Considering the Relationship Between Technique and Skill Through Soccer
To understand the relationship between technique and skill, let us examine an example from soccer.
Executing accurate shots and passes requires clarity in what corresponds to the “5W1H”: when (timing), where (which space), to whom, what kind of pass, why that pass is chosen, and how it is delivered.
The Optimal Solution Shared by Team and Individual
In a match, it is crucial that the “optimal solution” or “best option” in each situation is shared by both the team collectively and its individual players. Such shared recognition and judgment activate the team’s system and produce the achievement of excellent goals. In soccer, the team—seen as a collective of individuals—must possess a system of “perception, judgment, and action,” which forms the foundation of competitive strength.
The Ideal: Cooperation Between the Individual and the Team
Each player must also understand the team’s objectives and philosophy, and be capable of choosing the optimal action in diverse and changing situations. In other words, the ideal form of team sports lies in the organic cooperation between the collective system (the team) and the individual’s system.
Strong Teams Are Built from Strong Individuals
To build a strong team, one must first cultivate strong individuals. A group of highly capable individuals elevates the entire team. Here, “capable individuals” are not merely those who possess excellent techniques, but those who can apply their techniques optimally according to the situation—that is, individuals who possess skill.
The Importance of Understanding Skill
If individuals with high-level skills understand the team philosophy, and the team as a whole also possesses the skill to adapt its tactics to constantly changing situations, a more resilient and powerful collective will emerge. Conversely, without understanding the very concept of “skill,” it becomes difficult to develop strong individuals—let alone a strong team.
Imagination and Judgment Determine Victory and Defeat
Situations in soccer change endlessly. Passing and other actions therefore require imagination that predicts the next moment and creates the next phase of play. The ability to make multifaceted and instantaneous predictions and judgments, and to select the optimal action, is supported by such perceptual awareness.
A Lesson from the Japan–Belgium Match at the 2018 Russia World Cup
A helpful example is Japan’s match against Belgium at the 2018 Russia World Cup. Japan fought brilliantly against a title contender, yet conceded a comeback goal in the final moment. From a martial artist’s perspective, it appeared that the team’s focus on attacking momentarily weakened their awareness of defense.
The Principle of Integrated Offense and Defense in Martial Arts
In karate, this is comparable to receiving a spinning back kick before returning to a natural stance after an attack. I repeatedly teach that one must return to a neutral state immediately after attacking. Maintaining a posture that allows instant transition to either offense or defense is essential.
The Psychological Structure of Stability and Instability
Japan sought “one more goal,” maintaining an attacking mindset. Yet that very intention may have created a state of “stability within instability,” or perhaps the desire for stability itself produced instability. I would like to hear and analyze the players’ mental states at that moment.
Recognition of Change as a Universal Principle
It may have been an issue of physical ability or technique. However, the essential point—valid in both martial arts and sports—is to sustain the recognition that situations constantly change, and to refine the techniques and skills required to respond to them.
Modern Soccer Guided by Scientific Analysis
In recent years, scientific analysis has become integral to soccer. Pass counts, success rates, and shot numbers are quantified, and tactical tendencies and countermeasures are studied. Operations research–based analysis will continue to develop, making future soccer even more sophisticated.
The Fusion of Theory and Skill
Some might object that “soccer is not mathematics,” but from the perspective of tactics and strategy, theoretical analysis is indispensable. And to actualize theory, one needs skill in addition to technique.
Integration of Mind and Body as Human Development
By adopting this perspective, one cultivates not only technique but also advanced perception and judgment grounded in personal experience and the integration of mind and body. This fosters individuals with strong character and physical capacity who can contribute to society.
The Shared Philosophy of Martial Arts and Sports
This applies not only to soccer but equally to karate and other martial arts. The ultimate purpose of martial arts is human education. While many martial artists speak of “risking one’s life,” some fall into mysticism without understanding its true essence.
The “Skill” Needed in Life Itself
Sports, when practiced with proper understanding, can serve as a form of human development no less profound than life-or-death training. Life itself is the process of “refining excellent techniques and applying them effectively in constantly changing circumstances.” Therefore, life also requires skill.
