Wado ryu Karate Principles for Self Defense part II
by Owen Johnston
Timings for counter attackConsider uses for the body shifting methods.Go no Sen - Defensive attack. Counter once the attack is completed, but before the opponent is able to attack again.Sen - Simultaneously attack with the attacker. You will complete your counter first, and/or displace the attacker’s movement.Sensen no Sen - Preempt the attack with your own, by perceiving your opponent’s intent. This will catch him/her off guard, breaking his/her mental balance.Defensive movementsHeavily influenced by Shindo Yoshin-ryu jujutsu, these movements are used to control the opponent’s energy. These movements apply maai and body shifting. Consider uses of the timings for counter attack.Nagasu - Flowing / Fluidity. Move evasively off the line of attack but closely enough that the attacker’s force can be used to add to your own. Often combined with penetrating into an opponents side (irimi).Irimi - Move to enter the opponent’s attack.Inasu - Move under, inside, or around the attack.Noru - Control the opponent’s movement.MaaiThe state of mind and spirit of the combatants, and the distance between them. Keep enough space to attack and defend. At a high level, you control the spirit and energy of a conflict. Draw a reaction from the opponent that will give you a tactical advantage. Practice the above principles to understand maai, and practice maai to apply the following. Never stop studying tactics so you may better see from this broad view.Ki Ken Tai no IchiCoordination of mind and body in movement. Thought and action must become one; there is no time to concentrate on thought in battle.Hei Jo Shin"Calm mind and body". When the opponent feints or draws a weapon, you should not flinch, but be prepared. Harness the adrenal state so that you do not panic, but fight reflexively.
About the Author
The author lives and teaches Wado ryu Karate in Lake City, South Carolina. He enjoys reading, writing, training, and spending time with his fiance. For more information about classes, please visit Johnston Wado ryu Karate. Visit their website at: http://www.johnstonkarate.net
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