Compulsory Kata
Kata training is a requirement for rank
advancement in combat shotokan. The
kata are the same as in traditional sho-
tokan, but students are reminded that
they’re not learning any hidden or exotic
moves. The main purpose of kata, they
learn, is to build balance while moving,
to improve the ability to turn and block
in different directions with speed and
power, and to boost overall fluency in
technique.
By practicing kata frequently, our
students hone their speed, power, coor-
dination and balance. They know that all
these elements are crucial for becoming
an effective fighter.
Close Combat
Because many attacks begin with a push
or grab, we highlight this in our training.
That entails practicing defenses against
grabs, chokes, head locks and other close-
range attacks. We spend a great deal of
time on elbow techniques, bottom-fist
strikes, knee thrusts, stomping kicks and
palm-heel blows because they’ve been
proved effective at close range.
At the more advanced level, we engage
in disarming techniques designed to
thwart close-quarters attacks with knives,
guns and sticks. When a student earns
a black belt, he or she may elect to learn
the cane, which is one of the few weapons
one can legally carry anywhere.Maintained Traditions
Combat shotokan retains many ele-
ments from traditional shotokan. In both
pursuits, dojo etiquette, meditation and
respect are integral parts of training.
Although the focus in our system is self-
defense, the art is never forgotten.
In both traditional and combat shoto-
kan, sloppy technique is unacceptable.
Proper form is vital, not only for aesthetic
reasons but also because it’s more effi-
cient and effective. Self-control is empha-
sized because with control of one’s physi-
cal movement, the path to endurance,
harmony and humility is paved.
The uniqueness of combat shotokan
lies in what it can do for its practitioners.
It provides the average person with the
means to gain power and serenity and
thus the knowledge needed to live with
humility and self-confidence. In short,
the art is intended to guide practitioners
along the path of the modern warrior in a
way that’s not dissimilar to the way war-
riors were educated in ancient times.A seventh-degree black belt, Emil Farkas
has taught at his Beverly Hills Karate
Academy in Southern California since- His website is bhkarate.com.
Combat
Shotokan’s 10
Commandments
of Self-Defense
- Never
underestimate your
opponent. Always
assume he is
dangerous. - Never show your
opponent that you are
a skillful fighter. The
element of surprise is
your best weapon. - Don’t get fancy.
Use simple, effective
techniques. - Learn to react
instantly. Be quick
and accurate. Do not
hesitate. - Use full power
when delivering all
techniques and always
fight aggressively. - After attacking or
counterattacking,
never lose sight of
your adversary. Be
alert for a possible
continuation of the
attack. Never be
caught by surprise. - Deliver your blows
to your opponent’s
weak areas: knees,
eyes, groin, throat, etc. - Kiai when delivering
a technique. This will
momentarily distract
your opponent and
give you an edge. - Whenever possible,
use any available
object as a weapon
to help subdue an
opponent. - When defending
yourself, fight as if
your life depends on
it. There is no telling
what an attacker’s
intentions are.
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