"PICTURE a fight
which people clash head-on, making no attempt to block the opponent. Clearly
the man with the longer reach will be the first to get in his punch,
while the one with greater power only has to throw in his body weight to win.
Too many karate methods are like this- reckless, giving no
thought to defense. In the days where karate was first devised it might have
been acceptable to meet head-on and start punching away, but times
change, and we can no longer afford to do that.
The Sabaki Method for Fighting and Self-Defence
Ashihara Karate was created out of the need for a more
practical system of Karate that takes into account the realities of today's world.
It is an eclectic Japanese martial art that focuses on real
fighting applications or jissen, while being an excellent means of
cultivating the human body, mind and spirit.
In comparison to the traditional karate approach, Ashihara
Karate training emphasizes natural body movements and straightforward
techniques that are directly applicable from practice, over relying on brute
strength and complex forms.
For fighting and self-defence, the System emphasizes on the
concept of sabaki.
In Japanese martial arts, sabaki commonly translates to
'positioning' or 'angling' the body, with reference to the opponent.
In Ashihara Karate, this term is extrapolated to mean safely receiving an attack from the opponent by moving
into positions of maximum advantage
(e.g., the "blind spot"), and ultimately
establishing control over him.
This is what makes Ashihara Karate an effective form of
self-defence as it enables anyone, with the correct effort, be able to overcome
an opponent regardless of his size or physical prowess.
Fighting with Circles
Sabaki involves the use of controlling techniques (e.g., breaking balance,
positioning, deflection, etc.) to tactically move away from the line of attack
and into a good position, where the opponent can be much easily managed.
To do this, circular movements are often employed- moving forwards
or backwards diagonally to either side.
Thereon, a counteraction, a punch, kick or throw can be delivered with
minimum resistance from the opponent.
"Circular movements means that, rather than
meeting an opponent head-on, you should try to circle and move around him, pull
him forward, turn him. In other words, always try to stay at his side or
back, those positions being the most difficult for him to attack.
If you can get into a safe position from which your victory is
assured, there is no need to continue to inflict pain. However,
unless your opponent realizes that he has been bested, he may resist
forcefully, then you will have to knock him down. He will also have to realize
that, having now been controlled, any further attack to him in that position
will cause him massive injury."
~
Ashihara Hideyuki
The Sabaki Spirit
The pleasure in Ashihara Karate study lies in the philosophy of enjoying karate practice and creating an environment of mutual improvement.
Practitioners regardless of age, gender and physical ability strive to embody
the "sabaki spirit", where the weak and strong help each other
advance step-by-step.
In our classes, Ashihara Karate is practiced as a martial art, rather than for sports competition or artistic
appreciation.
As such, our practice is aimed at cultivating effective self-defence skills and
continued personal development.
Training therefore involves drills, techniques and discussions based on these
goals, with no definite rules of engagement other than upholding a culture of
safety and good spirits.
Note: Participants interested in competition Karate
are placed in a separate program, designed specifically to take into account
the rules and regulations of the sport.
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