It’s interesting how extreme some people can get when talking about an abstract concept…trying so passionately to debunk what they see as other peoples “misguided” ideas. This applies to anything: politics, religion and…yes, the martial arts as well. Here in the real world, where everyone is different, how can you have a practical training regimen and still make statements like: “Kata is the best (or worst) training method for real combat.”? Can there be a best or worst at all? And, even if you wanted to play the statistics game to see how often one method produced results, how would you objectively compare any 2 training methods? No 2 combat situations (or combatants) can be accurately reproduced due to the thousands of variables involved, so any statement like “he/she would have done better/worse if they had trained this or that way” is ridiculous. There is no way to know.
I know it sounds like I am a politician stepping up to the microphone to state, with great conviction, that I have no opinion either way. This is not the case at all. I am saying that while there can be no decidedly “best” training method for real world self-defense situation, it is equally close-minded, short-sighted and just silly to say that traditional kata training is decidedly INEFFECTIVE.
Traditions Start for a Reason
If we look at it from a simple logic point of view, the argument could be made that (while it might not be best for all situations/people) if it did not work at all, why has it lasted as a training tool for as long as it has? Or, more to the point would be why did it ever come into use at all? Several of the historical theories have been covered in Part 1 of this series. I’m not going to bore anyone with rehashing them. But, suffice it too say, common sense dictates that, in a world where defending yourself was very necessary, the effectiveness of the teaching/training methods would have been of paramount concern. Likewise, it is practical and logical to assume anything that was not directly useful and effective would not have lasted long enough to become considered “traditional” in the first place. This is not the ONLY reason to continue a specific training practice…but, it is a good reason to consider its valididty.
Faster ≠ Better
Now, with the distinct differences in fight training methods today (Self-Defense Seminars, MMA, Boxing, Muay Thai, etc…), it is easy to understand why many other methods seem to produce “better” results. But, what is actually “better”? Most people tend to think of “better” as being synonymous with faster results. Many self-defense seminars can produce a quickly learned (but very superficial) understanding of basic personal safety and fighting strategies. And, with a little practice (a few hours) the student would have a better chance of protecting themselves in a simple “mugger meets businessman/soccer-mom” scenario.
If this is as far as the student needs or wants to go, this is probably their best option. Then, others think “better” means more devastating. The MMA, Muay Thai and Western Boxing approaches can produce very powerful results in a relatively short period of time. Their blunt force techniques are much more devastating (crushing knockouts and broken limbs) than a basic self-defense course. But, they generally require a lot more work and hard training to keep in shape and stay limber enough to use those techniques effectively and reliably. This gives them a limited “shelf-life” that is often much shorter than the life of the individual who might need them one day. When the agility to use the fast leg kicks or strength to deliver the powerhouse punches fades over time, the effectiveness of those techniques generally goes with it.
How an Old Master Lived to Get Old
On the other hand, if long term training to achieve maximum effectiveness with nearly lifelong ability (barring true physical disability) is something the student would want, then traditional kata training would be a much more useful path. This is one of traditional karate’s enduring strengths. The techniques (in most cases) are very effective without the need for excessive strength, speed or flexibility. This being the case, it is the CORRECT practice of kata that helps the karate-ka learn and perfect these techniques and movement through them in sequence.
Here we must define the term: “correct practice of kata”. Kata was never meant to be a spectator sport. Flashy uniforms, acrobatic (to the point of absurdity) techniques and musical accompaniment were never meant to be part of the training. This, unfortunately, is what has found its way into modern competitions (and therefore modern dojos) obviously for the show value to draw more crowds and money.
And, if that is why you are training, then DANCE your heart out. But, if you are training to learn and perfect a fighting art, then this is far from correct practice. In his book, The Best of Dave Lowry: Karate Way Columns 1995 to 2005, Mr. Lowry writes:
” …it is precisely these factors that draw some misguided individuals to the art in the first place; one assumes he can become “somebody” because he’ll have the means and opportunity to display his new skills, but in the traditional dojo, he is met with hard work, attitudes that elevate humility into an art form, and the realization that he is merely one of many other beginners. Faced with these unpleasant truths, it’s not suprising that many flee the harsh life of the dojo and seek refuge in the tawdry ghetto of pseudo-karate.”
“Does Kata Practice Prepare You for Combat”…Page 105
With the idea of entertainment value being removed from the equation, much of the modern fat is cut away from kata training as well. We are left with “lean”, effective techniques that are carried out in a practical and efficient manner. And, as with any training program, combine practical, efficient physical training with proper mindset and you have a very potent recipe indeed.
If It Worked So Well…Everyone Would Do It
The difference (I think) that makes people shy away from kata training for combat application is that it DOES take more time (years) to achieve truly advanced skill using this method. And, in this fast-paced world, most people are not willing to commit to something that will take more than a little time to give dividends. They want results NOW! Now while I am by no means saying fast results are bad…sacrificing longevity for speed is not a fair trade in my opinion. As well, there are other training methods within the realm of traditional karate-do training that do suppliment the practice of kata. Basic kihon (techniques) practice, jyu kumite (free sparring) and makiwara (striking post) training are just a few. These can help develop your abilities and speed up the learning of effective skills without having to forego a PROVEN training method in the process. There is no “silver bullet” in any combat system. But, with proper training, a lead one can fly just as true.
So, generally, there is no “best/worst” martial arts training method for combat. It all depends on what the needs of the individual students are and what type of combat they are more likely to face…and when. In a street confrontation, no one wants to bring the proverbial “knife to a gunfight”. Remember this guy…?
So, effective technique is paramount. There have been decades of peoples’ lives spent working on it and volumes written about it. And, I have always believed fast results in this area of practice are good… but, well-trained, reliable and lasting results are better. As a result, even if you DID bring a gun (devestating technique) to the fight, but it’s too heavy for you to lift so you’re not able to train with it anymore, what good is it now? Choose your weapons carefully…and with the future in mind.
Marc G.
