Karate - the self-defence conundrum!
kansetsu waza drill at DC Karate - for Life!
Looking at almost any promotional material (irrespective of style), we see claims to the effectiveness of a system for self-defence/personal protection!
But from my experience, many groups, particularly (but not exclusively) the “traditional” arts, have a ritualistic approach to training that doesn't lend itself to the development of self-protection skills.
I believe that for many, the physical exercise, mental stimulation and social activity score at least as high as self-defence when it comes to taking up Karate. The possibility of competition in the form of kata and kumite may also be a draw, or at least the prospect of it.
For me, growing up with dyspraxia, the opportunity to participate in what I saw as fundamentally a solo activity that still allowed me to be part of the group, appealed greatly. I didn't have to worry about letting the “team” down and could still benefit from the camaraderie and social interaction that the dojo provided. As an adult who still experiences moments of “clumsiness”, I find my practice still provides me with ample physical challenges along with a strong social network.
I believe that the strength of training in the martial arts comes from learning about ones-self, about how to move more efficiently, about gaining some degree of physical mastery over one's own body, and about developing and understanding relationships. Self-defence/personal protection is the “icing on the cake”!
Practice can certainly be adapted to fulfil the physical and psychological needs of a self-defence programme, but it requires the student and/or teacher to keep their eyes open to the possibilities and be prepared to make a paradigm shift when necessary.
As a final thought, if self-defence is the primary goal for taking up Karate, it shouldn't take decades of training to achieve! Perhaps, if we do come to the arts to learn to defend ourselves, we end up staying for very different reasons.
Train well, train safe! Have fun and perhaps most importantly, keep doing what you enjoy!
