Kumite Open Mat

There are so many options to choose from when it comes to protecting your lower leg for sparring/ kumite.

(Unless your organization requires you to wear a homogolated one).

Just don't be the guy in the last picture.
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So many styles of Karate out there

Means a wide variety of ways in which sparring/ kumite is being conducted at the dojo.

Where protective equipment is implemented,

Different types of gloves offer differing functionalities

That either amplifies the sparring experience,

Or completely ruin it.
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Timings of Attack: in Japanese martial arts

Ever so often we'd see exponents clashing in a fight,

As if the only way to land a hit is to go as strong and as fast as one can.

In Japanese martial arts basics, there are 3 opportunities to make a move in relative to the opponent's attacks-

Before, during, and after.
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#芦原会館

Head gears surely give an impression of safety.

Unfortunately at times, that inevitably promotes riskier behaviors in its use during full contact sparring,

Resulting in repeated concussive trauma to the head, hence, the brain.

In fact, studies have shown instances where head gear use might even lead to greater traumatic brain injury than without it.

On the flip side, head gears have proven to be effective against superficial facial injuries (e.g cuts and bruises).

The takeaway?

Wear head gear for what it's meant for-

Protection against facial injuries and not as a reason to go all out to the head.

As much as the head gear is an indispensable piece of equipment that enables us to enjoy karate to the fullest,

Safety being at the center of what we do should be the foundation of every responsible dojo.
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Deliberately taking hits to the body to build tolerance against impact,

Is a mainstay for full-contact Karate and many combat sports of the same nature.

Some take the moderate route of taking light to medium taps,

While others go hard, some even employ hard objects like bats and bottles.

How much impact conditioning do you do,

And when does it become too much for your own good?
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some

What's the most efficient way to secure and remove your head gear on your own? 🤔

There's no denying that the Neo Head Gear provides some of the best facial and impact protection as you enjoy full-contact sparring,

With lacing it up being the main way of securing it on the head.

The very system that keeps the head gear in place sometimes (or all the time) is also the source of frustration,

As we struggle to tie a knot at the back of our head,

And post sparring, trying to feel for the lace-ends to undo the tie.

Short of switching to a Velcro back,

What tips and tricks do you have when it comes to securing the head gear on your own?
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#空道 # fullcontact

Never a session without pads!
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#空道