descriptions and proper use and objectives of training follow..
Mr. Ashihara - Bogyuo soku kogeki
karate jiyugumite (sparring) ishikawa jr
jiyu gumite vs
shiai gumite
There is a significant difference between the two. Jiyu gumite is
free, while shiai is competition. In the traditional arts of kenjutsu,
a bout between 2 fencers has only one outcome, shi ni ai, that means,
one will end up dead. In that sence, true kenjutsu can't be practised
in a form of competition. Off course, like jujutsu to judo, kenjutsu
became kendo and with rules the competition was made possible. In
our dojo we don't practise the shiai gumite, but we do jiyu gumite.
This is a well thought idea wich I will explain.
In shiai gumite, emphasis is on speed. As presented at principles
- impact it is an important factor, but if you exclude body mass behind
the punch the speed becomes useless. Vice versa, a heavy object that
is not moving or moving to slow doesn't give any impact as well. As
for my limited understanding of the shiai gumite, the speed factor
is so important that the mass is regarded so less important that it
looses a lot of meaning. Also, the shiai gumite has very basic ideas
of positioning the body, drawing an attack and attacking the body.
So many restrictions are present, that our dojo doesn't practise shiai
gumite as such. We emphasise on jiyu gumite.
We don't see shiai gumite as complete and therefore we practise jiyu
gumite. This means, that all techniques are allowed, but they have
to be executed with control. Jiyu gumite is an expression of the basic
techniques. Also, it is a test to try out your basic techniques in
a practical and dynamical situation. This greatly effects the ma-ai
and it changes the feeling during the kumite. You have to be prepared
for any attack coming to your body. This insecurity is a type of fear
that has to be overcome. This can only be achieved by intensive training.
As you can understand the range of places to attack and the techniques
that can be used are far greater then in shiai gumite, but what I
consider the most important is the following example.
We prefer to control a gyakuzuki with a bend arm, then pullback just
a few inches from the face or touch the face. We now are in such a
ma-ai, that if the techniques would be completed, it would serve K.O.
I have seen many times in shiai that they fully strech the arm and
twist the shoulder for more reach, doing all that you shouldn't do
according to traditional karatemovement. The ma-ai changes, it shouldn't.
TECHNIQUES
- JIYU GUMITE
