Karate as self-defence is less a game of chess and more a game of noughts and crosses…

Karate as self-defence is less a game of chess and more a game of noughts and crosses…

Karate as self-defence is less like a game of chess and more like a game of noughts and crosses (tic tac toe for our American friends). It is far less complex and far more straightforward… or maybe that’s just my view as I’m not a very good chess player!

Let me clarify, competition karate and other combative sports may well be like chess - you are engaged in a match, usually against someone of similar weight. You are competing for a predetermined number of rounds or at the very least the expectation of competing for a certain duration. You are looking to outpoint your opponent (yes, I am aware that to knock out the opponent is the goal of some sports, but if that isn't achieved the aim is still to amass more points than your opponent).

Self-defence is very different, it is urgent and it is immediate. It is not a match and there are no rules. Simplicity is the key to its effectiveness! Of course, there are cross-over benefits from both disciplines, but In reality, they are very different beasts! The longer a physical confrontation goes on the bigger the risks.

That is not to say that strategy does not play an equally important part in active self-defence as it does in competition, it's just different. The desired outcome is different, it's not for medals or trophies, it's not for the adulation of our peers - it is for survival!

Competition training is fun, as is training for self-defence. Train both by all means, but know the difference!