Amanda, you are correct. But apples and oranges. They talking about sport kumite. You are probably studying traditional Karate-do. Good move! Sport se...
Amanda, you are correct. But apples and oranges. They talking about sport kumite. You are probably studying traditional Karate-do. Good move! Sport see karate as a competing sport or game. The goal is very different from traditional or the real thing . In my 37 years of Karate-do practice I have seen many things and admit for several years I participated in the silly game part. Sport people have many tricks (techniques) from gi slapping as a feint to gi twisting the cuffs after a block to detain. I actually sprayed pan on the arms and legs of my gi. I know many tricks. Never mind about “game” Karate.
You should understand there is a deference in traditional kumite and self defense techniques. Both are vital but kumite exist only to support self defense techniques. Sport people only do free kumite as win or lose. Free style kumite (jiyu) done right is a partnership with your classmate, not win or lose, you sharing a common goal. You develop movement, footwork, distance, timing, and speed skills. Learn to read the other person’s mind and head them off. Learn to feel, focus on nothing. All these skills are applied to your self defense techniques. Remember traditional training is much harder than sport, but it pays off much more. I don’t let students jiyu kumite below 5 kyu rank and then it’s very controlled. I want them to learn not street fight with gi’s on.
As for the gi tie pulling trick that started this line of conversation. There is how to deal with it for both sport and traditional full contact. *When pulled push, when pushed pull.* If your opponent pulls you? RUSH him at a 45 degree angle to his side. Step out left or right. Go with the flow. Do not go at his center line. Hit him from the side twice then sweep his leg. If he pushes? Go with the flow, step to side 90 degree, and strike. Your opponent must now change his direction which means his balance is affected. Strike quickly. Always strike when he is off balance or moving.
Thank you for reading this.
Mal Hinson
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