Regularly I receive technical questions domestically, here in Japan, and from around the world. Today I felt compelled to answer a few about the 指定型 (Shitei-gata) and offer some advice.
Please keep in mind: one's karate can only grow by QUALITY PRACTICE! Best wishes in your training.
押忍!
For the first and second movements of Heian Yondan there is an opportunity as they are executed slowly. Please ensure that: (a) both 右後屈立ち (migi kōkutsu-dachi) and 左後屈立ち (hidari kōkutsu-dachi) have the correct configurations, weight distributions and posture; furthermore, that hands and feet/legs are precisely coordinated: 手足同じ (te-ashi onaji); and (b) that haiwan-uke and the simultaneous hitai-kamae follows the proper trajectory and completes in the optimal position for both defence and attack. This aspect of kokutsu-dachi also applies to the opening sequences of Heian Nidan, Yondan and Godan (and indeed elsewhere).
Please note: for older karateka and/or those with injuries the stances do not not need to be low. However, even if standing in a high natural position it is imperative to maintain the correct weight distribution and positioning of the feet, legs, pelvis and overall posture. Needless to say, this applies to ALL OF THE STANCES IN KARATE-DŌ.
Ensure that the 交差立ち (kōsa-dachi) position and leg movements/footwork are mastered. This stance in Shōtōkan-Ryu is distinctly different from the other traditional ryuha. In the six 指定型 (shitei-gata) it is found in Heian Yondan once (movement 13); Heian Godan twice (movements 17 and 19); and three times in Tekki Shodan (movements one, seven and 21). Make sure that the positioning of the feet, legs, and posture of the upper body are correct.
騎馬立ち (kiba-dachi) is found many times in Heian Sandan, twice in Heian Godan (movements 13, 14 and 16) and throughout Tekki Shodan in 26 of the 29 actions. Make sure that the 足刀 (sokutō) of both feet point directly and especially that the pelvic posture in not compromised. Please remember that the sokutō position of the feet in kiba-dachi is representative of 踏み込み (fumikomi), 足刀下段蹴込み (sokutō gedan-kekomi), 関節蹴り (kansetsu-geri), et al.
From basis of Heian Shodan 前後立ち (zenkutsu-dachi) should be regarded as an attack more than a stance. The logic of this is easy if one considers it as a static position as this clearly makes no sense. Rather it is is one moment in time within the fluctuation of a physical conflict. The ‘primary purpose’ of zenkutsu-dachi is to drive your hips through your opponent; thus, fully utilizing one’s mass. Accordingly, be conscious of the positioning of the front leg legs knee. The optimal position has the front of the knee directly above the base of one’s toe joints with the sokutō of the foot pointing directly ahead. Likewise, the rear foot must be more frontward than to the side and, again, with the weight on the sokutō side of the foot.
The length of the stance is determined by the ability to correctly point the rear foot (and keep it fully grounded); moreover, fully engage the hips into one’s techniques. That is, a complete 正面 (shomen) position of the hips must be achievable.
In our organization, the IKS 国際空手道松濤館 (International Karatedō Shotokan) please be mindful of audible aspects of your kata. Firstly, while it is alright to announce your kata strongly, it must not be theatrically screamed, and name of the kata must be correctly pronounced.
In kata there usually two 気合い (kiai); however, one is also common for example in 王冠 (Wankan). For power, this must be short and sharp—not theatrically extended, nor a scream—but from the 腹 (hara).
Also be mindful of unnecessary externally audible 呼吸 (kokyū) breathing. Instead, breath naturally and fully, but with a sense of stealth “...to disallow your opponent from ascertaining your rhythm and capitalizing on this”.
Lastly, I want to offer some Budō Karate advice, especially for ones Heian kata training…
If you are no longer competing (or do not compete); furthermore, you are beyond the exams where the Heian kata are tested, I advise serious karateka use them as ‘forms’ to actively develop your base defensive and offensive skills and link these directly with the more sophisticated skills/applications. This is the actual purpose of the foundational kata.
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