"Fighting Concepts - Rules, Categorization & Tactics For The Dojo, Competition And Street."
From: Jason Stanley
17 September, 2003
There are many different ways to fight whether it be in competition, the dojo or the street. This article touches on some of the points that should be considered for each of these three arenas.
Some of the biggest issues for new karate ka are learning footwork, dynamic movement and knowing what techniques to use in the appropriate situation. Recently I did a survey and my suspicions were reinforced by the results. Over 80% of people are unsure what to do when they fight. Sure they might be able to make a strong punch, or have an idea of how to put a combination together but many can't do it under pressure with a moving target.
In competition, there are many different strategies and tactics that are used. It's a game, like chess, where often the most clever player wins, not necessarily the one who can move their queen fastest across the board. Recent changes to W.K.F rules have considerably influenced these strategies. For example it's now legal to grab and throw your opponent without punching or kicking first. In the past you had to punch or kick BEFORE you could grab. So now you can simply cross the gap, grab your opponent and toss 'em on their back. Finish off with a counter punch or kick and the referee should give you 3 points...