Video Review: “HOW TO USE KATA IN A FIGHT (OKINAWAN SECRET)” by Jesse Enkamp
In this video, Jesse Enkamp, also known as ‘The Karate Nerd’, explores the use of kata bunkai, traditional Karate forms, in a practical self-defense scenario. The video, released on April 12, 2018, has garnered over 260,000 views, testament to Enkamp’s skill in breaking down complex martial arts concepts in an engaging manner.
The essence of this video lies in the Okinawan concept of “hindi” (変手), which refers to the ability to adapt or change one’s techniques based on the situation at hand. Enkamp explains that this concept is key to using kata in a fight, as most real-life scenarios don’t follow a pre-set pattern of movements. Rather, they evolve with the changing dynamics of the situation, requiring constant adaptation from the practitioner.
The lesson begins with an anecdote from his visit to Okinawa, where he learned a kata from a senior master. He noticed the master kept changing the movements, triggering the realization that there’s no singular ‘correct’ way to execute a kata. Instead, the kata can and should be altered to fit the practitioner’s body type and fighting style.
Enkamp emphasizes that a lack of adaptability will make the application of kata techniques in a real fight difficult. Quoting old Karate master “Funakoshi Gichin”, he says “The kata is one thing, but the real fight is another”. Accordingly, he encourages practitioners not to shy away from modifying traditional forms based on the needs of the situation.
The video concludes with an appeal to viewers to use the knowledge shared to adapt and evolve their practice, rather than staying rigidly bound to tradition.
Overall, this video is a valuable watch for those interested in the practical application of traditional Karate forms in self-defense. However, the viewer is left with the powerful message – “hindi”, adapt and evolve your practice, to truly use kata in a fight.
Please note that this review does not provide a link to the video. You can find the video by searching for its title on YouTube.
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Jesse Enkamp: The Karate Nerd
Jesse Enkamp is a world-renowned martial artist, typically referred to as The Karate Nerd. His commitment and dedication to karate have made him a global icon in this field. Jesse is also the writer of the famous blog ‘KarateByJesse’, through which he shares his deep knowledge about this martial art. He regularly conducts seminars and workshops, inspiring others to embrace the discipline, precision, and spirituality inherent in karate. Jesse’s profound understanding of karate’s philosophy has helped to reveal its true essence to countless enthusiasts worldwide. He embodies the spirit of a true karateka, blending tradition with modernity.
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The Practical Application of Karate in MMA and Fight Sports
Karate, traditionally recognized as a form of self-defense, is finding its way into the competitively charged domain of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and other fight sports.
It has moved beyond just its traditional kata techniques. With it’s strong focus on speed, precision, and efficiency, Karate is viewed as an incredibly valuable discipline within the MMA sphere.
Fighters use Karate to develop a diverse striking game, exploit openings, and dictate the pace of the fight. However, it’s important to remember that, in the evolving landscape of combat sports, mastering just one discipline like Karate isn’t enough. Athletes must constantly adapt and amalgamate techniques to remain competitive.
To Sum Up
Karate, with its rich history and practical applications, is making notable waves in MMA and fight sports around the world. It’s not just a stand-alone discipline but a valuable component in a fighter’s comprehensive toolkit.
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A Brief Look at Japanese Martial Arts History
Originating in the ancient Samurai class of feudal Japan, Japanese martial arts focus not only on physical discipline but also on character development and moral fortitude. The popular arts Judo, Karate, and Aikido were developed in the
late 19th and early 20th centuries
, transitioning warriors’ skills to practical self-defense.
Next up! 🔥 Watch this practical ”fighting KATA” for MMA fighters: https://youtu.be/eDjhOyiRs34
With respect, all respect. This video is not new for me, it is from April 2018. For some reason God knows I was Defenestrated summer 2018. Why because I did "low stance" skillfully as Karateka. Sensei commented spesifically on my good lower body skill. I am not a Karateka or Ninja, however I recognize the Word henka and I understand the meaning better now. Also added to low stance I learned from Dojo and 20 precepts of Sensei Gichin Funakoshi I learned things as only strike Defensively and "Spirit before technique", so you are definetly more technical…
Its like poomsae in Taekwondo u can use it also
sensei why your belt is always new ?
👊🏼ss !!! 🇧🇷
Osu!!
I actually got my first taste of Kara Te in Okinawa . I was 21 years old at the time . The Kwan was Isshin rue . I am now 75 years old . Believe it or not I still practice . The Kwan I now study is Chung Do Kwon . ( I think I spelled that right . Yes with age I certainly have had to adapt . Not drastically though . This has kept in fairly good shape compared to my peer group. I completed for the last time at 62 years old . I did bring hardware at 60 and 61 .
"Tradition is the living faith of the dead. Traditionalism is the dead faith of the living." Jaroslav Pelikan.
Rei!
Uno de tus mas bellos videos Sensei, realmente genial. Greetings from Concepción, Chile.
Yeah people say you cant apply kata to a real fight because they are predetermined moves, then proceed to drill combinations on the bag
OMG HE IS YOUNG BUT WISE
Bravo Sensei Jesse!! Great explanation and teaching about katas🥋👍🙏
I love your channel because of the philosophy and the practical knowledge you share. I have a question for you. What would you change in the modern karate we know today if you can get the chance? I mean what would you like to improve in this ancient art? I'll be waiting for your reply in some form.
🙏🏻❤️
Hey Jesse! How often do you upload? Haven't seen a new vid in a while. Great content, but need more! 🙂
In some trainings our sensei says – Randori! But you may only use techniques from your favorite kata
Loved it. Thank you sir!
You need to teach jocko willinks this
I'd love to see a video where you get a random average person and 1v1 him but obviously with gloves etc just to see how kata comes into play
“Kumite is an actual fight using many basic styles of kata to grapple with the opponent.”
Who is indian and searching for comment saying hindi is my mother tongue
Shu Ha Ri
Combat is always evolving. There are new way to fight being created everyday so everyday we must adapt to the techniques of the time.
In shoto-ryu karate the first 2 Katas are basically the same Kata both Katas go the same direction but different moves
What a great video! I shared it with many. I love your channel!
Interesting. I wish one my teachers back in my Karate days had understood that.
We actually teach the same idea in To Shin Do. The form of the kata can change as long as the foundational principals and ideas stay. I saw this when visiting different To Shin Do schools for seminars. Same kata but done slightly differently. As well as when teaching a child student of mine. Just because of his age and size at the time, we had to modify the kata to make it work for him.
👍
This video was extra entertaining as an Indian 🤣🤣🤣
Really love what you're doing for the Karate art form Jesse – Thank you!
Excellent! Great video 👊
Karate Kata is like the Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana part of Patanjali's yoga. It's for people who cannot sit still and meditate. There was Kalari for weapons combat, Malla Yudha for combat sports, Kushti etc. Kalari was mainly weapons training for armies and didn't need a heavy built. There are some Kata like movements in Kalari. Goal of meditation is to still the mind as much as possible. Taking hallucinations herbs and drugs will agitate the mind more.
Ik doe ook karate in België
En ik mag wedstrijden doen ❤😊
Ik ben ook zot van Japan 🇯🇵 ❤
I think the most useful thing you have said is that kata is largely grappling. I would be more specific. It is upright grappling at mid range – with kicks and strikes also allowed). So not wrestling body to body but fighting hand to hand (in the literal sense) – a cross between tui shou and chi sao. This opens the possibility to trapping and striking (or kicking), various locking techniques and takedowns and throws. The kata combinations are like high percentage techniques in this context.
That was a nice metaphor regarding the skating verses surfing