Comments on Martial Views: Karate Point Fighting

I think, as Cyan said, that even in point sparring...

2011-04-06T21:49:02.751-05:00

I think, as Cyan said, that even in point sparring there is the need to differentiate on contact level. In some tournaments scoring means touching and in other tournaments a point could be a strike that produces real visible effect.

Here is a link with some examples of kumite with different mentality and goals.

Sue ...teaches you to cope with the unpredicta...

2011-01-27T00:58:48.827-05:00
Sue

...teaches you to cope with the unpredictable.

That's sparring's best feature. It's also a good way to see how people handle themselves under a little pressure, especially if you compete.

...all of which could be useful one day in a street fight.

Hopefully. Depends on the person and how they train. A hotly debated topic that's been around a long time.

In my post I mention that point-fighters keep their distance (as opposed to controlling distance) -- something that basically never happens in a real brawl. Bunkai and other methods of close-quarter self defense go a long way for the real thing.

The thing is, it's difficult to train for bunkai in a free-style manner.

Ultimately it's useful to have both: the spontaneity of kumite and the applications of kata, which are the real nuts and bolts of karate.

If you have time Sue, check out this article that addresses kata and kumite.

Even if you're not really into the sports side...

2011-01-26T11:16:53.128-05:00
Even if you're not really into the sports side of karate and don't do competition point sparring is amazingly good exercise, building stamina and speed. It also teaches you to cope with the unpredictable, builds mental focus and concentration, and helps you learn to control distance - all of which could be useful one day in a street fight.

Point sparring comes in a variety of flavors. It's worth distinguishing the different types when discussing them.

ichi go, ichi e. One time, one meeting.

2011-01-24T21:33:19.548-05:00
ichi go, ichi e.

One time, one meeting.

Excellent post John, thanks!

2011-01-24T16:35:24.105-05:00
Excellent post John, thanks!