I believe the original intent of the majority of movements seen in Karate were designed not to be a single individual technique, but to be a gross movement that can be trained in multiples ways with multiple outcomes. The movement would have one function, the force trajectory the movement takes, but multiple applications, which leads to multiple techniques. Perhaps also intended as a type of mnenomic device to remember a potential infinte amount of offensive and defensive tools. Of course some movements would have more and some would have less applications, but I feel this is one of the biggest advantages Karate holds. Karate movements are swiss knives, the leatherman and gerber multitools of martial arts.
Knowing what we know now because of the research done by people like Patrick McCarthy, and by using some common sense when analyzing kata and various karate moves. We know that Karate was used to defend against 36 different attacks and their various alterations. And these attacks would be done by the average person, maybe a little bit bigger and probably stronger than yourself. We also know that some techniques were probably meant to kill, and covered all ranges of combat, kicking, punching, clinch, and the ground. And there are punches, kicks, knees, elbows, various hand strikes, sweeps, throws, chokes, joint locks, and escapes.
From reading various histories and interviews I have the opinion that many of the old masters would be well versed in all ranges of fighting, but would have one or two single techniques mastered. To me, this makes sense. Because if you’ve ever been in a real fight, and if you’ve ever fought someone who is above average in skill. You know how hard it really is. The timing, rhythm, speed, power, distance,and all the various things that make techniques work can take a lifetime to master. Especially if you don’t have 24/7 to train. It’s not unlike in western boxing where for instance Larry Holmes had mastered the jab to a level most boxers will never achieve. Or in MMA where someone like Mirco Crocop had perfected the head kick to a one hit knockout level, or Georges St. Pierre with his takedown ability he is able to control the range at nearly all times. Each know the totality of their respective skillsets but have mastered a specific movement to a level so high that it gives them an advantage against most professional fighters, let alone the average person or street thug.
That to me is the advantage of mastering a single technique to the highest level you can possibly achieve. The average person will never be at the level you are, and you may possibly achieve a higher level than most elite professional fighters. Karate has mostly emphasized the fist as a strike, mostly a straight punch, and trained on the makiwara to hit as fast, as hard, and as accurate as possible to achieve a knockout blow. But it can be whatever works for you, and even as simple as just your favorite technique. Perfecting the timing, rhythm, distancing, speed, and power required to stake your life on it’s application.
MY KARATE BLOG 