Koketsu ni irazunba koji wo ezu

On the 27th I did my self-practice at the beautiful Usa Jingu. Rather than write about it, here are some photographs. As the old Chinese saying goes "A picture speaks one thousand words".

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Best wishes and best training from Kyushu, Japan.
Osu!
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© André Bertel, Japan (2009).

Technical Maturity

Yesterdays training was focused on the following techniques practiced in the stationary fashion: (1) kizami-zuki; (2) gyaku-zuki; (3) oi-zuki; (4) mae-geri; and (5) mae ashi mae-geri. Stances employed were heiko-dachi, zenkutsu-dachi, han zenkutsu-dachi and neko-ashi dachi.
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Stance length and stance recovery: The technical points being worked on were exact stance length (without obstructing proper hip action in punching techniques). The focus here was a balance between horizontal and vertical alignment as opposed to the vanity or 'physical exercise purposes' of making a 'long stance'. And in the case of the kicks, the fundamental point of 'rapid return to the stance' was highlighted. Just to clarify, this was not focused so much on the hiki-ashi, as it was focused on quick stance recovery... Yes, all very basic stuff, but physically very challenging.

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Superfluous action: The other aspect worked on, which I've always found terribly hard during intense stationary practice, is the complete removal of additional/superfluous movement. This is tough when you are blasting out say 'jodan kizami-zuki kara chudan gyaku-zuki' and are getting very tired. However, this is a telltale that unnecessary power is being used, or unnecessary muscles... Visualisation of the spine was used to correct this with all of the above mentioned techniques.

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Kata: No full kata were practiced however a few sequences from various kata were used to apply the above points drilled in the kihon-geiko. Firstly, the opening of Unsu up until the final gyaku-zuki before going to the ground for mawashi-geri. Secondly, and also from Unsu, the two haito-uchi combinations concluding with migi gyaku-zuki. Thirdly, the opening movement of Jion in isolation (pictured above). And forthly, the final shuto uke in Sochin through to the mikazuki-geri and muso gamae.

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I feel that the theme, which overshadowed yesterday's practice was 'technical maturity', which is largely based on 'moderation'. Practicing in zenkutsu dachi, and not obstructing hip action, via excessive stance length, is just one small example of ' technical moderation' (which is the cornerstone of technical maturity in karate).

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© André Bertel, Japan (2009).

Jugatsu no keiko

Some reflections on my karate-do… Recently my Shotokan karate practice has been further simplified, yet again… This is undoubtedly due to my lacking of skill, in so many aspects of karate-do. Day in and day out I convince myself that “my thinking is a result of my ability to see deep into techniques” {perhaps not true, but it works...}. In actuality this ‘way’ has been my key to motivation throughout my karate career. I’m highly motivated because I’m never fully satisfied by my waza, there’s always bundles of physically 'seemingly unsolvable jigsaws', which I'm determined to solve (I believe I can, otherwise how could I go on?). Seriously, for me karate is a constant uphill battle... As a healthy balance, I try to recognize when I do something well, that is, when I do something technically superior, to my ‘previously perceived bests’. Such times are my biggest rewards, along with the daily pleasure of keeping in shape, and the satisfaction of completing hard workout with sweat oozing, perhaps some blisters popped, and plenty of knocks. Of course the other rewarding aspect is the mental benefits of karate training, which are too numerous to list here!

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Anyway, here is my latest training schedule… All the best from Japan! – OSU.
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Kihonwaza (Fundamental Techniques): The current numbers of repetitions are highly variable depending on my daily target/emphasis. (1) Chudan oi-zuki; (2) Chudan gyaku-zuki; (3) Chudan mae-geri; (4) Chudan yoko-keage; (5) Chudan yoko-kekomi; (6) Chudan mawashi-geri; (7) Chudan ushiro-geri; (8) Gedan-barai kara chudan gyaku-zuki; (9) Jodan age-uke kara chudan gyaku-zuki; (10) Chudan soto-uke kara chudan gyaku-zuki; (11) Chudan uchi-uke kara chudan gyaku-zuki; (12) Chudan shuto-uke kara tateshihon nukite gyaku zuki.

Kumite: Presently I’m doing lots of uchikomi Japanese style. Lunging down the line with nagashi-uke kara gyaku-zuki soshite gyaku-zuki and the like. High repetitions of explosive attacks emphasizing ‘reaching with the torso’ (colliding) as opposed to reaching with the limbs. This of course is largely concerned with transport of the torso via various forms of footwork. The beauty of this training is moving from your center, something which really connects one’s kihon, kata and kumite. Finding this, and keeping the limbs in a state of relaxation, further trains a key point which Asai Sensei stressed.

Kata: My kata training as of late has been primarily focused on Hangetsu (Half moon), Empi (Flying swallow), Unsu (Cloud Hands), Kakuyoku-Nidan (Crane’s Wings Second Level) and Tekki-Shodan (Iron Horse First Level). In saying that, I’ve been still practicing a wide range of kata, but only during the warm down portions of my self-training sessions.
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© André Bertel, Japan (2009).