ARTICLES


The Return to Our Roots

By: Willie Lim
Date: Jan 1996


A true understanding of karate is to found by returning to classical forms. Unlike modern karate, it is they which hold the key to ancient knowledge. Modern karate, as taught in both West and East, focuses on the basic block/punch/kick with its supposedly obvious explanations.

What then constitutes the art of karate? The implication in the name "art" is that it is hidden. In modern times we have always been told that techniques always go in sequence but this is not necessarily so. For example, a sequence of any four moves is open to several interpretations - not just one. To illustrate the point, lets look at it with an open attitude.

Instead of a block, perhaps it is the end part of a grab either by yourself or an opponent. would that not then potentially change the explanation of both the preceding and following moves? To illustrate the point further, could a punch actually be a grab or lock/stretch; alternatively could it perhaps be a pull (with the reverse hand) and strike?

The expression "A form has no form" is something I constantly wrestled with and only know understand. With the broader interpretation I can now look at the form, irrespectively of style and see so many techniques being performed there - not just the obvious and basic ones. The way it is performed also shows the different levels of understanding reached by the person performing it.

As we seek greater understanding of kata, so emphasis has now shifted to pressure points. But again, these are only one aspect of the whole art.

Karate which relies upon the power of the block, punch and kick is karate for the young, so how might a person, say of 60 years of age, defend themselves against a 20 year old? As we grow older, so our bodies and mental attitudes change, so training, then, has to be modified accordingly. If this modification cannot be made, then the older person quits. Yet it is the duty of the martial artist to train a whole lifetime, all the while improving like like wine. the only way this modification can be achieved, then, is through classical karate, where hidden between the forms are the real moves.

So let's open our minds to encompass all possibilities. When I began karate, I remember the pride I had as I performed high kicks. Little did I realize that one day I would relegate such achievements to the realms of sport. Now I have come to realize that karate is like a multifaceted gem, with aspects such as health, sport, self defense and social interaction. Lets treasure karate in all its aspects and use it according to our individual needs and abilities.




Article originally posted here.