Ashihara codified Sabaki into three interconnected movements:
Detailed breakdowns of the Kumite No Kamae (fighting stance) and the precise steps required to achieve the blind-spot angles. fighting karate hideyuki ashihara pdf
While Kyokushin focused on power and taking hits, Ashihara wanted a smarter system. He realized that taking direct hits was dangerous in real self-defense. In 1980, he left Kyokushin to establish the New International Karate Organization (NIKO) and Ashihara Karate. His new style focused on control, safety, and positioning. The Purpose of the Book fighting karate hideyuki ashihara pdf