Some of you Karate-ka might have already been there… You’re in a situation where someone is clearly trying to pick a fight with you. While you’re trying everything you can to avoid having to fight, eventually, you get cornered, you are running out of options, and you must fight your way out of it.
For most of you, your past #Karate training should kick in, and give you the confidence that you can manage the situation, stay composed, as panic and fear are pretty much the worst thing that can happen to you at that precise moment. When at the Dojo doing controlled sparring or Kata, if you always put yourself in the state of mind of a real fight, like someone is seriously trying to hurt you, you should be able to keep calm in a real fighting situation. If you find you’re not able to control this fear and adrenaline rush, you need to practice more intensely (including in your head). Remember you can always breathe to help you get closer to composure. An Adrenaline rush will help you in a fight, but only if you have enough control to channelize it.
Beyond managing fear and the rush of adrenaline, there are a few important things you need to know that you don’t necessarily learn at your Dojo.
#1: A street fight is never a fair fight, and your opponent will almost always try to surprise you by hitting you first, while pretending he is calm and just coming closer to talk to you. Expect the unexpected. One of the most common way a fight start, is with your opponent grappling you with one hand, and throwing a hook punch to the head with the other fist. Practice this at the Dojo so you have a solid defense against it. Decide what “too close” is for you, and make sure you don’t let him cross that line, even if he doesn’t look mad and appear to only want to talk, as this is the best way to avoid being surprised or grappled.
#2: Never assume that you only have one opponent. Unless it’s only the two of you in the middle of nowhere, always assume that 1 or more of his friends are among the crowd, waiting for the right moment to come out of nowhere and strike you as well. One thing I always say, is to locate a wall , a car, or anything that you can put your back onto, so at least you know nothing is coming from behind. As scary as it sounds, it is far better to be unable to retreat than having to fight in the open, with one or more potential attackers behind you.
#3: Fight does not have to be pretty. You must focus on what works well in order to defeat your 1st opponent as fast as possible with minimum effort (ideally one strike), incapacitating him, so he is no longer a threat to you, allowing you to deal with more potential adversaries. Do not feel bad about fighting dirty. This means no Mawashi to the head nor flying kicks, no trying to give him a black eye...etc, but rather knee breaks, side kick to the ribs, or anything simple that hurts without having to put yourself in a vulnerable position.
#4: Never underestimate your opponent. Until you start fighting, you don’t know if your opponent is a street fighter only using punches, or if he is a trained fighter that can throw powerful flying knees to your head, or if he will unexpectedly pull a knife on you. Assume the worst, and expect the unexpected until proven otherwise. Most of the people being stabbed are friends or bystanders trying to break the fight. While holding one of your arms to pull you out, your opponent or one of his hidden friends take the opportunity to strike and stab you or your helper.
No matter how good of a Karate-ka you are, failing to be prepared by following these 4 rules could surely cost you a lot!
Further to the main idea behind this article, is for people who love kumite sparring, but neglect Katas, to realize that, even competition level sparring alone will not make you street fight efficient for many reasons, including the non multi-opponent aspect of Karate Kumite. The answer lies in being well prepared, and expanding the possibilities to deal with the unexpected by also studying and frequently practicing #kata #bunkai with a partner…until it becomes 2nd nature.
Toronto, Sensei Alpha - KarateBoost blog
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