Focus and Chi are described in many ways, but let’s talk about its application in karate. When teaching a new student the basics of karate, I first concentrate on proper stance, proper movement and technique application. I also demonstrate the proper striking area of the fist in punching and striking techniques. I believe it is very important to build a good foundation. As a student practices, chi is developed naturally and the first stage could be related to muscle coordination. Proper muscle contraction and relaxation are very important in execution of any technique. The muscles need to be relaxed to move quickly, but contracted on impact. Focus is also refered to the area we are looking at, but focus is also where we concentrate our energy. For instance, if we attempt to break a board and concentrate on the surface, chances are the board will not break, however if we concentrate below the board or follow through, the break will be successful.

Focus and chi take many years to perfect, focusing a punch for instance, all body movement must be harmonious and flowing, and at the moment of impact all muscles are contracted. A good kiap or yell helps to strengthen the focus and change the speed of the movement into force. A properly executed karate technique actually hits the target area twice. Chi, our inner body strength, is coupled with the focus and adds to further strength of application. Learning how to focus a punch will come first; chi is a mind thing and takes longer to develop. One must be careful not to confuse pushing power with focus power. Comparing board breaking again will help explain, If you apply enough force to a board that is securely braced it will break, however if you suspend the board loosely and hit it with the same force it will simply fly across the room and remain undamaged. A good focused technique will be successful in either application.

When chi is added to a technique the results are very devastating and can cause severe injury. I have on one occasion hit an inflated power shield with a focus technique and was very happy I did not use maximum power. The person holding the air shield and his friend helping to support him were both lifted and knocked backward. The person holding the air shield grabbed his Gi and opened the top, he had a red mark on his chest where I had focused my open hand strike, indicating the force had gone through the shield. I believe that a focused technique can only be delivered in a life threatening situation because of the danger. Focus is a mechanical thing, Chi is a mysterious thing. While focus is related to the muscles, chi is related to the mind. Can you explain it, I can’t, but I did experience it. Have you?


by Ken Bloom