Technique of the Week (May 19th, 2008)

From Mr. Shabbir Kazmi Shodan

East Meets West Shorin-Ryu Karate Club of Northern Virginia

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PERFECT FINISH

Onegai Shimasu Hanshi, Kyoshi(s), Sensei(s) and fellow Deshi(s),

The essence of Okinawan Karate-Do, Shoshin Nagamine, page 49
states: "Karate requires a perfect finish at the end of each kata
performance. Therefore, we must complete each kata practice with full
mind and maximum power".

Idea of "Perfect Finish" encompasses several fundamentals of Shorin-
ryu Karate embedded in proper technique, attitude and most important
proper courtesy. In a "Perfect finish" of demonstrating any kata, one
should not be out of breath, be tired or lose spirit/energy. One
should be ready to go full speed and power to demonstrate another
kata. Therefore, one must perform his/her kata with proper breathing
and pause throughout the demonstration. In a real life situation, an
opponent will have an advantage if he/she sees a weak or an
incomplete technique, he/she can get up and fight again. In fact the
fight would not end favorably if the final move is not perfect.
Therefore, it is very important for a Karate practitioner to
do "Perfect finish" and complete the fight.

A "Perfect Finish" should also incorporate all four concepts of
Hanshi's book, "Building warrior spirit", that is "Gan (eyes),
piercing, penetration like the dead eyes of a shark stalking, Soku
(foot) foundation, Tanden (abdomen) spirit and Riki (power)
wrestler's strength". Hanshi demonstrated all these four ideas in the
last move of Kata Wankan on May 10th, 2008, the North East Trip at
the Mt. Airy Resort, Mount Poconos; piercing the opponent with the
eyes, feet grabbing the deck, spirited turn with tightened stomach,
the fist were fully chambered showing power and strength.

Beyond Shorin-ryu Karate and our training deck there are several real
life examples of a "Perfect Finish" such as minor car accidents where
it is very important to finish the completed accident report with
proper authorities, filing taxes on time with completed forms, or
daily finishing work at the office with professionalism and proper
protocol.

Domo Arigato Hanshi for your guidance and training.

Domo Arigato,

Shabbir Kazmi

Shodan

East Meets West Shorin-Ryu Karate Club of Northern Virginia