KEEP TRAINING #194

Shihan Kevin L Reymond
Dec 4, 2023
3 min read

Updated: Mar 24

"You don't get much done if you only work on the days you feel good." —Jerry West

Fellow deshi,

Last Week

This past week I focused my training on kata Wanshu, specifically the opening move. On page 188 of the paperback edition of Master Nagamine's book, "The Essence of Okinawan Karate-Do" are excellent photographs (Figs. 3, 4 and 5) of Master Nagamine demonstrating the opening move of kata Wanshu. Key observations are: (a) Master Nagamine initiates the technique from heisokudachi (closed-foot stance) (Fig. 3). His hands are located approximately one fist distance away from the chest with the arms forming a horizontal line; the right wrist is straight, its fist covered by the bent palm and fingers of the left hand: (b) while maintaining his closed-foot stance Master Nagamine lifts/sweeps up his left foot such that his foot is knee height, in front of his right knee, and its palm is parallel to a wall to his right.. The foot movement is similar to that executed in the Naihanchi kata; refer to photos 12 and 16 in the Naihanchi lchi section on pages 150 and 151, respectively; photos 11 and 14 in Naihanchi Nidan section on pages 154 and 155, respectively, and photos 22 and 30 in the Naihanchi Sandan section on page 160; (c) Master Nagamine's eyes/gan are focused forward as he performs the foot sweep; (d) next, Master Nagamine turns to his left; drops into iaigoshi-dachi (kneeling stance) and executes a gedan-zuki (lower punch); (e) Master Nagamine's posture is erect in the kneeling stance, in other words he is not bent over the target area; and (f) Master Nagamine's eyes/gan are focused straight ahead and not down at the deck when in the kneeling stance.

The Kata Guide Video provides an excellent opportunity to observe Hanshi demonstrate kata Wanshu, and specifically to study his opening move, at full speed (0:14 to 1 :15) and half speed (1 :18 to 3:00). Key takeaways include: (a) freeze frame at 0:19 and 1 :24 and note that Hanshi raises his left knee above belt height; (b) the palm of his left foot becomes parallel with the wall to his right, as his knee reaches its apex; (c) there is a slight bend in his standing/right knee; this enhances establishing a rooted foundation; (d) his posture is erect and his eyes/gan are directed forward; (e) at the instant Hanshi's left knee achieves its highest point, his eyes/gan shift 90 degrees to the left, and he drops/places his left foot in its final position to execute a kneeling stance (iaigoshi-dachi); Simultaneously, Hanshi's left arm extends outward and his right elbow/fist chambers high and tight in the pocket, setting up to deliver power to the punch; (freeze frame at 0:20); (f) next, at the moment Hanshi's left foot is planted, his right foot pivots into position, his right knee hits the deck, and the punch is delivered (review 1:24 to 1:25).

This opening move is complex and requires a great deal of coordination to execute the timing necessary to deliver effective technique. This can only be achieved through voluminous repetitions at half speed.

My Focus This Week

This week I plan to focus my training on proper posture. Balance, speed, power, foundation are all dependent upon attaining good posture. I will start my week by reviewing the applicable sections of Master Nagamine and Hanshi's books and observing Hanshi perform various techniques in his demonstrations of kata in the KataGuide Video

Thoughts on Training

Kyoshi Mackay has disseminated the Zoom class schedule for the week. Try one, you might like it!

Reading from "Shorin-Ryu Okinawan Karate Question and Answer Book"

Hanshi discusses technique on page 52 of his book, "Shorin-Ryu Okinawan Karate Question and Answer Book."

"The most misunderstood aspect about karate technique is that of everyone being able to imitate stances and techniques. An important conclusion is that we should not look alike or be robot-like in our actions concerning karate ... A tall person would have a longer zenkutsu-dachi as compared to a shorter karateka. Someone with great muscular development, for example, may not be able to touch his fist to his forearm while demonstrating morote sae-uke properly. This would be because of a massive chest, pectorals and biceps. Consequently, a slim person's augmented forearm block would be and must be done differently."