From: "Kurt Tezel" <Kurt@...>

Date: August 31, 2008 9:14:42 PM EDT

To: deshi-srkusa@yahoogroups.com

Subject: [USRKUSA - Deshi]  Technique of the Week 8/31/08

Onegaishimasu Hanshi, Kyoshi’s, Sensei’s and Deshi, The photograph attached is of Nolan Ryan whose pitches were clocked at 100 mph. He was able to reach such a high velocity on his pitches through nearly flawless body mechanics - using his entire body to generate the speed of the pitch. Imagine if he paused or stopped at the exact moment that this photograph was taken. All of the momentum generated prior to delivery would be negated and the velocity of the pitch would be reduced to the speed of a rec league softball pitch. The first time most of us stepped on the deck we learned how to perform a high block with an emphasis on crossing the arms forming the letter X before letting the arm sweep the head. We may have even been asked to demonstrate this specific aspect of the technique. It is imperative that, as we advance in rank, this pause is eliminated while maintaining the proper path of travel with the arms. Pausing in the middle of the block negates all of the power and momentum created by "our" windup - incorporating our legs, hips and hara. Arigato, Tezel Sensei  Shihan Ueshiro Merritt Island Karate Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate USA Under the Direction of Hanshi Scaglione