Sensei Iha's Self Defense Karate Guidelines
- By Robert Roberto Curtis, 9th Dan, Beikoku Shidokan Shorin Ryu Karate
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- 11 Nov, 2024
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Sensei Iha Taught Me to Focus on Self Defense
Sensei Iha said most people only need to learn percussion-type karate focusing on the punch-kick-blocks taught in most martial arts schools for sport or self-defense karate. When Sensei learned I was teaching First Responders, Security & Military personnel while stationed overseas he started teaching me more self defense-focused applications based on the brief summary below.
Virginia Dojo Self Defense Karate Guidelines
Perform Your Kata as a Fight
No Dancing in Your Pajamas!
1. Break out of the Punch-Kick-Block Paradigm with
Hidden Hand Applications:
move or thrust your Hip, then
complete the application by using your Hands. All movement performed together in rapid unison as if a tidal wave.
3. Force = Mass X Acceleration (Newton's 2nd Law)
Focus on Speed Not Muscle!
Sensei related that his instructor, Katsuya Miyahira, told him he'd only do true karate when he reached 70 years old when his muscle strength would mostly abandon him and he'd focus on performing technique rather than using muscles. Avoid waiting until you are 70. You will be amazed when you focus on performing applications with technique only.
4. Kata counts may be Combined for Effective Application or Discover Applications by doing Kata with no count.
If your hikete has a hand, arm, leg, or head in it, what could you be doing with your other arm and legs?
Virginia Dojo Self Defense Karate Guidelines
Perform Your Kata as a Fight
No Dancing in Your Pajamas!
1. Break out of the Punch-Kick-Block Paradigm with
Hidden Hand Applications:
- Hikite: What is in your Pulling Hand?
- Punch/Kick = Block = Throw = Punch/Kick
- Kata Turns are Grappling Throws, Breaks, or Dislocations
- No Foot Spins in Self Defense! Try a fancy kata competition-winning 270 degree spin while grappling and your opponent will fall on top of you. (see Fo-Hi-Ha below)
move or thrust your Hip, then
complete the application by using your Hands. All movement performed together in rapid unison as if a tidal wave.
3. Force = Mass X Acceleration (Newton's 2nd Law)
Focus on Speed Not Muscle!
Sensei related that his instructor, Katsuya Miyahira, told him he'd only do true karate when he reached 70 years old when his muscle strength would mostly abandon him and he'd focus on performing technique rather than using muscles. Avoid waiting until you are 70. You will be amazed when you focus on performing applications with technique only.
4. Kata counts may be Combined for Effective Application or Discover Applications by doing Kata with no count.
If your hikete has a hand, arm, leg, or head in it, what could you be doing with your other arm and legs?
Karate Training Tips by Grand Master Seikichi Iha, 10th Dan, Beikoku Shidokan Karate Do
