From the earliest example of Japanese writing the Kojiki (records of ancient matters) relates a legend how the islands of Japan were determined by a Sumo contest, some 2500 years ago. It is undeniable how culturally important Sumo is to the Japanese. Blending wrestling, boxing, arm locks, and choking Pankration was the original Greek fighting system. Tegumi (grappling) is the Okinawans account, of its fighting origins.
Regrettably their is very little accurate documents surrounding the history of grappling in Okinawa. Illiteracy, the lack of written material, and the tendency to keep knowledge secret has only augmented this problem. Tegumi evolved from a primitive form of grappling which was constantly being enhanced as it was exposed to outside influences, such as China. Striking and kicking imported from China, was added to Okinawan Tegumi to serve as the foundation to what we would consider today as Karate.
Sumo, Pankration, Tegumi, and all grappling systems are based upon human response. Instinctively in a self defense situation we tend to grapple with our adversary, rather than strike with a closed fist. So why as Traditional Karate practitioners do we not learn methods of grappling? The answer is very simple…we do through the study of Kata.
Kata utilizes all of the Karada no Buki (the weapons of the body), in a variety of attacking and defending situations. This conditions the practitioner for a dynamic self defense situation. Many of the techniques of Kata are performed Kaisho (open handed). Open handed techniques are normally reserved for striking Kyusho (vital areas), and to control the opponent by varies means. Refer to the following list for details:
1. Open handed movements in Kata- Applied for grappling (control purposes) and to strike the smaller softer areas of the opponents body. The accompanying stance and body shifting will influence how this is applied.
2. Closed handed movements in Kata- Normally reserved for striking techniques.
Note: In Kata we study to control the opponent by various means (joint locks, disruption of balance), followed by a striking technique. A clear example of this can be seen in Heian Yondan, movement # 25. In this movement the practitioner grabs the opponents head with both hands, followed immediately with a knee strike (Hiza Geri).
Doryoku,
Scott
