Our students learn to master the basics of karate techniques.
They learn to walk before they run.
Ask any professional athlete in basketball, football, soccer, or martial arts how they became good at their disciple, and they will tell you hours of practice. Ask them what they practiced, and you will most likely hear “the fundamentals” or “the basics.” Do not get me wrong, I love the advanced striking, kicking, and ground techniques.
I once asked several great martial artists in San Diego what made their movements so fast and precise. It struck me that every one of them talked about how their earliest instructor was a traditionalist and had them study the basics. In other words, what made them great was the fact that they spent time on the fundamentals.
The sad part was that half of them were not teaching the knowledge they claimed made them good. Remember, a shortcut is only part of a motion, but most motions are made up of many parts, which can lead to shortcuts. When a master takes a shortcut, they look good, but when a student learns only shortcuts, they look poorly trained.
My teachers, Sr. Grand Master Tony Bowles and Grand Master Tim Bowles, stressed the basics. Kicks, punches, strikes, self-defense, and forms. Like in elementary school, your teacher would review your A-B-C’s and count 1-2-3… to the point you know them in your sleep. It’s the same in martial arts. The sad news is that we, as a society, want to run before we crawl. The 360-degree roundhouse kicks are cool, and I love executing them, but in a fight, it comes down to fast, hard, and effective techniques; at times, those are your basics.
Stances: horse, bow, front, cat, upward, and downward back. They should be low and comfortable so you can move in different directions while staying level. The lower your stance, the more stable you will be, and low stances build leg and lower body strength.
Kicks: front side, back, and round kick. These should be controlled and very smooth.
Blocks: high rising, downward, outside block, front punch, backhand, and vertical fist. If these are perfect, your training can start!
If you just had those basics perfect, you could master almost any art. The reason is simple: once you master your body, you can make it do anything. Learning a new style of martial arts is like learning a new dance.
If you are interested in learning more about how martial arts can help you and your children, please contact us at (833) 894-0191 or stop by 2356 Fletcher Parkway, El Cajon, or ask@jamesmartialartsacademy.com to set up a free trial orientation.
