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Having been involved in the Ashihara style of Karate, as a practitioner and instructor, for the past six years, I would like to take this opportunity to enlighten your readers to the true nature of Ashihara Karate, and dispel the popular notion that this style of Karate is a combination of Karate and Aikido.
The style of Ashihara Karate is the brainchild of Kancho Hideyuki Ashihara, the present Head and Founder. Kancho Ashihara was originally a student of the legendary founder of Kyokushin Karate, Sosai Mas Oyama. Although Ashihara Karate has its roots in Kyokushin Karate, the central theme and technical innovations set it apart as a truly unique Martial Art.
Ashihara Karate is based on the concept of sabaki. This concept basically refers to the ability of redirecting the opponent's force in order to position the opponent, or yourself, in such a way that end up to the side or rear of your opponent, thereby maximising the effectiveness of a counter attack. Although the concept of sabaki is common to many Martial Arts, Ashihara Karate is one of the very few that uses the concept as its central theme. In this respect, Ashihara Karate may be regarded as a 'soft style' for want of a better term.
Ashihara Karate is a system that has been created from the ground up. Traditional Okinawan - based kata are eschewed in favour of modern kata which reflect the true nature of Ashihara Karate. I believe it is the first major Japanese system to do so. The end result is truly wholistic and integrated Martial Art in which the practitioner no longer regards the practice of kata as separate and distinct from the rest of training, as it has a direct relationship to the fighting style. It is a radical departure from traditional kata, which are still common to all other major Okinawan and Japanese Karate systems, which sets Ashihara Karate apart as truly innovative and unique in the Karate world.
In November 1990, I travelled to Matsuyama City on Shikoku Island, Japan, in accompany with Sensei Martin McCormack, of Ashihara Karate, Queensland. During the time we spent training at Honbu, we were pleasantly surprised to find a relaxed, non-competitive training atmosphere. The Japanese instructors were friendly, helpful and imparted an attitude of mutual respect, respect, resulting in a rich learning experience.
I certainly hope I have cleared up any misconception your readers may have had regarding this unique and dynamic Martial Art.
David G. Mitchell (Nidan)
Ashihara Karate Queensland
Eagle Heights, Qld.