Todome
It is reasonable to say that if 120 lb of mass hits the biggest, strongest man, as one connected, dense mass, with sufficient speed it will be a knock down or make big damage. Well, this is Todome, in karate classes for adults, we study through generations the details and means of how to connect the whole body, increase energy, by using ground reaction, sequencing body segments from the ground up to increase maximal speed and force, and hit the opponent as one connected mass, delivering full force in the shortest instant, by being as dense and inelastic as possible at contact.
We learn how to produce and deliver force in many directions with many parts of the body. No other martial art has this detailed knowledge of how to systematically develop finishing technique so even not-so-athletic, big or strong person can achieve finishing power.
As Sensei Nishiyama used to tell me: “what is the point of having 8 cylinders if we can only use 2, we must use everything we have” or he used to say “in karate you do not need to be Popeye”.
Maai
Only Shotokan karate dojo training teaches Maai (distance including timing) so systematically. The knowledge of Maai was not very developed in Okinawa and much of it was borrowed from sword fighting, with Sensei Nishiyama being one of the important contributors.
You see, as long as I am out of the opponent’s range of power, it does not matter how strong the opponent is. Being on the border of opponent territory, I can create uncertainty and force the opponent to expose themselves by attacking, hesitating, or even stiffening. At the right timing, which is when the opponent cannot use power, I enter and attack without meeting or conflict of power.
Most other striking arts understand timing and distance from experience, not systematic teaching that can save years. Most grapplers do not understand Maai since their training is focused on grappling and not controlling distance and timing.
Footwork
Footwork allows me to control distance to my advantage and apply techniques in perfect timing. It also allows me to start techniques quickest and strongest without any back motion. In karate classes for adults, we learn the concept of Ukimi, suspending the legs using the body center, so the spine and body center control footwork, making legs soft, free, and footwork effortless.
We learn the concept: foot first, then body center, then power, which makes shifting faster and techniques more effective. Without proper footwork, even a potentially fast person will lose time and appear slow.