DOSSIERS TECHNIQUES
Dossiers   11
Realism and efficiency

Mechanical logic

In the martial arts, and more specifically in Karate, we often find that by repeating techniques "in a vacuum" (Kihon / Kata) or in controlled assaults (Kumite), we naturally develop certain indispensable qualities, These qualities may prove insufficient when transposed to a real fight, which must result in a decisive knockout of the opponent, if possible very quickly to avoid exposing yourself.

It's not all about speed

Clearly, speed of execution - of technique combined with movement - is one of the most important factors in efficiency, insofar as it means reaching or dodging your (counter)attack. But two other factors are just as important, namely:
- precision,
- efficiency.

Let's be precise

It's easy to understand that, even if you hit very hard, but randomly or all at once ("Chudan" or even "Jodan" style), not only will the opponent not be out of the fight, but his aggressiveness will be increased tenfold by rage or pain, if the latter is not sufficiently incapacitating. When you look closely at counter-attacks in Ippon Kumité, for example, how many of them are really effective and decisive? Precision is the dual effect of assiduous training and unfailing concentration, on the one hand, and a minimum knowledge of the so-called "vital" points, on the other, so that you know your potential target, at least in theory to begin with.

To make the technique "work"

As for effectiveness, if it is, on a technical level, the fruit of the gesture, the connection of the body, the "Hara", breathing, etc., we must also add the "practical" side, i.e. check whether it "works" on a target as well as in a vacuum or with a control adapted to two-person work without protection.

That's why it's a good idea, as often as possible, to work on techniques on a target, such as a bag for individual practice, and on shields, breastplates, paos, suitcases, etc. for two-person practice. The latter work is preferable, insofar as the partner who "receives" can experience and comment on the strike, this of course for better progress together.

Realism above all

In conclusion, let's always be as "realistic" as possible in our training, visualizing as much as possible the imaginary opponent and the impact in Kihon, the distance and vital points in Kumite, and constantly checking that, without losing any of the speed of execution or form, a real impact would have the desired effect. Only in this way can our Karate truly be expressed in its true purpose.

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