“I HAVE TAUGHT YOU ALL THAT I KNOW. THERE IS NO MORE I CAN TEACH YOU. I AM A CANDLE WHOSE LIGHT HAS TRAVELED FAR. YOU ARE MY CANDLES WHOM I HAVE PASSED ON MY LIGHT. IT IS YOU WHO WILL LIGHT THE PATH FOR OTHERS. TODAY I SEE AROUND ME THE LIGHTS OF SHAOLIN.
THE FLAME OF TOMORROW. MY TASK IS DONE, SOON MY FLAME WILL END. TEACH THE TRUE SPIRIT OF KARATE-DO AND ONE DAY YOU MAY ENTER THE TEMPLE OF SHAOLIN.”
HOHAN SOKEN’S DEATH POEM
What is Free Form Combat...
Martial arts combat, is the hybrid off-spring of all the traditional Martial Arts (Fighting Arts). It is the latest sport combat which requires the maximum in skill, stamina, toughness and courage. What the "Indianapolis Race Car" is compared to the ordinary "Ford" on the street might be a comparable analogy.
The difference between Professional Full-Contact Karate and Martial Arts combat is primarily the fact that usually the Karate trained people are not always versed in Judo or grappling arts. Generally in Professional Full Contact Karate matches, emphasis is placed on Hand and Foot techniques in mostly stand up Fighting, with takedowns limited to sweeps. But in "Martial Arts Combat" one can use takedowns, pins, chokes, arm-lock submissions, leg-locks, with the joint, not against it. This is in addition to all standard karate punching, striking, elbow and knee locks.
The Martial Arts is a physical discipline which leads to mental and spiritual discipline. The objective of training is in the perfection of character. Tho become a professional Full-Contact Karate man or Martial Arts Combatant would be suitable or appealing only to a small percentage of Martial Arts devotees. But there is a place for the professional Sport Combatant, as that can be the example of a superbly conditional Professional.
There is a place for that Professional in the ideals which can be positive instead of negative for elevation of the arts. If one becomes dirty or blood thirsty and disregards the levels of human welfare just to gain fame and money, then it would certainly be negative. If one competes with sportsmanship and honor with Martial-Human-Welfare and benefit in his heart, then it can be indeed a positive endeavor.
There is no make believe, or fooling oneself in Full Contact Martial Arts Combat. The man who dedicates himself to train and compete will surely become a man among men. The tempering of steel is in the forging. A man who competes, win or lose, most assuredly will grow to be a tougher metal.
"1976 -Professor Tarow Ty Hayashi, Shihan"
