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Waza
STRONG WAZA, WEAK WAZA
In karate, there are different kinds of waza; jabbing (tsuki), kicking (keri), receiving (uke), parrying (nagasu), throwing (nogeru), holding (osae), tightening (shimeru), and joints (kansetsu).
You do not need to know all kinds of waza, but it is good to know several kinds of waza in each category. By knowing different waza, you can guess what kind of waza the opponent is using. You can then counter the opponent’s attack successfully.
When you attack, try using a waza that the opponent is not good at receiving. To the opponent who is good at kicking but not good at arm techniques, use arm techniques. Target his weak point.
Actual Fighting and Practice
You cannot differentiate between the practice and the actual fight. You will lose energy and concentration if you do.
Practice waza correctly. When you practice, always think of the actual fight. Prepare mentally and condition yourself physically.
How to Manage Opponents with Weapons.
1. Do not look at the weapon.
2. Do not be afraid of death. Keep your mind calm. Move fast. Catch your opponent off guard.
3. Impede your opponent’s sight by throwing sand or objects into his eyes and get a change.
4. Know how to use weapons in different situations.
How to Use Restraint (Kensei)
Restrain your opponent’s energy so he can’t use it. Aim at his throat. When you restrain someone, you can’t only think about your defense, or you would be doubtful and give the opponent a chance to attack.
When the opponent is controlling you, keep your energy high. Do not let him control you. Ward him off. Overwhelm him with your energy so you don’t get overwhelmed yourself. Do not let your opponent control you the way he wants. Outsmart him. You need to have a momentum of mental and physical energy.
The perfect restraint can restrict the opponent’s will, energy and intentions.
Attacking Each Other at the Same Time
If the opponent attacks your upper body, you should attack his middle area at the same time. When attacking happens at the same time, attack contrasting or different parts of the body.
If the opponent moves, that means he has stepped into your space (maai). From the ready position, attack without hesitation. Control your opponent’s movement first. Attack him with the momentum of mindset, energy flow, and power. Attack with continuous waza and give him no chance to attack back.
How to Take the First Turn
When you sense that your opponent is about to attack you, move first so you can restrain his start. Beginners should take the first turn to win. Once you approach your opponent, take the initiative to attack with momentum and rhythm. Keep your waza coming fast.
Fill yourself with a flow of energy (ki). Set off your waza with momentum and overwhelm the opponent. There is only a single chance to beat him. Any initiative waza should come from you decisively. Use all your energy when you move offensively and defensively. When not moving offensively or defensively, conserve your energy.
When your opponent is getting ready to release his waza, he will concentrate on his waza. He will lose concentration on other places. You can find an opening to attack. Aim at the moment before or after the opponent’s waza is set off. Let him miss a shot and get that moment when his balance is off. Sense the waza that the opponent’s starting off and take the initiative turn.
When you are starting off the initiative waza, do not be nervous. Be bold and have a brave heart. Without an initiative move, there is no winning.
How to Make Use of Your Strong Waza
Study what you are good at and build up so you can have waza that can beat anyone. Study the positioning, spacing, and stepping in and out of the spaces. Learn counter-techniques (kaeshi-waza) correctly. Do not break your positioning after you attack.
Even if your first waza doesn’t work, continue with more techniques. Be calm and composed so you can cover your weaknesses.
Strengthen your favorite technique and make it perfect. Make it something you can be confident with.
When Your Opponent’s Energy and Your Energy Hit Each Other at the Same Time
When your opponent comes to attack you with full energy, calm your energy first and then build up your energy in a second. Overwhelm him. When you see him hesitate, attack him all the way.
On the other hand, when your opponent comes to attack you with calm energy, keep your posture higher and straighten your back. Step in to him fast and attack him sharply as if you are stepping on his energy.
How to Deal With Body Attacking Techniques (Atemi-Waza)
Body attacking needs momentum and speed. When the opponent’s energy is full, body attacking doesn’t work.
Chnces to attack the body should be taken at the end of exhaling, the end of speaking, the end of movement, the moment the opponent’s power lowers or the moment the opponent’s shoulders go down.
How to Dominate the Opponent
Knowing your opponent well and catching him in off guard moments will be the basis of fights. Sustaining energy is necessary in fights. Do not lose your flow of energy. When the situation looks bad for you, see the situation well and judge. Judge the ability, advantages, and disadvantages.
If there is no flow of energy, there is no winning.
The Way to Make Use of Surprise
When two people are confronting each other and there is no off-guard moment, clap your hands in front of your opponent and surprise him. When you clap your hands and your opponent gets surprised, that is the moment to attack.
OFFENSE AND DEFENSE
Taking offense means offending the opponent’s mentality. It is also about knowing the opponent. Taking defense means fulfilling your flow of energy and waiting for the situation to change.
Fulfilling your inner energy helps you to know about yourself.
Whether you can see a chance of winning depends on the opponent’s situation. When you attack the opponent’s mental state, try psychological attacks and take his intentions away. When you heighten your energy, fill your inner energy and wait for the chance to attack. Attacking mentality means taking the energy off the opponent. When you can do that, you can be a great athlete, a great director.
Know your opponent and know yourself.
HOW TO SEE THE CHANCE TO START OFF YOUR WAZA
The Chance to Start Off Your Waza
* When the opponent is starting their waza.
