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| Daily self-training training - May 25th, 2026. 常行五 勢 (JOKO GOSEI) KATA. |
While the foundational forms of power in classical Shotokan Karate are 腰の回転 (Koshi no kaiten) and 運足 (Unsoku), what underpins these ‘basics’ is 地面反力 (Jimenhanryoku) which is ‘reactive ground force’ or ‘ground power’. It goes without saying that “…to use the hips fully with ground power” requires 体の伸縮 (Tai no shinshuku). This is especially in regard to the stretch of the rear leg.
Of course, the rotation of the hips is merely the base form. In actuality, 腰の力 (Koshi no chikara) is the ‘overarching term’ which includes rotation, but also encompases the horizontal ‘tilting of the hips’, the dropping and rising of the hips, and diangular usages.
This reminds me of training sessions with Isaka Akihito Sensei during the period of the Matsuno (Asai Sensei) JKA period. He summed this up by stating ‘… the hips must be used like a ball”.
When looking at 運足 (Unsoku) we must obviously consider it from both a defensive and offensive perspective.
Defensively: so we can evade an opponent and/or positions ourselves ideally for a counterattack. Examples of this are 足切り替え (Ashi kirikae), 体捌き (Tai sabaki), 出合い (Deai), etcetera.
Offensively: the prime objective is the maximum transfer of one’s mass into the respective target for as much impact power as possible. In this case, we must again reference Newton’s second law. This is typical Shotokan ‘Big hit’.
However—what is often overlooked—is “..the speedy delivery of light waza”, which can also be effective (and sometimes moreso, and more appropriate). For example, very light tsuki, such as rapid kizami-tsukiwaza. Such techniques are rarely ‘finishing blows’ but cause surface damage to an opponent (especially the eyes and nose). Needless to say, these waza can cut up the opponents face disturbing their vision, and set up a power shot, if required. From personal exeperience, as a doorman and later a bodyguard, I found that sometimes these light hits could dissuade continued fighting.
That being said, the training of power techniques is the priority, as they are the ‘finishing waza’; hence, their priority in Shotokan-Ryu.
Another aspect I must mention here in both the use of Koshi and Unsoku is found in Goju-Ryu. Here in Oita, Sato Shigenori Shihan (8th Dan JKF Goju Kai) has guided me in aspects of traditional Naha-Te.
His use of power utilizes internal energy, connectivity, the dropping center of gravity, naturalness, relaxation and wave power. Furthermore, as you will know, rotation in Goju is far less than in Shotokan. Taken as a whole, tremendous power is generated from very subtle actions. Needless to say Master Sato’s Karate is magnificent.
Ironically, his karate teaching perfectly ties in with the 白鶴拳 (Hakutsuruken) aspects of Asai Tetsuhiko Senseii’s Shotokan.
To conclude, all of the aforementioned points highlight an important aspect of Budo/Bujutsu Karate (irrespective of kaiha/ryuha): “One must learn various ways to optimally harness and apply maximum power when required; moreover, that highest level is relaxed, smooth and natural actions”. Furthermore, the application of techniques must be adaptable in the real world. As Asai Sensei used to say: “Most people only have a facsimile of karate”. That is, only the external performance. This is merely ‘karate movement’ or ‘sports’. Thus, the most important aspect of Kihon is “the quality of the methodologies which generate and apply the various waza”.
Consequently, this is why seeking the very best mentors is so important in the art of Karate-Dō.
押忍
André Bertel
© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2026).
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