From: Deshi-SRKUSA@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Deshi-SRKUSA@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Kurt@...
Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2006 9:43 PM
To: DESHI-SRKUSA@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [USRKUSA - Deshi] TFTW - 1-29-06

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

After a recent class a student approached me and stated that when engaging his partner from the attacking side of Yakusoku Kumite I, his body mechanics became awkward when executing Jodan-zuki from Zenkutsu-dachi (the third and final move). When I asked him to demonstrate this, he rotated his hips into zenkutsu-dachi and attempted a punch in almost a straight-line with his feet. When I explained that the location of his punch was incorrect, that it needed to be at slight angle thereby correcting his poor body mechanics, he indicated that his target (i.e. his partner’s head) was not at a slight angle. This misplaced target was the result of his training partner not moving enough laterally. This lack of lateral movement, resulted in neither partner having a legitimate target.

Although Yakusoku Kumite I & II initially dictate that the person on defense move straight back, it is ultimately corrected by shifting to the side and setting up the attacker. In Building Warrior Spirit, Hanshi states: "The shift is to either side, forward or either side, backward but never straight back." This lateral movement should also be demonstrated in the middle and lower blocks in reverse from Neko-ashi-dachi. This lateral movement should be clearly shown in each of the pre-arranged fighting techniques. By doing so you'll make Yakusoku-kumite seem much more real and "come alive".

Arigato,

Sempai Kurt Tezel, Ni-Dan

Chief Instructor, Cocoa Beach Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate Dojo