Enshin Karate and Sabaki Challenge
Enshin Karate is a style of full contact karate, or knockdown karate, that embodies the fusion of practical combat techniques with traditional Japanese discipline. Created by Kancho Ninomiya in the late 20th century, it distinguishes itself through the concept of Sabaki, a method of movement that allows practitioners to redirect an opponent's attack to position themselves advantageously. This style emphasizes circular movement, creating opportunities for counterattacks while minimizing the chances of being struck effectively.
The concept of Enshin Karate is rooted in the fusion of two Japanese words: "en," signifying an 'open or unfinished circle,' and "shin," denoting 'heart' or 'inner.' This amalgamation highlights the core values and principles central to Enshin Karate, emphasizing both philosophical and strategic dimensions.
At the heart of Enshin Karate lies the 'inner circle,' a metaphor for the deep connections and bonds formed within its community. These connections are strengthened through empathy, understanding, and the shared commitment to listening and opening one’s heart to others. This aspect underscores the importance of unity and mutual support among practitioners.
Strategically, the circle symbolizes the foundational approach to movement and combat in Enshin Karate. It represents the fluid and dynamic nature of the martial art, where practitioners are taught to maneuver around an infinite array of points around a circle.
This movement strategy is crucial for evading direct attacks and simultaneously positioning oneself to launch effective counter-attacks. The circular motion is more than a physical tactic; it embodies the philosophy of adaptability and the anticipation of limitless possibilities in defense and offense.
The Sabaki Challenge, a tournament specific to Enshin Karate, showcases the Sabaki method in action. Competitors from various backgrounds come together to compete under rules that encourage the use of the Sabaki technique to convert defensive moves into offensive positions. The challenge tests the skills of martial artists in real combat scenarios, pushing the boundaries of their agility, strategy, and adaptability. Although Enshin is a "stand-up fighting" style that includes kicks, strikes, and punches found in most other styles of karate, it also utilizes numerous grabs, sweeps, and throws often associated with Judo or other grappling styles of martial arts. Wearing guards on the hands or feet is not permitted, and taping of the hands and feet is also disallowed. Contestants must be dressed in a karate uniform that is in good condition, including pants that extend to the ankles, sleeves that go to the elbows, and a belt.
History of Enshin Karate
Enshin Karate, founded by Kancho Joko Ninomiya in 1988, is a martial art that emphasizes the Sabaki method, a unique approach to sparring and self-defense. It has gained international recognition, with practitioners and dojos worldwide.
Founder: Kancho Joko Ninomiya
Kancho Joko Ninomiya began his study of karate at a young age in Japan, dedicating himself to the rigorous practice of the Kyokushin style. With a strong competitive background, including winning the All Japan Karate Championship, Ninomiya sought to evolve his martial art knowledge. In 1974, he moved to the United States and continued to refine his technique. He established Enshin Karate in 1988, centralizing the Sabaki method as the core of the discipline.
Evolution and Global Spread
Enshin Karate has expanded from its Denver, Colorado headquarters to a global presence through a carefully structured organization and network of affiliates. From its inception, Enshin Karate sought to fuse the strong, dynamic techniques of traditional karate with practical, real-world applicability.
- Dojos Worldwide: There are now Enshin Karate dojos across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
- Sabaki Challenge: An international Enshin Karate tournament known as the Sabaki Challenge attracts competitors from all around the globe. It showcases the efficacy of the Sabaki method and furthers the martial art's reach and development.
The organization continues to evolve, adapting techniques to be effective for competitive martial artists and everyday practitioners.
Sabaki Challenge
The Sabaki Challenge is a prestigious martial arts tournament that adheres to a unique set of rules and regulations designed to test the skills, discipline, and spirit of its participants. Participants must wear a mouthguard and protective groin gear. The use of hand or foot protection is prohibited, as is the application of tape on the hands and feet. It is mandatory for all competitors to be outfitted in a well-maintained karate gi, featuring long trousers, sleeves that reach the elbows, and a belt.
Here's a comprehensive overview of the tournament's structure, including regulations for fighters, the tournament's structure, fighting rules, and scoring criteria.
Tournament Structure
The tournament is divided into different rounds for adults and children/teens, with matches lasting 6 minutes for adults and 5 minutes for those under 18. Matches are decided by scores, fewer penalties, or judges' decisions in case of ties, ensuring a fair and competitive environment for all participants.
Kumite (Fighting) Rules
Strikes with the hand or elbow and headbutts to the neck and face are forbidden. Likewise, any kicks or hits to the groin area are not allowed. However, leg kicks and leg sweeps are permitted, except for direct strikes to the front of the knee.
Competitors are allowed to hold their opponent’s shoulder or the gi on the arm or leg for only three seconds during a move, after which they must let go. It is not permissible for a competitor to wrap an arm around the opponent’s leg or to lift the leg using both hands. In cases where a competitor grabs with both hands from the front, both hands must come from the same side of the opponent. It's also against the rules to grasp the opponent's neck or torso from the front with both hands in an attempt to execute a move. In situations where both competitors are holding onto each other and no progress is being made, the referee will intervene and separate them immediately.
Rules for Newaza
The tournament includes a newaza division, promoting technique over strength with rules that integrate traditional martial arts values with ground fighting techniques. This division has specific guidelines for engagements, points scoring, and allowable techniques, ensuring safety and fairness.
Penalties and Warnings
Fighters in a tournament who violate specific combat rules, focusing on illegal strikes to sensitive areas such as the neck, face, and groin will face disciplinary actions and consequences.
- Immediate Disqualification: Fighters intentionally targeting their opponent's neck, face, or groin with strikes or kicks will be disqualified from the tournament immediately.
- Warnings and Penalties for Accidental Strikes: Accidental contact with these areas leads to a progression of disciplinary actions:
- A warning is issued for minor accidental contact (a "brush") with the neck or face area, or for certain infractions like holding an opponent for too long or making illegal maneuvers.
- A penalty is given for the first accidental punch or strike to these sensitive areas. If such an action is repeated, a double penalty is issued, potentially leading to disqualification if three penalties are accumulated.
- Injury and Fight Stoppage: If an illegal technique causes injury leading to a fight stoppage as decided by the Tournament Physician, the judges will declare a winner. If the injured fighter wins but cannot continue, their next opponent advances automatically.
- Accumulation of Warnings and Penalties: Warnings for specific infractions like accidental brushes, kicks to the groin, or illegal movements accumulate and can escalate to penalties. Repeated violations lead to increased penalties and ultimately disqualification.
- Discretion of Officials: All decisions, including the differentiation between a brush and a strike and the issuance of warnings or penalties, lie with the referee and judges. Their judgments are final and based on their interpretation of the incidents.
This system emphasizes the importance of control and discipline in martial arts competition, ensuring fighter safety and fair play. The detailed regulations serve to penalize reckless or harmful behavior while accommodating accidental infractions, all under the oversight of the tournament's officials.
Scoring
A fighter will earn one point if they deliver a head kick that causes their opponent to turn away. Similarly, one point is given for performing a clean sweep or throw while staying upright, provided there is no immediate follow-up with a controlled attack. If a fighter follows a sweep or throw with an uncontrolled attack, the action is invalidated, leading to neither a score nor a penalty. Determining the control of a follow-up technique falls to the discretion of the referee and judges.
Three points are allocated to a fighter who successfully completes a sweep or throw, remains standing, and executes a controlled attack thereafter. Any legal move that causes the opponent to fold will also result in three points, as will any action that promptly brings the opponent to the ground, making them touch the mat with their hands, knees, or hips.
Six points are given to a fighter who legally brings their opponent to the ground, rendering them unable to stand and continue the fight within five seconds, resulting in a knockout declaration and victory for the attacking fighter.
Victory in a match can be achieved through knockout, accumulating points, or by decision.
Fighter Regulations
To qualify as a contestant in the Sabaki Challenge, applicants must submit a comprehensive application package by the deadline. This package includes an Application, Fighter Questionnaire, Medical Certificate, Proof of Medical Insurance, Photograph, Videotape, and Registration Fee. A mandatory meeting for all fighters and judges is scheduled for the evening before the event, which is crucial for participation.
A weigh-in is conducted during this meeting, and penalties are imposed on fighters exceeding their weight division limits by assigning points to their opponents at the match's start. Fighters are required to wear a mouthpiece, a groin cup, and a karate gi in good condition. The use of hand or foot guards, taping, and any form of tape on the hands is prohibited, ensuring a focus on skill and technique.