In the Ring vs. On the Turf
Basic Techniques & Karate-Do
Of all the stresses in life, nothing really compares to the anxiety level experienced in a “fight or flight??? encounter like a street fight.
It is common knowledge that there is a world of difference between tournament competition and street fighting. In tournament kumite, for example, contestants are competing under controlled conditions. This means that matches are one-on-one, there are five officials that enforce the rules of conduct and sportsmanship, the match has a time limit and takes place on a flat surface, usually a 24’x24’ well-lit area. In addition, there are parts of the body that are considered “no target??? areas, and hitting any of these areas results in a penalty. All punching, striking, and kicking techniques must be controlled and an “attack??? is usually stopped in order to prevent injury, only to be restarted in the middle of the ring.
A street fight has no rules and will probably be the most fearful situation you will ever face. There may be several opponents, and all target areas of the body are considered fair game.
The key to survival is a calm mind. If you must attack to defend yourself, any technique is good enough. Poking the eyes, attacking the spine, throat, and groin, or biting and spitting may not look pretty or even resemble karate, but when your life is at stake, you must not freeze or shut down. Staying calm will buy you enough time to size-up your attacker. Is he intoxicated or under the influence? Does he want only your wallet? Is someone else with him? These are important considerations and reacting with calmness will help you formulate a plan.
The best case scenario in street defense is to be able to talk your way out of a fight. Forget about loosing your dignity. It’s better to eat humble pie and walk away without injury than to be stabbed or shot. Avoiding confrontation is paramount because in today’s world, you never know who may be carrying a weapon.
It’s sound advise to plan ahead and not get caught off-guard. Avoid short cuts and unfamiliar routes. Remain alert, even in your daily routine. Pay close attention when entering a bank, convenience store, or using an ATM. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
One of the main benefits of karate training is that it sharpens the mind and keeps you mentally alert. A student who trains regularly may even develop a sixth sense and become increasingly aware of circumstances that the ordinary person would miss. Sharper senses, a faster reaction time, fighting spirit and boundless determination are common attributes for those who take training seriously.
Therefore, whenever you train, practice each kata as if attackers have surrounded you. Perform all basics vigorously as if your life depends on it. This type of attitude keeps you alive and ready to face any of life’s challenges head-on.