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Hey guys,
I'll throw my hat in the proverbial ring on the topic of point sparring.
The way I see it, in point sparring, because there are no "damaging" and or fatal consequences involved, it encourages many to attempt or execute un-realistic / combat ineffective techniques. I feel strongly that this lack of consequence contributes to a false sense of security for the point fighter. One that could put them in harms way if faced with an individual outside of or occasionally inside the dojo, that excels in delivering consequences. For that reason alone I personally wouldn't recommend it.
I also feel that training in a martial way demands the same common sense and respect that training with a weapon of lethal potential does. One does not "play" with it. Ikken hissatsu does not translate "Tag, I got you first". I think Funakoshi Sensei had good reason for not allowing tournament "sport" sparring. It waters down the martial aspect of karate's roots, thus removing any respect for the lethality of a fighting system originally designed to be just that.
I feel the sparring drills performed during Funakoshi's time combined with kata, while researching their bunkai and oyo are more effective in training one to "go to work" than point sparring could ever hope to be.
My two cents...
Oss.!!
----- Original Message -----
From: shotorochesterSent: Monday, September 26, 2005 4:29 PMSubject: [ShotoJukuKai] Sparring in Karate
Since the forum has been quiet I'll post a contraversal question.
Karate has the three k's: Kihon, Kata, and Kumite
What should be the role of "point" or "tournament" sparring in Karate?
Is it a valid form of Kumite practice or is it a waste of time? If
Kumite should reflect actual situations shouldn't you spend more of
your valuable training time on waza, ippon kumite, street defense,
etc.?
Just wondering what people think about this.
Rick P.
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