Strategy and Tactics

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Page</U></A></div> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=400 BGCOLOR="#000000" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <div> Strategy and Tactics</div> <div> <B>An Overview of Mr. Troxell's </B></div> <div> <B>Fighting and Sparring Guidelines.</B></div> <bR> <div>       No one can learn how to do Karate, or how to fight by reading a book.  However, if you train yourself to fight, and train yourself to be a winner, you <B>can </B>supplement the physical training and become the best at what you do.  The way to supplement physical training is by also employing mental training.  The way to being the best is to never stop learning.  You must not only train your body but you must also train your mind.  Trained reactions and instincts are important, but a fighter who thinks <I>as well as reacts </I>is nearly unbeatable.  Who can beat him...?  </div> <div> <B>Someone who trains harder, wants it more, </B><B>and</B><B> uses their mind as well as their body.  </B></div> <bR> <div>      The following is not supposed to teach you how to fight, but it can be used to teach you the way to <B>think while you fight</B>.  These strategies and tactics are not organized into sections, but are written directly from memory.  The more of the following strategies and tactics that you put into <B>your</B> memory the better.  Then, while sparring, your mind can pull these out, and put them to work with what your body is doing.  Once the mind and the body are one, you will start using these guidelines unconsciously, and will notice that you have turned a corner in your fighting.  You will stop reacting and become involved in the fight, to the point that it will seem like you are the Director in a movie and your match is something that you directed and choreographed to the predestined end <B>you</B> chose, and your opponent followed <B>your</B> script to the end.  Afterwards, the opponent sits around thinking..."What happened?"   You on the other hand knew what was going to happen beforehand, as the fight went just as you had visualized that it would.  </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>The 5 - C's...Control.  Control Yourself, Control Your Opponent, and Control the Ring.</B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Read and memorize Troxell's <A HREF="id196_mr__troxell_s__5___c_s_of_sparring.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Miscellaneous"><U><B>5 - C's</B></U></A><A HREF="id196_mr__troxell_s__5___c_s_of_sparring.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Miscellaneous"><U> of Kumite</U></A>.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Read and memorize Mr. Troxell's <A HREF="id196_mr__troxell_s_rules_of_kumite.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Miscellaneous"><U>Rules of Kumite.</U></A></div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Assume a correct stance suitable for the opponent.  Stay comfortable and relaxed.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Keep your center of gravity low, and stay balanced.  If you keep your balance you will be always ready to attack your opponent at times that they are unbalanced.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">In Point Sparring, try to eliminate the target zones on your body.  Depending on the opponent, side stance, boxing stance or hand position can protect your target zones.  Identify the threat from the opponent and employ the correct stance to compensate.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Keep your body relaxed and comfortable. ` With speed comes power', `The willow bends where the oak breaks'.  Stay loose but focused.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">An explosive start and strong focus are essential for any Karate technique.  Many times an explosive and violent first attack will take the fight out of your opponent.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Never close your eyes, lower your head or turn your back or your head away from your opponent.  Even on a `turn away' fake, keep your eyes on the opponent.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Do not wear yourself out by aimless pacing about, constantly changing stance or throwing kicks that have no hope of hitting your opponent.  <B>Movement in the ring is essential, but every move should be done with a purpose. </B></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Every </B>technique and movement is for attack, defense, or preparation for your next attack.  </div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Use</B> distracting and feinting techniques that are suited to you, but <B>do not</B> use them too often.  Do not utilize unnecessary movements.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Do not lose any time in attacking the opponent when he has been taken in by your distraction or feinting technique.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Keep in mind the safety zones, and ranges of movement.  Moving in or out <I>one inch</I> can cause the opponents technique to miss.  If you back up several feet, you have taken yourself out of scoring range.  If you then try to move in you will probably run in on something and they will score on you.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">When an opponent throws a technique, if at all possible take that as an invitation for you to attack.  <B>Jamming is preferable to retreating.</B>  If you jam correctly, you will either score, or knock your opponent down.  If they go down, you have in reality about 2 seconds to score.  Therefore, be ready to score on a falling opponent. <B>Do Not Hesitate.  </B>(You should graciously help them up after `mate' has been called.)</div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Always use combinations.</B>  Even a kick or punch followed by a pre-planned move to roll out is still a combination.  If your first technique was blocked, your second should already be started toward your opponent, with your third in mind to go next.</div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Always </B>make your moves strong, yet controlled.  We <I><B>Train Hard</B></I>, and we <I><B>Fight Hard.  </B></I>Do not make excuses or feel bad because of the way we fight.  <I>If your opponent does not like contact sports, they should try knitting or dancing instead of Karate.  </I></div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">If your opponent retreats, <B><U>don't stop</U></B><B>!</B>  Keep the pressure on with a series of combination attacks.  Forcing the opponent to run out of the ring is a score just as if you had hit or kicked them.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">If you block or jam an opponent's technique, your counter attack should already be on its way.  <B>Never Hesitate</B>.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">No matter what techniques or combinations you use, <B>remember you are using Karate</B>.  Retain your balance, stay smooth, stay strong stay in control.  Utilize good Karate Technique.  Win with grace and pride.  Make us proud. </div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Target your opponent</B>.  Know where your technique is going and use <B>Control </B>to put it there.  There <U>is no</U> excuse for sloppy technique.  If you see an open space, <I>that </I>is where your strike should go.  <I><U>Not in the general vicinity</U></I>.  If the opponent drops their arm to block, your kick should still connect.  <I>If anything, they will be a little slower with that arm the next time</I>.  Once you launch your attack, <B>Commit</B> <U>with </U><B>Conviction</B>, there is no time to second guess.  Your second <B>Combination</B> should already be on it's way, and if you are smart you will use the last <B>`C'</B> and <B>Cut an Angle</B> either on the attack or on your roll out as you depart the danger zone.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Use Movement, use the Ring: side steps, cutting angles, fade and go, counter punching, counter kicking, jamming, closing distance moves.  Tai Sabaki is a part of a combination in my book.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Do not fight back and forth in a straight line.  <I>That is not Karate -That is dancing</I>.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Watch how you use the ring...don't let the ring use you.  <B>Where are your judges</B>?  Which ones are calling anything?  Can they see you if you score?  Turn your opponent to <U>your</U> best advantage. </div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">If you use the correct amount of power and control, you will score <I><B>and at the same time </B></I>prevent your opponent from scoring on you.  (Or keep them from even hitting you with a late hit.)  If you just touch your opponent without moving them or making them feel it, they <B>will</B> out of reaction hit or kick you back.  The judges might not see your "light tap", yet your opponents reaction hit <B><U>will be</U></B> seen 95% of the time.  You will literally get the judges attention, and they will be focused and see the second hit.  (The one that hits you).  Therefore, hit with enough power to get a reaction from your opponent, and follow through with a combination strike just in case.  That way, the second hit they see will also be one that <I>you</I> delivered.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">In <I>most </I>instances, body shots are preferable to head shots.  The head is a small target, and it is easy to miss.  It is very hard to <I>visibly</I> hit someone <B><U>too</U></B> hard to the body.  Occasionally on cutting angles or with extremely blind judges, head shots are the better technique.  In 80% of the cases in my estimation, kicks to the head are not a great tournament technique, and are 100% not to be used on the street.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Lower ranks have zero face contact.  Therefore control is paramount.  This is another reason that body shots have a high preference in my estimation.  A head shot on the follow up combination technique is good, they may miss the #1 body shot, but see the #2 head shot.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Unless you are setting up your opponent, or you have an opportunity that is just too good to pass up, <B>never</B> just stand away and pick at your opponent with one single technique.  (even with the two exceptions above, a follow up technique should be planned)</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">If you wish to tempt the opponent to attack, <I>invite them in</I>.  Intentionally step within range, open up your stance, drop your hands or look as if you have lowered your guard.  Be ready for your jam or counterattack!  Inviting them in is one thing, inviting them in and letting them score is another!</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Always try to do what is unexpected.  Loudly <B>KIAI,</B> (do not overuse) change directions, change stances, use the ring, feint, use broken rhythm, use unexpected combinations, unexpected angles or distractions.  If you are predictable, you might not get beaten this time, but you will the next. </div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">KIAI </B>when you want to throw your opponent off, or when you want to get the judges attention.  A <B>KIAI</B> is a good way to tell the judge that you did your technique intentionally.  Kidney shots and groin techniques should always have a loud <B>KIAI</B> with the strike.  Most judges are blind to these techniques, even though they are legal.  (yelling the word `<B>GROIN</B>' as a <B>KIAI </B>is tempting, but may be too blatant)</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Groin and kidney shots are very effective.  A lot of tournaments do not allow them, but the PKC does.  In sparring with men groin techniques are very effective, as men will overreact to this type of technique even while wearing a cup.  Therefore <I>it</I> not only could score, but it might create an opening for <I>your second</I> technique to hit and score.  On women, it is also effective, as most women do not expect this type of an attack.  Get eye contact, and skipping in with a groin kick and <B>KIAI</B> is usually a point.  On a competitor who consistently throws high kicks, a groin kick from underneath will teach a quick lesson.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Use Maai.  Spacing is not just important, it is crucial.  Find out what type of fighter you are facing, and space accordingly.  On a kicker, you may want to close in an extra inch to allow you to jam easily and use your hands.  On a hand fighter, you may give yourself an extra inch to make them close a larger gap, letting you use your feet to your best advantage.  This is not 100%, a kicker with really long legs or a good hand game may require you to back up an inch as well, learn your opponent and adjust.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Don't kick a kicker!  Trading kicks is pretty useless.  If you have a kicker; jam, slide in, fade, time them.... do something besides return a kick for a kick!</div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#FFCC66" FACE="Arial" ><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011866ccff00.png" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Be Patient! </FONT>Even if you are an offensive fighter, be patient.  If you are a defensive fighter this is even <U>more</U> important!</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Use the ring.  Occasionally circle your opponent to see how they move to follow you.  Watch for openings.  Be prepared to change direction or motion at any time.  </div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">If you feel you are following your opponents lead in any way, <B>STOP!</B>  It is <I>your </I>game that you are forcing them to play, by <I>your</I> rules.  <B>Do not play their game!</B>  Take back control.  Change your tactics.  Change your strategies.  Change your stance.  If you are behind and try to play catch up, you will probably lose.  Play the game your way, and make them come to you or you go to them however <B>YOU</B> decide.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">If your opponent fakes an attack, react to the correct one<B>.  </B><I><B>If you fall for the fake, attack anyway.  </B></I>Go harder, go strong, and you will possibly jam the real attack, or beat them to the punch and score by surprising them.</div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">NEVER TELEGRAPH</B> your techniques.  Work with your sparring partners to remove all telegraphs and `tell tales'.  The only telegraphs you use should be feints.  Do not set a pace or repeated rhythm.  </div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Never</B> attack when the person is ready to counter.  Always attack when they are <I>least</I> likely to counter. </div> <div>  <B>When to attack:</B></div> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c002a00dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Your opponent's weight shifts to the front leg.  </B></div> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c002a00dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> Immediately after your opponent turns from one side to the other. </B></div> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c002a00dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> Your opponent repeats movements.</B></div> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c002a00dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> Repeated hand reactions to your moves, or repeated leg or knee lift </B></div> <div> <B>        reactions. </B></div> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c002a00dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> As the referee steps back and says "begin".</B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Attacks should be explosive and with total commitment.  </div> <div>                           `He who hesitates is lost'.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Methods of closing distance:<B> </B></div> <div> <B>       a) Inching.  b) Waddling.  c) Broken rhythm.  d) Drawing them in (turning away from their attack, slide step back or sliding front foot back to rear foot).  e) Hidden close (back foot slides up towards front, while keeping body stationary).   f) Setting into deeper stance.  g) Quick foot replacement (replacement of your front foot w/ your back, or replacement of </B><I><B>their</B></I><B> front foot with </B><I><B>your</B></I><B> front foot).  h) Kicking only to close gap.  i) Blitz.</B> </div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Remember on moving in<B>: jamming,</B> <B>angles, heel to heel, toe to heel, rolling in and rolling out and not hanging around to see if you scored!</B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Openings are fleeting.  Either create your own, or be ready to capitalize on them as they occur.  </div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">You can create an opening by feints, or by throwing a strike into your opponents arm or hands.  You can actually hit the opponent's hands and drive them up into their face or away from their body creating a gap.  A front leg sweep can create and opening even if you don't follow through enough to take the person down.</div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Openings for attacks on you</B> are created in your defenses when: <B>a) You have completed a technique.  (Especially if there was no combination or follow through)  b) You are tempted or enticed to attack your opponent.  c) You lose your balance.  d) You have been tricked by distraction or feint.  e) You are in the process of completing a technique.  f) You intentionally lower your guard to invite an attack.  g) You throw techniques short, or in the air that have no intention or chance of scoring.  h) You are slow. </B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> Be involved in every clash.  However, if you feel that it is starting to get to be a `toe to toe' situation, <B>break away</B>.  Don't just stay there hoping your technique will be the lucky one that is seen.  Break free, and reset.  Stay in control.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Remember that time can be on your side.  If you are ahead on points, work the clock.  Know when to switch from offense to defense and vice versa.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">If you are fighting a defensive fighter, they are waiting on you to move, to make a mistake or leave an opening on which they can capitalize.  Therefore, using movement and fakes to draw them out will usually make them open up.  If it is an offensive fighter, you can set back into the defensive role, and be ready with a counterattack or an angle to cut.  If you know you are the stronger fighter, you can always beat them at their own game <I>(not play their game)</I> and out wait the defensive fighter, or blitz the one who is offense oriented.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Analyze your opponent's strengths and weaknesses.  <B>Watch</B> his matches prior to yours.  Watch from one tournament to the next, catalog or remember.  Watch how your opponents warm up.  Are they really stretching and working their legs?  Are they shadow boxing?  What is their build, are they a boxer or a kicker?  If your opponent is a hand fighter, use your kicks as your primary weapon.  If your opponent is a kicker, get inside their kicks or jam, and use your hands as your primary weapon.  Remember that hands and feet are your primary weapons but <I>your mind</I> is your primary asset.  </div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Never underestimate your opponent.</B>  Size, speed and appearance are deceptive.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Prior to the match, look your opponents straight in the eye.  Let them know you are a champion, and they are not going to win.  Looking meek, and acting cowed might get them to underestimate you, but if you start a match with that mind set, you might fight the match with that mind set.  </div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">During the match, eye contact can be just as important.  You can look your opponent straight in the eye, and you will know when they make eye connection with you.  At that moment you can launch a kick or an attack that will score.  You can also use the "wide eyed stare" at appropriate times in a match to create an opening.  A third use for eye contact would be as a feint.  You can feint with the eyes, such as looking up as you start a fake back fist in order to pull a blocking hand out of your way so you can score with a kick.  It is possible to feint with a quick look and eye shift towards the center judge, and as the opponent looks to see why, attack.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Evasive techniques include: jamming, cutting angles (get off the tracks!), bob and weave, dodging, fading or effective covering and blocking.  "The best way not to get hit is not to be there".  That even applies to jamming, as it takes you somewhere away from where the hit was going, and keeps it from being effective against you.  </div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Use <B>all</B> of your weapons.  Use hand and foot fakes.  In your combinations, go high and low (or vice versa), don't attack with a series of kicks and forget about using your hands once you are inside their guard.  Keep them guessing as to what is going to hit them next.  Again, never stop until someone stops the match.  Think - If no one has yelled, "<B>STOP</B>" then no one has seen your points.  If you stop, then you are just asking to get hit by a counter attack as soon as you quit.  That next attack in that situation is <I>nearly always</I> the one seen, and scored.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Keep your eyes on the mid-point of your opponent's body.  Don't just watch their feet or hands.  Especially don't just look them in the eye.  They will not attack you or hit you with their eyes.  Keep your eyes on the mid-point unless you are using eye contact as a technique. <I>Keep to where you can see hands and feet at all times</I>.  Watch their foot position and movement, it is often a telegraph to their next move.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">If you are doing a hit and run technique (remember...movement can be a part of a combination of techniques), then `<B>hit and git'</B>.  Immediately upon striking, turn your body to the side and "roll out" away from your opponent.  Even if your strike is short, continue with "roll out" to complete the combination, and to get you out of counter strike range.  Re-set, and start again with a new combination.  Remember if the "roll out" changed your ring position, turn the ring to your advantage again.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> Hand gear is made open to facilitate grabbing.  In PKC tournaments, grabbing is legal, and you have 3 seconds to score once you grab the opponent.  <B>Therefore, use your hands and grab!</B>  If you are cutting an angle, grab the sleeve or arm and use it to yank them off their balance, or if they are larger than you are, use it to speed yourself around them using them as your anchor.  If you have a hold on their sleeve or arm, another advantage is that they will not be using that arm to hit you. </div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">If the opponent kicks slowly at you, <B>do not grab a kick</B>.  It just ties up one of your weapons.  Jam the kick, or sweep the leg using it as a lever to turn and spin the opponent so that you can take a dominant position behind them.  If you do catch the kick for whatever reason, <I>do not hold it.</I>  Again turn them with it, or push it upwards very strongly to knock them off balance as you move in and score with hand techniques, or a kick to the groin.  Use your body (Tai Sabaki) to turn the kick, whenever possible.  Keep your hands free and don't reach for things!</div> <bR> <div>  </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Advance and retreat with dignity and finesse, always remember; win or lose <B><U>you are</U></B> a winner, from a school of winners.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Refrain from anything that could anger or bias one of the referees or judges.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">If there is a problem with one of the officials, the PKC allows you to remove one </div> <div>        judge, <B><U>get one of our Black Belts and they will handle this if it needs to be done.</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Never argue a point or a decision with the judges or referees.  If it is important, again, one of our Black Belts will handle it.  Sometimes the only way you can win in the long run is to lose a little in the short run.  (I have never seen referees change a call or for a protest to be effective, other than to effectively anger a judge.)<B>  </B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">ALWAYS</U></B></I> show <I>total</I> respect to <B>any and all Black Belts</B>.  The right form of greeting, answering "yes or no" as opposed to slang such as "yeah".  Always using <B>Sir or Ma'am</B> when speaking to them, always making way, back to a wall as they approach, always bowing in and out of their ring and never turning your back to a Black Belt.  Whether or not this will help you win is immaterial.  Our school is known for it's proper behavior and respect and we want to keep this reputation.  (it helps a little to offset the jealousy and fear the competitors have for us)</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc66ccff00.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Our school is also known for it's good sportsmanship and attitude.  Even though we have a reputation for <B>Training Hard, and Fighting Hard</B>, and some competitors fear us or do not like us, we <I>do not</I> take an elitist attitude about it.  Once a match is over, and you are out of the ring, you can be your opponent's best friend.  In the ring is another matter, but keep them separate.  If you knock someone down, or hurt them, help them up, or show your concern after the match.  As long as your technique was controlled, and you are not intentionally causing injuries I will back you to the hilt.  I will not tolerate bullies, <B>or</B> wild uncontrolled techniques.  Your opponents should expect to be sore after a match, <I>because that is the way we train</I>.  I will be sorry if someone gets hurt, but if it was done with control and without malice, I will not apologize for the way I train my competitors.  <B>This is Karate, not Dancing.</B>  Remember that your competition chose Karate - (a contact sport), they chose to enter into a competition and fight, and they chose to stay in the ring against you.   For safety, we teach control and we wear our protective gear.  Football players wear <I>their</I> protective gear only <I>to protect them</I>, not their opposition.  A lot of our gear is for our opponent's protection.  In fact, I have yet to see a Football coach, even at the peewee level, tell his players <I><B>"Hit them with control, and be sure you do it lightly enough not hurt anyone." </B></I> </div> <bR> <div>                                                                                                                                         </div> <div> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FFCC66" FACE="Arial" > </FONT>     At Bushi-Kai, I am not training "<I>point fighters</I>" who will get killed out on the street; I am training "<B>fighters</B>" who realize that point fighting is separated from street fighting only by <I>intent and power</I>.</div> <bR> <div> We all want to win.  <B>But win or lose, do it with style and dignity</B>.  Many times if you lose it is because the other person trained harder, or wanted it more than you did.  Train hard, listen in class, visualize, PRACTICE, and you will win.  <B>Do what we tell you!</B>  Even if you don't understand, or believe me, try it, and see.  </div> <div>           <I><B>We really do know what we are talking about!</B></I><B>  </B></div> <div> Everybody who learns something from going to a tournament wins... you just might not have a trophy to show for it.  In this, and in your attitude, always show that you are a winner.  In that way whether you are in a black and white tournament gi or not, no one will be surprised when they find out you are from Bushi-Kai.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Shihan Monte Troxell</div> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>