Look at a tree. Look at Karate. See any similarities? Your Karate training is made up of different parts, same as a tree. Let’s compare the
two.
The most important part of
a tree is the root system. The tree
doesn’t get nourishment, it’s not grounded for stability, it cannot grow or
even survive without strong roots. In
Karate, this is your Kihon (basics).
Your kata (form) is just groups of basics set in specific patterns. Kumite and Ippons (sparring and pre-arranged
self-defense) uses your basics on another person. Kihon is the root of your Karate. Some people argue that perfecting kihon is
not necessary; perfection is not needed in a street situation. This may be true, but we strive for
near-perfect kihon for two reasons:
1- Karate-do is an art designed to help the practitioner towards
self-betterment.
2- With
surprise and adrenaline, you will do a rushed, sloppy version of your
techniques on the street. Careless
practice in the dojo means in a street attack, you will do a rushed, sloppy
version of already sloppy techniques.
The trunk of the tree
supports all branches and foliage. It is
usually thick and sturdy. In Karate,
this is your Kata (forms). As it
was once explained to me, kata is like a living encyclopedia of your style of
Karate. All moves can be found in your
kata. Working kata reinforces your
basics, and develops muscle memory for assorted combinations of
techniques. Almost all tree trunks are
wider at the base and gradually taper as you approach the top of the tree. Kata works the same way. As you move up to higher kata, some
combinations are more complicated, but stances-punches-kicks remain
constant. Movements in higher level
katas rely on movements developed in lower katas. For example, you cannot be good at Bassai Dai
if your Heian Godan is shaky.
The branches extend out
from the trunk. Each branch looks a
little different, but clearly look like part of the tree. In Karate, this is your Bunkai
(analysis; explanation; meaning of moves).
Every movement or group of movements in each kata has at least one
meaning - usually more than one. We give
students the simplest, most basic meaning for each series of movements. As the student progresses, they learn that
the same group of movements can have several different meanings. Shotokan has many hidden grabs, locks,
chokes, and takedowns in each kata.
‘Hidden’ is not quite right; the meanings are there, you just have to
look for them. I’ve heard martial
artists argue that bunkai is a lot of bunk; they’ll punch, kick, and
block a lot sooner than they would grab an opponent and twist him to the
ground. This is partly true; you will
use these basic (kihon) moves a lot sooner than you would do something more
complicated. That’s why these moves are
called ‘basic’. It’s just good to
know that you can do something more complex if the situation calls for it.
The foliage, whether
leaves, flowers, or needles, grow on the branches. In Karate, this is your Kumite
(sparring). Just like foliage, kumite is
the flashiest, most colorful, most noticeable part of Karate. Your fighting techniques stem directly from
your bunkai. People see your kumite, but
often have no idea how much work goes into bunkai, kata, and kihon to develop
these sparring skills.
A tree needs water,
sunlight, and nutrients to grow and thrive.
Without these elements, a tree can soon die. Your Karate works the same way. Without regular, diligent training, your
Karate skills will suffer. Feed your
soul. Feed your Karate. I’ll see you on the deck!
