful
strike of my own to one of his vital areas. If my strike is weak then
the fight will continue. If my strike is swift and powerful, then my
opponent will pay the price for attacking me.
None of this can happen unless you
practice your blocks, punches, and kicks fast and powerful. This can be
done in the dojo with partners. Throwing punches and blocks at each
other with power in a pre-arranged fashion (knowing where your opponent
is going to punch at), allows you to practice each block and strike
powerfully and swiftly. Starting out slowly and gradually building your
speed builds your techniques to a very powerful state. Focus and form
must play into this factor. Without these two common factors being
executed with each technique that you perform you will end up with
nothing.
Another way to increase your power is to
do bag work. Something that we do in every class. You can't just go
through the motions. You must use your form and focus and execute your
punches and kicks with lots of power. This will develop your stamina and
strength.
The last aspect for you to practice (and
probably the most important) your power and speed is in the rhythm of
your kata practice. You must execute each technique in your katas as if
your are fighting one opponent standing directly in front of you. Do not
think of kata as fighting many opponents for this is not why they were
developed. Kata are various techniques strung together to help you
practice them. So imagine your opponent standing directly in front of
you and execute your techniques with form, focus, speed, and power.
This is the way.
Sensei Dave
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