“The 100 Deadliest Karate Moves” – The REAL Meaning of Karate

By Jesse Enkamp

Last week, while browsing some Karate books, I found a really interesting book.

It is in English, and on the front page it says (with big bold letters): “The 100 Deadliest Karate Moves”.

Dude… I just had to read a little!

I won’t do a review though. It’s seriously not necessary, and you will understand why in a second. But let me quote a little. If you are a sensitive person, you might want to skip this.

First, let’s look at some of the techniques the author thinks are especially good for self-defense.

I have not made anything up.

This is straight from the book:

15: Side Kick to Throat
Damage; crushed throat, broken Adam’s apple. Result: attacker will die unless given immediate medical attention.

16: Side Kick to Jaw
Damage: broken jaw, loss of consciousness. Result: attacker will be knocked out for several minutes, require medical attention.

19: Side Kick to Heart
Damage: crushed or cracked chest, broken sternum, possibly stopped heart. Result: attacker will be unable to breathe for several minutes; may die.

20: Side Kick to Back of Head
Damage: broken neck, loss of consciousness. Result: attacker will be knocked out, usually permanently crippled; may die.

23: Roundhouse to Temple (toes directly contact temple)
Damage: cracked skull, nerve damage, blood stoppage to brain. Result: attacker will be knocked out, may go into a fit or delirium.

33: Knee Drop to Heart
Damage: heart will be stopped, rib cage crushed, lungs punctured. Result: attacker will usually die unless given immediate medi- cal help.

34: Stomp to Heart
Damage: stopped heart, cracked or crushed chest, punctured lungs. Result: attacker will usually die unless given immediate medical attention.

36: Stomp to Throat
Damage: crushed throat. Result: attacker will usually die unless given immediate medical attention.

Okay, now you get the idea.

Hilarious!

But, a Karate book wouldn’t be complete without some street fighting applications, right? Right. Well, the book has loads of those!

I quote (this is exactly what the book says):

Situation One: You are standing by your car ready to get in when an attacker with a crowbar tries to kill you. Response: You have several courses of action. You may turn quickly and snap a FRONT KICK into his throat.

Situation Two: You are getting into your car with your wife when two thugs attack you with a crowbar, trying to kill you. Response: You both react with kicks; the man with a SIDE KICK to the face; the woman with a BACK KICK to the groin. You then finish them off with STOMPS to the throat and neck.

Situation Four: A woman is walking down the street when a would-be rapist grabs her. Response: She reacts with a ROUNDHOUSE to the groin. She continues to turn and thrusts a HEEL KICK to the throat, kicking him down where she finishes him off with a STOMP to the head.

Situation Six: You are at the cash wash when two men jump you and manage to grab you. One gets you into a bear hug. Response: You react to the one in front of you with a SNAP KICK to the groin.Then you do a REAR LIFT KICK to the groin of the man holding you.The come around with an ELBOW SMASH to his face, knocking him down.You finish him with a STOMP to the face, with the other one you use a SHUTO to the throat [picture of you kneeling down and executing the unconscious attacker with a SHUTO to the throat].

Okay, that’s enough.

Are you feeling sick? Or are you rolling around the floor laughing? I was, when I read this the first time. And mind you, you haven’t even seen the illustrations yet (everyone wears Speedos)! By the way, very important fact (as stated in the book): the author is a 5th degree black belt, and holds a Dr. title!

Well…

Here’s what I think:

This is not Karate.

Sure, the techniques might be similar to Karate techniques. The Japanese terminology used here and there (shuto etc.) might be similar to Karate. The book might be similar to a real Karate book and the author’s degree might be similar to a Karate degree….

But the rest is just…

Killing.

In fact, if you ask me, the book should really be titled “The 100 Best Moves For Killing Somebody”!

Don’t you agree?

Mr. Miyagi would be very disappointed in you…

And besides, when is (for example) “#20: Side Kick to Back of Head” ever self-defense?

To me, Karate is nothing but pure self-defense.

And hey, if you are standing behind somebody, and somehow manage to whip up a side kick (in your tight jeans), to the back of somebody’s head, that’s not really self-defense. I mean, c’mon, how is the back of somebody a threat? Just run the heck away?!

(If you really must attack people violently from behind, why not just kick them between the legs? Or simply trip them over? Or choke them? Or bend their arm the wrong way? Or sweep their legs away? All of those, combined (!), are waaaaay easier (and more humane!) than doing a side kick to the back of the head. Just sayin’.)

And yo… do we even have to mention the rest of the techniques?

Stomp to the head, heart, throat, face…

That’s not anywhere near Karate.

In fact, it’s etaraK.

The opposite of Karate.

Yet… I must admit something. I have seen those exact moves in demonstrations here in Okinawa, the birtplace of Karate. No, I am not kidding.

There is ONE certain big organization (no names mentioned) that always finishes their Karate (self-defense, remember?) demonstrations with violent stomps to the head, throat and groin of the downed attacker. Apparently, they think this is Karate – the “peaceful way of the empty hand”.

Well, I think it’s disgusting – the “violent way of the empty head”.

To put it another way, my own Okinawan Karate and Kobudo teacher (holder of the hanshi 10th dan degree) sometimes says this (in very basic “Japlish”):

“Karate and Kobudo is not for killing. Because after the fight, you can be friends.”

He truly believes that Karate and Kobudo (Kobudo is the art of using those deadly, sharp weapons, remember?) is used to help people who have ‘swayed off’ the path of peace. The idea is that you just use a little force, simply to bring them back to the ‘right’ path again, and then you can continue to walk it…

…together.

Personally, I think that is a great philosophy.

And that, to me, is what Karate should be all about.

___

PS. And if you ever feel the need to read a REAL Karate book, just read this.

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135 Comments

  • Oliver
    So true... By the way, I just have to ask - what was the #1 deadliest attack? :D
    Reply
    • N.D
      Why, the crane kick of course. If done properly, no can defend.
      Reply
      • RAHUL SUNDAR
        which belt are you
        Reply
        • chandrakhanth
          black belt 2nd dan
          Reply
        • Connie Blackmon
          5th degree blackbelt
          Reply
        • mikeal
          blue and cousin is a black belt
          Reply
          • Tonya Autry
            What can I do to control my own fatalities to not put up with a crackhead who thinks he can control me when I don't use or drink...what is my best move if hes a street fighter
        • Caleb
          Caleb I am a 9th degree black belt
          Reply
          • Astinplayz
            im 10th degree black belt
      • Adrij Roy
        I love this technique very much and now I can defeat everyone no one will dare to defeat me I will first try it on my friends and defeat them
        Reply
      • Nicholas Jones
        Tell that to Chozen.
        Reply
      • Astinplayz
        sorry that is incorrect its an elbow to the face.
        Reply
    • POTATOZZZ
      The most deadly is.... saying you know karate XD
      Reply
    • POTATOZZZ
      The most deadly is.... saying you know karate XDD
      Reply
  • Jim
    ...sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind...
    Reply
    • jen
      wow man but don't forget this showing pain is showing weakness to your opponent
      Reply
  • Jesse
    @Oliver: They were not ordered like that, it was just "here are the 100 most deadly moves". All of them are number 1! @Jim: Sure, but there is a limit to cruelty too.
    Reply
    • earl
      Lyk who takes tykwando
      Reply
      • zippy pippy
        You mean Tikewannado
        Reply
  • Chetanya M
    When someone slaps u at the back of ur head,what should you do?what would be your immediate response?
    Reply
    • Szilard
      Well, if they slap me with a sidekick in the back of my head, I will slowly collapse to the ground. There are several more techniques that executed at the back of my head would trigger the same deadly response from me. Now if it is just a friendly slap, then there is no need to get violent. Friendly slaps to the back of the head were everyday signs of comradery in the army. Now if it is an attack, but it got so messed up that I survived it, I mean come on, the guy has a clean shot at me from the back and can not take me down, then I clearly have nothing to fear, just turn quick by stepping away, and do some simple control moves, chances are this assailant will have some more self-defeating moves in his repertoire, so it is more of a concern not to hurt him too bad in the process, than winning the fight. We got once a lecture from a lawyer and a policeman in the dojo. One of the point they came up with was that if you kill your assailant, the tables might turn in court if his family has a good attorney. The best is some kind of attack that disables him but for the general public doesn't seem to be much. for example kicking repeatedly in the outside of the thigh is good; while kicking in the throat is very bad. The less intention of killing and crippling can be read into your moves, the better your chances are if it gets to a court. And it gets to the court surprisingly often. The bad guys are sore loosers.
      Reply
      • Lelyia
        so true thats why we need karate
        Reply
    • vida obias
      side kick to throat and roundhouse to temple and knee drop to the heart finish
      Reply
  • Jesse
    @Chetanya M: I think the natural response is to bend forward a little, raise both hands and turn around? I don't understand what that has got to do with the post...
    Reply
    • amine
      i think the natural response is to get angry ,yell ;if ther is a real danger ,defend yourself. the key our frind is looking for is anger. by the way jesse-san how about writing an articalabout controoling anger , i mean exterme anger ,like the world litterly getting dark and the only thought on your head is to rip someone in halfs with your bare hands(not say it's possible,but to show the degree of anger),anyway we need it and our freind here seems to need it to.
      Reply
  • Bengan
    If someone slapped me on the back of my head I would probably... turn around and BREAK HIS FACE WITH A HEADBUTT while I GRAB HIS NUTS AND TWIST EM THE F*** OFF followed by GOUGING HIS EYES OUT WITH MY THUMBS and then right on the spot SNAP HIS NECK OFF. After that I would of course SIDE KICK HIM TO THE THROAT, because that is karate, AND WHEN HE LIES THERE CRYING IN PAIN I WOULD STOMP HIS HEART OUT and finish with a KNEE-DROP on his forehead. I think I learned this from a book... ;)
    Reply
    • Tremor
      Dam that's harsh
      Reply
      • Silent Storm
        Really. I'm not sure why but the words user friendly came to mind. But of course this isn't.
        Reply
  • Kj
    Jesse I think you have been misguided. Yes I have read this book and felt it was a boat load of crap but it did have some information which is true. Although your comments on karate are very negitive. Karate originated from okinawa and the techniques in karate are meant for killing. Infact the principle of karate is one hit one kill. Does not always mean you have to kill your opponent. you have the choice to either put your opponent in a lock, stun him, break his bones, or even kill him but that is your choice. I am not trying to justify this book but the title did mention deadliest .... i have seen the other books from this same author and most of them make me want to laugh cause i know for a fact he wont last in a real street fight with opponents with knifes and guns. But you cannot generalise the idea that karate is not violence. Karate has and will always be violence. Martial arts... means the art of killing not making friends peace
    Reply
  • Jesse
    @Kj I'm sad you feel that way.
    Reply
    • stealth is my aka for pilot and things
      i kno ur right that karate made for self deffense but i dont kno karate i learned some very little basics but i kno street fighting and enough to defend my self but would love to learn karate and i kno its not ment to kill just to get out of danger c i fought to prove to help my freinds and fam to not be harmed never killed the attacker i knew it was wrong to kill ur opponent because what u said its not good to kill unless u are in a war zone like military but i would like to learn karate if u could help me find some one in lynn ma thats good to teach i like to kno t u but alot of people think karate is about killing not defense i kno ur right some people dont under stand it so dont let him bother u his opinion is wrong but that guy learn that the hard way trust me karma works in mysterious ways
      Reply
  • kj
    And I for you feel that way.
    Reply
  • Oliver
    Kj, Karate is not made for killing, karate is made for surviving. The army teaches how to kill. Karate was trained by civilians who wanted to defend themself, these civilians (peasants/merchants etc) were not taught to kill but to survive. They didn't fight any wars or battles. The samurai on the other hand, who were in the army, or todays soldiers, are being taught to kill. (and they are not being taught karate)
    Reply
  • Jesse
    @Kj Karate was not made for killing, but can certainly be used for killing (as we see in the "100 Deadliest..." book). The original purpose was purely from a civilian self-defence point of view. If Karate is about killing, then half of Harlem's ghetto would be Hanshi 10th Dan, and the first person on Okinawa with a gun would be the greatest Karate master who ever lived.
    Reply
  • James
    Haha very well said regarding the harlem ghetto. I think that the philosophy you mentioned before about getting people back on track through karate is one that all true practitioners should consider before confrontation with an opponent. I do think that when someones life is in danger that a side kick to the throat may become necessary but that avoiding such violence should be the first option. By the way great vids on youtube and great articles.
    Reply
  • Jesse
    Hi James, Thank you!
    Reply
    • John
      Actually, because karate contains these techniques, it truly is considered karate. Karate may have not been made to kill, but it can be used if you have nothing else. There are some messed up people who stop at nothing but to kill a person. The pain they feel is different than what we would feel (if they're insane). If there is no other choice, then I would strongly suggest using a move to kill. Even if it does go against your personal definition of karate.
      Reply
    • Ivo R.
      Actually you are using some terminology misleading. Karate doesn't mean "the peaceful way of the empty hand". That's wrong. Karate means Empty Hand (Kara = empty) (Te = hand) It's meaning was a self defending system. Of course such system has to have lethal blows. By all the hysterical peace orientation today many people seem to forget, that the world is not a nice place to live sometimes, and it for sure wasn't back in time in Okinawa when people had to develop bare hand defense system because of the ban of weapons. I understand that your view on the matter as of today might be correct, no offense. But it is silly to judge and laugh about something only because you don't practice it for the reason it was made for. I am pretty sure that let's say not only payed assassins practice Krav Maga or Pencak Silat and so on. That doesn't take anything from their lethal abilities. Actually, the only thing that makes the difference are your intentions, if you want to kill your opponent or just defend yourself (or even just to make a point for the tournament...) and according to that you make your tactics. A book called "100 deadly karate blows" sounds, well ... you understand. But it still stays correct. No idea why the book has to be made in first place of course ... I mean a karate practitioner would be informed and aware of the outcome dealing blows on certain points, so no idea who should be reading that stuff ...
      Reply
      • Lelyia
        Uh I do karate and its only defense not to use for other purpose for your info. and I hope you know about karate its for the way people act around others and respect for your surrounding and safety for others to make sure you know before you do the way you want too so you can make sure you know before you say and yes kids need. Little young kids take karate for their life to lead on the way they practice. (Thanks)
        Reply
  • Dehdesh
    Methinks this is more like the martial side of martial arts. If I may throw out a hypothetical situation. Your only transport is by foot. You are attacked in an alley. Here are the first 5 choices that come to mind (not in any order). 1. Kill 2. KO (which could result in option 1 do to brain bleed or suffocation [if submitting them] etc.) 3. Incapacitate (risk of death by blood loss) 4. Hide (probably the best choice if you don't want to damage your attacker, but he doesn't really learn anything accept "Well, maybe I can get the next guy" either that or he finds you) 5. Weapons(tazer, pepper spray, surroundings. May result in having your cards played against you) Options 1 and 2 are usually the most obvious choices due to the fact that they can be achieved by simply striking in "soft" spots, or choking off vital air supply to the brain. Option 3 is less obvious, but can easily be achieved. It is hard to chase someone with a broken leg. After having taken him to the ground (There is a bunch of ways to do that). Simply slip your leg inside your opponents leg (this is similar to "leg riding" in wrestling, except you slip your opposite leg into your opponents leg). From there pull his ankle to his butt. the tibia and fibula should make a funny popping sound if done correctly. This prevents the opponent from chasing you when you go to run away, and he will have to go through plenty of surgeries and muscle rehabilitation before he can attack anyone ever again. (If he ever thinks about attacking anyone ever again) Also, call an ambulance for him so he doesn't end up dieing of malnutrition in an alley Option 4 is obvious, but less likely to work. If he's faster than you he will see where you try to hide. If he finds you and you're back is not to a wall he may try to attack from behind. You can rough him up a bit and hide, but that gives him more incentive to find you if you don't do enough damage to scare him off. Although there are plenty more variables to consider. Option 5 is great if you can keep your opponent from using your weapons against you, which shouldn't be a problem if you know how to use your surroundings as a weapon. If you have poor grip don't use weapons as your opponent will probably be able to take them from you. Note that all this data was written at 8 A.M. and I have not yet went to sleep since Friday so I may have overlooked several variables, and this post could probably use much improvement. I'm sure breaking a bone isn't the best choice, but I can't think of anything better at the moment. (Gah I need to go to sleep)
    Reply
  • Dehdesh
    and the first person on Okinawa with a gun would be the greatest Karate master who ever lived. Also, I noticed "GUN" which does not fit the "empty hand" quota.
    Reply
  • jack
    Hello -- Just stumbled onto your site and couldn't resist replying to the idea proposed above. I studied Goju-Ryu more than 50 years ago, under Sesnsei Toguchi Seikichi, in his original dojo on Okinawa. Sensei Toguchi was one of the most peaceful and uncombative persons I've ever encountered, but he certainly taught a lot of deadly techniques. He had been taught those techniques, by the way, by his own instructor, Sensei Miyagi himself. Many of those techniques were taught at first in slightly different, less destructive form, then later if the student seemed stable and trustworthy, more serious variations on the techniques would be taught which were extremely destructive. As the student progressed into the more advanced techniques, he would be taught the actual, seriously destructive forms without first going through the preliminary, less destructive application. That's why there was no such thing as karate competition on Okinawa at the time -- at least, not in Goju-Ryu schools. The idea was that students would become reflexively capable of employing whatever level of violence was necessary to defend himself against attack, without having to first consider whether he was in a real fight where there were no rules, or in a tournament where he would have rules to obey. Later on, just as Judo was a transformation away from the most destructive techniques of Jiu-Jitsu, karate began transforming itself away from its most effective techniques, in order that there could be competitions, with rules. Whether one wishes to study karate in its original, destructive form, or on the other hand wishes to study karate in its less destructive, competition form is up to the individual, and I would criticise no one for choosing to teach, or to study, either type. I don't think it's correct, however, to suggest that in its original form, karate was anything but a terribly destructive art, capable of inflicting serious damage and/or death. Just one other comment; although seriously out of practice after many years away from the dojo, I believe that I am still capable of defending myself, and of inflicting serious or deadly damage if necessary. However, I also believe that if I were ever to enter a competiton I would be beaten badly, as I would have to forgo my most effective techniques, and would have to constantly be thinking about what I would and would not be allowed to do against the opponent, rather than just reflexively defending myself to the best of my (now admittedly diminished) ability.
    Reply
  • deera bazooka
    that's... gross. karate is self defense and karate teaches us to be patient and not to kill people unless we really had to. like war or something. but if we accidentally killed someone only by some karate moves, there's nothing much we can do. after all, the world now is very dangerous. you can't trust people very, very much. you have to be alert. and sometimes we have to kill for self defense. but it's better if we only traumatize the person who's trying to attack us. only use killing when we really need to. :-D
    Reply
    • Eric
      No. Not for self defense. Karate is training to kill in the samari tradition. Shotokan. Sekin hiatsu. Kill with one blow.
      Reply
  • Michal
    whers the rest of the moves
    Reply
  • Chris
    Good point about the kick to the back of the head! I have only been training (shotokan) for 9 months, but I am absolutely loving it (hence discovering the videos of Karate by Jesse on Youtube) and very much agree with the idea that it should be used for defence and isn't "violent". "Violent" implies aggression, which is not what karate is about, the way I see it. I'm finding it is simply providing me with more confidence. Both for life in general and for those nights when I might be walking back to mine from a night out. I'm not going to be looking for a fight, but if someone should try any monkey-business I'm far less likely to go to pieces! Also @Jesse, I wouldn't consider your comments on karate to be "negative" because you say it shouldn't be used for killing (see Kj's post), I think that is a positive way of describing karate. Well done! Your site has me well and truly transfixed!
    Reply
  • Batman
    I remember getting this book in ebook pdf format years ago. Couldn't read the whole thing. I found it laughable, but now I'm a touch more mature, I do find it sickening. There's a lot more to martial arts than hitting/injurying/killing/EXECUTING (shuto to the throat of a downed opponent??) people who annoy you. The author, doctor and black belt or not, has seen far too many movies, and not even good ones..
    Reply
  • mark
    surely the single main aim of any military martial art is to defeat an enemy/attacker/opponent in the shortest time causing the maximum damage thus eliminating the threat to you .and giving you the fitness skills stamina to do this . unless you are doing it for fitness or mental well being and are ok that your techniques are not something your life can depend on should the need arise,
    Reply
    • Tibz
      I disagree. First the point of martial arts is to defeat an attacker, and not any enemy or opponent. At least thats my point of view. Secondly, there is no need to inflict maximum damage to the attacker in order to eliminate the threat. Jûdô and Aikidô are perfect examples of this in my opinion; as powerful as they can be, the attacker is controlled "peacefully" without having to resort to things like a kick to the head or a shuto at the throat.
      Reply
      • mark
        the need to end any conflict quickly is a main aim surely, if we say we are not using the arts for military reasons and a self defence situation needs the use of skills i still feel that ending the fight quickly and effectively first is of importance, restraining someone intent on doing you harm is harder than you may realise training in your safe dojo and what happens when your attacker has friends that may join in, can you restrain them all effectively ..i think not, its the same as the bjj ill choke you out argument, yeah while getting a kick or stamp on the head from a would be attackers mate who has no moral code to work to,
        Reply
      • Rick
        I am a Goju Ryu Karateka, I have been practicing martial arts for six years. At my dojo, we see Judo, Brazilian Jiujitsu, Box, along with Karate, in order to compliment it. I have also practiced Wing Chun, and Shaolin Kung Fu. I'll start by commenting how disgraced I am when I see people speaking of karate like it has been portrayed in the movies. The creator of this thread even said karate means "peaceful way of the empty fist", that is not correct. Karate was developed in the Ryukyu islands (Okinawa) and was originally called TE, which simply means fist or hand, then it was called chinese hand when it adapted chinese styles to perfect it, although it was later changed to kara(meaning empty)te. A very notable style was Naha-Te developed by Kanryo Higaonna, which is an original okinawan style that is now Goju Ryu. Unlike what the creator of this thread has stated, karate was originally intended to utterly destroy enemies with no mercy, and was used to fight the Japanese when they invaded Okinawa. What the creator probably speaks of, is Bushido, which is not part of the original karate, it was brought to Okinawa by samurai. I am very unsatisfied with ignorance regarding karate when people suggest it is a peaceful martial art like portrayed in the movies. Most of the techniques are built around methods of destroying the opponent by blinding them (Ippon Ken, Nukite, Washide, Nakadaka Ken, etc)using wrists are weapons (kakuto uchi) and elbows, knees, you name it. Judo is not peaceful at all, do you have any idea how badly the opponents are damaged when they fall on pavement? The judo techniques still hurt when done with tatami, people have died in competitions and training or have broken their necks, they had to make some techniques illegal due to the danger in involved in the techniques, such as Daki Age, Kawazu Dake, Kani Basami, etc. Please get your facts straight.
        Reply
        • Darshan
          I agree with you, a true martial art need violence and self-defence is only an illusion. (Look at my comments above)
          Reply
  • Chris
    I'm with you Tibz. First off I wouldn't describe karate as a military martial art as it was originally developed by monks in India for self defence if I remember correcty. Secondly, you can stop an aggressor without inflicting max damage. A good kick to thensolar plexus will have someone on the floor for plenty long enough to let you make your escape without killing them. That said, if someone was attacking my girlfriend i would do what it took to make them Stop.
    Reply
  • DojoRat
    It is easy to see why most people, whether or not they practise martial arts are reluctant to causing another human being injury that could maim or kill. That is why normal sane people are disgusted by what is shown in the book. It may be disgusting to contemplate, but this book has essential information. This book is not for everyone and I would not recommend it for beginners or immature karateka. It is important to know what kind of injury a technique can cause in order to judge if the defense situation calls for it. There is a very big difference between a mugger and someone or a group hell-bent on killing you. The techniques in the book are quite obviously meant to be used in only the most extreme cases of assault where the attacker`s intent is simply and purely the bloody murder of yourself or your loved ones. Killing or maiming techniques like the ones shown are rarely needed(unless you live in a very violent environment or a war zone) as most attackers can be stopped with just enough pain to make them give up. Especially if they are `normal and sane` people whose intention is anything less than murder
    Reply
    • mark
      i agree with the above and would add that practising techniques without the knowledge and understanding of the damage they will cause could have very bad consequences.. nerve damage, main artery damage ect could all result from improper use of a seemingly simple move, i understand this book was not intending teaching this and was a bit thug ish in its direction but felt the point close to topic,
      Reply
      • DojoRat
        Perhaps the `thuggish` direction of the book was intentional to emphasize the type of threat that would call for maiming or killing an attacker and the relative ease of doing it with techniques that are commonly learned and practised in martial arts often without realizing their potential. An intermediate or advanced martial artist with no idea of the damage he can potentially inflict and difficulty controlling himself is more dangerous than an expert with fighting experience who know exactly how easily and seriously he can destroy another human body.
        Reply
  • Dan
    How is the side kick to the back of the head reprehensible, but according to you Motobu's kick to the spine to an attacker who threatened him at dinner was arguably alright? Just saying.
    Reply
    • Jesse
      I definitely think Motobu's kick to the spine was overkill! I mean, he wasn't like the rest of us. But on the other hand, his opponent was armed with a butcher knife... And oh, he is a Karate legend, so we can't argue with anything he does ;) And kicking to the head is just pointless when you can easily kick to the back/groin with nearly the same result. But you have a point!
      Reply
      • Sidewinder
        Motobu? Sorry, I'm only a 1st Dan. What are you talking about?
        Reply
  • Igors
    This book was printed during Karate bum! about at 1960's and arranged to be sold as much as possible. I think this is essence of this book, not to be the handbook for Karate trainings.
    Reply
  • hans
    Dr. Ted Gambordella has his own website. Checked him out. He appears to be a sucsesful businessman.
    Reply
  • Raddon
    I would venture, in my humble opinion, that this IS in fact karate. As much as any other aspect or viewpoint. The idea of refraining from harming others, even those who may in the eyes of some deserve it, is a noble one which I agree with and wish everyone the world over subscribed to. But I do believe that many erroneously see karate as a moral guidebook that incorporates these additional ethical stances that were possibly never intended, and certainly don't exist in comparable systems. Eastern martial arts are often taught side-by-side with these venerable moral standpoints, possibly due to their historical linkage with Buddhism & eastern philosophy, but does that make it an inate part of the arts? To compare, modern firearms techniques/systems have no higher ethical ideals in them as they are used as much by terrorist organisations as by our brave police & armed services. Don't get me wrong, I think these ideals are fantastic and should be more widely taught in martial arts and indeed everywhere else, but I don't believe they are such an indigenous part of karate that they make a kekato-geri to an unconscious assailant (as wrong as it may be) NOT karate.
    Reply
  • Raddon
    As an aside, we also don't know who the book was intended for (this is a longshot, but just to illustrate my point...). Ok, its probably intended to be read by an everyday person who may be accosted by a thug on the street (in which case, behaving in a manner described in the book blurs the line somewhat between you and the thug). But what if the book was being read by a soldier- an infantryman destined for Iraq or Afghanistan who's job it is to protect the many by fighting the few; a few who's aim will undoubtedly be to kill him? When facing such a situation (brushing aside the issue of why he does not have his weapon), would kicking his opponent in the spine still not be considered karate? Even though the alternative is certain death from an opponent whom at that moment you are the only thing standing between him and doing more harm to other people?
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  • samara
    hi everyone this is so funny all of this i just wanna say; holy jeez, u are all phsyco!!
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  • paul pettett
    if any one attacks you... lethal response should be the only response.
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  • jack
    It is not in my usual nature to make characterizations about people’s personalities, but after following this conversation for quite a long time now, I have to say that it seems to me that the world of karate has been heavily infiltrated by some horribly unrealistic, and astonishingly prissy persons. Look – karate, like most asian martial arts, was created for the purpose of survival in a violent, kill-or-be-killed world. There were bandits, rapists and even worse, there was no such thing as 9-1-1, and the police, if any existed, were there to protect the wealthy and powerful, and to put down the rest of us. Karate, along with the other forms, was created to enable the targets of violent assault to meet that violence with greater violence, to meet murderous assault with faster – and deadlier – response. Unfortunately, many who know karate only in its more recent, tournament form, rulebound and with all its most destructive and deadly techniques forbidden, view it as a contest in courtesy and gentility. There have been great karate masters – notably Sensei Seikichi Toguchi, who both valued and taught courtesy and respect, but who viewed those characteristics as proper lifestyle elements especially for martial artists who had achieved mastery of those most violent, destructive and deadly techniques, not as substitutes for them. Look – suppose we’d been part of the first wave at Omaha Beach. The defenders of the Reich are pouring intense fire down upon us from heavy machine guns and mortars. Suddenly, we find we’ve got one of the machine gunners in our sights. Does anyone on this forum think that the appropriate thing to do would be to skip a round politely off the top of his helmet, so as to encourage the gunner to stop what he’s doing and be nice to us, or would it be to put one between the fellow’s eyes, however distasteful we might find such an act? Karate had its origins in deadly violence. Its original techniques, like its original intents, were intensely violent. To pretend otherwise is to ignore history. I have no quarrel with anyone who prefers to study karate techniques and then to decline to use them to their fullest potential. As for me, if I am being subjected to deadly attack, with help from the nearest SWAT team mere hours away, I will feel no compunction whatever against using the most destructive and deadly techniques in my personal arsenal, until the threat has been neutralized. To each his own, as far as utilization of the art is concerned. But again, it is simply wrong to claim that deadly violence was not at the start -- and at the heart -- of the Okinawan combat form which came to be known as karate.
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    • Jesse
      This is a really old article, but comments keep pouring in. Funny thing is, I asked Nakamoto Masahiro, hanshi 10th dan (and one of Okinawa's most prominent Karate & Kobudo researchers/authors) the other day about this subject, and he quite bluntly told me that the top reasons Karate was never made for "killing" was because 1. Okinawa is such a small island and 2. everyone has huge families. Kill somebody and you will quickly have fifty relatives to that guy hunting you down in no time, resulting in a vicious cycle of revenge. Teach the guy a lesson instead, and he will be too humiliated to ever mention the incident to anyone!
      Reply
  • Darshan
    "Are you feeling sick?" NO! I'm laughing! Before being pointlessly violent these techniques are almost impossible to apply in a real fight! And the photos are amazing! look at "Eighty-Seven: Punch to Temple" look his wrist! punching that way will crack it! or the "Sixteen: Side Kick to Jaw" and "Forty-Two: Heel Kick to Temple" where he is leaning on the wall for balancing LOL even he can use his own techniques! who is this guy? Thank you! now i have another book in the "funny & useless" folder. PS: sorry for my English
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  • Darshan
    and... about the violence debate... Karate IS violent, any martial art is violent. A wingchun master once said this: Self-defence is only an illusion, a dark cloak beneath which lurks a razor-sharp dagger waiting to be plunged into the first unwary victim. Whoever declares that any weapon manufactured today,whether it be a nuclear missile or a .38 special, is created for selfdefence,should look a little more closely in the mirror. He is either a liar or is deceiving himself. Wing Chun kung fu is a very sophisticated weapon – nothing else. It is a science of combat, the intent of which is the total incapacitation of an opponent. It is straightforward, efficient and deadly. If you’re looking to learn self-defence, don’t study Wing Chun. It would bebetter for you to master the art of invisibility.
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  • José de Freitas
    I think one of the misunderstandings about the martial arts has to do with the goal of each martial art. Basically, Self-defense is different from Dueling and different from Combat. Combat is war, and anything goes, so mostly it's weapons and killing, if needed, your enemy. Dueling can have many levels of violence. Self-defense is the opposite, the goal is to survive the fight, not to prolong it or to engage in "dick sizing contests". Karate faals somewhere between self-defense and dueling (or "fighting" if you will, with rules and expectations). It's a civilian system. It is meant not to kill -although it can - but to survive. It is not meant to WIN. It is meant to SURVIVE. Period. Like most chinese civilian systems (ie. most systems of gongfu today). You guys should read Rory Miller's Meditations on Violence.
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  • Dave
    Late to the part i know... i've seen a number of books like this over time and i agree with Jesse in that these books dont embody the essence of karate-do notice i mentioned "...do" ie the way of the empty hand as opposed to the jutsu/jitsu suffix. the reality is that most karateka are not in a position to kill anyone with one technique, or even a few. i say most, sometimes you can be unlucky. those "one punch, one kill" people need to have a serious look at themselves, what motivates them and what their intentions are (join the foreign legion, theyre always killing people somewhere around the world) as for how much to retaliate, enough to effect your escape and proportional to the violence being enacted upon you is a fairly safe bet unless you fancy sharing a prison cell with a fellow called Bubba! sometimes fatalities occur despite the best intentions, these matters are for the judicial system. as for the rest of the time, just like we control the impact of our technique in the dojo, use some discretion and control in the rest of your life...oh and dont wear speedos in the dojo please! dave
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    • Carlos
      Lee was ‘pound for pound the best martial asrtit i’ve ever seen’ I know thats only comparing fighters, and not styles, but if you look at JKD it’s much more ‘street ready’ than american kenpo.
      Reply
  • Dannte
    Hello to all my fellow martial artist and karateka espesially. This is a very interesting discussion. Im a war vet having served 8 yrs in the Army and a tour of duty in Iraq during operarion iraq freedom 2. I was there when it was still a conflict (smile). I was a convoy security gunner and a military bodyguard. I am also a trained shuri ryu black belt under Shihan Chester Richardson who is a trained police officer and has used his skill many rimes in the streets. On one occassion my sensei severly cripple a man trying to rob him after his shift was over. His karate skill was brutal , lethal and made for the streets. He made sure to teach us the philisophical and meditative npart of traditional karate as well but as a teacher he made sure his students who were young inner city youth could protect themselves and family should the need arise. Living in the ghetto as a youth Ive used the pratical side of karate many times and because of good tradional hardcore training Im still nhere thank God. Real karate is grimy and ugly and in its most extreme usage for the sake of survival it can be a tool for survival and yes killing. Im not telling you what I heard.Sadly my friends Im telling Im telling you what I know. Old school karate is definitly the truth. In the spirit of true karate and to every warrior who has graced this page....Osu !
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  • Whitey Mc.StinkStink
    Karate as it is taught today is often times not deadly at all. It's called EMPTY hand for a reason. Most of the old principles and ways of using waza was kept away from the public(and the Japanese). Tudi/Toudi/Todi(however u wanna spell it), is another matter entirely though. Tudi was a VERY destructive and VERY deadly Chinese/Uchinanchu LIFE PROTECTION ART. In severe enough circumstances, life protection may mean killing someone and to rule out this possibility for some sort of "Japanese/Zen/Do-bullshit" would just be stupid. HOWEVER... to kill any and every attacker that comes your way is far more ignorant. In many occasions (but certainly not always) something as simple as a swift toe to the groin would stop an attacker, and they will live to tell the story and may learn something from the experience. MY POINT IS... to train in a LIFE PROTECTION ART and rule out any possibility of protecting yourself or your family is stupid. ""You can spend years forging and sharpening a sword and you can test your sword on objects (Makiwara and such) to see just how sharp, but this does not mean that you have to cut someone's head off just to see if your sword is sharp, if you train right you'll have no doubts about your swords"" There are still quite a few family systems left in Okinawa that teach what Karate was originally before the Japanese got their hands on it.... but you'll likely never find them... and if you do you'll probably wish you hadn't unless they come to you
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  • Stuart
    Old book by Ted Gambordella. Unfortunately his garbage output is still going strong.
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  • Haley
    This is a cool site
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  • daveconopio
    i love karate couse iam just a kid iam 9 years old and i like karate moves that kill so i cod beit up the bully
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  • Darshan
    You don't need fancy moves that should kill, you need moves that work! Move that work without injuring too much. Ask your sensei and don't try that stuff.
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  • Dale
    hi i have been studing Okinawan Go-Juu Ryuu karate for about 3years and i have found that karate is a very spiritual sport you dont need those techneques to kill just use a combination of kinie geri yoko geri mawashi geri and shuto
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  • Eduard
    Very interesting discussion (much more so than the book). I for one am more than interested in learning as many aspects of karate as possible (provided the source is of good quality). As far as the actual application, all I can say is Ive been in 3 really really tough spots. Once I was being attacked in a store I worked near my dojo during summer, all I did was break the counter and chase the thug away. Pure smoke and mirrors no punches no one was hurt. But, had I not done something I could have been stabbed. Another time 3 guys tried to mug me. I ran like a beheaded chicken looking for either help or a tactical advantage. Worked, again no actual violence (guys got tired of chasing me). Last time was with a guy who was nicknamed "Toro" or bull. The guy was an employee of my uncle but long story short he became the leader of local gang of thugs and I had to get him out of my property. Ill tell you the guy was strong and usually nowhere near his senses. Plus he licked ice picks. I had a hammer in my hand, but again got away with smoke and mirrors. And I'm glad too because one punch of that guy and I wouldn't be typing this (stunned and ice picked away). So if you find yourself in that (3rd) situation you do what you need to or that's it. No second chances and no judges. Thankfully a bit of bluffing was more than sufficient. However most of the time being mindful of your surroundings, keeping an eye on your watch and being tolerant towards others (or distracting them and getting away) is all you could ever need. If things get really, really tough you might have to calm people down. And when violence is imminent, making your determination evident through your behavior may be more than enough. If not, then and only then do you act and with as much force as needed for the situation (hopefully a good push and sprint to the door might do it, a little bit can go a long way). I don't practice to become a killer (watching Dexter and playing Doom are enough for me). I practice because I love being fit, being with my friends and learning as much as I can among other things. In the end I hate bullying and wouldn't like to be part of the problem ever, but I also love all of karate's methods for torturing sandbags and BOBs and gladly embrace them.
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  • neilsareen
    That is rwally freaky i know karate bit i am only a gold belt my master is a 4th degree bkack belt karate
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  • Stephen
    Surely, in a situation where the assailant is attacking with intent to do serious harm "a little force, simply to bring them back to the ‘right’ path again" is not sufficient. Very philosophical and definitely a lovely way to live one's life, but really? In any altercation I've even been in since starting karate I have done my utmost to injure my opponent. There's no real higher aim. Not to teach them a lesson or to bring them back to the right path. I simply lack the ability to fight without throwing everything into it. Finishing them with a stomp may be excessive but if a punch is delivered with anything less than total intention to kill (Ikken Hissatsu anyone?) then it's worthless. That's my two cents anyway.
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  • Chuck
    Master Ken would re-stomp the groin.........
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  • Sebastiaan
    Hi all, My 2 cents: "Karate wasn't made for killing! Next to that, the situations described in the book (didn't read it though) aren't realistic. Why kick Jodan when you can kick Gedan or punch Jodan? In the worst case, violence comes unexpected and thus you are unprepared (physically and mentally) to respond as described." Hope the author gets new insights. Regards, Sebastiaan
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  • tanija
    why would someone hurt someone by killing why is people messed up is it because they think there better i guess not the just want to kill and hurt others the people should be ashamed:{
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  • Nicole
    'Karate and Kobudo is used to help people who have ‘swayed off’ the path of peace. The idea is that you just use a little force, simply to bring them back to the ‘right’ path again, and then you can continue to walk it… …together.' I'm gonna print this and paste it on my wall of quotes
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  • Jack
    It upsets me to see what has happened to the art in which I was first schooled -- in Okinawa -- some 55 years ago. Karate, up until at least that time, was not the airy-fairy, hearts-and-flowers nonsense that it seems to have become. At that time the world of karate still understood that there are very real, very violent dangers in the world, that there are brutal persons in the world who are not amenable to whispers of "have a nice day," and that any attempt to lead them "back to the path of peace" will most likely get you killed. We were taught that the only sensible way to respond to an unprovoked physical attack is to do whatever needs to be done to render the attacker incapable of further attack. And as I have mentioned here before, we were taught many terribly destructive, even deadly techniques. The ideal response to an attack was to prevent a fight from taking place by delivering -- if possible -- a single, devastating blow or other devastating technique, all of which are being lost now because of the advent of "tournament karate," in which all of the most effective techniques have been outlawed. And before someone pipes up with an assertion that I must have been working in some deranged offshoot of karate, please know that I was first taught in the Karate-do Shoreikan, under Sensei Toguchi Seikichi, now world-renowned as one of the great masters of all time. Sensei Toguchi revered and elevated courtesy and respect above all things except one, and that was the doing of whatever is necessary to do, in defense of one's self or of others. We were taught to walk in peace, but to be prepared to engage in a full-on violent response when and if attacked. That philosophy still seems to me to make the most sense.
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  • Tom
    My teacher taught me to beat anyone who has a weapon pointed at you and never let your guard down after the opponents down. I think it should always be used to kill but if someone pointed a gun and for some reason I disable him I would beat that guy real good. Probably 80 fractured or broken bones. Still less than half the bones you have.
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  • AnimeFreakGod
    Dude just...wtf
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  • Rikuto
    This is a beautiful article. I mean, all your articles are great, but this is one of my favorites because it demonstrates what is the SOUL of karate and what isn't. This is something that people need to understand before they start training. I believe many people train in karate (or at least begin to) for the wrong reasons, such as the "power to kill".
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  • alexander
    tose are the karate moves that i need to learn!!!!
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  • Arjun
    Jesse is right about his opinion for karate. a true karateka will not use these sophisticated kicks or techniques. when someone attacks you a powerful block is more than enough to end the fight. watch the movie black belt 2007 from which we understand what karate is.
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  • Byron
    I agree with Jesse, and it is reflected in the quote from Master Funikoshi as well; “The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory nor defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants ” - Gichin Funakoshi It is not about victory or defeat (whether inside or outside the dojo / competition) Karate is about the Perfection of Character. I don't know if you all do, but in Shotokan, the five morals of the Dojo Kun are recited at the beginning and end of each and every class: Hitotso! Jinkaku kansei ni tsutomeru koto - One Thing! Seek Perfection of Character. This is first and foremost in the Practice of Karate-do. The last of the five morals also should be stressed, and perhaps that is why it is left for last - to leave a lasting impression! Hitotsu! Kekki no yu o imashimuru koto - One Thing! Refrain from violent behaviour. An attacker can easily be subdued (not beaten to death) and handed over to the police, by simply blocking his attack. After all, karate was developed for just that; the block is delivered with sufficient power to break bones! No follow-up stomping is required! Okinawan Karate was developed to be ruthless, true, but it was because the Japanese were ruthless. It is the same for the weapons - they are not taught in most Shotokan dojos, because they are no longer seen as a needed resource. In feudal Japan, weapons were outlawed so the Okinawan people turned simple farming implements into the weapons you still see in some dojos. Interestingly, the nunchaku was simply a grain thrashing tool, the kama a sickle or scythe. One more thing! (From the Masters) If you read Master Funikoshi's 20 precepts, and other quotes, you will come across this very powerful statement: The correct understanding of Karate and its proper use is Karate-do. One who truly trains in this do [way] and actually understands Karate-do is never easily drawn into a fight. I also read somewhere that because of the true nature of karate; a strength capable of defeating even a ferocious animal. If ever used against another human being, you have failed in its pursuit. I'll end with this quote: "To win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the highest skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the highest skill." ~ Sun-Tsu ~The Art of War
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  • Lu Kang
    i am a 10'th degree black belt in karate and everything you said is Completely true
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  • carlos
    "“Karate and Kobudo is not for killing. Because after the fight, you can be friends.” This sound like japanese manga, like naruto: "let's be friends and kiss" LOL. Jesse, you said it yourself: "Yet… I must admit something. I have seen those exact moves in demonstrations here in Okinawa, the birtplace of Karate. No, I am not kidding." And WHERE DOES KARATE COME FROM? OKINAWA. So that means THIS IS KARATE, self defense, to Kill the person trying to kill or harm you or your family, Period. Now, I do agree with you on the kick to the back of the head, that is just dumb, in a real life situation thats not going to happen if someone is trying to hurt you.
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  • Julien
    I'm just here wondering how on earth do you position yourself to roundhouse someone to the balls? And why does it have to be a roundhouse isn't any kick to the nuts painful enough as it is? The CAPITAL LETTERS make this seem even more painful ._.
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  • Giovanni
    I am Japanese and never believed Martial Arts a practical form of fighting. It was more a cultural thing done for character building and for sport or just because you were Japanese. But practicality was, doing endless katas was one thing and getting into a shoving, swinging, neck hold, eye gouging in the dust fight because someone called you a "Jap" was another. What I did learn was that, after only as going as far as white belt in Karate, if you do the basic movements over and over again, hundreds of times, you get good at it. I can only say from my experience is that I have kicked guys in the gut so hard its made them puke and knocked guys out with a simple, well timed and well aimed straight punch to the head. It has made me wondered how far I could have gone if I had stayed with a martial art. The reason why I never liked Martial Arts was because I never believed in it. A real fight, in my mind, was always too unpredictable for any kind of system that a martial arts could teach me. Having an Aikido instructor correct me that I was not attacking my opponent right with the fake knife he gave me, was the pinnacle of stupidity. What I have learned in my life is that if you practice the basic moves of punching, kicking, blocking over and over again, you get good at it and that the "wax on, wax off" technique REALLY does work. Like they say, practicing one move 1000 times is better than knowing 1000 move practiced one time. Of course if you know 1000 moves and practice them thousands of times, well yeah, you have the advantage. But most of all, it's all in the application so you have to constantly fight, applying what you practice. A fight maybe unpredictable, but the more you fight will help you think faster than your opponent and be able to apply what you practice with very lethal results for your opponent.
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  • Aryan Gupta
    I love the stomping part to the face to knockoutout the person Jesse can you put some pictures.
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  • 2 Dan mon
    To me karate is not even about self defense. sure it's a nice bonus, but really karate, for me, is about perfecting my body's balance. karate is a way to achieve physical peace. Mediation for the mind, karate for the body and music for the soul. that's my way karate is for me.
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  • RAHUL SUNDAR
    i was green belt in shotokan but now white belt in gojureu i am hating my master but i studyd so much its good to kill
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  • Warren
    This is a lovely article. To all those that think martial arts is about killing and violence rather than about beauty and inner peace, you're a disgrace to true martial arts and you should be ashamed of yourselves.
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    • Eric Ray
      You don't need martial arts for meditation although Shotokan is a meditation and the comoradory of the dojo is unmatched.
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  • Will
    Still getting comments 6 years later... I just read this now. That book is dumb. I think we all agree. BUT-- Enough of the peaceful shaming the violent and the violent shaming the peaceful. These are two sides of the same coin. Yes, karate is for empty-handed self defense (i.e., survival, self preservation). If a drunk at a bar takes a swing, a kick to the gut or groin may be ideal to extinguish the situation. Maybe buy him a beer afterward and try to smooth things over. Maybe just duck... who cares. If attacked by more than one person, unable to run, and fearing for your life, yes, let's get violent, preserve myself and break a lot of not-my-bones. I can't spend all night aikidoing them into each other until we all laugh it off and grab a beer together. I can't do that. I'm not Osensei Ueshiba. Is it better to be aware of our surroundings and attempt to avoid violent confrontations (understanding what may ensue if it gets physical)? Of course. Does karate teach this? Absolutely. It's like carrying any other weapon as a civilian. Once you have it, it's in everybody's best interest that you know when not to use it... or not use it to it's most devastating potential. Moreover, the longer you spend perfecting your control and use of your weapon/karate, the more devastating it gets... the more respect you have for it... the more reserved you are about using it, or more likely to use it with reserved application. Speak softly but carry a big stick, maybe? If you don't think martial arts is about killing or incapacitation and violence you're fooling yourself. The beauty and peacefulness is having the means to do terrible things, but having the character of restraint and compassion to not do them. The tiger walking peacefully among sheep is a true karateka, not the sheep walking with other sheep.
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    • Quinn Lee Vize
      I have nine black belts and know about all of those but instead of killing its way easier to side kick to the side of the knee and medium strength chop to the neck. I've learned to n every fight I've been in there is always a smart way and a foolish way.
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    • Eric Ray
      Tiger is hungry and will eat sheep by nature. Kicking bar patron in gut is dumb... he's drunk, no match, and what are you doing there in the first place? This seems true: " the longer you spend perfecting your control and use of your weapon/karate, the more devastating it gets... the more respect you have for it... Why obtain a shodan? Good question.
      Reply
  • Laiba
    You cant teach me however I live In pakistan and we dont have $ as a currency
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  • Yudi
    I personally think that a crane kick, if done properly,can likewise do quite an amount of damage.
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  • Bojo
    Okay let's clear it for ya guys martial arts are not ment for killing(just look at the philosophy avoiding the fight).but twisted minds exist everywhere literally.China started developing killing techniques for military purposes.that's when it all begins. the purpose of the martial arts is to strengthen you outside-in think bout it, the people don't become bullies because they're stronger but because they WANT TO BE STRONGER nowadays most used method for dealing with bullies is signing them for boxing "Kenichi do you believe that,do you believe that in the world of martial arts only the strongest survive.becouse I don't.i believe that martial arts where created to make short and weak people stand a chance against bigger and stronger opponents"-the girl from "Greatest discipline Kenichi"
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  • Nitesh
    who ever is best in karate ,martial arts contact me.
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  • Eric
    Okay, I finally found the comment spot... You know that the purpose of karate is to kill in the tradition of the samari. From Shotokan "skein hitatsu" or kill with one blow.
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  • Tirtha Jana
    With full respect to all senior fighters here, I want to ask a question.. I'm a novish in karate.. I've just got my brown belt & preparing for my tournament.. I've learnt boxing & Tae kon do for some times.. I've seen that all of them kinda similar (Not jabs or hooks though).. So if mix up those moves & use them in tournament will I be disqualified???
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  • Eric
    My opinion is these techniques are meant to kill, therefore using them in tournament is a sacrilege of the tradation of the samari warrior. My basic and advanced training was without tournament. Kill with one blow.
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  • Randy Griffin
    Any type of Martial Arts is taught for Self Defense NOT to kill some one; any one who teaches his or her students to use the Martial Arts to kill some one she NOT be teaching Martial Arts to any one: I hold a Black Belt in Kempo Karate and I was always taught to use what I learned for Self Defense purposes only not to kill some one, yes there are some techs. I was taught that can actually kill a person, but; I would never use those techs for any reason, any one who has taken the Martial Arts for Self Defense purposes knows there is that fine line you do not cross not for any reason unless you want to suffer the consequences for your actions and that is where the questions comes into play what does the Law say about self defense and when to use it and when not use self defense. So my fellows Martial Artist be ever so cautious about using what you have been taught.
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  • Eric Ray
    You've proven my point. People claim they have firearms for self defense and yet do you know anyone who has ever used a pistol for self defense? No. It's a device used to kill. Do you know anyone who has used karate for self defense? Why were they in a place where defense would be needed? Stupidly or arrogantly going somewhere where violence will be encountered. Karate is not a sport. A gun is to kill. Karate is to kill. Don't go there. Get your godan and you have increased your killing capacity 5 fold. A friend of mine who served as an army Ranger in Vietnam assassinated several enemy combatants. Do you think he hangs out in a bar to prove his manliness? No. Rediculous. Drop the conversation.
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  • Matt
    Jessie I what are your thoughts are about the final moves of the Goju kata saifa?
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  • Shadow Hunter
    Put videos on line so people can see
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  • charles
    If those above cited karate moves are not really karate because it is simply killing, what then is karate and its purpose as martial art? Karate - empty hand; no weapon held by the hand and use to fight aggressor/s who may be also empty handed or holding a weapon. The defender or aggressor who uses his Karate or empty hand will fight only using his hand and feet and does not wield any weapon against anyone. There are Philosophies integrated into the art of Karate by some of its masters and practitioners but some master/s said that karate is not a philosophy but to be able to kill with one blow. What does Funakoshi said about Karate? There is no first attack in Karate (is this Correct?). Impliedly, karate does not initiate aggression or start a fight and even may be in any way that it can spark a fight. The practitioner then must be very calm that even he is provoked by insult, spit on his face or a finger ticked on his ear he will not attack; but it implies that once attack and his life or limbs are in danger he will defend and in so doing will use now his Karate- to kill the aggressor with one blow, maim, knockout, disable? I would like to harmonize philosophy of non violence and violence in relation to karate; and this are what I believe are best karate moves for self defense without killing but still doing the practical of karate ( perhaps good for small guy like me. I am 5'4". ): 1. Spear-hand strike to the eyes or throat; 2. Extended knuckle strike to the eyes, face, throat, breast bone and solar plexus; 3. chop to the neck but not the nape as a strike on this part may kill a person; 4. Groin kick; 5. upper elbow strike to the jaw; and 6. Thumb strike to the neck, eyes, throat.
    Reply
  • Zara
    I'm no karateka but to think martial arts have nothing to do with violence seems rather naive. To me the ability to do real damage if necessary is what makes one humble and peaceloving as it eliminates insecurity and prevents one's ego from getting involved in stupid situations. In my experience (self-defense style consisting of JKD, kali and Japanese jujutsu) not training with true intent will make one hesitant in actually using the techniques even if legally and morally you'd have every right to. This could have very serious consequences for your health and well-being. Sadly there are very bad people out there who won't have any qualms about killing or seriously hurting you: they're not called thugs and criminals for nothing. In order to deal with such people intent on harming you, your loved ones or innocent strangers the only effective answer is greater and more effectively applied violence. That being said not all (not even the majority) of self-defense cases are serious enough to warrant the degree of violence described in that book you commented on (regardless of the feasibility of some of these techniques: a sidekick that will make the opponent's chest cave in? lol). I'd never train a stompkick to a downed opponents' head with any regularity as this is a killing blow that is rarely if ever justified. As you rightly put it that should be reserved for the military. You have good intentions and a sound moral compass, however I do hope you'll be able to defend yourself if need be and won't hesitate to use violence when required. We should never let the bad elements of society win, especially as martial artists.
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  • heyhellohola
    hey mate, i got your point but here is the deal. What i would say 80-90% of the schools does is the so called "Sport Karate" but if you look more into the Karate all the way up to history and Okinawa, then you realize this is actually a tool to defend yourself by all means. In our school in Basel, Switzerland we teach not only the sport karate but the traditional karate too, including all the "Final Technique". It is the student responsibility what and how he uses from the available repository.
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  • Canicious Mulenga
    I have loved how you explained everything, I think I'll learn a lot from you.
    Reply
  • Rostislav
    Hi Jesse Enkamp, did You ever fought full contact... no time limit fight... I guess You not ... Never!!!.You are just a big mouth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Reply
  • Adrian Elise Blanchard
    In my personal opinion l believe that the art of "Karate" is a skill, talent, and art that could be taught to a artistically person who as the god given abilities to want to learn to do it! With the research, time, and money you can definitely locate a 'Karate School' you desire that will teach you to defend yourself.
    Reply
  • Collin Aldridge
    You sound pathetic, weak, and willfully ignorant excluding killing from Karate. Karate was not created for merciful self-defense. It was made to kill people through wooden armor. It's marketed as self-defense to weak people in modern times, but the history is that ALL martial arts that do not explicitly have "not killing" as a goal are made for killing. If someone attacks you unprovoked, especially with a weapon, they deserve to die and suffer in the process. What good does leaving them alive do? They're not going to stop attacking people for the rest of their life because of a broken arm or leg or because they got choked or their breath knocked out.
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  • Bernard
    Hello i am a 4th grader ;()baby yoda
    Reply
  • Jeremiah
    This was really helpful. Thanks
    Reply
  • FPM
    My gosh... I was waiting to read something like a Bruce Lee, "Enter The Dragon" type of leap into the air with a two feet together landing to the upper midsection/solar plexus where the poor opponent fatally loses his wind and suffers a painfully breath-deprived death!
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  • Paige
    Dear Jesse, I only know one move and it is supposed to be deadly. I am a 5'4" 130lb 71 year old woman with no special training in not perfect shape either. So hopefully I'll never be in a life threatening situation but if I am and get my move right and drop the assailant and even kill him/her, how will the law see this? I know it's a deadly blow. That's what I see about all those that you mention. What is the person defending themselves supposed to do to avoid prosecution for saving themselves? Run away from the scene? I live in FL where we have stand your ground but the person has to be inside.
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  • harold canfield
    dear jesse look for a book that was out in 1984 the 100 deadliest karate book by dr. ted gambordella 5th dan check the book out
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  • Black Panther
    Jesse, do you still think Karate is purely for Self defence?
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  • Creator of karate
    Alright everyone, let's get this cleared up once and for all. I am the creator of karate and I designed it with the intention of making people argue about what it is intended for. You are ALL actually correct. You're welcome.
    Reply

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