Kakie: the stick-to-itness of our karate
One aspect of training that I tend to neglect is the practice of kakie. I know, it is not good. I have only myself to blame. Yet, the practice of kakie is beneficial on so many levels. Kakie is a sticking hands drill that is both a physical workout and a concept training drill - if done properly.
What made me think of this was a passage in a book I am reading, the Wing Chun Compendium. The author discusses the benefits of chi sau (the kung-fu drill that is closely related to kakie). He also references the pitfalls of using too much force when working with a partner. Chi sau, he explains, is not about using force. It is also not about hitting your opponent or being better - it is about achieving a balance and building skills.
He mentions two points that can be directly applied to what we do with kakie drills:
1) You must be relaxed both mentally and physically
2) you must use only good, technically precise techniques.
(p 57)
As I think back to some of my experiences with kakie drills, I think that perhaps some folks' refusal to adhere to or work within the structure of these two rules is likely why I tend to avoid doing much kakie training on my own or with my students.
I was reminded why training kakie is important, though, this summer while attending Sensei Patrick McCarthy's seminars this summer. Muchimi (or as he called the drills muchimi-di) is a quasi-lost art within some Goju practitioners' repertoire. While there is opportunity to block, break or toss away attacking arms, there is also the opportunity to trap and catch the offending arm as well - as we see within kata such as Sanchin.
Part of the interesting experiences with the notion of kakie was the idea of hooking or pulling the opponent off balance or even into a compromised position. It does not happen with every block, but it is present in the karate. I saw some of it firsthand on my dojo travels in Okinawa back about 10 years ago. That circular motion of the block holds such promise not only to engage the technique but also to capitalize on the commitment of that energy to open up the opponent - seizing an offered technique. And once you have it, don't let it go.
And then while you are at it, send back your own. :)
If you are looking to do some different things with your kakie training, check out this video with Higaonna Sensei - then kick it up by adding some of the drills that McCarthy Sensei demonstrates with muchimi. And if you are feeling particularly adventurous, check out some of the chi sau drills on YouTube to incorporate or modify to your drills.
So, while it may look like some of these folks are using a bit of force or tension, I would suggest that if you are working with your partner to help them learn and improve, stick to the plan of being relaxed. Do not make kakie a competition or a test of strength. Strength is great and you may be able to outdo your opponent, but where over-compensate in one area, you will leave yourself exposed in others - both mentally and physically. It is not sparring! And it is no place for ego or aggressive tactics that can lead to full escalato.
Be conscious of what is happening with and to you while you are doing the drill. If you feel yourself tensing and pushing, take that as a cue to dial it down, mellow a bit and breath. If you partner has been pushing as well, you will notice that their body may 'wiggle' as you relax. That's because you are meeting their force with relaxation. As the saying goes, "go with the flow."
And yes, the right techniques, the right body placement, the right elbow placement, movement and circular rhythm is extremely important. Mindless rote movement will really do nothing for either of you. Make sure you are getting the most out of the drill. Then, see if your techniques - such as kake uke or shuto uke - work differently (or can be applied differently) when you are doing regular kihon drills.
And if you mess up, take a breather and come back to it. The important part is that you stick with it.
What made me think of this was a passage in a book I am reading, the Wing Chun Compendium. The author discusses the benefits of chi sau (the kung-fu drill that is closely related to kakie). He also references the pitfalls of using too much force when working with a partner. Chi sau, he explains, is not about using force. It is also not about hitting your opponent or being better - it is about achieving a balance and building skills.
He mentions two points that can be directly applied to what we do with kakie drills:
1) You must be relaxed both mentally and physically
2) you must use only good, technically precise techniques.
(p 57)
As I think back to some of my experiences with kakie drills, I think that perhaps some folks' refusal to adhere to or work within the structure of these two rules is likely why I tend to avoid doing much kakie training on my own or with my students.
I was reminded why training kakie is important, though, this summer while attending Sensei Patrick McCarthy's seminars this summer. Muchimi (or as he called the drills muchimi-di) is a quasi-lost art within some Goju practitioners' repertoire. While there is opportunity to block, break or toss away attacking arms, there is also the opportunity to trap and catch the offending arm as well - as we see within kata such as Sanchin.
Part of the interesting experiences with the notion of kakie was the idea of hooking or pulling the opponent off balance or even into a compromised position. It does not happen with every block, but it is present in the karate. I saw some of it firsthand on my dojo travels in Okinawa back about 10 years ago. That circular motion of the block holds such promise not only to engage the technique but also to capitalize on the commitment of that energy to open up the opponent - seizing an offered technique. And once you have it, don't let it go.
And then while you are at it, send back your own. :)
If you are looking to do some different things with your kakie training, check out this video with Higaonna Sensei - then kick it up by adding some of the drills that McCarthy Sensei demonstrates with muchimi. And if you are feeling particularly adventurous, check out some of the chi sau drills on YouTube to incorporate or modify to your drills.
So, while it may look like some of these folks are using a bit of force or tension, I would suggest that if you are working with your partner to help them learn and improve, stick to the plan of being relaxed. Do not make kakie a competition or a test of strength. Strength is great and you may be able to outdo your opponent, but where over-compensate in one area, you will leave yourself exposed in others - both mentally and physically. It is not sparring! And it is no place for ego or aggressive tactics that can lead to full escalato.
Be conscious of what is happening with and to you while you are doing the drill. If you feel yourself tensing and pushing, take that as a cue to dial it down, mellow a bit and breath. If you partner has been pushing as well, you will notice that their body may 'wiggle' as you relax. That's because you are meeting their force with relaxation. As the saying goes, "go with the flow."
And yes, the right techniques, the right body placement, the right elbow placement, movement and circular rhythm is extremely important. Mindless rote movement will really do nothing for either of you. Make sure you are getting the most out of the drill. Then, see if your techniques - such as kake uke or shuto uke - work differently (or can be applied differently) when you are doing regular kihon drills.
And if you mess up, take a breather and come back to it. The important part is that you stick with it.
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