Kakie and Close Combat - Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate Do (PDFDrive)
Kakie and Close Combat - Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate Do (PDFDrive)
Kakie and Close Combat - Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate Do (PDFDrive)
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Dontaionware: June 1995 - S. Leijenhorst
the close combat practice of gojuryu
karatedo
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Kakie
the close combat practice of gojuryu
karatedo
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Dedication
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Contents
PREFACE .................................................................................................................................. 10
INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 12
FIGHTING PRACTICE ..............................................................................................................................12
TRADITIONAL MEDICINE AND HEALTHGYMNASTICS .........................................................................................14
SPIRITUAL INFLUENCES...........................................................................................................................15
KAKIE AND CLOSE COMBAT:.................................................................................................... 16
BASIC QUALITIES ..................................................................................................................................16
chiru nu chan chan.........................................................................................................................16
Body conditioning...........................................................................................................................17
Sanchin .........................................................................................................................................17
KIKO: VITAL ENERGY EXERCISES ................................................................................................................18
mind-projection..............................................................................................................................18
sensitivity ......................................................................................................................................18
muscular tension............................................................................................................................19
regulating the breathing .................................................................................................................19
tension and relaxation ....................................................................................................................20
BASIC FIGHTING ABILITIES:................................................................................................... 21
INDEX ...................................................................................................................................... 36
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................ 38
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REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................ 38
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Preface
Hereby I would like to present this syllabus on kakie. This syllabus is an extended and
translated version of a previous syllabus that was written with assistance of Sensei Chris de
Jongh and also published under auspices of the NOGKA.
I would like to thank Miriam Gerdes, Shihan Harry de Spa and Sensei Remco van der Laan for
commenting the concept version of this syllabus. Unfortunately, wanting to present this
syllabus on the European Gasshuku in Spain ‘95, this syllabus has not yet been commented
by people whose native language is English. Therefore, some mistakes in grammar and
spelling may still be present. My apologies for this.
In this 5th print of the 1st edition, several corrections and additions were made in the text,
pictures, the addresses, etc.
This public version was produced as donationware (see next chapter). It is not meant to be
copied and spread without respecting the need for support from TERA or Ta Mo.
Cordially,
Sydney Leijenhorst
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Introduction
The martial arts as practised by Higaonna Kanryo at the end of the nineteenth
century and later studied by Miyagi Chojun, were technically still rooted in the reality
of the man-to-man battlefield and still touched by the spiritual echoes of Buddhism
and Daoism.
Technically these arts contained a great variety of techniques, extending way beyond
the contest orientated kicking, punching and striking of mainstream modern karate.
The martial arts of Fujian were structured along the lines of actual fighting, the
classical knowledge of Chinese medicine and the spiritual doctrines of Buddhism and
Daoism.
Fighting practice
Because of their ‘fresh’ relationship with actual
fighting, which is usually decided on one or two
square meters, these martial arts contained many
close combat techniques, such as the so-called
qinna or grappling techniques, including throws,
strangulations, bloodvessel attacks, jointlocks,
pressurepoint attacks, etc. Techniques which,
besides elbow strikes, knee kicks and headbuts,
tend to play a major role in many ‘streetfights’ from
antiquity until today.
doctrines.
The grappling techniques mentioned above were, and still are, practised in different
fighting exercises, such as bunkai kumite and kakie.
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Many fighting exercises of Southern China start of
from a situation in which the practitioners already
have contact with certain parts of the body, mostly the
lower arms. The lower arms are often called ‘bridges’1
since they often connect the bodies of the attacker
and the defender and create the possibility to intrude
the defence of the attacker. Today, still many of these
exercises exist and are practised in the fighting arts of
Southern China and Okinawa. Well known examples of
these are tuishou (‘pushing hands’) of taijiquan and
chishou of Yongchun quan2. In Okinawa gojuryu
karate these kind of exercises are collected under the
name ‘kakie’, pronounced ‘koki’ in Fujian dialect, and
play an important role in the development of fighting
Pushing hand exercise from Wu-style abilities .
taijiquan.
The impact of kakie practice on the development of the karateka’s skills, both from
a martial and healing perspective, can be enormous. The intense, continuous and
lively feedback from a fellow practitioner that demands a balanced posture, deep
breathing, flowing application of power and a high level of mental alertness and
awareness. Kakie is an interesting meeting point of different exercises of karatedo. It
connects the fundamental and profound healthgymnastical and meditative principles
of sanchin kata, the technical richness of the bunkai kumite and the strong dynamics
of iri kumi. Practising kakie will therefor strongly enhance ones ability as a martial
artist.
From the perspective of ‘kinetics and energetics’4 kakie has a strong impact on
the ability to ground and root one’s posture, centring; regulating the breath, the
absorption and extension of power, muchimi, chiru nu chan chan and other basic
qualities that will be discussed later in this syllabus.
The grappling techniques, incorporated in bunkai kumite and kakie, and often
derived from the movements of the kata, are called tuite (tuidi)5 or gyakute. Tuite
1
.
2
Yongchun quan is the mandarin pronouncuation (pinyin transcription) of wingchun kuen.
Quan ( ) means ‘boxing’ or ‘fighting’ (literally: fist), similar to ‘te’( ) in karate.
3
International Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Federation ( ).
4
‘Kinetics and energetics’ refers here to the principles of human, martial movement and the
involvement of vital energy or ki in this phenomenon.
5
(gyakute) and (tuite or tuidi in Okinawan dialect; torite in Japanese).
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can be translated as ‘grappling hands’. Gyakute literally means ‘reversing hands’,
explaining its defensive character and referring to reversing, weakening or releasing
an opponent’s grip by means of jointlock techniques, throws, strangulations and
others. The same tuite or gyakute techniques are also applied against kicks and
punches.
The understanding of the subtle energies mentioned above, as a basis not only for
vitality but also for effective and natural body movement, has influenced the
development of the Chines martial arts. Kakie is one of the exercises in which a well
6
Ki also translated as ‘life force’, ‘breath’, ‘breath power’, ‘spirit’, and others. The translation
depends on the context and on the kanji that is used: or .
7
Called chibu in Okinawan dialect, but more commenly known as ‘kyusho’.
8
The best translation/edition in English of the Bubishi has been published by Patrick
McCarthy, director of the IRKRS (International Ryukyu Karate Research
Society: ). A new edition of this excellent piece of work will be
published by Charles Tuttle Ltd towards the end of this year. The adress of the IRKRS can be
found in the supplement ‘adresses’ at the end of this syllabus.
9
. A good introduction to diedake can be found in ‘Tie Tah Ke’ from Bob Flaws
(see references).
10
Source: Peter Lim Tian Tek; internet article from the tuite-list; Sat, 20 May 1995.
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organised energy-system clearly makes a difference between the raw and
insensitive, but nevertheless powerless, movements of the beginner and the refined,
effective and powerful movements of a master.
Spiritual influences
In the old days of China the spiritual doctrines of
its religions or philosophies became deeply
impregnated into many systems of martial arts. It
is well known that several martial arts systems
were developed or at least influenced by the
people who lived in monasteries, of which the
Shaolin monastery is the most famous. In these
monasteries the martial arts were enriched by the
results of extensive introspective research and the
fruits of other spiritual practices. Because of this,
insights in the functioning of our minds and
consciousness, understanding of the ‘mechanics’
of our ki-system, the effects of meditative
postures and movements and moral principles
became an integrated part of many martial art
systems and its practitioners, as well in as outside
of these monasteries. Despite the fact that much
of this is not understood, interpreted incorrectly or
has attracted many souls with egoistic intentions,
the traditional martial arts still contain much
valuable spiritual insights for those who are willing
to go the way. Not only in the theoretical concepts
Da Mo in meditation.
that can guide the karateka in the right direction,
but also, as a secret to be revealed by the practitioner himself, in the practice of
karatedo itself.
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Kakie and Close combat:
Basic qualities
Close combat situations require specific skills. Skills that are not always developed in
long range fighting practices. Below you will find some of the characteristics of close
combat, the specific abilities required to survive in it and their consequences for
training.
In close combat it is more difficult to evade, even to block, attacks. Attacks are often
noticed at the last instant because the attacker’s body is only partially in the range of
vision of the defender and because the attacks are launched from a small distance,
giving only a little time to react. Because of this, a greater sensitivity towards the
opponent’s movements is demanded to survive. When people end up in a close
combat situation they will often try to get in touch with each other. Not only to apply
effective gyakute techniques, but also to get more information on and, subsequently,
control over the opponent’s actions. This is exactly the essence of kakie practice. In
the words of Higaonna Morio sensei: “Kakie is especially effective for close combat
fighting. In normal kumite it is the eyes, mostly, where one is dependent on to read the
opponent's moves. However, in close combat, to sense the opponent's movements through
touch is particularly important"11.
Thus, in it’s extended meaning, chiru nu chan chan refers to both the ability to
counter quickly and explosively and to the underlying sensitivity towards the
opponent’s movements. In it’s most down to earth meaning this sensitivity refers to
the ability to read the opponent’s movements and intentions from slight changes in
his posture or, in the case of a grappling situation, from the slight changes of pulling
and pushing force of the attacker. At a more advanced level this sensitivity extends
to an energetical and mental level and the latter is than called ‘kanken’14, which can
be translated as intuition or the ‘sixth sense’.
11
Quote from the videotape ‘Kakie’ from Higaonna Sensei / Panther productions.
12
Physiologically speaking tendons don’t contract but tense because of the muscular
contractions and the existing resistance.
13
Higaonna Sensei in Traditional Karatedo, volume 2, page 27.
14
.
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Body conditioning
Despite the development of chiru nu chan chan, kanken and other abilities, reality
dictates that those who engage in close combat situations
should be ready to take a punch or two. In other words:
one needs to develop the ability, within the boundaries of
healthy human physiology, to absorb attacks in those
areas that can be braced by specific muscular contraction
and slight adaptations of ones fighting posture or kamae.
Gojuryu karate contains many different types of exercises
that ‘forge’ the body and extremities. Examples of these
are tai atari, ude tanren and makiwara training. Tai atari
and ude tanren exercises probably have their historical
roots in luohan quan15 or ‘monk boxing’. Luohan quan is,
besides hu quan16 or ‘tiger boxing’ and he quan17 or ‘crane
boxing’, one of the corner stones of Okinawa gojuryu
karatedo.
Sanchin
Taking blows by tensing muscles and changing one’s Tai atari exercise. A
posture however is not sufficient for effective and healthy
sparring practice. Essential to this is the training of vital energy or ki. To be more
specific: to increase one’s ki, to collect it in the tanden18, to extend or circulate it
from the tanden towards the areas of contact and to fuse the ki into the bones,
muscles and tendons. The foundation of these energetical abilities is rooted in the
practise of sanchin kata. Sanchin kata, more than the other so-called ‘kaishugata’19,
is focused towards the unification of mind and body through enhancing and
controlling one’s ‘breath’20 or ki. As such it should be considered as a form of ki-
exercise or kiko21. The fusion of mind, body and breath is one of the meanings of the
concept ‘sanchin’.
15
; Japanese: rakan ken.
16
; Japanese: tora ken.
17
; Japanese: hakkatsuru ken.
18
.
19
Gekisai dai ichi & ni, saifa, seiyunchin, shisochin, sanseru, sepai, kururunfa, sesan and
suparinpei.
20
Breath is used here in its original meaning, not as oxygen or breathing in its modern
physiological sense. The old meaning of the word breath is equivalent to vital energy or ki. In
order to keep this meaning ‘alive’ the word breath will be written in italics throughout this
text.
21
Chinese: qigong. ‘Vital energy exercises’.
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breathing as explained above is also practised in some of the advanced kata,
particularly in suparinpei.
sensitivity
The increased and equally divided sensitivity is essential in close combat situations,
were attacks may start and end out of our range of sight. It will enable the karateka
to tense up the attacked body part in time or to evade or block the attack in the last
instant. In grappling situations it enhances the ability to sense the direction of the
force applied by the attacker in a push, jointlock, throw, or other gyakute attacks.
Combined with the arousal of alertness that is evoked through sanchin kata practice
as well, this practice, despite the superficial impression of immovability, lays the
cornerstone for extreme ‘readiness’ in combat.
22
. Chinese: yi.
23
.
24
Coordination is regulated in our CNS through ‘loops’. This means that information from the
different sensors in our joints, muscles, skin, etc. is constantly used to readjust our movement
and posture to the needs and goals.
25
. Chinese: gan.
26
Quote from the videotape ‘Sanchin Kata’ from Higaonna Morio Sensei / Panther Poductions.
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muscular tension
Unlike the more soft ki-exercises, sanchin kata uses
(maximum) muscular contraction as a tool to fuse the ki
deeply into the muscles, tendons and bones. In this way
it enhances, amongst many other benefits, the ability to
absorb punches and kicks in severe physical
confrontations. The practice of fusing ki in the tendons,
muscles and bones has a long history and, in
relationship to the Chinese martial arts, dates back at
least 1475 years when Da Mo27 taught the ‘tendon
transforming exercises’28 and the ‘marrow washing
exercises’29 to the monks of the Shaolin monastery in
Henan, China.
27
. Japanese: Daruma; Indian: Bodhidharma.
28
Yijinjing: ; Japanese: ekkinkyo.
29
Xishuijing: ; Japanese: senzuikyo.
30
Higaonna Sensei in Traditional Karatedo, volume 2, page 27.
31
Higaonna Sensei in Traditional Karatedo, volume 2, page 27.
32
.
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Regulating the breathing is vital for the effective and
natural application of techniques. Basic breathing in
sanchin kata is long, deep, smooth and flowing. This
type of breathing, when transmitted and adapted to
other practices, for example to kakie, will have a
‘smoothing’ effect on the quality of movement. Later,
when a certain level of flow or smoothness is achieved,
and movement, breathing and concentration are
sufficiently harmonised, a more fast type of breathing
can be used. This is particularly used in the older,
Higaonna Kanryo version of sanchin kata. In kakie both
types of breathing are used and adapted according to
the level of the exercise, the speed, etc.
Sanchin kata, with its long and deep breathing technique combined with maximum
muscle tension, also prepares the karateka to take blows and to counter-attack with
a higher protective muscle tension, to be used when needed. In extenso techniques
are practised with the so-called ‘noon’-breathing, a particular kind of breathing
evolved from close combat experience. In noon-breathing the breathing is stopped
during the execution of a (counter)technique, though not the movement of the
breath or ki.
The whole range of tools used to regulate the inner breath and the breathing is also
used in the preparational and supporting exercises that help to strengthen and
toughen the body. (junbi or yobi undo and hojo undo, including ude tanren and tai
atari.
33
Chikara no kyojaku ( ).
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In kakie, though all the major principles of sanchin kata are used, one should use
pliable force that is adapted to the force used by the opponent. The body is not
locked as in sanchin kata but muscle power is used in accordance to the needs.
Control - muchimi
The ability to control the opponent’s force is practised in the kata in the muchimi
movements. The ‘heavy and sticky, but flowing’ quality of these movements relate to
the strong, controlling, but dynamic application of power as used in grappling
situations when one tries to take control over the opponent. Muchimi is also used in
blocking techniques and as such these blocks not only parry the attack, but also
control the opponent for a fraction of a second longer or disturb his balance, giving
the defender extra time to take control of the situation. It is particular this type of
power that is used and trained in the basic kakie exercise.
34
Called ‘ni’ in Okinawan dialect ( ; ne in Japanese).
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Absorb: swallow and spit
The ability to absorb power, not to confuse with ‘taking a punch or kick’, is trained
most obviously in the basic
kakie exercise in which two
karateka alternately push
each other in a direct up Attacker
Attacker
and down curve. In this
exercise one absorbs the
power of the opponent and
leads it through one’s body
to the ground and,
subsequently, extends
one’s force, from the Defender Defender
ground and from the
tanden, towards the
opponent. The abilities used in these alternating actions are called ‘tunjin’35 and
‘tujin’36 in Chinese martial arts. Tunjin means ‘swallowing ability’37 and tujin means
‘spitting ability’. In both phases of the exercise power is applied. In the outgoing
movement the power is strong and ‘overwhelming’ or ‘penetrating’; in the in-going
movement one only uses force to control the opponent’s power. At the same time
one should relax inward and down in order to absorb the force and to redirect it
downwards into the ground and tanden. In other words: the body is alternately
compressed and expanded, a principle that is called tai no shinshuku38 in karatedo.
The power to control the opponent during the absorption phase largely comes from
proper alignment with the incoming force.
The ‘expansion’ or ‘extension’ of breath power (ki) in the pushing phase (of the kakie
exercise described in the previous alinea) is the same as in a punch or kick, though it
is here combined with muchimi. This means that the contraction of the muscles is
build up throughout the whole movement, whereas in a punch or kick the muscle
tension peaks in the beginning (generation of power) and at the end (focus) of the
technique.
35
; ‘donkei’ in Japanese.
36
. ‘tokei’ in Japanese.
37
Jin ( ; Japanese: ‘kei’)is often translated as ‘power’ or ‘internal power’ in martial arts
literature. However it is also used for abilities that can not be described with the word
‘power’, as e.g. in the ability to ‘swallow’ the opponent’s force. Jin always relates to a living,
not a mechanical, type of force (ki).
38
. This term can be interpretated in different ways, depending on which
(combination) of elements are involved in the analysis. Compression and contraction can
refer to different combinations of inhalation & exhalation, tension & relaxation, contraction &
expansion of posture, in- and outgoing of force, etc., that appear as contracting and
expanding phenomena.
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The absorption of power, as in this basic kakie exercise, is also used in certain types
of (ju-)blocking.
Ju-blocking in its most obvious form uses deflection of power and is often combined
with tenshin, taisabaki and/or taihiraki.
Deflection
Deflection of an attack can be
combined with either
absorbing or bouncing away Attacker
Attacker
the force of the attack,
making it either more ju or
go. Even in blocks that
encounter the attack almost
‘head-on’, without moving out
of the way, there is a
distinction in go- and ju- Defender
Defender
blocking, depending on
whether one expands one’s
power - on an angle - against the opponent’s force (go), or absorbs it, without giving
up or ‘corrupting’ one’s posture (ju). The inner dynamics of the latter are close to the
absorption phase of the basic kakie exercise we are discussing here. Since most
blocking techniques of gojuryu are circular, the go and ju elements are usually
combined into a more go or ju mixture.
Evasion
Evasion of punches, strikes
and kicks by using tai
sabaki, tai hiraki and Attacker
tenshin saves a lot of
power and bruises but,
certainly in the context of Attacker
close combat, hard to
master. Evasion of the
force of the attacker in
grappling situations is Defender Defender
relatively easier but still
requires great sensitivity
and swift body- and
footwork.
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Techniques
grabbing
As explained before, grabbing is one of the most natural reactions in
close combat. It can help us to control the opponent’s force, off-
balance him, inflict pain by applying pressure on kyusho, etc.
To open means that the attacker’s body, often the arms, is manipulated in such a
way that vital areas become undefended, i.e. uncovered. Opening also means
‘stretching’ the vital points, causing the ki-flow in the area to disperse, which makes
the kyusho more vulnerable to attacks.
Closing means to manipulate the attacker’s body in such a way that he can not, or
hardly, defend himself. Crossing the attackers arm over the other or pulling the head
down, are two examples of this principle. Obviously this kind of action usually
creates vulnerable areas for counter-attacking. Thus, opening and closing are closely
related and sometimes are one and the same, or only to be discriminated by the
intention of the karateka.
Pushing and pulling can have different functions. In a few cases pulling and pushing
are decisive techniques on their own. For example when pulling someone’s head
against the ground (almost a throw) and jerking explosively on someone’s arm to
injure the neck. Generally, however, disturbing the opponent’s balance is the main
function and is used with strategic purposes.
39
Oshiwaza and hikiwaza.
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Pushing can also create space to follow-up with a powerful long range technique.
Pulling, on the other hand, can bring the attacker in close so the defender can use
effective short range techniques and actually pull the attacker into the technique. For
example: pulling the head of the attacker on to one’s knee. Jerking is also used to
weaken the ki-flow in the meridians and open specific kyusho, making the opponent
vulnerable for a kyushowaza (for a split second).
Strictly speaking tuite or, gyakute techniques are complex variations and
combinations of pushing and pulling, using additional ‘technology’ such as joint
manipulation, vital point pressure, closing arteries, etc.
Though pushing and pulling may be ‘crude’ in their superficial appearance, proper
pushing and pulling techniques require a precisely co-ordinated use of force and
attunement to the (movements of the) centre of gravity of the opponent.
40
Also referred to as ‘go-techniques’, in contrast to the gyakute techniques which are called
‘ju-techniques’.
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concentrated power is achieved through other exercises such as the tanden zuki,
saifa kata and others.
In order to create power within such small movements, one not only has to be
skilled in the sharp and concentrated hip movements, but also in relaxing the upper
body and allowing the (breath)power to flow, before the body (not the flow of ki) is
locked for an instant at the end of the technique (chinkuchi kakin or kime).
Strangulations are all applied to the neck area but use different mechanisms: over-
stimulation of the vagus nerve, closing the cervical arteries in order to block the
bloodflow/oxygen transport to the brain and blocking the flow of air in the windpipe.
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The gyakute techniques are encapsulated in the movements of the kata and, from
there, unravelled to form the bunkai kumite, which are consist of both the ‘hard’
punching, kicking and striking techniques and the ‘soft’ gyakute and kyushojutsu
techniques. The techniques that form the bunkai kumite are transferred to basic
kakie practice and finally integrated into free fighting practice such as jiyu ippon
kumite, iri kumi and jiyu kakie kumite.
Traditionally, there are various categorisations of the vital point attacks. Distinction is
made for example between: point attack technique, sealing the breath, closing the
arteries, and dividing tendon and bone.
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The use of vital points or kyusho does not only enhance one’s chances to survive in
a fight but may also help to end a fight without severe damage to the opponent’s
body. The knowledge of the vital points can, and usually was, used for healing
purposes as well.
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Kakie basic exercises
There are many different kakie exercises. Below we will discuss three different basic
kakie exercises.
This exercise is first practised from a solid sanchin dachi and later with agile
footwork in heiko sanchin dachi.
It can also be practised with a straight push and with two opponents.
41
; Chinese: chenjin.
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A more difficult variation of this exercise is the one in which one first allows the
opponent to push the chest (with one’s own ‘active’ hand in between), before the
waist turns away to deflect the incoming force.
As with the ‘swallow & spit’ exercise, this one can be practised with stepping as well.
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3. ‘Kake uke’
Inthis exercise one alternately performs kake uke and uchi kake uke.
• Both karateka are in sanchin dachi,
• facing each other slightly at an angle.
• Before starting, both karateka perform a strong uchi kake uke and both karateka
change to kake uke at the same time.
• When changing from uchi kake uke to kake uke, the fingers turn out, back, in and
out again (in a horizontal plane).
• When changing from kake uke to uchi kake uke, the fingers turn in, back, out and
than in again.
• During both changes the wrists of both karateka remain glued to each other
(muchimi).
• When turning the hand backward one inhales, when turning the hand forwards
and in or out, one exhales.
• The breath is exhaled from the tanden as in sanchin kata, though breathing is
done without sound.
This exercise can also be practised with two hands at the same time, or with two
opponents at the same time.
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Points of attention
developing the basic qualities within kakie
practice.
Basic qualities are the warp and the woof of martial movements, they constitute
their quality. These basic qualities can, theoretically, be discussed and understood
from different perspectives, such as the goju-philosophy (yinyang-philosophy),
which provides interactive concepts such as tension & relaxation, inhalation &
exhalation and steadfastness and light-footedness. Another major frame of thought
in the oriental martial arts is based upon the experience of the presence and flow of
vital energy within the human body. the energetics in which contains concepts such
as vital energy (ki), tanden, and energy-channels (meridians). In Okinawan karate
there are also various traditional terms or concepts that denote the quality of
movements in kata and kumite. Examples of these are muchimi, chinkuchi kakin,
gyame and chiru nu chan chan. Also in the west there are interesting frames of
thought (and experience) that clarify human movement in general and martial
movement in particular. The concepts used below, e.g. grounding, rooting and
centring, draw on both western and eastern sources of knowledge.
For all the previously discussed basic kakie exercises the following points of attention
are essential in order to develop proper application of force42, which roots in proper
grounding, rooting, centring, regulation of the breath(ing), etc.
1. Posture
The following remarks are general guidelines for our posture
during kakie practice.
• Keep the hips, knees and ankles bent. The degree to which
this should be done varies, however the joints should never
be locked.
• Keep all parts of the body on top of each other: head on top
of the neck; neck on top of the torso; torso on top of the
pelvis; etc.
• Keep the tailbone upright and hanging. Don’t lift the
buttocks.
• Keep the shoulders down and as relaxed as possible.
• Keep the elbows down; don’t lift them.
• Keep the joints of the shoulders, elbows, wrists and hands
open; don’t over-extend or bend any joint.
All these general remarks are related to the various basic kinetic and energetic
abilities described below.
2. Grounding
Grounding43 is build up from the following components and should be maintained
throughout the exercise.
42
Chikara no kyojaku; .
32
Dontaionware: June 1995 - S. Leijenhorst
• Aligning the body with the force of gravity.
• Relax the body downwards (though keep up the crown of the head44).
• Keeping the centre of gravity above the supporting plain45.
• Optimising the contact between the soles of the feet and the floor.
• Directing one’s receptive attention towards the ground.
• Lowering the breath.
Grounding is also the basis of ‘swallowing’ or absorbing the opponent’s force, e.g. in
the ‘swallow & spit’ exercise. The absorbed power follows the same lines (‘channels’)
as the force of gravity.
3. Rooting
Rooting, in a way, is an extension of grounding. It is used
to overcome resistance or to remain one one’s feet against
strong push or pull, like a tree in the storm. Since this is very
common in kakie and close combat, it is often used in kakie.
It should however only be used when necessary.
The main features of rooting are:
• Efficient and directed tension of muscle ‘chains’ in order
to get a grip on the floor. This is called ‘tako ashi’ or
‘octopus feet’. Lifting up the anus, pulling the tailbone
underneath, tightening the tanden, pushing and grabbing
(‘digging’ into) the floor are the main elements of these
‘chains’. The generation of power for rooting starts in the
tanden and feet and extends from the tanden into the
ground. At (almost) the same time it ‘rebounces’ from the
ground, along the back side of the legs to the waist (and higher).
• If necessary: lowering of the centre of gravity more deep.
• Using projective attention. For example: imagine your feet to be the roots of a
tree, reaching deep into the ground. As in sanchin kata, a more abstract ‘idea’ of
the breath spiralling into the ground, may be used as well.
4. Centring
Centring is fundamental to almost all
the exercises of karatedo. The
following aspects of centring can be
discriminated and should be applied
in kakie as well.
• Make the centre of gravity
coincide with the tanden.
• Support the breathing from the
tanden.
• Concentrate one’s attention in the
lower abdomen (tanden or hara).
• Centre the movements in the
tanden. This refers both to
43
More detailed information on the kinetics and energetics can be found in other publications
of the author.
44
The hyakue point; (hyakue sho; Chinese: baihui xue).
45
The plain beneath and between the feet.
33
Dontaionware: June 1995 - S. Leijenhorst
external movements, such as the pivoting of the waist in the ‘push & deflect
exercise’, and to internal movements, such as the expansion of breath-power
from the tanden up and down, as e.g. in the (initial) pushing phase of the
‘swallow & spit exercise’.
Also the line along which the force of the opponent is absorbed, runs through (not
behind) the centre of gravity.
5. Generating power
Power for pushing is generated in much the same way as described above under
‘rooting’, except that the power is not only generated from the tanden downwards,
but also upwards and forwards to the point of contact, to the anatomical weapon.
The power that comes up from the feet is combined with the breath-power from the
tanden. This is the major method of generating power in kakie and is the same as in
sanchin kata. Of course in kakie the muscles are not constantly tensed for 99-100 %
as in sanchin kata, nor are the hips locked.
At the end of the push in the ‘swallow & spit exercise’, the weight is used to lock or
off-balance the opponent. So at this point another method of delivering force is
integrated into the push.
The method of applying force during the absorption phase of the ‘swallow & spit
exercise’, mainly relies upon proper alignment with the incoming force.
Generating power for pulling (down) generally combines the sanchin type of
generating power with lowering the centre of gravity as in the end of the pushing
phase of the ‘swallow & spit exercise.
6. Combining forces
As in other exercises (sanchin kata in particular) one should constantly strive to
bundle (‘combine’; ‘co-ordinate’) and harmonise body-movement, breath(ing) and
mind. In the basic exercise one first learns to co-ordinate (abdominal) inhalation and
exhalation with expanding - and contracting movements. Within this one learns to
expand the power or ‘chain of muscle contractions’ from the tanden, a process that
is guided by our mind. In basic sanchin kata and kakie practise this is predominantly
practised with relatively slow movements. However, the same principles apply to fast
movements, e.g. in kata or kumite. In fast movements, this process of unifying
body, breath and mind is often catalysed by an intense shout or ‘kiai’. A kiai46 can
be used not only to strengthen explosive techniques such as kicks or strikes, but also
for suddenly breaking through the opponent’s ‘line of resistance’ in a grappling
situation.
46
.
34
Dontaionware: June 1995 - S. Leijenhorst
As already explained, abdominal breathing is used in kakie. The basic kind of
abdominal breathing used, is the so-called ‘normal abdominal breathing’47, in which
the abdomen expands and relaxes during inhalation and contracts during exhalation.
This type of breathing, though hidden under the continuous contraction of all the
muscles, is used in sanchin kata as well. However also other types of breathing such
as ‘noon-breathing’ or ‘reversed abdominal breathing’48 are used as well. In the
latter, the abdomen is contracted during inhalation and expanded during exhalation.
This type of breathing, often used in the so-called ‘soft martial arts’ and many
systems of Fujian quanfa, facilitates relaxation during the application of power.
In the basic exercises, one exhales in the pushing phase and inhales in the
absorption or deflection phase. In the ‘kake uke exercise’ inhalation is done during
change of one type of kake uke to the other.
It is of utmost importance that the breathing, no matter the amount of force that is
involved, doesn’t halt. Breathing should remain flowing and deep.
Amongst the basic exercises the ‘swallow & spit exercise’ is particularly difficult from
the energetical point of view because allowing the opponent’s force or energy to
enter one’s body is usually more difficult than deflecting or resisting it. Absorbing
energy is particularly difficult because it is combined with an opposite outgoing
controlling force. balancing these two forces is often more difficult than balancing
the outgoing and grounding force.
In free and realistic practice, the stress level is usually higher and it is not easy to
absorb the energy of the opponent, neither to keep your own energy-system
ordered and flowing.
47
.
48
.
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Dontaionware: June 1995 - S. Leijenhorst
Index
A Gyame.............................................. 31
H
Abdominal breathing ....................... 34
Alignment................................... 21; 33 Hazushiwaza .............................. 23; 25
B He quan ........................................... 16
Higaonna Kanryo ....................... 11; 19
Basic qualities ...................12; 20; 31 Higaonna Morio ....................15; 17; 24
Bodhidharma ..................................... 18 Higaonna Morio sensei .................... 18
Breath ........................................ 13; 16 Hikiwaza ...................................... 23; 25
Bubishi ..................................11; 13; 26 Hu quan ........................................... 16
Buddhism ......................................... 11
I
Bunkai kumite .................11; 12; 23; 26
C I 17; 18
Ippon nukite .................................... 26
Centre of gravity .............24; 25; 32; 33 iri kumi ............................................. 12
Channels .......................................... 32 IRKRS................................................ 13
Chenjin .............................................. 28
Chibu................................................. 13 J
Chibujutsu ........................................ 26 Jiyu ippon kumite ............................ 26
Chikara no kyojaku ....................... 19; 31 Jiyu kakie kumite ............................. 26
Chinese herbs. ................................. 26 Joint manipulations ......................... 25
Chinese medicine ..................11; 13; 26 Joint-manipulation ........................... 13
Chinkuchi kakin.....................21; 25; 31
Chiru nu chan chan ..................... 15; 31 K
Chishou ............................................ 12 Kaishugata ....................................... 16
Closing the arteries.......................... 26 Kanken ............................................. 15
Crane boxing ................................... 16 Kansetsuwaza .................................. 25
Cupping............................................ 13 Kei .................................................... 21
Keikoken .......................................... 26
D
ki 16; 33
Da Mo .............................................. 18 Ki 13; 14; 17; 18; 19; 23; 28; 31
Daoism ............................................. 11 Ki (vital energy, breath, etc.) .... 12; 16
Daruma ............................................. 18 Ki no nagare .................................... 18
Deda(ke) .......................................... 13 Kiai ................................................... 33
Dividing tendon and bone ............... 26 Ki-circulation .................................... 18
Donkei ............................................... 21 Kiko .......................................16; 17; 18
E Kinetics and energetics ................... 12
Ekkinkyo ............................................ 18
Ki-system ......................................... 18
Energetics ........................................ 31 Koki .................................................. 12
Extension of ki ................................. 28 Kyusho ....................................... 23; 26
Kyushojutsu ..................................... 26
F Kyushowaza ............................... 24; 25
Fujian ......................................... 11; 12 L
G Lightfootedness ............................... 20
Grounding .......................20; 24; 31; 32 Light-footedness .............................. 31
Groundtechniques............................ 25 Luohan quan.................................... 16
Gyakute...................................... 11; 13
Gyakuwaza....................................... 23
36
Dontaionware: June 1995 - S. Leijenhorst
M Sinking of ki ..................................... 28
Ma ai ................................................ 20 Steadfastness ............................ 20; 31
Makiwara.................................... 13; 16 Strangulations.......................11; 13; 25
Marrow washing exercises .............. 18 Supporting plain .............................. 32
Massage ........................................... 13 Suwariwaza (newaza)...................... 25
Meridians ..............................17; 24; 26 Swallow & spit ........................... 33; 34
Miyagi Chojun .................................. 11 T
Monk boxing .................................... 16
Tai atari ................................13; 16; 19
Muchimi .............. 12; 18; 20; 21; 30; 31
Tai no shinshuku ............................. 21
N Taihiraki ........................................... 22
Nagewaza ........................................ 25 Taijiquan .......................................... 12
Nakadaka ipponken ......................... 26 Taisabaki.......................................... 22
newaza ............................................. 25 Tako ashi ......................................... 32
Newaza ............................................ 26 Tanden16; 19; 21; 24; 25; 30; 31; 32; 33
Ni 20 Tanden zuki ..................................... 24
Nigirigame........................................ 23 Tendon transforming exercises ....... 18
Noon-breathing ................................ 19 Tenshin ............................................ 22
Tension & relaxation ....................... 31
O Tiger boxing .................................... 16
Opening and closing ........................ 23 Tit Ta ............................................... 13
Oshiwaza ..................................... 23; 25 Tokei ................................................. 21
P
Tuishou ............................................ 12
Tuite......................................12; 13; 25
Patrick McCarthy ................................ 13 Tujin................................................. 21
Pushing and pulling ................... 23; 24 Tunjin............................................... 21
Q U
Qigong .............................................. 16 Ude tanren ............................13; 16; 19
Qinna ............................................... 11 Urawaza ........................................... 23
R V
Rooting ...........................20; 24; 31; 32 Kyusho (chibu .................................... 13
S Vital points ......................23; 25; 26; 27
Saifa kata ................................... 24; 25 X
Sanchin kata .............................. 16; 19 Xishuijing ........................................... 18
Sealing the breath ........................... 26
Y
Sensitivity........................15; 17; 20; 22
Senzuikyo .......................................... 18 Yi yi yin qi ........................................ 17
Shaolin monastery ..................... 14; 18 Yijinjing ............................................. 18
Shime ............................................... 34 Yinyang-philosophy ......................... 31
Shimewaza ....................................... 25 Yongchun quan (wingchun kuen) ... 12
37
Dontaionware: June 1995 - S. Leijenhorst
References
Bishop, Mark
Okinawan Karate, teachers, styles and secret techniques.
1989
ISBN: 0-7136-5666-2
A & C Black (Publishers) Limited
Flaws, Bob
Tie Ta Ke
1985
ISBN -
Blue Poppy Press
Habersetzer, R.
Wado-Goju-Shito Kata
1991
ISBN: 2-85180-216-X
Editions Amphora - Paris
Higaonna, Morio
Traditional Karate, performances of the Kata, volume 2
1986
ISBN: 0-87040-596-9
Minato Research/Japan Publications - Japan
Higaonna, Morio
Traditional Karate, applications of the Kata, Volume 3
1989
ISBN: 0-87040-596-7
Minato Research/Japan Publications - Japan
Higaonna, Morio
Traditional Karate, applications of the Kata - part 2, Volume 4
1990
ISBN: 0-87040-596-8
Minato Research/Japan Publications - Japan
Legge, David
Close To the Bone, the treatment of musculo-skeletal disorder with acupuncture and
other traditional Chinese medicine.
1990
ISBN: 0-7316-9117-2
McCarthy, Patrick
38
Dontaionware: June 1995 - S. Leijenhorst
Bubishi
ISBN: 0-8048-2015-5
Charles E. Tuttle Company Inc.
McCarthy, Patrick
Karatedo, development, essence and aims
ISBN: -
1995
IRKRS Europe
39
Dontaionware: June 1995 - S. Leijenhorst