| "Karate is my secret" is an idea that we | | | | controlled environment without risk of third party |
| constantly repeat and reinforce in Shuri-Ryu | | | | intervention. Although deception can play a part, |
| Karatedo. It is largely believed to refer to the | | | | there is very little opportunity for ambush. MMA |
| teaching of karate and that karate techniques | | | | fighters know their opponent is trained and has |
| should be kept secret. However, I believe it can | | | | skills, thus removing one of the greatest |
| more accurately be rephrased as "my karate | | | | advantages karateka have on the street. MMA |
| training is my secret." | | | | fighters train for long sustained fights of attrition. |
| Karate is an ambush art. A great deal of its | | | | Karateka train for brief, unexpected encounters |
| effectiveness comes from the aggressor being | | | | using the utmost force required. Once again |
| unaware that his intended victim has special | | | | turning to animals, predators may wait long |
| knowledge and skill. We are taught in karate to be | | | | periods until the moment is right, but once they |
| humble. This has a lot to do with the spiritual | | | | attack, the results can be instantaneous. |
| aspects of the art and preventing its misuse, but | | | | Hollywood is fond of the guy that assumes a |
| it is also good tactical practice. | | | | deep "karate" stance and says something to the |
| Karate is largely influenced by Chinese martial arts | | | | effect, "I must warn you, I am an expert in |
| which used the study of animals for much of its | | | | karate." This will only happen if the individual is |
| doctrine. Animals use deception and ambush | | | | bluffing, or mentally challenged. If a karateka ever |
| tactics. Animals remain hidden or disguised | | | | did this, he or she might not make it back for |
| exposing their true nature only when necessary | | | | their second class. It is this hidden knowledge that |
| or to gain the most advantage. At its best, | | | | allows true martial artists to lead humble |
| karate should work like this. When violent | | | | existences. Knowing they can defend themselves |
| response is forced upon a karateka, the response | | | | against most aggressors eliminates the need to |
| should be completely unexpected. | | | | "prove" themselves or feel threatened. Only |
| When it comes to evaluating different martial | | | | through this mental state can martial artists attain |
| arts, a lot of people place too much stock in | | | | the balance sought through the "way" of martial |
| mixed martial arts' matches for their comparison. | | | | arts and say with confidence, "karate is my |
| These are fights between highly trained, evenly | | | | secret. |
| matched and fully prepared individuals in a | | | | |