There are several things in life that go together hand in hand so to speak: Rhubarb and custard for one, office work and typing for another but what about martial arts and kicking? Did you ever see a Bruce Lee film where he didn’t kick someone half way across a room or a Jackie Chan movie where he kept his feet on the ground? Well where do you draw the line between what we see on the big screen and what is actually practical?
In all honesty there are probably very few martial arts that do not train their students to perform kicks. Yoshinkan Aikido is one of those rarities of which I speak. The only kicking done in this martial art is when Uke (the attacker) performs a kick solely for Shite (the defender) to defend against it. So why are there no kicks in Yoshinkan Aikido when so many other arts promote this as good practise?
Well it is quite simply a case of balance. A person is more stable and has a stronger base when he/she has both feet firmly planted on the floor. As soon as an opponent lifts his foot to kick, something as small as your finger can be used to unbalance them. Low kicks in martial arts are a lot more effective than high ones. High kicks should only ever be used to finish an opponent off.
In Yoshinkan Aikido a person learns to defend from kicks not only from a standing position but also from seiza (kneeling). It sounds some what unfair does it not? You knee while they run at you and try to kick you in the head. When you first hear of this scenario then you would be forgiven for thinking: - “knee while someone tries to kick you in the head, are you insane?” but when it is performed by a trained individual that understands mai (fighting distance) and has good timing the advantage is by no means in the aggressor’s favour.
When you attempt to kick a kneeling man in the head your genitalia are completely exposed. One strong palm strike to the inside of the leg will send a man crashing to the ground. Once an opponent finds himself lying on the ground wondering ‘what happened?’ then his confidence will drop. But palm strikes are a kind way of dealing with this kind of attack in this situation. If Shite is so inclined when the kick is delivered he can propel his body forward sliding through the standing leg with his whole body. The combination of Uke’s weight coming forward and Shite’s body trapping Uke’s standing leg, can result in a broken leg for Uke.
It’s not a very nice way to handle the situation but then again neither is trying to kick someone in the head, don’t you think!
Wednesday, 3 November 2010
Wednesday, 20 October 2010
Interview with a Uchideshi
Name: Gavin Toft
Age now: 28
Age at time of course: 24
1) Tell us a little about your background?
G.T. Originally from Cheltnam got 2 sisters: one older one younger. I’m a chef by trade. I’ve always felt drawn to martial arts. I was doing ‘Tae kwon do’ back then but it didn’t suit my size and weight (i.e. I’m quite short). I Moved to Stafford looking for work as a chef. Read up on other martial arts. Aikido sounded like it suited me and fortunately there was a dojo in Stafford.
2) What initially attracted you to Yoshinkan Aikido?
G.T. It just resonated with me. Being small and not particularly strong, the prospect of finding a martial art that really worked on the basis of body mechanics alone sounded like a dream. Plus I saw the pictures of the guys wearing Hakamas and thought they looked cool!
3) What made you want to do the Deshi course?
G.T. I was already training a lot anyway. Sensei asked me and it felt like the right thing for me so I signed up.
4) What did you enjoy about the course?
G.T. I’d have to say the intensity of it. It moved at a very fast pace. I learned a lot more about myself, my body and its capabilities.
5) What did the course entail?
G.T. Well about 14 hours training a week broken down into: two one on one sessions with Sensei, training and instructing during the kids classes with more intense training during the adult classes. You had to watch the other students helping them to learn and understand the techniques better. I used to have to put the mats out twice a week and clear them away. (They have permanent laid mats now)! As well as doing cleaning and maintenance duties.
6) What was most challenging about the course?
G.T. Probably waking up in the morning stiff as a board aching and having to go to either go to work or back to more training. Maintaining the energy and attentiveness…
Can you explain what you mean by attentiveness?
G.T. ‘Explain what I mean’. Being ready all the time to be called up as Uke to perform or demonstrate a technique. Being in tune with Sensei knowing what technique he’s going to do before he even does it. Not screaming like a girl when pressure points are being demonstrated on me.
7) How had it changed you as a person? (i.e. what qualities within yourself are stronger; better, do you now perceive things differently?)
G.T. I feel more centred as a person more rounded. More confident within myself and my abilities. A lot more relaxed in tense situations should they arise. I have learned and nurtured the teaching qualities within myself.
8) What advice would you give to anyone who was thinking about doing the course?
G.T. Just go for it! You must have genki its essential. Being in good physical condition before you begin the course helps. Make sure you can commit to the requirements of the course. It is very intense but life changing.
Read ‘Angry White pyjamas’ before you sign up. Make sure you get your rest time in and look after your body (make sure you take the time off specified in the contract (I didn’t and believe you me you need it).
9) What is your favourite technique and why?
G.T. Any Kokyu nage (Breath throw) because it’s effortless. It just requires perfect timing.
10) What is your strongest memory about the course?
G.T. The one on one Jiyu waza session with Sensei that lasted for an hour. Which is like constant ukemi but with the added force of good technique on top.
11) What is Jay Savery like as a Sensei?
G.T. He is understanding. He sees things from a lot of different perspectives which I think enables him to explain things as well as he does. He draws upon his own personal and practical experience to explain techniques.
12) What is life like as a Deshi outside of the dojo? (in evenings and social occasions?)
G.T. Your duties as a deshi continue much the same inside as outside the dojo. You must be a good example to other students. I was most of the time apart from when I was on the karaoke in the local night spot. You continue to anticipate the needs of Sensei…
What do you mean by that exactly?
G.T. Just small things really like having a cup of tea waiting for him before he even thought about wanting one.
13) Any other comments or observations that you’d like to make about being a Deshi?
G.T. Yes just one – OSU!
Age now: 28
Age at time of course: 24
1) Tell us a little about your background?
G.T. Originally from Cheltnam got 2 sisters: one older one younger. I’m a chef by trade. I’ve always felt drawn to martial arts. I was doing ‘Tae kwon do’ back then but it didn’t suit my size and weight (i.e. I’m quite short). I Moved to Stafford looking for work as a chef. Read up on other martial arts. Aikido sounded like it suited me and fortunately there was a dojo in Stafford.
2) What initially attracted you to Yoshinkan Aikido?
G.T. It just resonated with me. Being small and not particularly strong, the prospect of finding a martial art that really worked on the basis of body mechanics alone sounded like a dream. Plus I saw the pictures of the guys wearing Hakamas and thought they looked cool!
3) What made you want to do the Deshi course?
G.T. I was already training a lot anyway. Sensei asked me and it felt like the right thing for me so I signed up.
4) What did you enjoy about the course?
G.T. I’d have to say the intensity of it. It moved at a very fast pace. I learned a lot more about myself, my body and its capabilities.
5) What did the course entail?
G.T. Well about 14 hours training a week broken down into: two one on one sessions with Sensei, training and instructing during the kids classes with more intense training during the adult classes. You had to watch the other students helping them to learn and understand the techniques better. I used to have to put the mats out twice a week and clear them away. (They have permanent laid mats now)! As well as doing cleaning and maintenance duties.
6) What was most challenging about the course?
G.T. Probably waking up in the morning stiff as a board aching and having to go to either go to work or back to more training. Maintaining the energy and attentiveness…
Can you explain what you mean by attentiveness?
G.T. ‘Explain what I mean’. Being ready all the time to be called up as Uke to perform or demonstrate a technique. Being in tune with Sensei knowing what technique he’s going to do before he even does it. Not screaming like a girl when pressure points are being demonstrated on me.
7) How had it changed you as a person? (i.e. what qualities within yourself are stronger; better, do you now perceive things differently?)
G.T. I feel more centred as a person more rounded. More confident within myself and my abilities. A lot more relaxed in tense situations should they arise. I have learned and nurtured the teaching qualities within myself.
8) What advice would you give to anyone who was thinking about doing the course?
G.T. Just go for it! You must have genki its essential. Being in good physical condition before you begin the course helps. Make sure you can commit to the requirements of the course. It is very intense but life changing.
Read ‘Angry White pyjamas’ before you sign up. Make sure you get your rest time in and look after your body (make sure you take the time off specified in the contract (I didn’t and believe you me you need it).
9) What is your favourite technique and why?
G.T. Any Kokyu nage (Breath throw) because it’s effortless. It just requires perfect timing.
10) What is your strongest memory about the course?
G.T. The one on one Jiyu waza session with Sensei that lasted for an hour. Which is like constant ukemi but with the added force of good technique on top.
11) What is Jay Savery like as a Sensei?
G.T. He is understanding. He sees things from a lot of different perspectives which I think enables him to explain things as well as he does. He draws upon his own personal and practical experience to explain techniques.
12) What is life like as a Deshi outside of the dojo? (in evenings and social occasions?)
G.T. Your duties as a deshi continue much the same inside as outside the dojo. You must be a good example to other students. I was most of the time apart from when I was on the karaoke in the local night spot. You continue to anticipate the needs of Sensei…
What do you mean by that exactly?
G.T. Just small things really like having a cup of tea waiting for him before he even thought about wanting one.
13) Any other comments or observations that you’d like to make about being a Deshi?
G.T. Yes just one – OSU!
Thursday, 5 August 2010
Martial Etiquette
‘Sometimes manners is the difference between keeping and losing your head’
Etiquette is something that transcends into all areas of life, be it when visiting a friend’s house, going to a silver dinner service or training in the dojo. In ancient Japan when the Samurai walked the earth, good etiquette would insure that a person would live longer. Something as trivial as touching another man’s sword could cost you your head! Although the days of the Samurai have been and gone, etiquette and good manners are still an absolutely vital part of martial arts.
So what part does etiquette play and how do we instil it in ourselves?
Well, firstly if you’ve going to teach someone how to defend themselves then you have to teach them discipline and more importantly self discipline. A Sensei simply cannot teach just anyone the art of fighting alone. If that person has a bad attitude then they will surely abuse that skill and use it to do bad things! So discipline and self control are an absolute must when learning any martial art.
‘With all power comes great responsibility’.
So we’ve covered why it is necessary to have etiquette but how does etiquette in martial arts or more specifically in Yoshinkan Aikido, help to instil discipline?
Well first time you enter a real dojo and see this etiquette in motion it is strange thing to witness. First of all each student must bow before entering the training area itself and say the word ‘Osu’. (Both are a vital part of the process so I’ll try and explain each one. First the bow: Hands by the side, feet together, the bow must be rigid and done from the waist not with the neck and only to about 45 degree angle. It must be executed with a sharp precise movement lasting only a second or two.
Secondly the bow is accompanied by the word Osu, which is an abbreviation the Japanese word Ohayo Gozaimasu" which means ‘good morning’. The term Osu has a more universal meaning though than just “Good Morning” or “hello”. It is used as a form of acknowledgement to someone else’s presence and of their knowledge. It is used in agreement to say ‘I understand’ and always in a positive manner.
When you hear the word used in the right context and with the right tone, you will despite the translation barrier, instantly recognise that it has a strong meaning. It is not a word to be taken lightly.
When entering a dojo the Osu must be said with conviction, same as when facing or answering another student or Sensei. If not then it can be taken as an insult! It’s a bit like you saying ‘hello’ to someone and that someone then ignoring you – it’s rude!
So it’s important to learn not only how to say ‘osu’ and bow correctly but when to perform these actions. So we know that it must be performed when entering the training area. It must also be performed before stepping onto the mat. If you are late arriving for a class then it is considered good etiquette to kneel in seiza in the corner of the mat until Sensei acknowledges your presence and bows to you. Which in turn you bow osu and then run to your place on the mat.
At the beginning of any class all the students will line up in seiza (kneeling position) facing shomen (front). When Sensei enters the mat and takes up his position the Sempai (most senior student) will call out “Shomen ni rei” which simply means ‘bow to front’, (The kneeling bow is again performed in a specific manner which we will cover another time) Sensei will then turn and face the students. Sempai will call out “Sensei ni rei” (bow to teacher) and everyone bows together this time calling out osu in a sharp positive tone. You are now ready for class – congratulations.
Etiquette is something that transcends into all areas of life, be it when visiting a friend’s house, going to a silver dinner service or training in the dojo. In ancient Japan when the Samurai walked the earth, good etiquette would insure that a person would live longer. Something as trivial as touching another man’s sword could cost you your head! Although the days of the Samurai have been and gone, etiquette and good manners are still an absolutely vital part of martial arts.
So what part does etiquette play and how do we instil it in ourselves?
Well, firstly if you’ve going to teach someone how to defend themselves then you have to teach them discipline and more importantly self discipline. A Sensei simply cannot teach just anyone the art of fighting alone. If that person has a bad attitude then they will surely abuse that skill and use it to do bad things! So discipline and self control are an absolute must when learning any martial art.
‘With all power comes great responsibility’.
So we’ve covered why it is necessary to have etiquette but how does etiquette in martial arts or more specifically in Yoshinkan Aikido, help to instil discipline?
Well first time you enter a real dojo and see this etiquette in motion it is strange thing to witness. First of all each student must bow before entering the training area itself and say the word ‘Osu’. (Both are a vital part of the process so I’ll try and explain each one. First the bow: Hands by the side, feet together, the bow must be rigid and done from the waist not with the neck and only to about 45 degree angle. It must be executed with a sharp precise movement lasting only a second or two.
Secondly the bow is accompanied by the word Osu, which is an abbreviation the Japanese word Ohayo Gozaimasu" which means ‘good morning’. The term Osu has a more universal meaning though than just “Good Morning” or “hello”. It is used as a form of acknowledgement to someone else’s presence and of their knowledge. It is used in agreement to say ‘I understand’ and always in a positive manner.
When you hear the word used in the right context and with the right tone, you will despite the translation barrier, instantly recognise that it has a strong meaning. It is not a word to be taken lightly.
When entering a dojo the Osu must be said with conviction, same as when facing or answering another student or Sensei. If not then it can be taken as an insult! It’s a bit like you saying ‘hello’ to someone and that someone then ignoring you – it’s rude!
So it’s important to learn not only how to say ‘osu’ and bow correctly but when to perform these actions. So we know that it must be performed when entering the training area. It must also be performed before stepping onto the mat. If you are late arriving for a class then it is considered good etiquette to kneel in seiza in the corner of the mat until Sensei acknowledges your presence and bows to you. Which in turn you bow osu and then run to your place on the mat.
At the beginning of any class all the students will line up in seiza (kneeling position) facing shomen (front). When Sensei enters the mat and takes up his position the Sempai (most senior student) will call out “Shomen ni rei” which simply means ‘bow to front’, (The kneeling bow is again performed in a specific manner which we will cover another time) Sensei will then turn and face the students. Sempai will call out “Sensei ni rei” (bow to teacher) and everyone bows together this time calling out osu in a sharp positive tone. You are now ready for class – congratulations.
Tuesday, 20 July 2010
Kihon Dosa - The building blocks of life
With the exception of breathing there is one thing all living creatures have in common – ‘movement’. All living things move be it to catch food or to escape from prey. Movement is quite possibly the most important defence mechanism that any one of us possesses.
Take the martial artist for example: He may be strong, powerful and have immense technique but when it comes to a situation that may require him to defend himself he is effectively rendered defenceless without the power of movement. You could have the most incredible blocking skills but if you stand there and give a person enough shots at it they will eventually hit you (yes even if your name is Bruce Lee)!
For the majority of us who are every day people that are not strong powerful warriors that are carved out of granite wielding immense technique, how do we manage to survive? Well my moving of course! For one and probably the best lesson of self defence is to never put yourself in that position in the first place.
However when that option is removed and we are likely to be set upon we need to turn to our natural assets. By maximising those natural assets we can in fact transform into very strong and powerful beings.
Now we talked in an early article about the basic stance – Kamae (posture). From this basic stance a lot of power can be generated and it all comes down to body mechanics. But in order to survive a person must effectively move and somehow remain strong while doing so.
The founder of Yoshinkan Aikido (Gozo Shioda aka "Kancho") knew this. Gozo Shioda was a mere five foot nothing, he was not carved from stone, he was not a giant. He was by all intensive purposes an everyday man like you and me but he controlled other people while generating immense power using very little effort.
There are countless videos on Youtube of Gozo Shioda being pursued by three, four sometimes five people, all of which are bigger than him, all of which are younger and stronger than him, yet when making contact with him they encounter a sensation similar to that of running into a brick wall! You can watch these videos and when you do it is certainly with a sense of disbelief as it all looks so unreal – fake even.
But believe me when I say that if you have ever experienced the power of effective kamae you will soon become a rigid believer in what you see. “Don’t believe me?” Well get yourself down to your nearest Yoshinkan Aikido Dojo and find out for yourself! Now while Gozo Shioda had mastered both movement and technique for himself how could he effectively teach others to do the same? The answer – the invention of something called Kihon Dosa (basic movements).
Kihon Dosa comprises of three basic movements ‘Hiriki no yosei’, ‘Tai no henko’ and ‘Shumatsu Dosa’. Gozo then broke them down even further into 'ichi' and 'ni' (one and two) giving a total of six movements. The practice of these movements not only gives a person power through their posture but it also teaches them the movements required to learn effective technique. The kihon Dosa are the building blocks of everything that you do in Yoshinkan Aikido. Over the up and coming weeks we will look at them in more detail. Until then stay alive and keep on moving.
Take the martial artist for example: He may be strong, powerful and have immense technique but when it comes to a situation that may require him to defend himself he is effectively rendered defenceless without the power of movement. You could have the most incredible blocking skills but if you stand there and give a person enough shots at it they will eventually hit you (yes even if your name is Bruce Lee)!
For the majority of us who are every day people that are not strong powerful warriors that are carved out of granite wielding immense technique, how do we manage to survive? Well my moving of course! For one and probably the best lesson of self defence is to never put yourself in that position in the first place.
However when that option is removed and we are likely to be set upon we need to turn to our natural assets. By maximising those natural assets we can in fact transform into very strong and powerful beings.
Now we talked in an early article about the basic stance – Kamae (posture). From this basic stance a lot of power can be generated and it all comes down to body mechanics. But in order to survive a person must effectively move and somehow remain strong while doing so.
The founder of Yoshinkan Aikido (Gozo Shioda aka "Kancho") knew this. Gozo Shioda was a mere five foot nothing, he was not carved from stone, he was not a giant. He was by all intensive purposes an everyday man like you and me but he controlled other people while generating immense power using very little effort.
There are countless videos on Youtube of Gozo Shioda being pursued by three, four sometimes five people, all of which are bigger than him, all of which are younger and stronger than him, yet when making contact with him they encounter a sensation similar to that of running into a brick wall! You can watch these videos and when you do it is certainly with a sense of disbelief as it all looks so unreal – fake even.
But believe me when I say that if you have ever experienced the power of effective kamae you will soon become a rigid believer in what you see. “Don’t believe me?” Well get yourself down to your nearest Yoshinkan Aikido Dojo and find out for yourself! Now while Gozo Shioda had mastered both movement and technique for himself how could he effectively teach others to do the same? The answer – the invention of something called Kihon Dosa (basic movements).
Kihon Dosa comprises of three basic movements ‘Hiriki no yosei’, ‘Tai no henko’ and ‘Shumatsu Dosa’. Gozo then broke them down even further into 'ichi' and 'ni' (one and two) giving a total of six movements. The practice of these movements not only gives a person power through their posture but it also teaches them the movements required to learn effective technique. The kihon Dosa are the building blocks of everything that you do in Yoshinkan Aikido. Over the up and coming weeks we will look at them in more detail. Until then stay alive and keep on moving.
Friday, 25 June 2010
For the beginner – the natural stance
With all martial arts there is a particular form and set of movements that define each individual art, a certain something that separates it from its neighbouring styles. Some Kung fu systems for example are based on the movements of animals: Monkey, Tiger, Crane (which oddly enough appeared in the famous final scene from the original film ‘the karate kid’) and praying mantis to name but a few. In some styles of karate they perform katas (set movements). These Katas involve moving in a particular way, shape or form. When it comes to learning and practicing these forms, all will require you to be flexible not only in body but in mind also. When you’re engaged in a pressured situation like a fight for example: it takes a lot of training to ‘naturally’ fall into a particular style and stance. So what is so different about Yoshinkan Aikido?
Yoshinkan Aikido is quite unique in that it is based on natural principles. For one: a person naturally walks with their feet turned outwards, this helps to give stability and balance. In Yoshinkan Aikido this natural principle is encouraged.
Another natural principle in Yoshinkan Aikido is to stay square on to your opponent/aggressor. This is the complete opposite of most martial arts which encourage you to make yourself a smaller target and to protect the vital organs.
The Aikidoka is not afraid of his enemys attack. He almost offers himself up for attack, so when the aggressor makes his move he will in fact reveal his own weakness to the aikidoka who will then become strong.
Examples of this strength can be found in the way the martial artist stands in Yoshinkan aikido. With the correct posture it is possible to absorb the strength of an opponent and to redirect it somewhere else.
Now let’s take a more detailed look at the stance: The Aikidoka remains up right, front knee bent keeping the back leg straight, both feet are turned outwards at about 45 degrees. The chest sticks out forwards and the shoulders remain back. Both hips and shoulders remain square. For the beginner the hands enter into the centre line, the high hand (same as front leg i.e right leg right hand) extends out from the chest with a slight bend at the elbow. The low hand is positioned a fist from the body around the lower abdomen (around the belt knot area). The fingers on both hands are spread with the ring finger pointing forwards. Spreading the fingers brings the tendons into play and the body’s natural strength. From the head to the back foot there should be a straight line. This straight line brings into play the body’s natural mechanics and in turn allows the person to become extremely solid. How solid you ask? Well I have personally witnessed four full grown men in a line attempt to push over a Sensei before and fail miserably. It is a really incredible and quite awe inspiring thing to not only witness but also to feel when practised correctly. I hope you have enjoyed your first lesson on one of the natural principles of Aikido, it is one of many waiting for you.
Yoshinkan Aikido is quite unique in that it is based on natural principles. For one: a person naturally walks with their feet turned outwards, this helps to give stability and balance. In Yoshinkan Aikido this natural principle is encouraged.
Another natural principle in Yoshinkan Aikido is to stay square on to your opponent/aggressor. This is the complete opposite of most martial arts which encourage you to make yourself a smaller target and to protect the vital organs.
The Aikidoka is not afraid of his enemys attack. He almost offers himself up for attack, so when the aggressor makes his move he will in fact reveal his own weakness to the aikidoka who will then become strong.
Examples of this strength can be found in the way the martial artist stands in Yoshinkan aikido. With the correct posture it is possible to absorb the strength of an opponent and to redirect it somewhere else.
Now let’s take a more detailed look at the stance: The Aikidoka remains up right, front knee bent keeping the back leg straight, both feet are turned outwards at about 45 degrees. The chest sticks out forwards and the shoulders remain back. Both hips and shoulders remain square. For the beginner the hands enter into the centre line, the high hand (same as front leg i.e right leg right hand) extends out from the chest with a slight bend at the elbow. The low hand is positioned a fist from the body around the lower abdomen (around the belt knot area). The fingers on both hands are spread with the ring finger pointing forwards. Spreading the fingers brings the tendons into play and the body’s natural strength. From the head to the back foot there should be a straight line. This straight line brings into play the body’s natural mechanics and in turn allows the person to become extremely solid. How solid you ask? Well I have personally witnessed four full grown men in a line attempt to push over a Sensei before and fail miserably. It is a really incredible and quite awe inspiring thing to not only witness but also to feel when practised correctly. I hope you have enjoyed your first lesson on one of the natural principles of Aikido, it is one of many waiting for you.
Wednesday, 9 June 2010
Self Defence -The Importance of Timing
I’ve had some really good feedback from people reading my articles and again I’ve been asked for my thoughts on real self defence so with this in mind I found myself thinking about an incident which happened to me outside the very club I worked at.
In the dojo we practice our techniques with a large amount of space between us and one of the reasons for this is “Timing” take the Front Strike First Control for example when we strike we raise our hands in front of the body together then boom!!! we “STRIKE” this gives you the chance to see and feel the timing in a technique.
Well let’s get back to the incident in question, I was out with one of my friends also a doorman/bouncer, we had a great night full of fun and I was ready for home and a good night’s sleep, we walked back past the club as my friend wanted a ciggie and didn’t have any, as usual.
I waited outside for him while he went in and got his fix (a cigarette) as I waited this guy caught my eye, the reason was just the fact he didn’t look right to me, as he walks toward me I know something isn’t right so I move out of his way to save any confrontation, as I move he turns back and comes toward me again, I thought any minute now he’s gonna say something.
I didn’t know who he was but for some reason I got the feeling he knew me, as he comes toward me for the third time he stops and said “You kicked me out the other week not so hard now are you” then came the name calling I thought “big deal” you’re not the first and you won’t be the last to call me names but then he starts to get very aggressive telling me how much its gonna hurt when he drives his fist in my face. With that he dipped his head backwards I quickly employed a Metsubishi (eye smash) as he came forward to head butt me BANG!!! He was clean out for the count, he had just head butted my fist, I didn’t feel a thing and I do mean nothing it was as if I had just punched thin air the timing was spot on, a second before or a second after the outcome might have been different, it was then and there I realised the importance of good timing, especially in self defence.
In the dojo we practice our techniques with a large amount of space between us and one of the reasons for this is “Timing” take the Front Strike First Control for example when we strike we raise our hands in front of the body together then boom!!! we “STRIKE” this gives you the chance to see and feel the timing in a technique.
Well let’s get back to the incident in question, I was out with one of my friends also a doorman/bouncer, we had a great night full of fun and I was ready for home and a good night’s sleep, we walked back past the club as my friend wanted a ciggie and didn’t have any, as usual.
I waited outside for him while he went in and got his fix (a cigarette) as I waited this guy caught my eye, the reason was just the fact he didn’t look right to me, as he walks toward me I know something isn’t right so I move out of his way to save any confrontation, as I move he turns back and comes toward me again, I thought any minute now he’s gonna say something.
I didn’t know who he was but for some reason I got the feeling he knew me, as he comes toward me for the third time he stops and said “You kicked me out the other week not so hard now are you” then came the name calling I thought “big deal” you’re not the first and you won’t be the last to call me names but then he starts to get very aggressive telling me how much its gonna hurt when he drives his fist in my face. With that he dipped his head backwards I quickly employed a Metsubishi (eye smash) as he came forward to head butt me BANG!!! He was clean out for the count, he had just head butted my fist, I didn’t feel a thing and I do mean nothing it was as if I had just punched thin air the timing was spot on, a second before or a second after the outcome might have been different, it was then and there I realised the importance of good timing, especially in self defence.
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