Question :
Up to what age can you practice fighting?
SSK : when it comes to competitive fighting,
known as “sport assault”, it is clear that it is intended for young subjects. Some federations impose age limits, generally around
30 - 35 years of age. What's more, the candidate can sometimes choose between the “competition” and “traditional” routes for the combat part. Above
40 years of age, there is in any case a specific session.
If we now place ourselves
from the perspective of “traditional” fighting, we can say that
not only is there no theoretical age limit,
but it's possible to progress all the time. Of course,
free assaults (Jiyu Kumite) will not be approached in the same way
the same way for everyone. As you get older, you'll
to work more on perception and entry into the intention
of attack (“Sen-No-Sen” or even “Irimi”) rather than sequences
than in sequences or combinations, in which case free sparring
will naturally approach the ultimate form based on a single technique
technique (Jiyu Ippon Kumite). All conventional forms
(Ippon Kumite, Sanbon Kumite, Iai,
etc.) are totally suitable for all ages.
We should also point out that
Jiyu Kumité exists in a “Shiaï” form,
or free sparring, refereed or not, in Ippon or Sanbon Shobu,
and a more flexible form, akin to “Randori”,
where the emphasis is on the harmony of working in pairs
and the richness of Karate techniques, with no points scored.
points scored. It is in fact
which is favoured in our “Dan-tests” exams for Nidan
for Nidan (2nd Dan) and Sandan (3rd Dan).
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Q. :
Should you fight with open hands or closed fists?
SSK : In sports competition assaults, it is compulsory to wear protective gloves
gloves are mandatory, which wrap
and round the top of the hand, enclosing the fist.
In free sparring, each method has its advantages and disadvantages.
The open hand allows greater relaxation of the forearm
forearm, and a greater range and precision of applicable
and precision of applicable techniques (“Atewaza”), but presents
the risk of finger injuries, particularly sprains and dislocations, in the event of shocks or clashes. The closed fist
inversely reduces the risk of trauma, but limits hand techniques
hand techniques, often reducing them to “Gyaku
Tsuki” or ‘Maete Jodan’.
This being the case, whatever the formula, one common constant is always de rigueur: control!
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