Keys to Success - Accuracy

There is a popular saying among shooters that a hit with a .22 is better than a miss with a .45. That seems obvious, but many people fail to apply it to other weapons, like their own hands and feet. When most people think of accuracy in martial arts, they think of their ability to hit the target. In one sense, that is true. However, it is not the complete truth. For a shooter, it is very easy to set a standard for accuracy. With a paper target, the bullet penetrates the target in a scoring zone and it is easily quantified. We can measure this type of accuracy for hand and foot strikes too and that is a good starting point. However, for the martial artist, things are not that simple.

One of the problems with a firearm is that you have no control on the depth of the strike. This third dimension of depth must also be considered with a kick or a punch. Depending on the penetration of the strike, the amount of damage done may range from none to severe. In sparring, we intend to strike the exact same targets as we would in a combat or self-defense situation, but we do it with no penetration into the targets, so there is no damage. In a real situation, you should strike through the target and the results will be very different.

If that is not complicated enough, true accuracy in Karate also deals with the angle of attack. Consider the following excerpt from the first chapter of George A. Dillman’s book Kyusho-Jitsu:

“Pressure point fighting is a precise art. It requires an exact knowledge of the location and use of small targets on the body. Different points have different functions. Different points work together in different ways. And points cannot usually be activated head-on. Each has a particular angle at which it must be struck or pressed to produce results.”

Now you understand why we may adjust your reverse punch by moving your hand only an inch or so. It can make a difference.

Another point about accuracy pertains to the concept of finishing your technique. How many times have you heard an instructor say ‘keep your hands up’, ‘chamber your other hand’ or ‘re-cock your kick’? These types of things are addressing flaws or inaccuracies in your techniques. It might seem trivial, but this perfection of your techniques can make the difference in a real fight. The following paragraph comes from Jennifer Lawler’s book Dojo Wisdom:

When you kick your opponent, you chamber your leg and strike. But that’s not all. You don’t just drop your foot when you’re done. This would leave you in an excellent position for your opponent to punch you in the face. Instead, you re-chamber your leg and return to the starting position.

As you can see, we are not just being picky when we make these ‘minor’ corrections. We don’t want to embarrass anyone, but we want you to be the best you can be. Nobody perfects this concept of accuracy without correction, so we have to correct everyone from time to time. By listening to your instructors and making corrections, you will constantly improve.

Donnie Chaffin,
3rd Dan