Technique of the Week (June 3rd, 2007)

From Dan Gobillot, Shihan - Northampton Ueshiro Karate Dojo

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Any and every technique should be able to end the fight immediately.

The art of striking in hand to hand combat or in war is based on two

principles, accuracy and energy. Accuracy is how close you get to

hitting the target while energy translates to how much power you

deliver.

 

The less accuracy you possess or the further away from the

intended target you get the harder you have to hit. The closer you

come the less energy you need. In hand to hand fitting using the

precepts of karate the self defensive art, block the attack

aggressively in order to intimidate and damage your opponent.

Offensively or defensively attack your aggressor accurately with full

power every time.

Never toy or play with your opponent and be aware

that missing the target may further provoke him. All techniques in

ourkata delivered accurately and with sufficient power can cause

physiological damage to vital areas. It is our understanding of the

art shorin ryu that determines the effective target as practiced in

our kata. If you are not sure of your target you had better

hit really hard.

Kime spiritual focus is one of the most important elements in the

development of kiai. Kime directs the mind and body during aconflict.

It can help steel the warriors will over an opponent allowing him to

achieve deeds thought impossible. This technique can and is used in

combat but it can also be employed in day to day conflict and adversity.

A proper defensive mind set is quite simple. To be most effective it

should be reflexive "him, down, now". Defend or counter attack with

one purpose, end the fight immediately.

 

As a self defense tool for yourself pick one technique and practice it until

you are positive that it will serve you well to end any altercation.

If you should find yourself in this situation and

feel you must act make this youropening and ending technique.

The primary principle of kime is to focus your entire being on

achieving your objective. To apply kime remove all else from your

world except the task at hand. Commit physically and mentally with

every bit of speed and strength toward your one end. Correctly

executed your whole body will snap like a giant spring producing

explosive force to end the conflict.

It is said the eyes are the window to the soul. To find your target

and track it avoid focusing on any one area of your opponent.

Sometimes we hear advise directing us to focus on the chin and neck

area or the head. Be wary of resting your gaze in any one place.

Remember the words of the famous swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, "keep your

gaze large". Center your gaze on the portal of your opponents spirit.

That portal is his eyes. This does not mean stare into the eyes of

your opponent. Dominate him with your focused spirit and destroy him

with your kime.

Domo arigato gozaimasu,

Dan Gobillot, Shihan - Northampton Ueshiro Karate Dojo