Sai Kumite Heiho – Strategical Principles – Part 2

In part 1 we discussed the central problems associated with Sai kumite. These were the distance problem and the Leverage Deficit problem. Overcoming these issues naturally guides the user of the Sai to act in a certain way (or should do). Having discussed some mechanical considerations and how this effects our strategy, let’s now consider some tactical options.

We know that closing distance and creating angle is essential. Natural next question is… great… how do we do that? Well broadly you have two options when it comes to creating angles. Number one is you move. This relies on mobility facilitated through the use of tachikata (stance work) and ashi sabaki (footwork). Or alternatively, you could force your opponent to move often by placing them in a dilemma where the option of not moving isn’t viable or by breaking their balance (kuzushi). 

Often Kamae (posture), is seen as static, unnecessary and in extreme cases somewhat pretentious set of positions to use. The use of Kamae though underpins the mindset and strategy of Bujutsu. Kamae, provides a physical manifestation of the principle of Zanshin; cultivation of which is key in classical martial arts. Strategically more important though is the notion of Junbi, or preparation. Junbi can be general but, when understood, is more often specific. For example, if we think of Kote Junbi we are considering the positioning of the wrist to optimise and establish the technique. Ashi junbi, is the preparation of the feet/footwork. Your initial stance, weight distribution, overall posture and body tension all impact your bodies capacity for mobility. In order to overcome the body’s own inertia, you want to accelerate smoothly into the desired direction using an efficient application of force. Good preparation of the feet enables this.

For example, consider the significance of your opponent’s rear foot. The angle of the foot reveals the angle of the knee and so the direction with which the opponent can push; either to offer resistance or retreat. A smart opponent will exploit these small weaknesses to gain advantage during kumite and what is true of Karate is nearly always true of Kobujutsu.

Expanding upon the principles of footwork is simply too large a topic to immerse into right now however two general points I’d like to direct you towards would be that you must be able to adapt in real time to the movement your opponent gives you. If they enter with depth or hold back with shallow footwork you must pick up on this and adapt accordingly. There are no shortcuts to this other than diligent and intentional practice. If you really want to know how good someone is with a weapon, watch their feet! 

The second point on footwork I’d like to draw your attention to is that using only one type of footwork or stepping pattern will prove inadequate. You must be able to quickly transition between sticking, sliding, stepping, shuffling, twisting and pivoting in order to maximise your mobility.

So, if that accounts for the mobility option, how can we force our opponent to move to generate angle?

Consider chess. An ideal move positions you in uncontested space whilst simultaneously establishing multiple offensive options. This forces your opponent into a dilemma. They can’t take your piece so fundamentally, they have 3 options left. Option one is to act defensively; in so doing they have to choose which piece they are willing to sacrifice. They can defend one, but not both. This is obviously compounded by a skilled opponent when the act of choosing to resolve one dilemma creates another. In some regards, the very act of checkmate is to establish a perfect dilemma, one without a solution.

Option two would be to negate your offence, move a piece to block the line of attack and render the original dilemma inert. Often this involves is own form of risk/sacrifice.

The third option would be to gambit. Basically, not to be seen to care at all about the inherent dilemma because unbeknown to your opponent, you’re playing a different game entirely, one where neither of these pieces matters as a different one is about to cleverly swoop in and win the game. 

In kumite all three of these options to have a place and time. It's generally pretty advisable to avoid a gambit in a situation of life/death, but certainly in sport, it has its place. It’s often about risk mitigation, weighted probability and possession of knowledge your opponent may not have, which facilitates it.

This leaves us then with the tactical imperative to create dilemma’s for our opponent, which either enable us to break directly through our opponents defense or, in the act of attempting to negate our attacks, expose them to an angle. The key, just like chess, is to be several steps ahead. 

This buys you time, and so, without actually being faster, you feel faster to your opponent, who is in a perpetual state of counter-defence. Once you reach the threshold which overwhelms your opponent and you have angle, you will have achieved the capacity to execute within range a finishing strike or controlling position, depending on your objective.