Body, Movement: Karate

There are those who believe that the practice of karate involves solely arm and leg techniques. I've even heard things like "In karate, the use of arms and legs is 70% and 30% respectively." I wonder how the person who told me this came to that conclusion...

Of course, attack techniques and receiving techniques (uke-waza) do involve the use of legs and arms. However, in karate, these limbs do not work alone; they are accompanied by the use of the body's structure (muscles, bones, and tendons) from other parts like shoulders, back, abdomen, and hips, as well as the tanden and breathing.

The entire body structure must be engaged in defense (receiving the opponent's attack) or in an attack, a combination that redirects or absorbs the force from the opponent's movement or that, in an attacking situation, transfers the force generated by movement to the target.

This is translated through the concept of "shishee" in Uchinaaguchi (the dialect spoken on the island of Okinawa). Shishee is somewhat like the state where one reaches the peak of energy through the use of the entire body.

In karate, we learn to use the speed and force generated by our own body movements (shishee) for self-defense. Equally important, we also learn to use the opponent's force to our advantage.

However, this might not be something so straightforward. Karate practitioners must remember the awkwardness, discomfort, and lack of motor coordination when performing simple movements at the start of their karate practice. Do you recall how your body behaved when you were learning your first kata?

- My first mae-geris were completely uncoordinated!

Indeed, learning the ways to use the body in karate entails utilizing movements that are vastly different from those we use in our daily lives or that are rarely used. It's akin to learning a 'new' motor coordination. This is why we train – to cultivate a bodily awareness that enables us to execute unique patterns of body movements. Thus, something that used to seem strange becomes naturally executed.

This state of bodily awareness is achieved and maintained through the practice of jumbi undo (preparatory exercises preceding technique training) and hojo undo (supplementary exercises) in Okinawan Karate. Through these exercises, we develop the 'Goju-body', a conditioning and physical readiness that enables the correct and effective execution of techniques. Only then will we be fully prepared to apply these techniques in kumite (sparring).

The Karatedoka must be mindful of the fundamental need to engage in physical education through jumbi undo and hojo undo, combined with current gym exercises. This might extend the time required for learning techniques and kumite training. However, I can assure you that this way, you will be learning Karate in its purest essence.

Patience and virtue.

Bibliographical sources:

Bibliographical sources: May, S. 2014. Okinawan Karate and Kobudo Handbook. University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, 43p.

Toguchi S. 2001. Okinawan Goju-Ryu II: Advanced Techiniques of Shorei-Kan Karate. Ohara Publications 173p.