The Misconception and Misunderstanding of Karate

Blog Article/Post Caveat (Read First Please: Click the Link)

First example: The chambering of one's fist to the waist.

Second example: The technique of blocking.

Third example: Stances, especially the assumption of same to perform a technique.


These three examples were drawn from this most excellent article by the "Karate Nerd." You can read his article here: 3 Widespread Misconceptions of Modern Karate


The purpose of borrowing his idea’s of chambering, blocking and stances is not about his article but merely a borrowing of the subjects themselves for a different perspective on misunderstandings, etc., in the karate world or communities. 


Also, a take-away from this article is this one is my theories, opinions and beliefs so take those with a grain of salt and use this, and others, as a means of thought - like my “Karate Koans” effort. To inspire, to trigger one’s creative juices and to diverge from the accepted norm that what sensei teaches is complete, comprehensive and exclusive to mastery of the system, style or methodology. Ok, on with the show!


First example: The chambering of one's fist to the waist.


I have written already extensively on this subject so, if you please, take a trip to another link provided and get in some reading. Note, that this link also has two more links embedded within so don’t forget to read them all BECAUSE they build on one another for an overall perception and outlook on this technique or method. It must also be noted that many of the so-called ‘bunkai’ of this method were created to fit it as taught originally by the creator of Isshinryu, Shimabuku Tatsuo sensei. It teaches us that just because it is a teaching does not mean we bend to it accordingly but rather we bend the physics, theory and method/methodology to fit its true purpose in teaching us how to protect and defend through a teaching tool the skills, outside of it, to actually get-r-done. 


Second example: The technique of blocking.


First and foremost, as taught to the novice, blocking is a misnomer. It is a particular movement meant to teach us how to handle oncoming forces such as an attacker coming at us in a moving attack. You see, blocks are meant to be expanded and diverged from to create a movement I call, “deflection-movement.” You begin the deflection move while moving one’s body off center-line to deflect that attack method while positioning yourself in a way that allows your methods to be triggered while taking you off their attack line so they literally fly by you opening points along off center and around to the side and then to the back as dictated by circumstances and effects of the entire methodologies - theirs and yours. 


Here is another article I wrote on the subject of blocking, take it with a grain of optimism and as you already know, a supplemental methodology meant to enhance what you were taught by your sensei, etc. 


Third example: Stances, especially the assumption of same to perform a technique.


This one is also of great length as was the first example. So, as I did the first, the third has an article with sub-links within it you may find of interest on the stances of karate. Go ahead, enjoy them then come back here to read the conclusion. 


Read Here: On Stances of Karate


As you already know from your vast experiences and expertise there is plenty to seek out and understand from the very novice level explanations to those you will discover over your years and years of training, practice and experiences. 


The real lesson to learn is this, there is no one single correct answer or teaching in the world of karate be it sport, philosophical or hands-on self-protective defense methodologies because otherwise we would go to a few classes then just practice once in a while to learn what there is to learn. In truth, there are no limits to learning in regard to karate or any other discipline or knowledge but only the limits we put on ourselves so go out and learn, learn, learn (just like “practice, practice, practice!)!


For reference and sources and professionals go here: Bibliography (Click the link)

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