October 30th, 2017

This weeks technique is submitted by Kyoshi Mackay, Ueshiro Midtown Karate Dojo

"In Pre-Arranged Fighting the attacker sets the height"

Onegai shimasu, Hanshi, Sensei and Deshi of USRKUSA,

Below please find this week's "Technique of the Week." Domo arigato
gozaimasu to Grand Master Ansei Ueshiro and Hanshi Robert Scaglione for
their meticulous attention to the use of low stances in yaku soku kumite.

- Kyoshi Mackay

Be aware of your height relative to your partner's during yaku soku
kumite. When attacking, drop suddenly and move in quickly to gain the
element of surprise and a low center of gravity. When defending try
matching the height of your attacker's low stances. This sets up the ideal
height for your block, even when the block plays a secondary role to
shifting back or to the side. Common mistake is for the defender to drop
into a low stance that is much higher or lower than the attacker's. The
result is a misplaced or poorly-angled block and a weaker position for
countering. (Exceptions exist, most notably the final move of PF2 and the
second move of PF3.) Seek out training partners whose height and low
stances differ from your own. Survival depends on a split-second reading
of their movements and subtle adjustments in real time.

Domo arigato gozaimasu, Hanshi,

- Kyoshi Mackay, Ueshiro Midtown Karate Dojo