Karate Training & What to Know About Fighting by Kyan Chotoku

Karate Training & What to Know About Fighting by Kyan Chotoku

Okinawa-Prefectural School of Agriculture & Forestry 

Japanese to English Translation by Patrick & Yuriko McCarthy © Copyright 2001

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At sixty-one years old this year, Mr. Kyan’s face, when compared to anyone else his age, is still full of spirit and drive. Presently an instructor at the karate dojo, hosted by the School of Agriculture & Forestry, this instructor is very committed to the welfare and education of our youth. Editor 

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A History & Outline of Karate [2]

In an unarmed altercation, one can take advantage of the situation any moment that the opponent is off guard by striking with the clenched fist, smashing with the elbow, and or kicking with the feet. The hands and the feet can also be used to parry strikes. Moreover, one can also avoid being attacked by learning to shift the body properly. A martial art unique to Okinawa, Karate dates back about 400 years ago, to the Oei or Eikyo periods.[3]  Introduced to Okinawa from China by an unidentified person who had studied it there, the practice gradually improved over time and ultimately became regarded as Okinawan. Since that early time, these skills have been further cultivated and continually improved.

It’s important to understand the difference between Chinese method and Okinawan preference. The Chinese commonly use the tips of their fingers against an opponent while the clenched fist is chiefly used in Okinawa. It should be noted that the clenched fist is one of the fundamental differences that makes karate a unique fighting method.  

Nowadays, there are two principal styles of karate, Shorei-ryu and Shorin-ryu. In total there are dozens of kata between them, which primarily encompass physical conditioning and defensive application. While both have their good and bad points, it can be said that the Shorei-style focuses largely on conditioning the body while the Shorin-style addresses application principles. However, hasty judgments on which is the right or wrong style should be avoided, as training methods are be based on the learners' character and physical condition. 

The application principles of karate are truly kaleidoscopic, however, in the case of fighting actually only two points really count: "sei" & " ki".[4]  The three ways to support the practical application of these points are a.) Observation [Go no sen] b.) Imperceptibility [Sen no sen] and c.) Transcendence [Sen]. Which of the three combative initiatives best resolves any physical confrontation depends entirely upon the individual and the circumstances.  Of course, engagement is also determined by knowing both the opponent and yourself. These are issues at the forefront of fighting and winning.

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What to Know about Training

a. Teaching should take place in the following order: It is important to explain what karate is and what it is not. Then, what one should know about physical practice should follow this. Posturing, forward and backward foot movement should then come next. Gradually evasiveness can be also introduced. Teaching how to use the clenched fists, striking with the elbows and kicking with the feet along with deflection, trapping and blocking, follow this. When these points are learned satisfactorily, kata can then be taught. When one is proficient at kata sparring can be introduced.  

b. In the past, sparring was often dangerous because there was no protective equipment used. Because of this, it has, therefore, become necessary to wear protection on key parts of the body, like they do in bayonet training (Juken-jutsu). Using this kind of protection and rubber hand pads on the clenched fists will help reduce potential injury associated with the practice.  

c. Except for what I already mentioned above, and the use of a makiwara, there’s really no other special training equipment required to learn/teach karate. Moreover, training partners and spacious facilities are not required, either. These are some of the advantages of learning/teaching karate. 

In short, these principles should be kept in mind during regular training as conditioning the body improves strength & flexibility for punching, kicking and mobility. Observing these principles during the course of practice over a long period of time one will naturally discover the essence of training and finally understand how it can be adequately applied to fit the circumstances.  

Mental & spiritual discipline is vital to developing one’s fundamental disposition, if it is neglected and training only focuses on physical technique (the body, hands & feet) the effort is worthless. This fundamental truth must be understood in order that the practice of technique develops the mind and body (hands/feet). Simultaneously, one can behave, be calm, alert and brave etc.  

1. The aim of martial arts is to prevent violence, foster humility and learn self-defence. This is why a martial artists should behave, be modestly and loyal. 

2. The martial arts cultivate the ability to react at just the right moment using the body and mind in unison. Those who misuse their skill or are arrogant poorly influence their community. Such behaviour is not appreciated by anyone and only harms one’s own character. There’s a wise old saying worth remembering; "A clenched fist should be like a hidden treasure up one’s sleeve; it remains a secret until someone comes looking for it.”

3. The purpose of karate is to condition the body, cultivate the mind and nurture the spirit. 

4. Effective posturing is made possible by sinking one’s "qi/ki" into the dantien/tanden being careful that it does not rise not to up your body. However, it is important never to be overly rooted in one’s stance. 

5. Kata should be practiced with the same resolve as if facing an opponent. 

6. Footwork, body movement, and impacting are all actions, which should always be deployed quickly. However, remember that functionally effective footwork and body movement requires one to stay on their toes (balls of the foot).  

7. Understanding the application of kata establishes clarity between the upper, middle, and lower target zones, otherwise, one’s effort is in vain. 

8. Makiwara practice is essential in order to develop powerful tools of impact. Yet, powerful techniques are useless unless they’re supported by rapid hand and footwork. Therefore, power and speed are like the wheels of a wagon; one cannot function efficiently without the other. 

9. One’s body, perception and spirit must be constantly trained.     

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What to Know about Fighting

1. I cannot emphasize the importance of first trying evaluating the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses in order to establish your strategy. If attacked by a more powerful opponent one should shift their attention to defensive strategy. This way the attacker is compelled to use more strength. This is the opportunity to seek out the "suki" (unguarded moment) and exploit it. This is how to best use the opponent’s force.  

2. Less powerful opponents can also make worthy defensive fighters as they’re evasive and use many techniques. One must be careful not to attack thoughtlessly against such fighters but make good use of your hand and footwork. Letting an opponent inside is one way of setting up an immediate counter attack. However, remember that taking or giving the initiative means you that must always be prepared for the unexpected.   

3. Never quickly or forcefully attack an opponent thoughtlessly. Agile fighters can often perceive the intentions of hand and foot movement and counter-attack quickly. 

4. You should be careful to never telegraph your intentions of let your opponent read your body language. Irrespective of the opponent’s strength or power, try never to move backwards more than 3 steps. 

5. During a fight you must pay close attention to defending the centreline and not be caught off balance by starring at an opponent's feet or eyes. You must be especially careful not to get hit in the vital organs, grabbed or have the testicles seized when attacked. Also, it’s not always wise to use too much force in defensive technique as movement tends to become slower, which also reduces the possibility for quick reaction or taking advantage of an opportunity.  

6. If you seize an opponent’s wrist, garment or arm be certain to maintain a pliable strength all the time being prepared to exploit his reaction. This way you can maintain control of the opponent’s movement. 

7. Naturally, quick hands are a necessary requisite for effectively attacking one’s opponent. However, if you miss the intended target in the midst of an attack there’s no need to fall back and try again. After achieving such close proximity to your opponent just continue freely attacking different target zones with your hands and feet. Even without using full power, you can still gradually wear down an opponent this way.

8. It is not necessary to use your hands in defence of an opponent’s kicks. They can be trapped, thwarted, or even swept away by your own leg while simultaneously countering with your hands. In case the opponent falling or being knocked down, be careful not to rush in carelessly and be caught off guard.  

9. Even if the opponent seizes your foot or leg, you can take advantage of it by quickly stepping down and into him, reducing the risk of injury. However, be very careful of this situation if the ground conditions are bad as you could fall down yourself. 

10. Be careful not to be caught off guard by an opponent’s clever deception. For example, don’t be fooled by someone pretending to grab with their hand only with the intention of actually kicking with their foot. Conversely, the opposite can also be used; The kick can be used to cause a response for the purpose of being exploited by the fist. Listen and react to voice and sound, and, never be caught off guard.  

11. If confronted by several opponents at once be careful not to grapple with them. You must keep your distance in order to maintain the advantage. If someone attacks from the right, shift to the left. If you have to defend yourself from the front be careful not to overlook the opponent behind you. This is the only good way to deal with multiple opponents. 

These are essential issues at the forefront of fighting, however, please remember they’re just one example. In other words, the differences in martial arts are truly endless and mysterious. Therefore, don’t solely rely on written materials. The best way master the art is to train diligently and enthusiastically. Perhaps after lengthy study, you may achieve enlightenment.

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* Notes

[1] Pp 236-241 of the second edition of Miki Nisaburo’s 1930 publication entitled, “Kenpo Gaisetsu.”

[2] It should be noted that the ideogram being used for karate throughout this work is written as China & hand: A term once commonly used in old Okinawa to describe Chinese quanfa/kenpo.[5]

[3]  In Japanese history the Oei Period was 1394-1428 & the Eikyo Period was 1429-1441. [6]

[4] "Sei" means right, correct, fair and or pure; Ki" means unusual, strange, unexpected and or not true. Confusing at it may seem, Kinjo Hiroshi helps us better understand them by comparing the terms to budo-related Omote (outside) & Ura (inside): The surface of things and the unseen or unexpected.