Point Fighting Tip #1: Don't stop until the ref stops the fight


If you already have a couple of Karate matches behind you you may already have realsed what I am writing here. Some karateka who have been suffering at tournaments may actually find their lives a bit easier after reading this.

Here it is- many of us get hurt at tournaments, because we landed a blow, but the referee and the judges just ignore it (because they are assholes- or got instructed by an asshole to do so- which would still make them assholes, I guess...) so the bout goes on longer and you end up getting hit.

Any Karate sensei worth his salt will tell you to go into any bout with zanshin (continuing spirit) and that you should not let your alertness waver. This is very true and good advice. On top of that I can add- Do not trust anyone at a tournament. Not the referees and definitely not the other competitors...

If you do land a blow do not relax and think your job is done. Stay alert and be ready for counters and keep attacking until the referee stops you. The referee might get upset, but it will be better than you nursing and injury because the fight was not over when you thought it was.

Karate is a dangerous sport. There is no two ways about it. Yes- we love it and we enjoy doing our best at it, but taking hits unnecessarily is not what we have signed up for.

This advice applies to Taekeondo, Tang Soo Do and other point fighting sports as well. Enter into tournaments with focus and determination. We can all be friends when it is over...⁸

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