It's often better to counter than to attack

It's harder to defend yourself whilst on the attack

As there was a big tournament in Surbiton, England this month, I thought I'd start with a tip that will make you a more successful tournament fighter. The open men's division was won by Ian Cooper. Although Ian's karate is not as spectacular or aggressive as some of his rivals, Ian managed to beat them all convincingly. Why? Because he waited for them to commit, then he blocked and counter-attacked.

If you watch experienced karateka sparring, you'll often see that they seem to spend more time stalking each other than getting stuck in. Obviously they're looking for weaknesses, but they're also very aware that he who strikes first, often loses.

Prepare a couple of great block/strike combinations, then learn to do them together, using two limbs simultaneously. Common technique pairings are rising head-level block with a reverse punch, inside block with reverse punch and outside block with side backfist. Kick pairings are less common when you're talking about simultaneous blocks and counters, but people who are very good with their legs might like to try matching outside block with a round kick, both using the right or left arm/leg. Perhaps you can find others that work for you. If you come up with anything that's especially effective, why not share it here with other students?