TECHNIQUE

Important Factors • Theory of Application
Important Factors in Execution
The Importance of Kata

Karateka have often sought to expand their knowledge by studying techniques from JuJitsu, Akido, Judo and various other martial arts, not knowing that Karate already contains a grappling art and a soft-style striking art.

The grappling art of Tuite and the art of vital point stikes, Kyusho Jitsu, are contained within the kata of Karate. These arts were practiced by the warrior class of the Okinawan royal courts and were kept as a closely guarded secret.

The unique aspect of Tuite is that it relies on techniques rather than strength. Once Tuite is applied it is very difficult to counter and the techniques are such that they can temporarily or permanently disable the attacking limb. Not only does it effect the areas in which the techniques were applied, but it can effect the entire muscular and nervous system. .

Kyusho Jitsu is the art of striking vital areas; nerves, muscle groups, organs and blood vessels. Used in conjunction with Tuite or alone, Kyusho Jitsu techniques can cause severe pain, numbness, unconsciousness, nausea or even death.

Tuite and Kyusho Jitsu are the old ways of Karate when its use was exclusively a fighting art. They are not techniques that can be seen in a tournament. What was once the soul of Karate are all but forgotten.

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IMPORTANT FACTORS

KEN KYU-Study Your Opponent

In the study of any martial art, it is important to understand the opponent. We first must realize that we are all human; therefore, we are all made the same way. Every one has four natural weapons, two hands and two feet and are equal in these respects. Strength and speed is where the inequality begins; however, this is why we study self-defense.

How many times are you likely to be attacked by a weakling? As you analyze your opponent, assume that he is physically stronger; however, realize that everyone has the same weak points. These are the areas to concentrate upon. Muscle groups, blood vessels, organs and nerves are the same in everyone.

When being attacked what does your opponent use?

Most likely he will use his hands first. Analyze the opponent in the following way:

1. He can attack with either hand or foot. (Right or Left)

2. He can use both hands at the same time, but only one foot.
    (He has to stand)

3. In defense, most of us think only of blocking (warding off)
    the attack and countering to a vital point in the body or head.

When is the attacker most vulnerable?
He is most vulnerable at the moment he is attacking. He is concentrating on offense not on defense.

What do you attack?
The closest point to you is the attacking limb. By striking the vital area on the attacking limb, you can successfully defend yourself and take control. To do this, you must nullify the other three weapons. This can be done in several ways.

1.  Move so that you are not in range of the second hand and are
     in a difficult position for them to kick.

2.  Kick the supporting leg, nullifying any kicks and strikes

3. The attack can be nullified by virtue of the vital point struck.

4. The defensive technique can cause the attacker to be in an
     awkward, off balance position preventing him from countering.

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THEORY OF APPLICATION

1. SHOCK
Nerves are like electrical wires carrying current and can be affected the same way. They can be cut (sharp blow), which means they cause local pain or numbness. They can be shorted (sharp blow and pressure), causing confusion, wide spread pain or the effect can be transferred to other parts of the body. Attacking nerves or other vital points causes an automatic response in which the attacker has no control.

2. SEVERE PAIN
Pain causes attention to be directed to the area that is hurt. Psychologically, it breaks the attacker down. Enough pain can cause the body to go into shock on which the attacker has lost all control.

3. SURPRISE
The pain associated with these techniques is different. The attacker is not expecting this to happen; therefore, his attention is drawn away from his attack. This is a natural reaction.

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IMPORTANT FACTORS IN EXECUTION

1. FOOTWORK-WEIGHT SHIFTING
Footwork is perhaps the most important factor in the execution of Tuite and Kyusho Jitsu techniques. There are several purposes for footwork or weight shifting. The first and the most obvious is just to move out of the way. Secondly, shifting to one side allows redirection of the on-coming attack. Lastly, after shifting to avoid and redirect the attack, the footwork is used to apply the defensive technique.

2. POSTURE
It is important to keep the body in an upright position when applying Tuite techniques. This will allow you to maintain good balance and keeps you from moving into a possible counter. Also, as the attacker tries to move away from the pain of the technique, maintaining an erect posture allows continuous force to be applied.

3. TECHNIQUE
Footwork and hand techniques must be used simultaneously. As the weight is shifted away from the attack, both hands are used as an automatic reflex to cover. Using both hands allows the attack to be redirected with one hand as the other hand attacks a vital point when the attacker is most vulnerable. Utilizing a kick at the same time the hand technique is applied further enhances the effectiveness of the defense.

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THE IMPORTANCE OF KATA

Kata is thought of in many ways; from the mystical to impractical. With this range of though, it is no wonder that kata is so misunderstood.

Kata is seen as a form of mental exercise or meditation in which the practitioner seeks to better themselves by seeking perfection. It is also seen as a form of physical exercise by building a strong and healthy body through constant practice. While these things can be gained through the practice of kata, it is not their full intention. Kata is technique! By practicing kata and studying the underlying meanings, a better understanding of true technique can be realized.

Kata techniques can be divided into two categories; obvious and hidden. Obvious techniques are those that are easily recognizable and duplicated: blocks, kicks and punches. These things are easily obtainable without practicing kata and this is why many think that kata is not needed.

The hidden techniques are well refined pure karate. It does not make sense that we can learn ten to twelve katas in a few years when one kata represents a lifetime of study and work for its originator. These were his techniques and he would not have given them away easily. Different versions of the same kata are a result of another man's interpretation of the techniques or the addition of his own techniques.

The hidden techniques of Tuite and Kyusho Jitsu rely on the advantage of the techniques itself, not strength. In order for the obvious striking techniques to work well, much force must be applied. While these techniques will provide a sufficient means of self-defense they may be more than the situation needs. Tuite and Kyushu Jitsu can be applied with a minimum of force. In fact by virtue of the techniques, the opponent may provide enough force himself.

Kata is all of the things that have been described. It is an excellent mental and physical exercise. The techniques from kata are both simple and intricate. All techniques are worth while if you can make them work. The kata is a lifetime of work rolled into a few moves. It takes another lifetime to discover all of the meanings.