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COMMENTARY
By Takayuki Mikami, 8th Dan
Member World Union Technical Committee - PUKO Technical Committee and PUKO Referee Council Chairman, USAKF Technical Progress Committee
WUKO Referee and Control Commission, Senior US Coach
and Vice-Chairman USAKF Coaching Committee

In preparation for the upcoming PUKO Medical and Technical Congress, I have been giving some thought to matters I feel should be discussed. One common problem I have seen in both WUKO and other international competition is face contact and resulting head injuries. This frequently causes matches to be stopped - taking much time. Because we should be looking to improve standards, I think attention should be given to this matter.

During actual competition, I think less than 25% of the face attack techniques I see are actually effective. Of the remainder, I would say 25% are out of range, 25% make illegal contact, and 25% miss the target and pass by to the side.

What are the reasons for this problem?

1) Technical point

a) off balance when attacking
b) improper application of body technique e.g., shoulder up too much; overreaching with arm
c) wild techniques - not controlled by hip

2) Mental aspects

a) not enough respect for opponent
b) not enough concentration on target (sometimes not even watching target)

3) In too much of a hurry to score a point, therefore not maintaining quality of techniques

How do we improve?

1) Stricter enforcement of the rules

Penalties should be given for face contact. Even if the target is missed, a warning should be given. If people are made to be more careful, they will improve techniques.

2) Improve competitors

a) one must concentrate 100% to make techniques effective and get the right range.
In The Book of Five Rings. Musashi says there is a big difference between a Hit - which is an accident, and an Attack, which is planned.
b) proper basics are the key to improving technique for accuracy and control.
c) one must get into effective range as quickly as possible - in too many cases, people are not thinking about effective range.

The importance of proper and effective range cannot be overemphasized. It is very important to learn to read range for yourself and your opponent. The quicker you can read range, the better chance you have to make proper application of your technique. Not only do you eliminate giving your opponent a chance to attack, you also avoid unnecessary movement and conserve energy. One who quickly gets into the proper range can achieve the initiative in matches.

These are some of my opinions on ways to improve safety and raise standards. Please make use of them at the technical meeting as you see fit.