Martial Arts at Sports Camp
Uechi-Ryu (pronounced “Way Chee Roo”) karate (meaning, literally “empty hand”), is grounded in centuries old principles retaining the classic Chinese balance between physical strength and subtlety. Practices of self-control and mastery over body, mind and spirit in this ancient martial art of self-defense and self-improvement are incorporated in an exciting series of breathing, stretching, postural and movement exercises.
The sport includes both hard style striking art, featuring linear punches, blocks, kicks, knee/elbow strikes and open-handed techniques as well as soft style punches and blocks, grappling, joint manipulations, locks, restraints, throws, and vital point striking blows. Campers engage in: Drills to practice individual techniques, such as a block, strike, or kick, Forms and, when more advanced, in Application, Sparring and Freestyle Kumite.
Forms (Kata) are prearranged fights against imaginary opponents (like shadowboxing). The purpose of kata is to condition the body to react without the mind having to think through each movement – like catching a ball without having to think through each act involved. Kata builds on "muscle memory" -- a movement that is repeated until it becomes automatic. It builds strength, balance and power.
Application (Bunkai) adds real choreographed attacks by another person, which you must defend against, using the techniques (one at a time) taught in the particular kata. This leads to Sparring (Pre-arranged Kumite), which is practiced as a continuous series of attacks and defenses. These drills teach you how to move away from attacks, and into counterattacks, without losing balance, and without moving too close or too far away from your opponent; and they are designed, so both of you know where each attack, defense and counterattack should go. The key is to make the fight look un-choreographed and realistic.
Freestyle Kumite – strictly for most advanced students, employs the added difficulty of not knowing your opponent's next move. This drill combines all of the exercises previously discussed. In order to be successful, you must use techniques and balance learned in kata, directing them to the appropriate targets learned in bunkai, while maintaining proper distancing learned in pre-arranged kumite. If you is able to effectively build on each level, the ability to defend oneself becomes automatic.
