Before determining the best approach to training, it’s essential to ask: What am I trying to achieve?
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Effectiveness depends entirely on its intended purpose. In the world of karate, this question becomes even more crucial, as the goals of sport and self-defense often get clouded.
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Back in the 1970s and 1980s, I was consumed by the thrill of competition. My sole focus was on fighting in tournaments – winning was everything. At the time, I believed my competitive skills would translate seamlessly into real-world scenarios.
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However, a few unexpected encounters outside the dojo taught me otherwise. I remember those situations vividly: despite my confidence in my abilities, I quickly realized that the strategies and techniques honed on the mat weren’t always appropriate for those unpredictable, chaotic moments.
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Fortunately, the outcomes were in my favor, but those experiences forced me to reevaluate.
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Sport karate is incredible for building discipline, speed, precision, and the thrill of trying to win, but it exists in a controlled environment with clear rules and boundaries. Real-life situations, on the other hand, are anything but controlled.
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If all we teach is the physical – especially within the limits of sport karate – we risk leaving practitioners unprepared for anything beyond the mat.
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Most people don’t train enough to develop the attributes necessary for self-defense, let alone adapt to unexpected circumstances. Sport karate has its place, but we must ensure students understand its scope and limitations.
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Ultimately, karate is a broad discipline. Whether for competition, self-defense, personal growth, or just for fun and fitness, the key lies in aligning your training with purpose – and like me, always remember that there’s more to it than just winning.
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Written by Adam Carter – Shuri Dojo
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Photo Credit: With thanks to Rodrigo Rojas – Team Chile Karate