(Approx 1 minute 45 second read)

What most witness and engage in today is often referred to as “Omote” in Japanese, translating to “surface” in English.
.
Essentially, it embodies the notion of the techniques you practice are “what you see is what you get!”
.
As an example. If a technique appears to be a ‘spear-hand’ (nukite), it is precisely that, and nothing more, used to attack the body somewhere with your finger tips. Ouch!
.
Many enthusiasts read the Japanese name of a technique, and assume that its application is confined to a singular purpose.
.
However, the truth is that there exist multiple layers and dimensions to these techniques, and this is why I like to describe them as movements first, viewed from beginning to end.
.
Sadly, many remain content with this superficial understanding, without delving deeper.
.
A crucial indicator of true progress is asking questions. And in the pursuit of answers, it means keeping an open mind and actively seeking evidence that challenges your current way of thinking.
.
It’s good to challenge existing beliefs, even if it proves you may have been wrong. After all, it’s how we learn.
.
In our fast-paced world, instant results and quick fixes often hold more appeal than long-term, dedicated study. And many individuals feel comfortable with their current understanding and resist challenging their existing beliefs.
.
But even for those aware that there maybe more, change can be a formidable obstacle.
.
Fear of failure, or maybe a fragile ego, perhaps dogmatically following another, can really hinder progress, as many become resistant to challenging their existing understanding. It’s always been done this way, right?
.
The techniques of karate are multi-purpose, born of principles. And the problem becomes evident when you see a 101 techniques all with their own dedicated name.
.
In early karate, before its modernization, there was no such thing, it was move your hand here, move your feet there. Each of these movements didn’t have its own name.
.
Today this is a problem, because everyone considers the name first. How many times have you viewed an image on social media showing, as an example, a myriad of hand techniques?
.
Now imagine yourself in a fight, trying to recall how and where on the body to use a Nakadaka Ippon Ken or Haishu Uchi (or one of those 101 techniques you’ve learned). You won’t have the time. In a fight you don’t reach for a name, you act.
.
This is why for me, modern karate fails in its description of self-defense. It drowns in information but starves in application.
.
.
Written by Adam Carter – Shuri Dojo