by Ethan Miller

Many people use the heavy bag for practicing hand strikes. I generally do about 100 strikes left, right with a seiken fist, then do combinations in threes also with a seiken fist. I will then usually practice shuto left and right on the edge of the bag and boshiken strikes to the sides of the bag. Everyone knows Mr. H. Bag never quits.

All that is pretty ordinary for a martial artist doing solo work. So what do you do when your Not at the dojo in a class, or working out on your own? With a busy schedule or a regular job do your time for additional training is scarce and the risk of creating problems increase. Or do you just want to gab your was to greatness over a couple of lattes? Here’s something that worked for me.

Write down 3, 5 or even 10 of your favorite hand strikes. Currently I chose Seiken, Shuto, Boshiken, Shoken or Hiraken. Write them down in a couple of different sequences. As you say the names shift your hand from one to the other strike positions. Sensei Mike Aceto once described a good fist as a “snug fist” I think he got it from Sifu Calvin Chin. That to me, is a good description of a desirable position, not straining more like fitting into a good position or groove. After a while you might find it surprisingly difficult, and find flaws in your hand positions and other weaknesses. Go from one to the other for a few minutes or a much time as you have. Maybe before meditating or in bed before you go to sleep. If your mate is sick of karate stories tell them that you are practicing sign language for a deaf co-worker.

This creates a low level training technique that requires little prep and can be done at any time even traffic stops, for example. The idea was inspired by reading Toughness Training for Sports by Jim Loehrer a sports psychologist who works with pros. I recommend his book, his description of what to do with your down time, like in between points in a tennis match is valuable and gets the idea across. The result is I found my self much more confident trying different strikes or more target specific strikes, say in a light sparring contest. It works, your hands flow into position much more naturally. I would bet that the health benefits of this type of training are there as well. Have to check with a TCM practitioner though, to be certain….

Best of luck training.
Ethan Miller

by David Nishimoto

The study of Kempo Karate requires a lifetime of diligent thought. Many hours of isolated study and concentrated thought and practice are necessary to build the inner strength found in Karate. Meditation builds the focus within the mind. The mind, focused, builds confidence and well being for the body. It is during these quiet hours of movement and reflection some of the most profound understanding and enlightenment occur, for the Karate man.

In an era of music, expensive cars, endless ranges of entertainment, and recreation; our society has acquired excessive levels of wealth; this wealth is producing children who seek pleasure above work. In my day pleasure could be acquired by reading a book or learning; by experiment how something works. Today, children expect information to arrive completely digested, microwave heated, and entertaining. Work is replaced by knowledge and this knowledge is controlled by the media. The question remains: what kind of karate men are we creating?

Karate equalizes the imbalance created by information rich societies. There is no respecter of person within the art of karate. A kick is a kick, a punch is a punch, and a man is a man. Karate seeks to return man back to an appreciation of quietness, peace, and harmony. In contrast, information and knowledge of itself is not in harmony and represents: contradiction, conflict, and disrespect for nature. The study and observation of force and motion is blindly ignored. The study of the animals’ forms by the ancients brought an awareness to the karate man of his environment. Understanding and moving in accordance to the forces of nature were manifest through animals, such as the snake, crane, leopard, bear, tiger, and ram. Year after year the teacher shares knowledge of this animal like movement, but only after much thought does the student realize the importance his relationship to obstruction and seeks to harmonize the with the force and neutralize it. Warmth, an excitement for personal development, and wisdom were imparted by the teacher.

Karate is not about fighting, even though the principles of fighting are taught. Karate is more about the development of man. Some theorists believe karate was used to measure the physical and mental condition of the practitioner. Only by building a strong mind, spirit, and body could the true forces of karate be manifest. The true force exhibited crushing power at a touch; intense paralyzing pain to a joint, nerve, or muscle group; and projection through the invisible energy of Chi. Experience was respected because it was expected that the practitioners’ chi increased through constant application of karate over time. Quality was produced by constant repetition over time. Those who possess chi measured the capability of the opponent by the level of chi they perceived. It was expected most would not fight; if they believe the other person possessed greater chi.

Karate is not combat. It’s the study of force and motion. What about groundwork and grappling? Both are still the study of force. All possibilities are not explored within ones life; only a general guideline of harmony. One should seek to gain a passive opposition to violence. It is immoral to inflict cruelty, pain, and injury upon another human being. In all cases, if the possibility of survival against high injury cannot be avoided violence must be inflicted. The injury should be done with a focused and clear mind, so that the degree of injury is proportional to the threat.

In all cases, the defender mind should be open to the Holy Spirit. So, at the very moment the impressions from heaven can be drawn to ones defense. Karate makes no claims to possess all the endless techniques or philosophies of man only that the need for personal revelation is required in a conflict.

Suppose a woman or child is suddenly attacked, it is possible the power of God would replace their fear with strength. Rather than seeing a monster they see a contest of force. The loser possesses less understanding of the way of motion and force. The attacker could be repulse by such power and thought. Further more, the very intent of the attack can be perceived and a path of escape found. Silently the forms teach to find the path of escape. So the quiet meditative practices put the practitioner in touch with energy in his environment, the thoughts and intents of man, and the power of God. Karate should never seek to put man at the center of the universe. Rather Karate should open the windows of heaven to the infinite possibilities of motion.

By David Nishimoto

Morality guides the training of Kempo practitioners. Because the attitude of competition is removed from Kempo the training in done in a spirit of mutual cooperation. Masters share information with students to improve and close observed openings. In competitive environments the students must either pay for advanced information or be a part of the teacher’s inner circle. A certain degree of information is always withheld allowing one party to have an advantage over another. In Kempo, the assumption is the withdrawal of information creates imperfections. The goal of Kempo is to help the student obtain harmony, speed, power, perfection, and intrinsic energy. Kempo students practice in an partnership environment rather than an environment of opponent contention. The karate handshake and hug exemplify the good heart of the sharing.

In Kempo, the masters are always emphasizing the need for practice. Students must realize true learning does start until your exhausted from many hours of practice daily. Its during these times the movements are done without having to consciously think about them. The flow of energy and energy frequency creates a unique feeling. There was a reason the art flourished within the Shaolin Temples. Solitude and tranquility is a necessity to create the energy flow with the harassment of the interruption.

New movements become old movements and as natural as breathing. As the mind clears, divine inspiration to fills the void. Its during this period of time, enlightenment, innovation, and creativity exists within the individual. The insights are very stuble but the consequence have dramatic consequences. One insight, I realized after many hours of practice was the hidden strike is the one that knocks out the opponent. The half fist strike to the jaw proceeds around the opponents defense, it strikes without notice, and dislocates the jaw and traumatizes the neck.

The mind, body, and spirit integrating into one whole. If an student is in a fight, the process of response must be natural, direct, and relaxed. There is no right or wrong, only the process of the empty hand. The key word is empty. The mind must become empty. The reactions must have no pretext or assumption about their effectiveness. The range of motion will reveal itself, as the student feels the way, and responds. The feelings are quiet and the ability to listen to these feelings is the key. If a student must think about what the opponent is doing its to late. It they think that can smash them it the ground. Its more likely the intent will be revealed they end up getting smashed. For example, if an opponent is a boxer, thinking about the counter to a two hook punch, upper cut combination will result in a bad headache, the next day. The reaction may be an right outward crescent kick, left snap kick to the ribs; or a heel thrust to the knees, and a knee smash into the face of the opponent. The possibilities are really infinite and can only be expressed based on the experience and understanding of the practitioner.

What does it mean if the kempo student must hesitate during the performance of a maiming strike or a crushing kick to the groin, throat, or eyes? It means their morality is not good. The real question is why has the student engaged in such a dangerous activity. The danger itself forces a response. Not the other way around. The student does not force a response. It is not appropriate to second guess the response to real danger.

The first reaction in Kempo is to escape. Positioning away from the opponent is always a natural and prudent reaction. In nature, if you have the skill to approach a cat unnoticed and then scary it. The natural reaction of the cat is not to jump at your face. The reaction is leap away. If the cat is corner expect the claws and teeth of the cat, to cause injury. Kempo mastery of the art requires reactions to be deeply integrated into the individual. Perfection, is the uninhibited flow of motion. The three dimensional sphere around the individual is occupied with movement, energy, and flow. Nothing within in this sphere can become an obstacle. Kempo uses both the linear line and circle to strike directly or go around an obstacle presented by the opponent. The ability to project energy, listen to energy, and pure thought makes any obstacle a simple puzzle. I’ve observed how a snake fights. It remains coil and compressed ready to strike. Suppose, its fighting a cat, once the cat get in range; it strikes. The cat can be slashing at the snake, but its flexible enough to go around the strikes.

Its a myth that Kempo doesn’t use kicks. Kicking is an important part of self-defense. Its the long range weapon. Flexible and fast kicks are devastating. Kicks to the knees, groin, throat, head are all within easy execution and use. The mistake the kempo does not emphasis kicks comes from its consistent emphasis on the use of the continuous hands. The rule of Kempo is simple: the hands set up the leg strikes. Legs strikes provide the clearing technique.

So, creativity is the key to Kempo. The freestyle nature of the art allows the individual to use any and all motion. Morality restrains the individual from excessive force. Just enough force is required. However, extreme measures may be required. In those, circumstances the individual must decide to use intrinsic force to cause repairable damage. The effectiveness of Kempo is within the individual not the technique. This is the most awesome aspect of the art. All the techniques are of no value, and will seem weak and ineffective without the development of intrinsic power. The forms are dances, flow smoothly and with effort. Most martial systems of today pride themselves in their athletic prowess. They are fun to watch. If martial arts was about entertainment they will do fine. However, kempo practitioner must maintain the utmost commitment and dedication to their art. It is the concentrated and focused mind that learns to bring chi, into every punch. Intrinsic energy can be made to make the opponent feel heavy and weak. The striking capability with intrinsic energy does not require a wind up or a lot of body momentum. One to two inches more than enough to cause extreme damage. The strike starts with a physical motion, contact, the energy is already vibrating in the hand, the practitioner focus the vibration into the opponent after contact. Mental visualization, concentration, transfer the energy, and the effects go beyond anything most Martial Artist will ever understand. The key is the rooting of the body to the ground, years of continuous control of the energy in the hands, and the ability to move the intrinsic energy with the mind. Without this energy, Kempo would become another flashy and entertaining system to be toyed with. Critics would endlessly taunt the self-defense value of the art.

by David Nishimoto

Footwork provides the evasive qualities of kempo. A weight distribution of 50 percent between the front and back legs serves no purpose. Kempo uses a 60/40 distribution between the front and back leg. In a reverse cover the weight distribution of 40/60. A cat stance changes the weight to 20/80 between the front and back leg. The width of the stance is shoulder width. Wide stances reduce mobility and slow down response. The weight of the body is distributed on the ball of the foot. The heel maintains contact with the ground, but the weight move from the center of the foot to the ball of the foot.

Kempo Karate has an ancient form called “Sets” designed to teach the student lightness. The set works to create lightness throughout advancing and retreating movement, pivoting, and advancing and retreating stances with punches and kicks. The “Set” improves balance, coordination, and speed and encourages the student to focus on footwork. The cadence of the set is an eight count with portions of the set done in a half count. The last series in the “set” requires the practitioner to perform side step crossovers both front and in back. The feel of combat concentration and power is reveal by the “Set” to the student. The eight count is counted aloud in a robust manner and the students move in symmetry to the count.

The principles of the “Ancient Set” demonstrate how the feel can be used like a spring increasing speed. Basically, the foot is the spring to move the body forward or backward. As the tempo of the exercise is increased, the practitioner will expert a certain degree of lightness and greater mobility by applying this principle. Additionally, pivoting is doing on the ball of the foot and not the heel. After each pivot the individual returns to a kempo stance with a weight distribution of 60 percent on the front leg and 40 percent on the back leg. This stance is called a right or left cover stance.

One of the first movements taught to a student is called the right of left 45. The most dangerous part of a punch is at the end. So logical its better not to meet force with force, but to evade the income force. The diagonal 45 degree movement allows the practitioner either to move outside or inside dangerous force, while maintaining a counter strike distance. The movement along the diagonal can be either forward of back. Sometimes when moving in a backward diagonal, the opponent own movement is accelerated into the practitioner’s counter strike. This makes the counter strike more deadly because the opponent is helping compound the degree of injury. The 45 degree diagonal forms a triangular relationship between the individual and the opponent. The practitioner is put in the strongest possible position, and the opponent is in the weakest most vulnerable position. If the practitioner is inside or outside the vector of force, the greatest opportunities for throwing or controlling exist.

The next foot work exercise, is the half turn. The half turn rotates the body 90 degrees. It moves the body around the opponent. For example, the first half turn can be combined with a elbow strike to the ribs, the second movement extends a step into a right cover behind the opponent; and drops the opponent to the ground with twist pivot to a horse with the right forearm to upper body; the end result is the opponent falls over the practitioners right leg. The foot work – changes the position of the practitioner and puts the opponent in vulnerable positions where principles of leverage can be applied.

Torque is an important power principle in kempo. The cross behind stance allows the individual to spin 180 degrees into the opponent. The spin is done on the balls of the feet allow balance and speed to combine. Entry into the spin puts the individual into a weak stance. However, the element of surprise combined with the power of the circle reduced the chances of failure. Before a spin technique is engaged, its important to have stunned the opponent. Otherwise, the opponent could stop the spin by jamming at the back of the shoulder blade exposing: the spine, back of the knee, ribs, neck, and throat (body manipulation).

The fastest movement occurs along the outer perimeter of a circle. The end of the elbow follows an arch path along the outer perimeter of the circle, maximizing the force of impact. A followup chop compounds the damage of the elbow strike and provides the continuation of movement in the direction of the strike. The continuation makes kempo extremely dangerous.

Side to Side movement is not preferred in counter striking; however, side to side movement is excellent movement to open up the opponent for a grappling entry. Sometime side to side movement can be used to lure the opponent to kick. Once the kick is extended, entry for a take down becomes possible. The risk in side to side movement is the amount of body area exposed to the opponent. The horse stance or cover stances are preferred.

Light foot work, allows the practitioner to move inside the right range and outside the fight range. The ability to change remain light makes the hand and foot strikes appear effortless. Whether your at the center of the wheel or the perimeter it doesn’t matter. Understanding the dynamics of both positions should be at the heart of the practice. Sometimes it makes sense to be in the center, and sometimes it makes sense to be on the outside.

By David Nishimoto

The Kempo hammer strikes are often misunderstood. Most individuals think the purpose of the hammer strike is to smash soft tisues or break bones. Its is true in some cases the potential for this level of damage may be obtained, since some of the most powerful arm muscle combined with weight distribution and leverage can be summoned to generate incredible force on one area. The hammer strike is similar to the foot stomp. The opponent is in a very vulnerable position to defend against the weapon. The contact area is the bottom of the hand. The hand will seem rock hard on contact. Attackers will think twice after receiving a raining series of hammer strikes to their bodies. The hammer strike increases in momentum as both hands counter balance each other, so as one strikes the other hand withdraws. The hammer strike can be used both defensively and offensively. In the case, both offensive and defensive hammer strikes can be applied: for example a right inward block to a left punch, right hammer to the opp right collar bone, or horizontal hammer to the throat, or right hammer to the left side of the neck. The kempo hammer strikes are immediately taught to the beginner students. The ancient masters wanted new students to immediately value the hammer strikes of kempo as one of their choicest weapons.

 

Pattern 1 (smashing compression from a sideways horse stance)

1. (Opp) Right Punch (Counter) Left Outward block, step with right foot between Opp, Left hammer, Right inverted hammer strikes to the left and right side of the neck.

Analysis: The technique becomes more fatal as the strikes compress the neck muscles and artieries taking blood to the brain.

 

Pattern 2 (stretch and smash from a sideways horse stance)

1. (Opp) Left punch (Counter Right) Outward block, Right shuffle forward, Left vertical punch to the solar plexus, Left heel of the hand and claw from the left side of the Opp’s face, Right hammer to the side of the neck

Analysis: The left punch increases in power as the weight of the body moves behind the punch. The left heel of the hand and claw from the left side of the face stretches the left side neck muscles, increasing the damage produced from the right hammer strike to the neck.

 

Pattern 3 (cut and smash from a sideways horse stance)

1. (Opp) Left punch to the face (Counter) Right outward block, Left knife hand to the right side of the neck, right hammer to the left side of the neck.

Analysis: The left knife hand, cuts into the neck muscles, craps the muscles and potential seals the artiery. The right hand smashes (Opp’s) left neck muscles and traumatizes the spine.

 

Pattern 4 (inverted hammer to the groin from a regular horse stance)

1. (Opp) Steps in with a right club, step in with a two hand hammer block. (Counter) Right circular hammer to the groin, right backfist to the temple.

Analysis: The two hand hammer block neutralizes opp motion. The left hammer strike open opp left hand. The left hammer strike can bruise the opp to the bone, and potentially break the arm. The right hammer traumatizes opp right shoulder. The right elbow can be extend during contain increase the damage to the sternum and soft tissue regions. The circular hammer to the groin moves the opponent backward and starts him falling. The right backfist stuns and disorients the opponent.

 

Pattern 5 (hammer strike combined with footwork)

1. (Opp) Right grab to the left lapel. (Counter) Step back into a left cover, right hammer to the opponents right bicept, right hammer to the groin, right backfist to the temple

Analysis: Kempo can be applied using footwork to make the art less lethal. The hands turn from fatal blows, to the empty hands of mercy. In this case, the foot work works move you away from opponent. The hammer strike to the bicept generates an incredible amount of pain instanteously to the opponent. The hammer strikes stings the groin and temple regions of the opponent. The elogation of the arm and back fist creates a whip like motion similar to cracking a whip. The focus area becomes a pinpoint region. The amount of power can be controlled to prevent lethal consequences, but is available if the circumstances dictate.

 

In short, the kempo hammer is one the most prized weapons of kempo. In a real confrontation, I’d used the hammer strike because of its effectiviness and the assurance that it will smash anything it touches will feel the rock hard consequences of the strike. If situation allows, footwork and power control permits the hammer strikes to be used to sting the opponent rather than smash the opponent. The governing moral force is the martial virtues believed to be threatened or maintained. Peace and security may be maintained without making the hands lethal.

By David Nishimoto

The only way to generate chi energy into jing is to be in state of enlightment, love, and confidence. The divine receiption of this love and enlightment must be strong. It is easily perceivable through through the eyes. Love is the light that radiates generates jing power in such a way that it can be felt over a distance. On one such occassion, I was demonstrating the relationship between chi and jing and how to generate jing by summoning chi to a student. I felt an unusual excitement and enthusiam about demonstrating this concept. The energy tunneled at him, and he attempted to resist the energy flow, he exclaimed and shook his hand in pain. Obviously feeling a sharp pain. I realized the more chi that could be summon the great the jing force. Once rooted and connected to light great amounts of energy can be projected.

The expression of jing is a conscience choice. One can be content in the accumulation of chi. Chi can accumulate strengthen the inner self. The result is a deep sense of balance, satisfication, and health. That is not to say that chi can not be transformed at will into power. The highest goal is to desire to be filled full of love and have no compelling need to attack against aggression. Peace and harmony dictate the way we act. Actions must seek to return to an equilbrium or to a state of peace and harmony. This spiritual discipline is developed through correct martial art’s training and practice. Portions of love and enlightment are manifested during training. Martial art training without the desire to experience light and love is meaningless. The desire to achieve enlightenment and love comes through self discipline and focus. One can learn from the martial art movements themselves gaining insight and understanding into the profoundness of life. It is the desire to live in peace and harmony that creates the greatest fullifillment for a martial artist. By believing in this goal, it becomes easy to practice daily and for long periods of time and without the need to compete for a victory. The time spent is not punishment but an effort to achieve higher planes of spiritual awareness.

There may come a time, you are confronted by a person who does not have light in their eyes. Their eyes may seem cold and devoid of light and love. It is their personal envy, jealousy, and covetness with make them feel empty. They can create a piercing and shocking sensation. Don’t become angry maintain stronger love. Love your enemies is more powerful than hate them that dispise you. Internally, if you main love and enlightment the amount of available chi energy available will increase. Mental control of Jing will become available if there is any real physical danger with the effects being devasting. The internal vibration is the secret to kempo. This power can be projected and felt over a distance. Maintain soft eyes, focus, and love in your heart. Don’t yield to fear or anger. Seek to return to a state of peace and harmony. Eventually, this person will need to be helped before its to late. Hopefully you will believe “Peace law” is far more powerful than “fist law”.

by David Nishimoto

The premise of this article is to convince individuals to remove the viciousness out of the art.

Its sad that Martial Artist thinks that viciousness can yield to victory. The more dangerous the opponent the less willing a skilled fighter is to attack without thought. Yet every fighting situation can be broken down; vulnerabilities effectually exposed and capitalized on. As a foundation, I advocate a focus on simplicity to achieve capitalization on vulnerabilities perceived in the opponent.

Case in point, watch Bruce Lee fighting techniques and notice how simple the technique presents itself.

Speed and Power are better that viciousness. A vicious fighter is a less efficent and effective opponent than a fighter that is working an distancing and angles and delivery.

The qualities of timing, feeling and accessing, and directness are much better approaches to the Martial Art.

Fighters that focus on smooth, simple, and powerful movement make better opponents. Fighting itself must become empty, without thought, and direct.

Watch every fighting contest you can. Discern why one opponent won over another. Perhaps it was a technique executed with perfect timing. In other cases it may be the opponent was faster, stronger, and more direct. Ask yourself did the technique appear direct and simple? Was the technique effective and what situation was the technique effective? Learn the behavior of opponents that are not effective: examine their ability to fight from both sides; what was their range of weapons; what zones (near, medium, and far) did them fight well from; how did they enter into a fight zone, did they shoot into the opponent, did they finish with the hands, legs, or grappling; did they stun the opponent?

One realizes with self defense that there are hundreds of techniques in which to employee, in a confrontation. Zen! One technique is really all that is required. The beautiful aspect of the Martial Art is that the practitioner can select the technique of choice.

It may be said that in the beginning the first Martial Artist started with one simple movement that preserve one’s life. The technique worked and was used as a foundation to build other related and more sophisticated techniques that worked.

KEMPO has an series of movements called ‘Down punching’. >From the simple movements the practitioner is immediately taught that one movement is sufficient in self defense. The movement must incapicate the opponent. The movement must be directly strike a vulnerable organ that will yield to incapacitation.

KEMPO foundation was premised on individuals who had a strong understanding of the anatomy of the human body, they studied how the body moved; the locations of vital organs; and reflected on the function of muscle groups, organs, and energy. KEMPO is known for its ability not only to incapacitate but also to heal.

In summary, I recommend removing extra movement. Decide the most effective techniques. Use the most effective weapons: hands, finger, legs, .. ect. Combine them into simple movement, correctly work on achieving the best angle, speed and power in the deliver, and ease and relaxation in delivery the appropriate response. Reduce the foundation to four hand strikes, four blocks, and four kicks. Build by combining hand, blocks, and kicks in simple, flowing, and relaxed mannerisms. Appreciate the consequences of each motion. Work to understand to relationships of the movement itself. Come into harmony with your environment, blend with your opponent, and with ease incapacitate.

FUZHOU SUPARINPEI:

YI BAI LING BA BU

(108 steps)

Nan Shaolin Quan

(southern temple boxing)

First taught outside China by Simon Lailey

Goju Ryu Karate

Interpreted/transcribed from Simon’s teaching by Bill Glasheen

Uechi Ryu Karate

Version 2.2

 

START FORM

in heiko dachi facing north

SALUTATION:

Step forward to right kiba dachi.

Perform “closed gate” with right hand in shoken, left palm facing shoken tip.

Step right leg back to “on-line” kiba dachi.

Chamber finger thrusts at waist as in sanchin kata opening,

then perform double finger thrusts down, palms facing each other.

Drop elbows, causing finger tips to point up (like sanchin kata).

Step right leg forward to right kiba dachi.

Draw hands in,

then flop back of hands down to sanchin kata arm position.

Flop palms down (pronate forearms in circular fashion).

Draw hands back (cobra-like, elbows in front),

then perform double finger thrusts forward, palms down.

With dynamic tension:

Squeeze hands into shokens,

perform double shoken-wrist circles with arms extended,

draw arms back to sanchin position, shoken thumbs up (vertical shokens).

(Note: entire sequence past the salutation is like an embellished Uechi sanchin opening.)

SEQUENCE A, RIGHT HAND:

Extend right shoken out, thumb up.

Chamber right shoken,

then hook-thrust with tip facing 9 o’clock, palm facing front.

With dynamic tension:

Perform shoken-wrist circle

(shoken tip CW from 9 to 6, then straight up with thumb up)

with right arm extended.

Draw right arm back to sanchin position, shoken thumb up.

Full step forward to left kiba dachi.

SEQUENCE A, LEFT HAND:

Extend left shoken out, thumb up.

Chamber left shoken,

then hook-thrust with tip facing 3 o’clock, palm facing front.

With dynamic tension:

Perform shoken-wrist circle

(shoken tip CCW from 3 to 6, then straight up with thumb up)

with left arm extended.

Draw left arm back to sanchin position, shoken thumb up.

Full step forward to right kiba dachi.

SEQUENCE A, RIGHT HAND

Full step forward to left kiba dachi.

SEQUENCE A, LEFT HAND

Full step back to right kiba dachi.

SEQUENCE A, RIGHT HAND

Full step back to left kiba dachi.

SEQUENCE A, LEFT HAND

Full step back to right kiba dachi.

SEQUENCE A, RIGHT HAND

Full step back to left sanchin.

Perform left lateral block-like motion , sanchin palm-up position,

while right hand crescent-chambers on top with palm down in shoken.

Full step forward to right kiba dachi.

With left palm-down sanchin arm, perform:

right low shoken thrust (deep center),

right high shoken backfist (raise center).

Slide back to right cat stance.

Perform double arm crane grab, right front snap kick.

Step right leg to right while turning 90 degrees CCW to left sanchin facing west

with left crane hook, right lateral wrist movement.

Full step forward to right kiba dachi.

With left palm-down sanchin arm, perform:

right low shoken thrust (deep center),

right high shoken backfist (raise center).

Slide back to right cat stance.

Perform double arm crane grab, right front snap kick.

Step right leg to right while turning 90 degrees CCW to left sanchin facing south

with left crane hook, right lateral wrist movement.

Full step forward to right kiba dachi.

With left palm-down sanchin arm, perform:

right low shoken thrust (deep center),

right high shoken backfist (raise center).

Slide back to right sanchin.

Slam shoken forearms (palms up) against each other, left forearm low (lower center),

then flip hands out to classic sanchin (raise center).

Full step back to left sanchin.

Perform left lateral palm-up block,

right forearm crosses on top with palm down.

Perform double shuto 45 degrees up to right.

Perform left crane hook, right crane strike 45 degrees down to left.

Perform left sokuto geri.

Full step forward to right kiba dachi.

With left palm-down sanchin arm, perform:

right low shoken thrust (deep center),

right high shoken backfist (raise center).

3 x (Draw in, then perform double plam thrusts).

Perform right front snap kick (optional).

Step right leg to right while turning 90 degrees CCW to left sanchin facing east

with left crane hook, right lateral wrist movement.

Sliding step back.

Hold left palm down, execute right upper forearm strike to left palm,

Execute right front snap kick.

Step forward to right sanchin.

Execute double lateral hammer-hand strikes (forearms touch)

Slide to right kiba dachi

while first chamber shokens (thumbs up)

and then executing double thumbs-up shoken thrusts with the forward movement.

Pivot 90 degrees CCW to left sanchin facing north

with left crane hook, right lateral wrist movement.

Step forward to right kiba dachi

Perform open-hand V block/grab down and out (left hand low), palms out.

Step right foot back to on-line kiba dachi.

Look left, right, then forward.

Chamber both open hands,

then double-thrust out laterally with crane strikes down

(with slight elevation of body).

Slide right foot forward to right cat stance.

Hold left palm down, execute right upper forearm strike to left forearm.

Perform right-left-right finger thrusts with action/reaction.

Bring left hand up to right,

pull both hands down, and strike with left knee.

Perform jumping right front knee strike.

Cross right foot over left,

then step left foot back to right zenkutsu dachi facing north,

holding right hand in shoken and chambering left hand.

Perform left-right-left-right shoken with action/reaction,

striking across the body.

Pivot 90 degrees CCW and draw left foot back to left sanchin, facing west

with left crane hook, right lateral wrist movement.

Full step to right cat stance.

Hold left palm down, execute right upper forearm strike to left forearm.

Perform right finger thrust (hooking to right around neck level)….

Slide forward to right sanchin.

…complete circle around to right mawashi uke, double palm thrusts.

Pivot 90 degrees CCW to left sanchin facing south

with left crane hook, right lateral wrist movement.

Step right foot back to short kiba dachi (start pivoting hips around to west);

perform “splashing hands” techniques, drawing hands around CW with waist.

Pivot hips back to regular left kiba dachi facing south.

Hold left palm down, execute right upper (rising) palm strike,

left palm hitting the rising right arm on inside of elbow…

Pivot hips back to short kiba dachi facing west.

…leave left palm where it was, and chamber right shoken.

Pivot hips CCW back south (and slightly more), full step forward to right kiba dachi

while hooking right foot around.

Perform right elbow to left crane mouth (crotch of thumb/hand),

then right backfist.

Slide back to right cat stance,

perform double arm crane grab, right front snap kick.

Step right leg to right while turning 90 degrees CCW to left sanchin facing east

with left crane hook, right lateral wrist movement.

Step forward to right kiba dachi,

drop both hand down, and then perform double forward low wrist thrusts.

Slide forward,

drop elbows (with fingers up), and then perform double forward palm strikes.

Pivot 90 degrees CCW to left sanchin facing north

with left crane hook, right lateral wrist movement.

Step right foot forward to right sanchin, then pivot hips CCW,

bring right palm down in front (forearm parallel to north),

chamber left palm…

Pivot hips CW back to north.

…bring left forearm (palm down) perpendicular over top of stationary right forearm,

slap forward with right backhand,

palm forward again (if desired) in a circular fashion with left hand.

Perform jumping right front kick up to extended right palm,

then drop right foot back to left kiba dachi

while thrusting left palm forward

and dropping right palm back down behind rear on right side.

While keeping left palm forward:

cross right leg in front of left and come inches short of complete cross-legged sit,

then rap right shoken (palm down) on floor in front.

Elevate and step back to left sanchin.

Hold left palm down, execute right upper forearm strike to left palm.

3 x (Cross arms, perform double palm “push down”).

Perform right front snap kick.

Step right leg to right while turning 90 degrees CCW to left sanchin facing west

with left crane hook, right lateral wrist movement.

Perform right lateral sanchin-arm extension (right palm up, left down).

Step forward to right sanchin,

double shuto across to left (hands on same plane),

bring both palms back toward center like two cobras

(both palms down, right farther forward)…

Slide forward right sanchin (slide optional),

…thrust “cobras” forward (emphasis on right hand).

Slide back right sanchin,

double grab down to left (palms facing),

right front snap kick.

Step right leg to right while turning 90 degrees CCW to left sanchin facing south

with left crane hook, right lateral wrist movement.

Step and pivot 45 degrees (southwest) to right zenkutsu,

perform right lateral sanchin arm extension (right palm up, left down).

Perform left-right-left-right finger thrusts with action/reaction.

Bring left hand up to right, double (palms facing) grab down to left,

right front snap kick,

step forward again to right kiba dachi,

left palm pushing right shoken/forearm

(reminiscent of Tai Chi push).

Step right leg to right while turning 135 degrees CCW to left sanchin facing east

with left crane hook, right lateral wrist movement.

Step into right kiba dachi,

perform double vertical roundhouse shokens, left hand higher,

then swing right forearm up.

Pivot 90 degrees CCW to left sanchin facing north

with left crane hook, right lateral wrist movement.

Full step forward to right sanchin,

left mawashi uke, boshiken (or double palm thrusts).

Full step forward to left sanchin,

right mawashi uke, boshiken (or double palm thrusts).

Full step forward to right sanchin,

left mawashi uke, boshiken (or double palm thrusts).

Full step back to left kiba dachi,

rock and roll hips while drawing right palm (facing down) back,

and then extending left lateral sanchin arm (palm facing up).

Full step back to right kiba dachi,

rock and roll hips while drawing left palm (facing down) back,

and then extending right lateral sanchin arm (palm facing up).

Full step back to left kiba dachi,

rock and roll hips while drawing right palm (facing down) back,

and then extending left lateral sanchin arm (palm facing up).

Full step forward and then NE to right zenkutsu dachi,

perform right lateral sanchin-arm extension (right palm up, left down).

Perform left-right-left-right finger thrusts with action/reaction.

Bring left hand up to right, double (palms facing) grab down to left,

right front snap kick,

step forward again to right kiba dachi,

left palm pushing right shoken/forearm

(reminiscent of Tai Chi push).

Pick up left leg to crane & look west, crossed arms (left close).

Perform left side thrust kick down to west

with accompanying left low back fist while chambering right shoken.

Pivot 90 degrees CCW and step to left leaning zenkutsu dachi facing west,

and perform action/reaction shoken thrust down.

Step right foot CW around to short kiba dachi (pivot hips to east).

Perform “splashing hands” techniques.

Perform jumping right crescent while pivoting hips back to north.

Step right foot back to left kiba dachi,

hold left hand high (palm down), execute right upper forearm strike to left palm.

Full step forward to right kiba dachi,

perform double palm strikes down.

Draw open hand (thumbs in) to chest and lift right leg, then

slide-step forward (right sanchin)

with hands extended forward (palms down, fingers close).

Draw open hand (thumbs in) to chest and lift right leg, then

slide-step forward (right sanchin)

with hands extended forward (palms down, fingers close).

Draw open hand (thumbs in) to chest and lift right leg, then

slide-step forward (right sanchin)

with hands extended forward (palms down, fingers close).

Perform action/reaction slap/slide finger thrust into right kiba dachi:

right fingers to head level, palm facing left,

left fingers drawn to waist, palm facing body.

Step right foot across to left.

While pivoting 180 degrees CCW to kiba dachi facing south,

perform action/reaction slap/slide finger thrust:

left fingers to head level, palm facing right,

right fingers drawn to waist, palm facing body.

Perform right crescent kick to left palm,

then right low side thrust kick.

Slide south with on-line kiba dachi, facing right

while performing right side elbow thrust braced by left palm.

Slide south again (on-line kiba dachi facing right)

while performing right low finger strike, left upper palm thrust.

Slide south again (on-line kiba dachi facing right)

while pressing down with left palm

and thrusting to neck level with right palm-up shoken.

Pivot around at waist 180 degrees (on-line kiba dachi facing left) to north

while doing left hooking block

and chambering right palm-down crane hand.

Full step forward (north) to right kiba dachi.

With left palm-down sanchin arm, perform:

right low shoken thrust (deep center),

right high shoken backfist (raise center).

Slide step back to right sanchin.

Chamber tiger claws and then thrust forward.

Slide step back to right sanchin.

Chamber wrist strike hands and then thrust forward.

Slide step back to right sanchin.

Chamber vertical shokens and then thrust forward.

Step right leg back to on-line kiba dachi.

Chamber both spear hands and then thrust down, palms facing each other.

END FORM

by David Gimberline

Shotokan appears to execute the sidekick with the kicking leg coming from behind, i.e. one steps across with the front leg and kick with what would be the back leg (if one were standing in kosa dachi). Is this a correct assessment of the Shotokan side kick, and if so, how does one manage to avoid being impeded by the front leg?

Why do we do this? It is important to understand that kicking from kiba dache is meant to be a simplified training method to learn the technique. It is NOT meant to be used this way. In actual application (in s/d or in kumite) you would not start in kiba dache and cross in front to kick with the back leg. We usually launch it from our “fighting position”; 50/50 weight distribution, left side forward, body turn 45 degrees. If you want to kick with the back leg, you coil pretty much like a front kick (except for the foot position and inner thigh tension) and thrust from the coil, pivoting hips and support side as necessary (or personal preference).

Training from kiba dache should develop the ability to side thrust with either leg, in any direction (from fighting position). A different teaching method I have seen used in other styles, is to cross your left leg behind, already pointing to the back, and coil and thrust with the kicking side. (this is actually closer in concept to our back thrust) The advantage of this method is, it’s easy, you could actually use it right away. It also gives you a broad range of target acquisition, as the kicking foot and leg are in striking position from the beginning. It’s also simple. No twisting or turning or anything. IMHO, though it is somewhat limited in it’s potential, and it doesn’t develop the same versatility of use. I have seen advanced practitioners of this method who still must turn before they kick. For a much more detailed description, please read the next section (if you don’t care, then skip this part ):

I have thought about our methodology of teaching the side thrust (we also have a side snap and a back thrust) quite a bit, as it does appear to be a somewhat unique (and complicated) teaching progression. We practice the side thrust moving across the floor in kiba dachi stance. Start in kiba dachi (like if you were practicing punching in side stance or horse stance). If you are going to kick with your right leg, you turn your head to the right and move your arms into sort of right “fighting position”, your right arm is reaching to the right side and your left arm is across your body, also pointing to the right.

Cross your left foot over your right and plant the ball of foot in line with the right foot (like the first move of tekki/nihanchi). Simultaneously drop your left heel to the floor and coil the right leg. In this coiled position, your body is still upright and your hip is still underneath you. Your knee is up and sort of makes a 45 degree angle, up and to the right (so it doesn’t point straight to the right, it’s a little more towards the front). There is actually a pretty strong body center contraction going on at this time. This center contraction is not a focus, but it is a contraction like you are on your way to a focus. The center contraction has the feeling of drawing the inner thigh, knee, inner shin, and inner sole of foot towards your center, making your coil tighter and more controlled (edge your kicking foot). Your kicking knee is continuing to want to move towards the target, building a potential energy in the system (kind of a result of the knee moving towards target verses the center squeezing it back in).

From here, you thrust. Although the mechanics don’t match, the feeling of thrusting should be made by increasing the pressure to the floor from the center. While making pressure to the floor, keep your knee up, extend leg, twisting your hip and support leg to the end position. Initially, over-twist your hip (to almost a back thrust position) to teach yourself the muscle action, and let your support leg pivot as far as it wants to (it may end up facing 180 degrees away from your target). In this thrusting position, you must focus (kime). The main pressure, as I mentioned, is from your center to the floor, but there is also a strong pull along the bottom (inner side) of your kicking leg, pulling into center and being directed to the floor. This is helped by strongly edging your foot. So the end foot-position is horizontal, striking with the heel edge. It is important in all focused techniques for the feeling of “pulling together” and “settling” to be dominant, rather than any sensation of pulling apart. Try to perform all these actions while maintaining the vertical plane established by the initial stance.

As the practitioner gets more of a feeling for the kick, some things will change. The twisting of the hip will lessen, but the muscles will still do the same work. The support leg may not pivot as far, in fact a flexible individual may not pivot at all.

In general when kicking, try to make the support leg the heavy leg and the kicking leg the light leg. Sometimes this is difficult. Especially when thrusting, people tend to overemphasis the kicking side and totally forget about the support leg and center. Eventually, with the thrust, you should develop the center and the support leg to be the base and the dynamics of the coil and center contraction/expansion/contraction will start to give the feel the kicking leg is drawn into center and “bounces” or rebounds out into the target. When this becomes more automatic, it allows you to concentrate more on directing energy from the center to the floor and into the target. Make sure to hold the thrusting position for a second or two. It gives you a chance to actually learn the position.

Common mistakes in the side thrust: Too much emphasis on the kicking leg (or a lack of pressure on the center and support side, depending on your point of view). Changing position during the coil; leaning, hunching, changing the body plane, and the biggie: letting your bottom hip out of place when initiating the kick.

One training method I like to use to fix these problems is to train against a wall in three different ways. The first way, is just for stability when going through the sequence of the kick. In place against the wall, standing with your feet together, I use a five count method. 1) COIL to sort of a side snap position: here make sure your body is straight, and your center is together with your hip underneath. 2) COIL HIGHER: pick the knee up higher and increase the pressure to center (at this point your hip is still underneath, too many people tilt their hips and stick their butt out here). 3) THRUST; as previously described, drop your weight and twist into the extended thrust position (the muscles under your left butt cheek should still be connected), hold the position long enough to feel the control points and feel the pressure pulling your kicking leg to center and the energy flowing towards the ground. At first, you may lean backwards for balance, but eventually your shoulders will remain relatively stable, and become a secondary base. 4) RECOIL back to side snap position, with pressure settling towards floor. 5) put your foot down. Eventually you can skip 1 and hold at 2. Then you can bounce through 1 and 2 and hold the thrust (3)

The next method of using the wall is the same except you move across the floor in kiba dache to a six count. Start with your back to the wall in kiba dache with your heels positioned about two inches (5 cm) or so away from the wall. The first count is cross, and the subsequent counts are from the previous exercise. Try to feel like your shoulders and hips are staying parallel with the wall (like touching) as you do each count. Still make pressure into the floor though. Hint: if when you thrust, your hip bumps the wall and pushes you away, you are breaking the plane of the thrust when you kick.

The last methods of using the wall, is similar, except you face the wall as you move along it. This one has some great feed back In kiba dache, put your toes about 6 inches (15 cm) or so away from the wall. Assuming your are kicking with the right leg, rest your left forearm on the wall (in front and across your body) as you move through the sequence, make sure your forearm maintains contact and feels forward towards the target (to your right). If it pulls away, it is an indication your are stretching apart when you thrust. If you hit your head on the wall, you are again breaking the plane of the by bending the hip in the wrong way.

The end of another overlong post!

As always, I welcome any comments, critiques, suggestions, or other input.

Sincerely
Dave in Minnesota

by David Gimberline

Re: Matt D’s questions about Hangetsu.

Warning: this is a long post, but if you have ever read any of my other posts, you will know this is normal. 

Before I start, I should tell you Hangetsu is considered by most to be a pretty advanced kata.  However, I do feel all levels can benefit from it’s practice.

Of all the Shotokan kata, Hangetsu is my favorite.  Throughout my karate career I have been plagued with being too tight (excess tension.) and too slow.  Hangetsu taught me to relax and be sharp (relatively speaking .  I first learned it at 5th kyu level, because it was my instructor’s favorite kata.  I liked the insights it offered to expansion/contraction and breathing, so, although I knew it was advanced, I worked on it every once in a while for the next few years.

When I passed shodan, I decided it was time to work on it for real and dedicated the next year or so to working on it consistently in preperation for my ni-dan (we have a two year minimum between shodan & nidan exams).  One day my instructor (a different and more senior instructor) had us all working on our own kata and was walking around giving us feedback.  After watching my performance his comment was, “Are you just learning this kata?”  Not quite sure how to answer, I came up with my usual brilliant response, and kinda said “Ahh…”, seeing my hesitation he then prompted, “you’ve been working on it for about a year?”.  I nodded and said, “Hai”.     “You’re just learning this kata”, was his pronouncement.  This was a clue.    Maybe this kata was still a little beyond me and maybe I should pick something else to work on.  So I did.  After passing nidan, I again started to work on Hangetsu, (thick headed Due to injury, family and work conflicts there was actually about 10 years between my Sho dan & San dan exams.  I performed it for my San Dan exam and passed on the first try. (Somewhat unusual where I come from).

I still love it, even though I’ve been working on others, I still come back to it.

So, finally in response to Matt’s questions:

• explain the alignments of the feet, legs and hips for this stance.
• what I understand, it is 2 shoulder-widths in length and 1 shoulder-width
• in depth, with both knee’s bent in and the feet turned in as much as
• possible so it feels uncomfortable.  Apparently if practiced over a long
• period of time it can cause knee pains to develop. I’ve also heard that
• this stance is associated with inner tension. Could someone please explain

These days it is sort of trendy to teach the hangetsu stance as sort of a front stance with your front foot turned in.  I do not do it this way.  To me it feels more like an elongated sanchin dachi, but it has it’s uniqueness also.  My stance ends up a couple inches shorter and sometimes a titch wider than zenkutzu.  As is true with many karate techniques and concepts, many of the feelings and positions and movements are difficult to write about, but I will try.  Also, with time, each individual must find the positions and tensions that are right for them.   YOUR KNEES SHOULD NEVER HURT from doing this kata.  If they do, it is coming from a misunderstanding of the leg/hip/feet angles and their related pressures.

To find hangetsu stance start from a front stance inside block (uchi uke?) position, so your hips are at a 45 degree angle.  This is important, and I think most people miss it.  Shift your weight back to 50/50, turn in your front foot about 45 degrees, and squeeze in with your knees.  This is the inner tension they are talking about.  It is huge, especially at first, when compared to a front stance, but if this remains the dominant feeling of your stance, you will probably hurt your knees.  I am tempted to say that the back leg from the knee down is the same position as the front stance, but standing next to my computer now (in my office, where no one has yet paid any attention to the weirdo shifting position from front stance to hangetsu stance, and occasionally sanchin    I find that my back foot is actually turned in a little more than front stance position, if my front stance rear foot position is about 60 degrees, then hangetsu is about 65 or 70 degrees.

After squeezing in, you must relax and sink.  The inner tension tends to lift you up, and isolates pressure in your knees.  As you sink into a better position, the pressure goes out, especially from your knees to the floor.  This is where you can really feel the “hour glass” concept.  It is narrow and pulling in at the top and then widens dramatically and pushes out at the bottom (basically from the knees down, although this isn’t quite right either.)  The pushing out actually starts above the knees and pushes out through the knees along the center of bone to the floor.  So, from one point of view, the inner pressure really just sets your bones into position, and with in this new framework or structure, you try to get pressure from your center to flow through your legs to the ground.

Stay in this position and slowly try to counter punch.  You will find your hip rotation is slightly limited.  It will not go completely straight (like in zenkutzu) with out changing the position of your front leg.  Don’t do this.  Try to learn the new position.

Most people think the stance is confining and rigid.  It is a little confining at first, but if you learn to work within this new framework, you will discover new relationships, with their own freedoms and advantages.  IMHO no stance should ever be rigid.  Many people make this mistake.  If you can’t feel the energy flowing, sinking, and transferring through your position, it is wrong.

A GOOD EXERCISE for learning the stance, and for getting a better idea of front stance too:

Get a partner and an extra belt (or one of you take off yours).   Loop the belt around your waist (low; at the hip/leg joint) and have your partner stand behind you holding both ends of the belt.  Assume a front stance (zenkutsu dachi) and have your partner pull straight back (behind you) and down towards the ground at a 45 degree angle or so.  You should be able to resist this pressure, not by directly pushing against it, but by increasing the pressure from your center to the floor, and sinking into your stance.  Now have your partner stop pulling and move around to the front.  When your partner applies pressure forward and down, you should be able to resist it the same way, do not switch your position and try not to lose the pressure to the back leg (very difficult).  In your front stance you should be able to handle a lot of force straight from the front or back.  Try to keep the pressure from your center to UNDER your hip.

Standing either in front or in back, if the pulling partner moves off to one side, even a little, you will either lose your balance or be forced to change position to maintain it.

Now start in the hangetsu position.  When your partner starts to pull from behind, you may have difficulty maintaining the position.  This is actually a weak spot in the hangetsu stance.  Pay special attention to squeezing in and tucking in your butt cheeks.  Try to keep the tension flowing along the bottom of your legs to the floor.

After you have this position, have the person start to circle around you and maintain the pulling pressure.  This is where you can start to feel the pressure shift in the stance even the position doesn’t change.  When you start to lose it, push down harder from your center and inner thighs and grab with your toes.  You will start to get an understanding of new connections.

Try to recreate this feeling when ever you do the kata, even without the person pulling on you.

Next try performing the kata with this type of resistance.  The first move is one of the most difficult.  The squeeze in between moves is VERY important.  Start with straight in, straight out elbow motion.  It may evolve to slightly circular.  Make sure to get your elbow past center when coiling.

At first when performing the kata, try to focus each move completely, release completely and move on to the next move.  Eventually, the release of one move IS the beginning of the next, and each focus has a direction; when released, naturally moves towards the next position.

Observations from the kata Hangetsu:

• Hangetsu stance utilizes multidirectional stability
• Teaches how to create a base using indirect pressure and use this base to operate from
• Teaches how to separate squeezing and expansion/contraction from breathing
• Your elbow and knees sort of match (and the pressure along inner arm and inner leg)
• Your front foot position is already set to be the back leg if you were to shift to the inside, i.e. if you are in a left foot forward hangetzu stance, the angle of your knee and foot is such that you can shift directly to the right (moving in and out with your foot work) without losing any drive or requiring any reposition of the structure to move.  This is a huge advantage over the front stance where this is not possible.  Try both by having your partner pull from the side.
• Both of your front two hip joints should have pretty sharp angles in relationship to your legs.  If they start to become smooth, you are over-tucking.
• It is better to start in this stance a little too short, rather than a little too long.  Being too long increases the chance of knee injury.  You can only go as long as you can maintain positive pressure on the joints.  Compression rather than pulling apart.
• Training in this stance and kata teaches you more about all stances and kata.

 

Even for me, this is a long post.  I have to get back to work now.  As always, I appreciate any feedback in private or on the list.

Sincerely,
Dave in Minnesota