Sandan - Yodan Practice, Sequim 24 March 2012

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

Fumikomi

I am working on a new concept of fumikomi. Typically, we aim to make it an uber-strong, board-breaking sort of kick, however this makes it slow and stupid -- hard to apply in real time when the target (opponent's foot or knee) is likely to be moving. How much force do you really need to break a foot bone or tear knee cartilage? Not much. So my new goal is to develop a light quick kick with laser-like aim. I'm looking for ways to get there. Any ideas?

- Pam Logan

Tri-Cities Dojo

The Tri-Cities Dojo has been taken over by the government! Seriously, we now have a new place to train, in the Federal Building of Richland, 825 Jadwin Ave, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 545-715.

- Pam Logan

PNW Shotokan Blog

I encourage all SKA members in the NW to post pertinent comments and announcements on the blog. This blog is meant to be another way to communicate broadly with the NW Shotokan Ohshima members.

Upcoming Events -- Summer Special Training

Summer Special Training at Trinity Western University:
When:   Check-in on Friday July 8, practice from July 9-12
Where:  TWU, 7600 Glover Road, Langley, BC. 
Additional:  Forms will be posted soon on the Canada Shotokan website. 

Cost $350, Canadian and US.   Dan test on July 12 from 9-11:30 am.

Welcome

Welcome to the new website for Pacific Northwest SKA dojos.  This site is intended for sharing news, upcoming events, event reports, photos, ideas, questions, links, and other thoughts about our karate training.

Shotokan Karate of America is a non-profit organization teaching traditional karate in the United States since 1955.  SKA members in the Pacific Northwest also train frequently with Canada Shotokan Karate, an SKA affiliate.

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