Learning the Martial Arts

C. Phillips

Learning the Martial Arts or any technique of the arts encompasses five things:
 

BALANCE

Balance is everything for life, wellness and spirit. In karate nothing works without balance. Balance centers your body and mind in relation to your environment. The Kee (center) is located in your  lower abdomen.  All balance and movement centers around this location.  All power radiates from the Kee (center).  You cannot achieve balance without proper technique. (You will learn to recognize an opponents balance and use it against them)
 

TECHNIQUE-STYLE

All techniques are learned by example of proper form and style.  Techniques are practiced slowly and without power, till proper form and coordination/balance and breathing is achieved.  All techniques have four parts balance, extending, returning and breathing..  All  parts must be performed properly.  You should practice each technique separately.  When proper breathing, style and technique are mastered you should work on routines that combine the techniques (One and three steps techniques and Forms) .
 

SPEED

When you are able to correctly execute a technique on command at slow speed and without power,  then you are ready to start adding speed and repetition. Breathing, and speed is the key to all techniques.  With technique and speed you will achieve the element of surprise and power.
 

POWER

Power is achieved from proper technique, speed and breathing.  You must understand your core location and how you will radiate power and flow of forces from this location. The core is called your Kee.  In meditation it is also known as the center of your universe.

Power comes from the body.  The body needs air.  Practice breathing and Kee-yah (yell from the center) to center/balance the body, mind and technique.
 

PRACTICE

None of these parts work without the other.  The Ying and Yang of balance prevails.  This is why a smaller person can defend themselves against larger opponents. Balance, technique, speed, power and practice gives you an advantage in self-defense. You train the body to discipline the mind so you have auto muscle control.  This teaches the mind to recognize a potential hazard and the body muscles respond without further thought. You must practice to train yourself to do this.
 

This documents is a excerpt form C. Philips required paper for Black Belt on what the marital arts have taught me.