Kumite As A Self Defense Training Progression

[MikeK]

Not sure if everyone gets GEM's newsletter so I'll post the new one here.

Uechi-Ryu Yakusoku Kumite As A Self Defense Training Progression

The yakusoku kumite of Uechi-Ryu, Kyu Kumite and Dan Kumite, were developed with the goal of training students in such essential skills as ma'ai, tai sabaki, hyoshi and uke waza (distancing, body movement, timing and reception techniques respectively).

In recent years, these drills have been increasingly criticized by some proponents of “realistic training" as being stilted and worthless for developing an efficacious skill set for self defense. This point is well taken, especially in regard to those uechika who continue to practice these sets in precisely the way they initially learned them: as halting, staccato movements with a uniform pacing throughout.

This error is compounded by those yudansha who practice both kumite at what they feel to be black-belt level by simply increasing the speed and/or force of the movements while retaining the same training methodology they used as white belts. The problem with this approach is the possibility that these individuals are fooling themselves (and in some cases their students) into believing that by practicing this way they are coming closer to reality and therefore better preparing themselves for “street self-defense.”

This raises the question: if there are so many dojo utilizing these training methods in arguably backward and counterproductive ways, why not eliminate these drills entirely? In fact, many dojo have done just that, most frequently advocating substitution by jiyu kumite as a method of teaching the same skills that Dan Kumite and Kyu Kumite claim to teach. The benefits and drawbacks of jiyu kumite have been much debated elsewhere and I will not discuss them here, except to point out that it is often extraordinarily difficult to address specific training goals utilizing jiyu kumite.

Many dojo recognize this and will add short drills designed to teach techniques or inculcate principles which later can be employed in sparring, or in self defense situations. Though they may differ markedly from Kyu Kumite as practiced in that same dojo, these mini-drills are frequently not much different in composition from sequences in the yakusoku kumite. In short, I would argue that the reasons for continuing to practice yakusoku kumite are twofold: first, if properly utilized, they can in fact serve as valuable training tools; second, they are familiar in some form to Uechi students everywhere, and can thus form a common “language” which allows students from different dojo to train together.

Some of the best models of alternative training methodology for yakusoku kumite can be found in the Filipino martial arts. Due to a variety of cultural and economic factors, these martial arts are, on the whole, generations closer to the reality of fighting than are the Chinese/Japanese arts on which Uechi-Ryu is based.

In the traditional Filipino arts, one needs only to look back a generation or so to find an instructor who was involved in challenge matches where victory and defeat were demonstrably clear. Leaving aside any moral implications of these practices, the pragmatic result was a culling of those techniques and training that left an escrimador the loser. It is therefore instructive to look at these training methodologies when reality-focused training is a primary goal. Like yakusoku kumite, the attacks and defenses are prearranged and well known to both students.

A common example of this is sumbrada sometimes termed a “rolling pattern,” some version of which is utilized in many Filipino styles, notably Cabales’s Serrada Escrima. The Filipino model yields good results because the pattern is utilized as part of a training progression rather than remaining a static exercise. Any successful training progression must help develop the necessary basic tools in a beginner and then allow the more advanced student to bridge the gap between drill and reality.

In contrast to the “traditional” advanced way of practicing Dan Kumite and Kyu Kumite – moving faster and more forcefully without changing anything else – the advantage of the Filipino model is the development of considerable fluidity (readily apparent to anyone who has seen skilled escrimadors “playing”) while training within a set pattern. Nevertheless, there are also students of the Filipino arts who are tremendously fast and strong when they “roll,” but who will be hit consistently when faced with an opponent who departs from the pattern.

If a student skips too many steps in his/her mad dash on the road to reality in any martial arts practice, the building blocks are weak and will not hold up under the barrage of even a moderately skilled opponent determined to inflict damage. At the same time, if one keeps hammering away at the same basic drills ad infinitum without adapting them to meet more advanced training needs, one merely becomes an accomplished beginner regardless of what rank one holds.

As long as the concepts discussed above remain paramount, any prearranged drill (e.g. Dan Kumite, or the various Yakusoku Kumite of other Uechi organizations) can become the foundation for a successful training progression. The following example using Kyu Kumite is representative of the program I use with my students. The steps below are arranged in roughly the order in which I introduce them, but can also be mixed and matched to work on the development and/or sharpening of specific skills.

In each step, changes introduced in previous iterations can be retained while incorporating new aspects into the drill, or students can return to the more traditional version with only the newest variable added. Initially, of course, students start off simply learning the basic sequences and performing them in typical “white belt” Kyu Kumite fashion: attacks aimed at non vital targets (e.g. sternum) for safety; one move per count; slow unfocused attacks. As students demonstrate basic competence, speed and focus of attacks should be increased, though attacks are still delivered singly with a count for each attack.

Students should be encouraged even at this level to practice in a fairly realistic fashion within the confines of the basic sequences and strikes should land if the defense (i.e., ma'ai, tai sabaki and uke waza) is not sound. After students have achieved this basic level of competence in the drill, any of the variations enumerated below can begin to be added:

A. Uke (attacker) should now direct attacks at more vital targets such as face, solar plexus, and groin. Returning to non-vital targets for a brief time as each new segment of the training progression is added may be advisable for safety.

B. Same as A, but now uke launches attacks at variable times after the count. Attention should be paid to ensure tori isn't anticipating the attack by moving or blocking early. Uke should be discouraged from making a game of this segment by “faking” the attack.

C. An entire sequence (e.g. the first half of #1) is performed in one direction after each count; uke performs all attacks, and then becomes tori on the next count.

D. Same as C, but uke should attempt to attack fluidly with no breaks in the attack other than those forced by tori (e.g. when tori has trapped uke’s side kick in #4). At this point, it will be necessary for tori to adapt traditional uke waza and tai sabaki toward “what works.” Also by this stage uke's punches should be launched from sanchin kamae with no chambering, and should return to sanchin immediately after full extension.

E. Tori adds a takedown or restraining technique at the end of each sequence.

F. No count. It may be advisable to reintroduce a count as new aspects are introduced to the drill to allow controlled learning.

G. No count and should be performed with one partner as uke all the way through (i.e. #1 through #5), with the goal of “chaining” together all the attacks in one direction. Some sequences may need to be altered slightly to accomplish this.

H. Tori may try to interrupt uke and counterattack before what is traditionally the last attack in that sequence.

I. As in H, but after tori successfully interrupts the attack, s/he immediately begins attacking with another one of the sequences (thus becoming uke).

J. Sequences performed singly but uke may attack with any sequence s/he chooses.

K. Tori starts in sanchin kamae, uke starts the attack from a neutral stance with hands at his/her sides.

L. Both uke and tori start in a neutral stance with hands at sides.

M. Uke may “break the pattern” for one move at a time, adding one attack drawn from elsewhere in the drill but should then complete the sequence that s/he initially began.

N. Uke can begin with one sequence and end with another.

O. Uke may attack with a random mix of 2-3 techniques – all of which should be from Kyu Kumite.

P. Uke may change the attacks in the kumite to more “realistic” ones. Examples could include hook punches instead of straight punches in #1, varying the angle of attack for the club attack in #4, substituting a low round kick in #5, etc. This will necessitate tori changing some of the uke waza, some of which will not work for specific attack variations.

Q. Two or more attackers (as in kanshiwa bunkai), each of whom attacks with a different sequence. Of primary importance is that tori remain aware of all of the attackers. To that end, s/he may need to alter the tai sabaki or ma’ai, and should ideally try to use the uke against one another.

Although the various aspects of the drills above can be introduced in a different order depending on the needs of particular students, the direction of the training progression should proceed in a way that takes into consideration both safety and skill development.

To this end it is useful to balance the concepts of risk and predictability as aspects of the progression are introduced. As students progress in their training, either risk can be increased or predictability can be reduced, but care should be taken not to change both parameters at once.

The concept of maintaining correct structure when in the role of tori is crucial to this entire process. One should not make the mistake of interpreting this as an injunction to perform these drills as if they were kata, but rather to ensure that the techniques within the drill are being performed correctly regardless of which thematic aspect of the drill is being emphasized at the moment.

Although the execution of the technique may not appear smooth or pretty, especially when uke is throwing multiple attacks in quick succession, the true test is one of efficacy. For example, assuming that the attacks are being performed honestly – i.e. with the intent of landing the strike – it should be rapidly apparent whether or not the uke waza has been performed correctly.

I have attempted to outline above what I consider to be the essential elements of any yakusoku drill which has self defense skill optimization as its goal. Given the limitations of the print medium, some of this may not be as clear as I would like. Please feel free to contact me with questions or comments.
______________________________
The Japanese term "yakusoku" literally means “promise” and is used to refer to drills in which the attacks and defenses are known to both partners. The drills "Dan Kumite" and "Kyu Kumite" are capitalized as they are proper names for specific drills. The term "yakusoku kumite" used in this article refers to the general terminology and not to the specific drill called "Yakusoku Kumite" that has been introduced into the curriculum of some Uechi-Ryu organizations in the past few years.

"Uke" is often inadequately translated as "block." In fact, uke waza encompass the range of karate techniques performed to receive an attack, and can run the gamut from retreating out of range to jamming the attack.

Those who have attained black belt ranks. Those below black belt are collectively referred to as mudansha.

Typically translated as "free sparring."

The tradition of challenge matches in Filipino martial arts has a long history in many ways similar to that of challenge matches in Chinese and Japanese arts. However since Filipino arts frequently utilized bladed weapons in these matches, it was not unusual for one of the combatants to be maimed or killed rather than simply having his ability or art discredited.

Helping the student to find the correct balance between these two extremes is in large part the definition of the role of the dojo sensei. Of course s/he must be familiar with the student and know where on this continuum that student needs work in order to achieve this goal.

Although this terminology may become confusing since both tori and uke may utilize uke waza in the course of a given yakusoku kumite – e.g. Dan Kumite sequences where each partners both attack and defend at various points –

“uke” is the term used to denote the initial attacker and is derived from the idea that s/he is the one who receives (hence the designation) the counterattack. In contrast, “tori” is the one who grasps or seizes the initiative from uke to launch the counter.

I would strongly recommend use of protective equipment for most of these variations, certainly for those targeting vital areas. This allows uke to feel comfortable attacking with intent, and tori to defend against more realistic attacks.

It is extremely counterproductive when uke attacks in what is a clearly unrealistic manner designed solely to "win" within the confines of the drill, and students should be monitored to prevent this tendency. One of the best examples of this is when uke punches with a completely rigid arm leaving the punch extended and attempts to prevent tori from moving it. Those uke that play this "game" will often then smugly point out to tori that his/her defense was inadequate, noting that the punch is still directed on target...

The sensei should closely observe uke's attacks at this stage. Attacks should flow smoothly from one to the next, but as in kata, different techniques take different amounts of time to effect – thus the attack will have a varied rhythm if performed properly.

With this and any of the subsequent additions, students should be reminded that in order for a given sequence to remain unpredictable, and therefore a useful training device, it should be performed with a good deal of variation. In this case, for example, tori should not always interrupt uke's attack nor should tori habitually interrupt the attack at the same point.

A classic example of the term structure as used here would be the block for the “club attack” in #4. If the structure is correct, the blocking arm will not collapse and the attack should not land.

[note: I added some notes that were left off the newsletter version of this article. I am unable to link the reference numbers in the article with the notes, but I believe they are fairly easy to understand. GEM]

[MikeK]

George, very nice and I'm glad you put it down on paper(?)!

In your experience when do students move to the more flexible levels?

[gmattson]

But the article was written by Greg Postal, not me.

Although. . . as you probably guessed. . . I completely agree with Greg's views.

I'll wait until we hear from others before jumping in with my opinions. What do you think????

by the way: Greg's article is only one part of a very interesting newsletter. Do you have your subscription yet?

Contact me if you would like me to forward you a copy.

[chewy]

Great article! This is very much the mindset my previous Chito-ryu instructor and my current Uechi-Ryu instructor adopted towards kata and kumite. Practice the form as it is taught over and over again, then start peeling back the layers. Obviously it will take a while for beginners to get past the robotic performances, but it is a necessary stage of development for most new comers.

I would like to say, IMHO, that the count can probably be eliminated even earlier (esp., if both people can get through the Kumite without serious thinking about each step). In this case, however, the instructor should always encourage tori and uke to change the rhythm of the attacks/counter-attacks.

One other point, that I know GEM is holding off on address (but I'm very interested to hear his opinion on, is when these concepts/exercises should be introduced. As a San-kyu (low brown belt) I can understand working on these exercises for Kyu Kumite or Kumite #1; but what about Dan Kumite? I've been doing it for months now and I still feel like a complete novice at times (esp., when paired with a black belt ). I can see cases where introducing these ideas too fast can ruin technique over the long term.


chewy

[gmattson]

I'll add one comment...

Dan kumite is very difficult to learn and perform.... even on a very basic level. . .

I know black belts who were never able to get beyond just learning the sequence (never mind getting to another level) and then would have to be prompted during their tests. "It ain't easy"!

The moves don't lend themselves to any kind of "flow", unless you have a credible amount of balance, good timing and other things that are required by most styles of martial arts.

So Chewy, don't feel like you have two left feet. These basic drills are quite difficult and require what Tomoyose sensei said is required for greatness in Uechi-ryu . . . "Practice, practice and practice"

[Guest]

delete, found to be inappropriate by some readers

[Guest]

Drills taken to a new level is the goal!

George, Bill and Greg have posted on this.

Seeing the main stream of Uechi practice these drills, and I've been unable to find few examples of the next level....I'd sugest any video that covers this might be a hot seller

I'd buy one at any rate!

[gmattson]

disagrees with what you are saying Laird.

I've been looking at a number of video clips where people who have absolutely no martial art training square off on the street and "kick ass".

Should we give black belts in Uechi-ryu to these people?

Why not eliminate the kata? The conditioning. After all, banging one one another on the street will accomplish everything a student "really" needs to fight.

That is one, far side of the spectrum, the other being the "lotus" eaters who simply wish to feel good and grow old.

No one has told you to change what you do. . . at least I haven't heard anyone on these forums. However, if you belong to an organization with rules, expect to follow those rules. . . or create your own association. . . then deal with those who decide they don't want to do what you want them to do.

What standards and requirements will you have?

What if the "skinhead" put on a white gi and entered the tournament and kicked everyone's ass. Would that validate having students meet on a street corner every night offering to take on all comers?

I deal with dojo with large classes with a wide range of students. Some are natural athletes who really don't need to take Uechi-ryu to "kick ass". The majority of students are those who fall into that vast "other" area of skills, physical fitness and mindset. IUKF Uechi-ryu does a fine job working with these people and the skilled athlete also enjoy working with the program, even though they could cut out lots of the curriculum and still be "ass kickers".

I appreciate what you are saying and the way you said it. It was an honest appraisal of your personal choices, which no one should deny you. All I ask of you is to respect those of us who elect to follow another path . . . In this case a prescribed and organized path for advancing from white belt to black belt. We don't pretend to make UFC fighters out of everyone, but those who have the athletic abilities, will certainly be capable of achieving this goal.

Remember that many of the top Uechi seniors (like Bruce Lee) went through the program, like it or not. At least for them, it didn't hurt their skills or reputations.

Good luck with your journey, which in my estimation, is far more interesting than simply reaching a destination.

[Guest]

I've been looking at a number of video clips where people who have absolutely no martial art training square off on the street and "kick ass".

Should we give black belts in Uechi-ryu to these people?

Guess that’s up to you. Do you think they full fill the requirements? I suspect not! I don’t think I suggested my ass kickers deserve any belts. At any rate we agree, there is more to the art than whooping some ass. A lot more, but it is a martial art and one expects a level of ability with those who have been bestowed an entry level rank.

Why not eliminate the kata? The conditioning. After all, banging one one another on the street will accomplish everything a student "really" needs to fight.

What? George, please don’t get hijacked over this…I never suggested anyone eliminate anything…did I ? I pointed out that my students did okay against senior students who were well trained in this material. I never suggested anyone abandon this training. If you want to eliminate kata and condition feel free….but I think you would be making a mistake. I eliminated yakasuku kumite because I saw no value in it and after repeated requests no one could demonstrate an advanced drill to me.

I just pointed out that I and my students faired well against those who had depth in this material we had none. This post was in response to your newsletter in which Sensei Postal appears to suggest that if one does not explore this material …well they have thrown the baby out with the bath water. He claims this training imparts self defense skills.

I’ve never claimed that my methods are superior, or another method is inferior. Well maybe in my outspoken past I was more direct…but that was years ago!
Today I only respond when called out. Greg has suggested that if students don’t embrace this material they may be lacking. My pudding has a different flavour than predicted by Greg.

That is one, far side of the spectrum, the other being the "lotus" eaters who simply wish to feel good and grow old.

Hey I see my self as a lotus George, I’m older less agile and have permanent disabilities. I certainly don’t practice the same Uechi I did in the seventies…I’m a different person with a changing body. As I grow older the short range power and the soft aspects of Uechi seem to fit me better.

However, if you belong to an organization with rules, expect to follow those rules. . . or create your own association. . . then deal with those who decide they don't want to do what you want them to do.

I belong to an organization that allows me to train as I choose.It only acts as a governing body in testing for specific skills. The organization could careless about dictating what people train. It’s not concerned with examining how you got there, only testing if you have.,

What standards and requirements will you have?

I believe Rick has posted this is the past.

What if the "skinhead" put on a white gi and entered the tournament and kicked everyone's ass. Would that validate having students meet on a street corner every night offering to take on all comers?

not sure what skin heads have to do with this, could you restate this though?

I deal with dojo with large classes with a wide range of students. Some are natural athletes who really don't need to take Uechi-ryu to "kick ass".

I disagree George, athletisim and muscle do not make one successful in the land of violence. It helps ....but everyone needs an edge! Uechi, can provide that edge.

The majority of students are those who fall into that vast "other" area of skills, physical fitness and mindset. IUKF Uechi-ryu does a fine job working with these people and the skilled athlete also enjoy working with the program, even though they could cut out lots of the curriculum and still be "ass kickers".

A restaurant that endeavors to be all things to all people usually *****. But I agree the IUKF organization has done an outstanding job of spreading Uechi to a broad spectrum of people. Do you think there is a sacrifice involved in appealing to such a large market…has it changed the product? Has Uechi been changed to fit the large market?

All I ask of you is to respect those of us who elect to follow another path . . .

I believe I have. Truth be known, I think it is I who has been dissed and abused over the years for not listening to someone elses drum. But let me reiterate this one more time.. it is not my intention to distract anyone from their path. We should all be free to train what we choose and with whom we choose. Thank God for the open minded approach we see on these forums.

Remember that many of the top Uechi seniors (like Bruce Lee) went through the program, like it or not. At least for them, it didn't hurt their skills or reputations.

George, Bruce was never a Uechi senior. Just joking I get your point. You are my first Sensei’s teacher. I have never lost sight of that. I respect you for being the pioneer and for what you have built. You have made the style strong on this continent. We both realize that there sometimes comes a time were some folks have to steer their own ship.
Our disagreements over the years, have just been ideological differences George. Never personal, I hope you see that.

Good luck with your journey, which in my estimation, is far more interesting than simply reaching a destination.

Thank you, I agree the journey is the pleasure, for it has no end!
_________________

[Stryke]

Interesting article , good points by all

[Paul Haydu]

I agree with Greg and others in this thread, that the road to "reality" is via the Yakusoku Kumite, both Kyu and Dan. How these are performed depends entirely on the awareness and development of the performer. Which is to say that these exercises change as we do. Greg has proposed a progression that is natural and informative... it describes what we may have experienced, and what we can experience if we persevere with proper intention and energy.
If you're interested in seeing the peak of what can be done with pre-arranged kumite, I'd like to recommend the following tape, featuring Kiyohide Shinjo and his brother Narahiro, with Seiko Tohyama. It will dispell any questions about whether reality in fighting can be accomplished via Yakusoku Kumite...
"3 Major Schools of Okinawan Karate" Vol. 1 found at http://www.yoe-inc.com/Karate/karate.htm

Paul

[Rick Wilson]

Oh dear I find myself posting on Bill's forum after stating I had decided not to. Oh well I am sure Bill and I can hold it together.

Laird, I feel it is inappropriate to bring David Mott Sensei's name into the conversation about the Edmonton tournament (I also think the good people who put themselves on the line that day may have had enough said publicly on the subject but that is another topic.)

There were a number of David Sensei's students' students who competed that day. However, you must remember that David Sensei lives in Toronto and kindly travels to Edmonton once each year. These visits, while very informative, are only for a week or two.

The students of David Sensei do their best to learn what they can in that period but to raise David's name in connection to any performances by "their" students is inappropriate. IMNSHO

I was glad to see a post detailing where people take the Kumite I feel it is over do as is an instructional video. As Laird pointed out I have offered to host clips of the advanced Kumite variations on my web site but so far the offer has garnered no clips at all.

I think the article was excellent but might have been enhanced if the skills gained in each progression had been noted. I think some are clear, such as when tori can respond to any of the attacks (such as the first one ), and some I don't really see such as Kyu Kumite where uki gets to attack all of them in a row. Certainly a variation but I am missing something on the skills added. Might just be me though.

I have no intentions of opening old wounds in regard to the Kumites. I agree with most of what Laird said but that is no surprise to people who read the forums. I do think that to imply people who do not do these Kumites are lacking is to say the founder, Uechi Kanbun Sensei (who did not do these drills) is therefore lacking.

I think that your desired mindset should be taught from day one and not introduced later but that is just my opinion and if I don't like it then, like George says i can start my own association and do what I want -- I did.,

So why care? These are discussion forums open to all even non-uechi so post it and it shall be discussed.

Greg did a great job on the article and I would be happy to host any clips.

I met Greg in 1999 I think and he is a great guy and clearly working hard at his Uechi. Well done.

Disagreement is what makes discussions interesting.

At the library and my time is out so I have to close.

All the best to everyone.

(Just cleaned up the typos.)

[Guest]

Doesn't matter what I say, I piss someone off!

Rick, I cleaned those posts up for you.

I surrender

[Rick Wilson]

Hi Laird;



Hey don’t I get to disagree with something you post?

I mean everyone else gets to.

[IJ]

My personal take is that "H" is the key thing to do, especially in the context of a nonscripted attack. Perhaps one steps in this regard would be safer. This of course sounds like 1 step sparring more than kumite.... but otherwise i find it hard to break the "waiting for next attack" mode, often with a burning temptation to start the "next" defense, in myself or others.