Karate 36

Tonight we pretty much were shown everything we would need to grade to green. We were shown Pinan Shodan, which is the first Pinan kata. They teach Pinan Nidan (the second kata) first because Pinan Shodan has more difficult moves with new techniques not needed at a yellow belt level. We were also shown ippon kumites 11 through 15.

The white belts practiced their own forms too. One new white belt, an adult, needed to learn ippon kumites from the more advanced white belts even though they were children. So Trotman Sensei told the little ones to attack and block hard, not with limp spaghetti or noodle arms, but with force and determination. So I was astonished when a little one (with his great imagination) asked whether he should use hard spaghetti arms, like uncooked spaghetti. I guess imagination is not always an asset here. I am not sure the little one understood the point of the analogy and was perhaps a bit confused. Nevertheless, it was amusing in a cute way, and somehow made me feel more like part of the family.

I have to practice hard, and learn what I already know much better. Trotman Sensei said tonight that repetition and practice will be all important. The reason is that when faced with a real hostile fighting situation, you will be afraid and the mind is not capable of thinking clearly in such a state. Repetition and practice develops your muscle memory so that you make the right moves at the right time automatically without even thinking about them. There is no time to wonder if your stance is right, or what move to use next. You have to see the attack and then it’s all automatic while you are hopefully thinking how to defuse the situation or at least run away.

For example, punches almost always aim for the center line of the body. If you practice correct form, your reaction will require no thought or hesitation, and you won’t be tempted in a fight to wonder if you should hit the person somewhere else.