Technique of the Week (June 27th, 2010)

Sensei Ron Marchetti, Sandan, Shihan Ueshiro Cocoa Dojo, Cocoa Beach, FL

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Moving Forward

: All Deshi must strive to move forward in class. How can that be done during karate class with many levels from white belt to Dan and also with many ages from young children to adult men and women? The following suggestions came to light recently in an advanced class held in Florida:

1. Get lower and improve your stances. White belts tend to elevate during low stances such as Zenkutsu Dachi (forward leaning stance) and Kibadachi (horse riding stance). The lower ranks will be corrected repeatedly as they learn the stance and develop the muscle/stamina to achieve these stances. Advanced ranks must get lower, bend the knees more, properly position the feet, keep the head centered over the body and lead with the stomach. If you are not sweating during the preliminary warm-ups and instruction in stances then you are not moving forward.

2. Improve your blocking and punching. As white belts and lower ranks learn blocking and punching basic techniques, they will observe the advanced ranks. Advanced ranks must not only perform the techniques properly, but must always strive for more, including focusing on tight fists, straight wrists, proper chambering, using the hip, generating power, and practicing perfect timing of the technique.

3. Practice visualization of your opponent. As the newer Deshi struggle to learn the initial kata movements, the advanced Deshi must visualize the opponent and make the kata come to life. Practice Gan (sight and perception), Soku (rooting down and foundation), Tanden (Abdominal strength and mental guts) and Riki (Power, strength and hitting the home run).

We learn much from emphasis on basic techniques and initial kata training. Advanced ranks can move forward even in the most basic karate instructional environments. Your willingness and attitude generates the ability to improve.

Domo Arigato,

Sensei Ron Marchetti, Sandan, Shihan Ueshiro Cocoa Dojo