Does size make a difference? Of course!! (^^)

Does size make a difference? Definitely
As instructors, sometimes we forget that our students come in all sizes and shapes (^^).
When I try to teach a waza, naturally it is being done in accordance to my size. I would not expect Tony or Hama-chan (Yokohama Shidoin) to execute the waza as I would. That is where Kihon becomes important. Kihon is executed in accordance to the individual’s physical stature. The theory of a waza, take as an example, the chudan tuski (middle punch) is the same regardless of physical size. Everyone naturally punches to the middle in the manner most suited to them. The skill therefore remains the same.
Now in the application, we need to adjust the waza to each individual needs. At some point it may look different from what we do. But then should we expect a 5’3” individual do an age hijiuchi against a 6’4” opponent? Unless you are teaching the person to jump up, it is impossible. So what would we do?
Actually very simple, bring the 6’4’ down to where the 5’5” can make his age hijiuchi effective.
The same thing can be said about Kumite. In Kumite you use whatever advantage you have. If you are tall then it is natural that you would employ kicks to your advantage as you can maintain your own safety zone while attacking your opponent. Then what should a shorter person do? He knows that he/she has to get past the opponents reach in order to effectively attack the opponent. He/she needs to develop quickness in his entries and get out even faster before the opponent can react. Footwork.
In teaching Kata Bunkai and Oyou we face the same problems. As instructors we need to carefully see how the bunkai and oyou can be used by all physical statures. Most times we have the luxury of pairing off students of equal stature, so it naturally makes application of the bunkai and oyou smoother. Now try it with disproportionate sizes. It will be interesting. Normally bigger people would flow to using their power to apply a technique rather than the form. This natural, but how better it would be for them to able to apply the technique with finesse. On the other hand smaller people quickly realize that when going against bigger opponents, finesse is critical.
By the way, aside from the kicks you can see that the bigger opponent has some difficulty in using his punches (Kyokushin rules prohibit punches to the face).
But then what if punches to the face was allowed? (- -;) Scary.
How would you have fought this match?