July 2011 Practice Notes

This month practice for seniors includes Gankaku, Maete, and Jiyu kumite.

Gankaku is a physically challenging kata. It polishes balance, and application of novel techniques such as reverse punch from a kiba dachi. There are several challenging turns and pivots in the kata. I recommend that we practice these parts separately to learn the nuances of making them effective. The reverse punch timing is dependent on the power generated during the transition between the one legged posture and the final kiba dachi posture. Work on this transition through application on a bag.

I suggest practicing maete with a steel ball with an over-emphasis on the hip, knee and foot dynamics. Practice uriashi, stepping back, stepping to the side, and moving other directions while applying maete. This can be very effective and efficient. I also recommend testing and developing your kime, through making a very short maete against a bag. See if you can make a strong meate when starting your fist movement from about four inches from the bag. Generating maximum power from a short distance requires a combination of form, relaxation, mentality, and hip/body coordination.

Maete is an effective technique and is used often in jiyu kumite. It is my favorite technique. I advise reading the section on jiyu kumite in ‘Notes on Training’. There are three basic points I culled recently for various sources:

1. "The essence of fighting is the art of moving”. (Bruce Lee, “The Tao of Jeet Kune Do”).
2. Two of the three “models” from Caylor Adkin’s book (“Iron ball, wooden staff, empty hand”) involve flow and maneuver.
3. In “Notes on Training”, Sensei says that the most important aspect is mentality. One point he makes is that if you think about what to do, you will probably be too late. You need to move, block, counter, attack, etc, without a lot of thinking. This means to me that one needs to make all of these elements a natural part of your subconscious mind. It's important that you read his notes on this topic.

So, moving and mentality are very important. Consider exercises that emphasize these aspects when practicing jiyu kumite.

Special Training starts 8 July. I hope that a good contingent from the region will attend, especially white and brown belts. I cannot be there because of family and work commitments. I will miss ST. But in another way, I have felt for several years that it is time for the old generation to step back. I have organized, lead or co-lead many STs (maybe 40 or more), and, frankly, I feel its time for the next generation to figure out how to lead a successful ST. I don’t want to interfere. Norman, Tom Muzila and I worked as a team from the early 1970’s through the 1990’s to understand ST leadership. We used the model developed by Sensei in the 1960’s. I know we made many mistakes, but we tried to improve. We sought advice. The PNW/Western Canada ST developed a good reputation, and has been attended by many top seniors. I plan to attend ST in the future. If you have questions about leading or assisting at ST, let me know. ST is the most important thing we do.

Finally, we need to support Joel Blakely and Kate Buenau as the PNW representatives to Nisei Week this year. Push them hard so they are as well prepared as possible. Good luck Joel and Kate. I will be there to take notes.

Ron Thom