Wadu Ryu Karate Self Defense Techniques

The credit for formalizing the first Japanese form of karate goes to Hironori Ohtsuka, who blended the qualities and techniques of Jiu Jitsu, Okinawan karate and Akido into one powerful martial art. It is a peaceful art, practiced by millions of people around the world, to be used only for self-defense without injuring the opponent.

Different techniques of Wadu Ryu karate have been developed to defend against an attacker. The martial artist should be able to blend with the situation and adjust his or her position as water changes shape and adjusts itself to various shapes of the container.

Wadu Ryu karate teaches one to remain cool, poised in difficult situations and gives inner peace and harmony. It also teaches that force should not be met with force. Adopting different body movements and postures, using excellent footwork and deflecting the attackers' attacks without hurting yourself or the attacker, should avoid all attacks.

The principles behind the Wadu Ryu karate should be practiced for self-defense. Complete awareness is obtained by practicing Zanshin. The practice of Haragei teaches how to keep the body relaxed and focused and allows the body to flow and settle naturally.

By practicing Mushin, the mind is freed, allowing the brain to think of and the body to perform more than one technique at a time. A karate expert must be flexible in his or her approach and not allow them to be influenced by anything. This can be achieved through kiai. Tai Sabai teaches how the karate movements can be executed with minimal stress on the body.

The attacker's body movements determine when and how to counter-attack. Go No Sen is a counter-attack used once the attack is completed but before the attacker can attack again. Sen is the act of fighting the attacker to disrupt his movements. Sensen No Sen is preemptive action taken by sensing the attackers intentions.

The attacker's energy can be controlled by various defensive actions, which are an outcome of Shindo Yoshin-ryu Jujutsu. The timing of these counter-attacks are vital. The direct brunt of the attack can be avoided by maneuvering in an evasive action as close as to the line of attack as possible. Keeping in close to the attacker in such a way adds to the defenders advantage. This can be achieved by practicing Nagasu. The opponent's movements can be controlled and channeled away without causing any harm to either party. This is known as Noru. Moving under or inside or around the attacker is a movement called Inasu. Similarly, Irimi is a move that can be made to get in to the attacker.

The practice of Maai allows the martial artist to keep a safe distance away from the attacker. The reaction of the attacker can then be turned into an advantage. Ki Ken Tai No Ichi allows coordination of the mind and body movements. Finally, Hei Jo Shin gives the confidence to face an attacker who has a weapon.

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