Competition is a subject that comes up regularly when I am talking to students, and has recently been requested as a topic for the relaunched blog.
The majority of my students probably already know my thoughts on competition within karate, but as this blog is published to a wider audience, I will detail again.
It is my belief that karate and many other martial arts were developed from a self-defence perspective. Therefore, a kumite competition between two self-defence orientated karateka would result in the strangest spectacle ever witnessed, with both participants waiting for their opponent to attack so that they could defend themselves.
Obviously situations will exist where striking first is necessary, but a proficient martial artist is more likely to attempt to avoid confrontation at all costs.
This makes for an interesting dilemma, as kumite is one of the three k's of karate (and other martial arts), and therefore must continue to be a part of a students' training programme. So how can kumite be integrated into what is technically a self-defence activity?
In most clubs, controlled sparring is included as part of the syllabus, which allows students the chance to practice their techniques, in a 'live' situation. By that, I mean that the sparring activity is not prescribed, such as you attack me with a reverse punch, and I will block your punch and then deliver a front kick. Free sparring is, and should be, a random mix of attack and defence, which is about as close as students can get to a 'real' fight.
The problem here, of course, is that if a student was attacked in the street, it would be highly unlikely (and seriously disappointing) if their attacker was an accomplished martial artist. Therefore, fighting in a way similar to controlled sparring could place the student at a disadvantage, as they would possibly be the only one in the fight 'playing by the rules'.
So, it would be easy to think that kumite has no place in martial arts, but that would be wrong. Kumite is much more than just fighting, and introduces students to many aspects of karate that might not be immediately obvious. Let me explain:
Kumite introduces students to the idea that if they do not protect themselves properly, then they will get hit, and possibly injured.
Kumite introduces students to the concept of control, both over physical techniques and powerful emotions.
Kumite introduces students to the need for respect, both for themselves, and their training partner.
I could go on, but needless to say some of the hidden benefits of kumite are some of the most important aspects of karate. But why competition I hear you ask?
The main reason I feel that competition between clubs, and countries, arose was ego. Think back to ancient times, conflicts between warring armies were often settled by one armies champion facing the others. At club level, I feel that this sense of ego or position was often sought to promote the individual club or teaching style. Think of the main plot of The Karate Kid (the original) as a great example.
Organised properly, a kumite competition gives students the chance to test themselves against different opponents, some of which they will not have encountered before. Organised poorly, a kumite competition becomes a free for all, with little respect for the rules, or the safety of the participants. Broken legs and bloody noses should not be part of 21st century competition.
As always, these are my views only, and I do not expect everyone to agree with everything I have said. In subsequent blogs I will go into detail about competition experience, but for now, I will leave it there.
Until next time,
Sensei
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