Relax - be yourself - thought and action must become one. Use your peripheral vision and stay balanced. Utilize offense and defense as one. Be aggressive, find your partner's rhythm, and create openings with good timing and distance. Steal the pace and keep it.
Remember the 3 timings for counter attack.
1. Defend the attack (block and/or dodge), then counter.
2. Defend and counter simultaneously.
3. Counter before the attack may be fully launched - a pre-emptive strike. (Move last but hit first.)
In all things, be in the moment and adapt on the fly. Use timing, reflexes, and tactics. Remember to use slips, bob and weave, jamming, stop hits, and trapping hands. Always focus on compact technique, correct form, and proper breathing.
"You must apply the most effective weapon as soon as possible to the most vulnerable point of your enemy." - Bruce Lee
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These tips are included in Martial Arts Thoughts and Articles - free online PDF book. The book serves as a supplement to Johnston Karate's student karate guide, Understanding Karate-do, which is also available as a professionally bound and printed trade paperback book, and a Kindle e-book. Please visit our Understanding Karate-do store on Amazon.com if you would like to order your own copy :)
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