EKF Smarter Coaching
Karate training can be split into 3 sections, known as the the 3 K’s, that is Kihon, Kata and Kumite.
Kihon is a Japanese term meaning "basics" or "fundamentals." The term is used to refer to the basic techniques that are taught and practiced as the foundation of most Japanese martial arts. The practice and mastery of kihon is essential to all advanced training. At the simple level this would include stances, punches, kicks, blocks, and thrusts but also includes basic representative kata.
Kihon techniques tend to be practiced often, in many cases during each practice session. They are considered fundamental to mastery and improvement of all movements of greater complexity. Kihon in martial arts can be seen as analogous to basic skills
Kata translates as Form. It is a Japanese word describing detailed choreographed patterns of movements practiced either solo or in pairs. Kata are used in many traditional Japanese arts such as theater forms like kabuki and schools of tea ceremony (chadō), but are most commonly known for the presence in the martial arts. Kata are used by most traditional Japanese and Okinawan martial arts, Kumite means sparring, and is one of the three main sections of karate training, along with kata and kihon. Kumite is the part of karate in which you train against an adversary, using the techniques learnt from the kihon and kata.
Kumite can be used to develop a particular technique or a skill (e.g. effectively judging and adjusting your distance from your opponent) or it can be done in competition.
Since the word "kumite" refers to all forms of sparring, it covers a vast range of activities.
Types of Kumite
- Ippon kumite - one step sparring, typically used for self defence drills
- Sanbon kumite - three step sparring, typically used to develop speed, strength, and technique
- Kiso kumite - structured sparring drawn from a kata
- Jiyu kumite - free sparring
(source, Wikipedia)
Planning a Training program ? Why not consider the following points.
Training programs should be both specific and safe for the individual athlete. The following are points are a good guide to planning a training session.
- Individual Differences. Performers respond differently to a given situation, due to such things as fitness level, mental strength, genetics, commitment etc.
- Adaptation. This is the way the body responds to training. The body is basically fit for what it does.
- Overload. For a body to make adaptations it needs to be overloaded.
- Progression. Any overload must be progressive. If a training programme stays the same, improvements will only be evident in the beginning.
- Reversibility. All adaptations are reversible. Any progress made, especially in endurance can be lost more quickly then any gains made in training, when the training is stopped.
- Specificity. Any training needs to be specific to the sport and the performers' ability.
- Recovery. This does not mean complete rest. It can be lower intensity training, which allows the body to adapt without any stress.
- Variation. If training programmes are repetitive athletes will soon become bored and lose interest and motivation
SMARTER Coaching
The SMARTER principle of coaching is a widely recognized and used method for setting goals, both in the short term and in the long term.
- Specific - This refers to the exact requirements of the athlete / student.
- Measurable - This is the use of dates, times and figures etc that relate to the performer.
- Agreed - The performer, or their parents agree with the coach upon the specifics.
- Realistic - Any goals set should be achievable, and personal pressures recognized.
- Time - This is the start and completion dates of short term and long term goals.
- Existing - Sessions should be fun / challenging / flowing. This helps motivation
- Recorded - Accurate and concise records are kept of the athletes performances.
(Source: bwku.co.uk) Approved by the EKF Board.
