Vince Morris (8th Dan) of Kissaki Kai karate came to Burnfoot, Donegal to deliver a seminar on the 27th and 28th October 2007 on vital point striking. This is using the weak areas of the human body to strike to, to effect the response that you need in a combative scenario. This was the first time that Vince Morris had visited our shores and an opportunity not to be missed by Mushin Karate to train with such a well respected, knowledgeable, and pragmatic karate-ka.
All of the focus for the two days was how to apply the moves from the katas (forms) to defeat the aggressor using vital point striking. This incorporated what we call predictable response i.e. you striking a certain point knowing where your opponent is going to be, as this is how the body will react to striking that particular area. An example of this is striking Lung 5 which will bring the head forward and to the side which can then be followed up with an appropriate finish.
Day One was spent working on Kushanku kata and the flinch response. Each of us has this natural response e.g. putting your hand on something hot, you automatically retract your hand without thinking. We worked on common defences using the flinch response and following up with vital point strikes which can “switch them off at the mains” or as a means to subdue the assailant.
Day Two we worked on Naihanchi, and Niseishi katas and we picked a few moves from other katas. Some of these moves were actually throws that on first observation did not looking anything like a throw but can be applied as such. We worked off the Kissaki-Kai ready position and how we can basically tell the attacker how we want them to punch and with what hand, therefore, anticipating this response even before it has happened as this is the only option available, finishing with a defensive movement that was proportionate to the level of threat in front of you.
This is a great opportunity for the students of Mushin Karate who can apply the principles of pressure points not as the sole objective in a combative context but the bonus to your existing tool set.
If anyone is interested in learning applied and pragmatic karate you can contact
Eric on 02890604769 or visit our website on www.mushinkarate.com. Alternatively,
you can come to our classes, which are on a Monday night from 7-8 p.m in St
Lukes School for adults and advanced juniors or a Wednesday night for everyone
else. Everyone welcome.