The Application of Kakidī

Kakidi (kakidī) / kake-te (kakede) is just a form a sticky hands (chi sao), or pushing hands (tui shou) - which is also called striking hands. Kakie is the more well-known version in Okinawa. Gichin Funakoshi noted kake-te in his books. These methods are great for developing sensitivity, better understanding of yin and yang, and grappling, striking, defence and strategy. As Gichin Funakoshi put it, you can learn a lot about your opponent with kakidi. The first version of this type of training which I learnt was a kind of chi sao using both hands. However, while it is beneficial and should be studied, it shouldn’t be focused on as if it is actual fighting itself. Indeed, no single method is fighting other than actual fighting. Every other training method is preparation for real situations. With this, the application of such a method as kakidi or chi sao is to move with your opponent once you’ve actually made contact. An actual fight starts from one distance or another, and sooner or later turns into contact. What do you do at all stages, including when you’ve actually connected? There could be a struggle. What do you do? You can’t think, because you’ll become distracted. You have to feel and harmonise, keeping control of yourself, your opponent, and the situation.