Here we continue
with questions from (junior) members on a variety of topics.
Question
: Which Kata are relevant to our school's style?
SSK : In our “traditional” form of practice (i.e. SHOTOKAN OHSHIMA), there are 18 Kata in all, divided into “basic”, “advanced” and “superior” Kata.
Some Kata, such as the 3 “Taïkyoku”, are qualified as “initiation” Kata, but we may discover later that they still retain their value for the practitioner's progression,
provided, of course, that they have not been neglected and abandoned too quickly.
This precise number of Kata is no coincidence. For it's not the number per se that counts, but the time required to study them all in sufficient depth.
More Kata won't necessarily raise the practitioner's level, because he'll only have been able to approach each one too superficially.
Didn't Master FUNAKOSHI, founder of Shotokan Traditionel, say that 18 Kata were more than enough, and that it took him personally
took him over 10 years to master the 3 “Tekki” alone!
Q. :
How do you know if you're really efficient?
SSK : It's hard to say
not been placed in a real-life combat situation
situation, either in the event of aggression, which we wouldn't wish on anyone
to anyone, or in forms of knockout combat with no special protection
MMA style, Ultimate fighting, Kick-bocking, Muay-Thaï, K-1, etc. And
even wearing gloves alters the perception of ultimate efficiency.
effectiveness.
Whatever the case, each practitioner is of course free to make his or her own choices,
but we strongly advise our members against this kind of experience,
as it is often a source of injury and trauma,
and, what's more, often cause serious medium- or long-term after-effects.
Breakage tests (or “Tame-Shiwari”) allow you to put into practice
Karate techniques with real impact,
on condition that the exercise is well prepared and
to avoid serious bone and joint trauma in the short to medium term.
The best advice is often to train with a punching bag, and possibly with a partner, using “paos
“paos”, ‘bear paws’, ‘suitcases’, etc., in short, a whole arsenal of weapons,
etc. - in short, a whole arsenal available in specialist stores,
as well as in properly equipped clubs.
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Q. :
what are the best kicks?
SSK : we need to clarify
what we mean by “the best”... If we consider only
sporting competition, it's those who give “Ippon” in principle
according to the refereeing rules of the moment.
Like Jodan Mawashi Geri, for example, favoured in large part - it has to be said - by a spectacular aspect appreciated by the fighters and by their opponents.
by a spectacular aspect appreciated by the fighters and... the public.
On the other hand, in a more sober and martial
more martial vision, it's the decisive knockout that's sought
and low attacks can be formidable if they are
can be formidable if they are incapacitating, particularly for the opponent's legs.
What's more, at medium (Chudan) and low (Gedan) level, they have the advantage of
more extension and less risk of losing stability
by exposing yourself to a counter or sweep from the supporting leg.
But, of course, efficiency
will depend above all on the practitioner's own skill with a particular leg technique.
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