Technique of the Week (March 6th 2011)

Sensei Ron Marchetti Shihan, Ueshiro Cocoa Dojo

Cocoa, Florida

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The Importance of Tachikata (Stances)

During karate class we frequently are instructed to get low and to position our feet properly in the stance that is required for each individual kata step. Why are stances so important? Shoshin Nagamine provides detailed narrative and photographic guidance regarding stances in The Essence of Okinawan Karate, and the importance is specifically stated on page 61 as follows

“The following points must be borne in mind in practicing any stance:

1. Long endurance

2. Stability and balance

3. Flexibility and mobility”

We cannot expect to become proficient in our kata and effective in our karate technique without practicing the correct stance. We bend the knees in the low stances to condition our bodies and develop our muscles for endurance, we must properly position our feet so that the correct body alignment is achieved to maximize stability and we must practice constantly to improve our flexibility. When we practice all qualities of the correct stance our kata develops a strong foundation from which we can execute a block or punch effectively. Without the correct stance our capability is diminished.

Domo Arigato,

Sensei Ron Marchetti

Shihan, Ueshiro Cocoa Dojo