TECHNIQUE; SUB-PRINCIPLE: Rhythm

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When I think of rhythm I also consider things like cadence, tempo and those voids or spaces in between them regarding actions along with speed and timing. I feel they all inter-connect like all principles should. The rhythm and cadence, etc., are influenced by our mental state, our physical levels and our spiritual mind-state. Like music they produce the concerto and we in karate and martial arts have our own music with rhythm, tempo, and cadence - the kata. 

Regardless, sometimes in violent self-defense situations there is no discernible rhythm, etc., and there is no discernible voids or spaces because they occur with blitz like speed and timing often overcoming the victim’s OODA loop by pain, adrenal flooding effects, surprise aggressive hard and fast attacks. 

In one view, rhythm may be more inclined toward the sport and competitive orientation of karate and martial arts practice and training. We tend to train in most dojo with that in mind, either conscious or subconsciously. Self-defense karate and martial arts must entertain rhythm and such under the sport, the social and the asocial violence dynamics to truly meet the goals of self-defense.

Most karate and martial arts tend to assume the physical technique when first hearing of the sub-principle of rhythm but in truth we can attribute it to other aspects of self-defense such as communications, i.e., conflict communications as taught by Marc MacYoung and Rory Miller. The level, tempo, rhythm, cadence, tone, etc., of your voice have effects when dealing with conflict and violence. It can deescalate and its misuse can escalate into physical violence. All of it is driven by circumstances and so on. 

The rhythm of your cadence when walking can tell a potential adversary you are not a good target just as much as a bad rhythm, etc., can say, “Victim or target.” As with most karate, martial arts and self-defense, it depends on the circumstances of any given situation and any given moment within. 

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