Technique of the Week (August 4th, 2008)

From Ron Marchetti, Sandan

Ueshiro Suntree-Viera Shorin-Ryu Karate Dojo

Melbourne Florida
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The Importance of Body Shifting in Yakusoku Kumite

Body shifting, or moving at an angle, when an attack occurs is most important to gain the position advantage for a counterattack. Body shifting techniques are prevalent throughout Yakusoku Kumite (YK) No 1, 2, 3 & 4. A clear example of the body shifting technique is present in YK 2 while defending against the third low punch attack. The defender moves to the side instead of directly to the rear, then blocks and counterattacks. The sideways “body shifting” move allows the defender to maintain close proximity “ma-ai” to the attacker, out of the way of the attack and hidden from the attacker, but able to perform a very effective double punch counterattack.

(Reference: The Essence of Okinawan Karate-Do by Shoshin Nagamine, Chapter 6, pg. 246 )

Arigato, Ron Marchetti, Sandan

Ueshiro Suntree-Viera Shorin-Ryu Karate Dojo

Melbourne Florida