The Awkward Art of Self-Defense: Why Karate Stances Matter

Karate stances often appear awkward and unnecessary, especially to those unfamiliar with the martial art. However, these stances serve a crucial purpose in developing the body and mind for self-defense.

While a real-life fight may seem chaotic and unpredictable, the techniques learned in karate provide a solid foundation for responding effectively.

By mastering these stances, practitioners develop:

 * Body awareness: Understanding their range of motion, flexibility, and stamina.

 * Mental discipline: The ability to remain calm and focused under pressure.

 * Technical proficiency: The skill to execute precise movements with power and control.

In a real-life confrontation, the goal is to neutralize the threat as quickly and safely as possible. While instinctual reactions may be necessary, the training from karate can provide a framework for making informed decisions and executing effective techniques.

Remember, the awkwardness of karate stances is a small price to pay for the confidence and skills they impart. By embracing the challenges of training, practitioners can develop the tools they need to defend themselves in a real-world emergency.

Peace and harmony, 

Sensei Maharaj 😊

How to win a large and a technically rich opponent?

Meijin Ohtsuka said Mental, technical, and physical strength are more important for a martial artist. We call it Shin (mind, mental), Gi (technique), and Tai (body) in Budo. 

One has to train diligently to attain balance. These three aspects are interconnected. Now the answer is: if you're weaker in any of these aspects than your opponent, then you should use more of your technical strength to compensate for the weaker side of the aspects. 

Ex: Maai 間合い and Sente先手. 

Maai間合い: means "Suitable distance" . 

One must maintain a good pocket of space with the opponent. 

Sente先手: 

Sente means roughly as "timing." The original translation of the kanji character is "beforehand." It's a study to practice; one should counter the opponent at a specific time or in a  specific movement. 

In short, if you win or loose, it depends on how you maintain the Maai and use your Sente. 

In short, if you win or loose, it depends on how you maintain the Maai and use your Sente. 

Peace and harmony, 

Sensei Maharaj 😊