October 2 - 8, 2011

We've been covering different timing strategies. It may not be easy for you to sort things out just by getting bits and pieces of information here and there, so I'm laying it all out here for you to easily understand:

Oji-waza is "to respond to opponent's attack". When opponent is committed to hitting you with a punch, he cannot switch his mind to defend himself if you attack right at that moment. So you expect him to attack, then simultaneously ("Sen") or immediately after his attack ("Go-no-sen") you counter attack. Remember, you're not "waiting" for his attack; rather, you're reading his mind and always on top of him both physically and mentally, so when he attacks you, you're already in motion to counter attack.

Shikake-waza is "to set the opponent up to create a Kyo". "Kyo" is a mental or physical imbalance, in other words it is a chance for you to attack. If he is going to attack you without you initiating a move you can simply use Oji-waza to counter. However, when he is not going to attack you soon (maybe he is waiting for you to make a move, maybe he is afraid of you, etc.), then you have to create a situation that he exposes a Kyo.

One of Shikae-waza we've practiced many times is Renzoku-Kogeki-Waza (combination attack). In this case the opponent is ready to back up once you throw a technique; so you let him escape the first one but you quickly switch to the second or third attack, breaking the distance and rhythm each time to get closer, and finish with the last technique.

Another Shikake-waza is Koroshi-waza, which we've practiced last week. In this scenario he wants to hit you with a specific technique as soon as you come in, and you know what technique he wants to use (maybe he is telegraphing, maybe that's his favorite technique, etc.); so you just touch that technique as you move in, and almost simultaneously counter attack before he has a chance to move again. By just quickly touching, he is already disarmed or his technique was "killed" before it was born, and the moment of confusion he's in is Kyo that you use to attack him.

3rd Shikake-waza, which we will practice this coming week, is Sasoi-waza. This is actually the most popular form. Similar to Koroshi-waza above, you know that he wants to hit you as soon as you make a move; so you give him a "fake move" to bring out his technique, then you quickly avoid his attack and then counter attack. You use "Sen" or "Go-no-sen" timing explained above to counter attack, but initially you're "inviting him" to attack you by giving him a cue.

...Well, maybe my attempt of "sorting things out" was not very successful...! If I confused you too much, ask me questions, or try to learn it in class!

By the way, as you know we started announcing the top students who attended training the most in a month. Last month's winner was Emmanuel. We're doing this to make you realize how many classes you're missing in a month, comparing to those who come regularly. I totally understand that your work/family/life situation often prevent you from coming to the class, but I have to tell you that karate is not easy and the only sure way to improve is to keep on training. If our current schedule doesn't fit yours let us know; we're always willing to listen and try to accommodate if demand is great. Also I'm available for private lessons throughout a week for low cost, so contact me if you're interested.

Lots of things continue to happen at the dojo. Check out the Gi store display in the lobby (work in progress). We're only less than 2 weeks away from the tournament, then Nishiyama memorial, then a garage sale! Then I'm off to Chile. Oh, it's time for me to get into the competition mode!