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BEYOND BASICS
CHAPTER 7
DEFENSIVE CONCEPTS
Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan Karate and the father
of modern karate espoused the philosophy that “Karate is for
Defense Only"! The study of forms reflects this philosophy as every
form starts defensively. This philosophy had a big influence on my
martial arts training and is the main reason for my being a
defensive fighter.
Monitor an opponent’s attack by
watching for techniques that come
inside the shoulders and which go
outside of the shoulders.
But, like a lot of martial art newbies, I was a “flailer”! Which also
made me a failure in the ring. My defense was like swattin’ at flys!
I didn't have a defensive system. As a Red Belt, I began to venture
out as I had friends in other styles like Wing Chun, Shotokan,
Kenpo, etc. The more I cross-trained the better my defensive skills
became. What I learned from that study coalesced into the
development of a comprehensive Defensive System.
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