Application of Kata: The problem of resistance

January 23, 2013 by ProjectMawashi 1 Comment

There are many approaches to the application of kata. Some are weird, some are wonderful. My approach is that the application should ideally be applicable to and trained with, a resistant opponent. My reasoning for this is quite simple, resistance is a key feature of any real encounter and therefore any application approach that doesn’t factor this in, is sorely lacking. Think of it, would an untrained version of you simply let someone arm-bar, punch or kick you, without some kind of resistance – Hell No!!  You don’t need training to resistant techniques – the untrained “compliant” attacker is a myth.

My experiments in training with resistance have led me to make several conclusions:

1. Good quality technique reduces the opportunities to resist.

It is so obvious, but without mastering the form properly, application is just that much more difficult.

1. Choosing the right technique at the right time also reduces opportunities for resistance.
2. There is a pattern in how opponents resist: Exploit this with a secondary back up technique
3. Don’t blame others. If a technique hasn’t worked because of your training partners resistance, don’t blame your partner (e.g. But, he wouldn’t of resisted like that in real life!!). If resistance gets in the way, it’s your job to deal with it.
4. A half applied or hesitant technique has a greater chance of failing.

Of all these points I think #4 is the most challenging. The mental challenge far out ways the physical challenge. It is very bruising for the ego when a technique goes wrong, hence the temptation to rationalise it away is an easy way out. Ultimately, this will impede the karateka’s ability to progress in their capability to apply the kata.