Karatel
Kids must be taught with Karatel to avoid troubles in school or in any circumstance where the only option is to be humble enough to rely on karatel. Karatel is the first teaching a Karate ka should learn from a sensei. As a golden rule, a karate ka applies first karatel and then karate, only when cornered. But to my recollection, Karatel is learned at the school backyard and instinctively applied when caught by a K-9 while stealing guavas. By the way, one is supposed to be in class!
For greater impact, Karatel requires slippers; loose ones for better execution.
Now, for Karatel advanced Kata # 10,293,456
1. Imagine that you are facing an opponent. Let us say Gloria Aruy Ko, holding a nun- chaku and o-katana on both hands. You are a meter apart.
2. Now, raise your left hand, as if performing an upward block; right hand with closed knuckles ready to strike. Display some tiger looks with matching kitten growl or if you like, dog howl (Bruce Lee pa effect).
3. Perform a right backward stance: Left knee half bent and right knee 45 degree backward.
4. Then gradually slip your left foot off your slippers (take note! Left foot first!); followed by your right foot. Make sure that you are not noticed!
5. Then apply the bluff technique. This is the key to execute a fatal blow (maybe grave shame?) Then shout, “Police”!
6. When your opponent turns her head, pick up your slippers as if holding for dear life and, damn if you don’t know what to do next.
7. Conclusion: your opponent will eat dust and later perform a hara-kiri out of shame. Shame on you!
To demonstrate how karatel should have worked instead of bravado! Here’s a true story. Miaray Aku (not her real name) was an Atenean student and trained on the art of Taekwondo. A year ago, she was in a jeepney “car-jacked” by a handful of gangs. Sensing an opportunity and thinking of becoming a heroine, she showcased some kicks but failing to realize that she should have ward off the barrel of a gun with a hand instead of a leg. A bullet hit her in the head and put her in comatose for a year until recently she succumbed to death. The lesson is, it is a lesson!