Discussion Topic – Sente (先手: initiative, first move, forestalling)
Kumite can be very daunting to junior students. Trying to build on the concepts that have been introduced through Kihon and Renkei Waza while working out ones own style can be a challenge. Over the years of training myself and other for Kumite I have found it very useful to develop a mental framework that allows for a comfortable, confident and effective mine set. Once developed individuals enter competition with a clear and relaxed mind which allows them to focus on their opponent while their body flows as in “Henka” (The ability to change and adapt a technique according to a specific situation, reactions and actions of an adversary, including your own physical status. It is a spontaneous variation unlike omote or ura, and it allows practitioners to flow effortlessly and adjust their movement in a real, dynamic situation that suits them.)
The attached PDF provides the reader a framework for Sente along with a number of training tools that can be used and applied for personal/student development.
