Uechi-Ryu Lesson ~ The Rhino Run

DISCLAIMER PLEASE READ This lesson is meant for serious group training purposes only and is not to be used as a reference for personal training. Should you require training you need to seek out a qualified Uechi-ryu instructor for direct supervision. The author accepts no responsibility for any & all such risks and dangers and the possibility of personal injury, death, and property damage or loss resulting from such use and participation. Reading this lesson &/or practicing this drill is solely at the risk of the reader. A note on head contact: There is significant evidence pointing to the deadly effects of head trauma over time (this can apply to regular training). I use full body gear whenever possible while working drills; I strongly suggest you do the same & contact your local physician to discuss the possible effects of head injury even in the confines of the Karate dojo.

The Online Resource For Uechi-ryu Karate-Do ~ http://www.uechi-ryu-journal.com

INTRODUCTION This drill is one that I find (unfortunately) of great use in class. All to often we 'spar' in class... even to the point of calling an intense sparring session 'realistic'. Nothing could be further from the truth. I both love and hate YouTube. First I like the variety of video that I can turn on at any time when I am in the mood for something particular. I hate it of course because we are able to watch horrible street fighting with commentary from keyboard warriors who think it is cool. Fighting for your life is not 'cool', nor however should it be ignored. Most people come to Karate for the very reason of learning to protect themselves in the face of danger. What we do in class however is so controlled that, while the techniques are just as real in faceto-face self defense; there is little in the way of surprise attacking, full force defense, spontaneous attacks, etc. In short we are too kind to each other, there always seems to be a give and take approach that is unrealistic outside of the dojo. SO what is the Rhino Run then? Very simply the Rhino Run is one of the best methods I know of to learn to deal with adrenaline pumping, split second timing, all out attacks.

HERE IS HOW IT WORKS: 1. A student is chosen to attack during a class; they are suited up for their own protection. 2. This student (attacker) walks around the perimeter of the dojo floor during class. 3. Without warning the attacker launches a * full out assault on one of the participants in the class. The attacker is moving at an increased speed in a constant and furious forward motion. * There still is control as it is a classmate; however this is as close as we can come to a genuine 'street' assault. 4. The defender deals with the situation the best he/she can. 5. Repeat drill with another student after a clear end to the attack. (The defending student MUST continue until he/she is in a 'winning' position.) 6. Review defences with participating students at the end of the class.

The Online Resource For Uechi-ryu Karate-Do ~ http://www.uechi-ryu-journal.com

IMPORTANT:

This is intense; think carefully about your class that will be participating in this exercise. The rough and furious attacks are NOT what are commonly found in class, the defences WILL be clumsy and shoddy.... This is the point of doing it. Students could find themselves overwhelmed & break down; I have seen it happen and you need to think hard if your students are ready for this. Discuss this exercise with your students prior to doing it; you may find your class does not want to try it yet. This is meant for adult or mature students ONLY... NOT Youth classes. Choose the correct attacker; one that can tone down the aggression to fit lessexperienced students. The attacker can be holding back to fit the level of the defender but pushing hard enough to preserve the adrenaline rush. I highly recommend video taping his class; it will teach you & your students a lot. Focusing on the discussion after the class is the real value to this exercise; allowing critique & the time to analyze the situations will go a long way to helping students understand what they may have to deal with. Varying the structure of the drill will also keep the surprise factor high. This drill should be matched to the students skills. The intensity of the attack should be tempered by the response of the student. Keep them out of the comfort zone but not destroy there confidence. During the discussion time after class give the student the chance to respond to the attack again and again until they have a positive result. Let them experience the stress and flailing, but send them home at the end of class winners.

The Online Resource For Uechi-ryu Karate-Do ~ http://www.uechi-ryu-journal.com

VARIATIONS 1. Start with the attacker coming in front of the defender; when the students are getting their reaction time up and their defences are obviously getting smoother (they are comfortable with the intensity and vulgar nature of the attacks) you can move to a side, rear attack angle. Be very cautious with these attacks though as any whipping action to the head could injure your students. 2. After a few months of regular trials of this drill; add multiple attackers. This can help to train for a two on one attack, third man in, or a swarm effect. 3. Add a training blade into the scenario; at some point during the confrontation have the attacker pull the blade into view and strike with it. 4. Have the attacker walking forcefully with intent at a student all the time barking, yelling and shouting. This always seems to get the blood flowing in class and adds in that verbal assault many are simply not used to. 5. Have more than one person suited up that way it adds to the adrenaline as student's dont know who is going to attack them. 6. Have everyone suited up so the attacker can attack more strongly this will also help the cardio levels of the class... training with gear on is exhausting! 7. Try this one outdoors; add uneven terrain.

Good luck with practice!

Scott Taylor Editor Uechi-ryu Journal http://www.uechi-ryu-journal.com

The Online Resource For Uechi-ryu Karate-Do ~ http://www.uechi-ryu-journal.com