This video shows a practical karate “holistic fighting pad drill”. I would define it as “holistic” because it includes straight strikes, arcing strikes, clearing limbs, a takedown, ground fighting, striking from above, controlling limbs on the floor, a ground fighting lock (attempted), and striking from underneath. It is definitely a “fighting drill”, as opposed to a “self-protection drill”, due to the fact that a floor fight is both sought and maintained. This would be a very dangerous tactic outside of the duelling paradigm because of the strong possibility of multiple enemies and the fact that escape is neither sought nor facilitated.

The drill should be performed on mats and in a continuous flowing fashion. Although a “fighting drill” by design, we nevertheless see some kata methodology in play i.e. the use of the hitkite (“pulling hand”) to clear a path of the first strike and the hammer firsts; the muchimi / slicking limbs used to clear the path for the takedown, and the “datum setting” for the elbow strikes (as we see in Tekki / Naihanchi, Pinan / Heian Yodan, Kushanku / Kanku-Dai, etc). The strikes themselves are obviously also found throughout many kata, as is the concept of taking the opponent’s centre of gravity outside their base while using our leg to prevent the enemy from correcting this and regaining their balance.

Drills like this can be an enjoyable and beneficial way to practise delivering powerful strikes, integrating grapping and striking, and developing flowing motion.

As always, drills like this should only be practised under the close supervision of a suitably qualified and experienced person.

Enjoy!

All the best,

Iain

PS The YouTube link can be found HERE