December 14th, 2014

From Sensei Emiliano Mazlen, Yon-Dan, Shihan,

Boston Chinatown Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate Club

Keep the Weapon Facing the Target

Onegai-shimasu Hanshi, Kyoshi, Sensei, Shihan and Fellow Deshi,

It is important to keep your “weapon,” whether it be a hand, foot, elbow or something else, facing the target.

As one example, Hanshi recently emphasized the particular importance of a straight pocket (no elbow winging out) after the kicks in Fukyugata Ni. Otherwise, the arm needs to straighten out while the elbow strike is being delivered, lessening its effectiveness. Similarly, when stepping into jigotai dachi to perform chasing punch, the knuckles of the fist in the pocket must face the target (that is, straight ahead) throughout the move. As a further example, the back foot in kosa dachi is the weapon for a kick from that position and must face the opponent rather than another angle.

Domo arigato gozaimasu to all.

Emiliano Mazlen

Yon-Dan

Shihan, Boston Chinatown Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate Club