Punch Bags, Black Belts and Freestyle

There are a couple of questions / points that I need to clarify and have chosen to do so via this blog. Please feel free to add your comments and discuss this topic further.

Firstly, I want to explain the difference between a Punch Bag and a Black Belt. In the picture you see a Black Belt training on a Punch Bag. Punch Bags are a great training tool, they enable you to practice all of your techniques with 100% speed and power.

That point brings me nicely onto my other question / point - Freestyle. We have already established that you can practice your techniques with 100% speed and power on a punch bag. Black Belts are not Punch Bags and during your Freestyle training sessions, no matter who you are, you will not treat a Black Belt as such. There are reasons for this;

1. Traditional Shotokan karate-Do Jiyu Kumite (Freestyle) is about control and the execution of skilled techniques. At no stage during any bout with any student should you be freestyling with optimal power - speed and control yes!
2. Respect - Black Belts have usually trained long and hard to earn their grade and belt. A black belt costs approximately the same as a punch bag to buy. However, the effort that goes into purchasing a punch bag is very little, where as the effort that goes into buying a Black Belt stems into years.
3. Physical Ability - Just because somebody wears a Black Belt does not necessarily mean they are extremely good at Freestyle. Being a Black Belt encompasses much more than simply fighting. I can recall a Green Belt beating a Black Belt once. That Black Belt is still training and teaching, better still they are an ambassador to Karate. The Green Belt is nowhere to be seen.
4. Finally, EDUCATION - if you chose to let a Black Belt lead you and teach you during your Freestyle bouts you may learn a little more and enjoy your bout more.

I am not disappointed to have to write this because it happens and we all need reminding of the rank system, etiquette and training. Whether these points are achieved by reading this article or learning the hard way by a disgruntled Black Belt giving you one dig for the hundred you've just attempted to hit them with (speed and power) it doesn't matter, so long as you understand!

Summary:

Black Belts are not Punch Bags

Punch Bags are for practicing your techniques with 100% speed and power

Black Belts will hit back 100% speed and power, usually because they are fed up of a lower grade thinking they are a Punch Bag

I think my stance on this is clear, oss.

Sensei Jeffrey John Russell - Sandan