All students need to be able to tie their own Obi (belt). It is a requirement for your Blue Belt and will be reinforced in class. Learn to tie it on your own! 1) Hold Obi in front of you with any stripes on the right side.2) Wrap the Obi around your waist. Wrap the […]
Tying your Obi (belt) Read More »
Every muscle is subject to the myotatic reflex (stretch reflex) which opposes changes in muscle length, especially sudden or extreme changes. When a muscle lengthens beyond a certain point, the myotatic reflex causes it to tighten and attempt to shorten. This is the tension you feel during stretching exercises. The myotatic reflex is desirable because
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The kiai (literally: “spirit yell”) is very important to karate. It involves tensing the diaphragm and expelling air through the mouth, making a short, sharp sound. The word “kiai” is not yelled; the appropriate sound should be like: “eye”, “high” or “eigh”. The exact sound will vary from person to person. The kiai occurs during
Taikyoku Ichi Steps 1) From Yoi Dachi, look to your left, step back with your left leg and begin block, turn hips into left ZD as you block GB, with your left hand. Your fist should be 2″ off the knee, in line with your left leg.2) Raise your left hand to perform hidden move,
Taikyoku Ichi and Ni Read More »
Taikyoku San Steps 1) From Yoi Dachi, step back with your left leg and begin block, turn hips into left Kokutso Dachi (KKD) as you perform Chudan Uchi Uke (CUU) block.2) Turn left hand over into a punch to perform hidden move, step through into right ZD and punch chudan with your right hand.3) Look
Ten no Kata was created by Gichin Funakoshi and is presented in the Karate-do Nyumon, the twin to Karate-do Kyohan, also written by Funakoshi Gichin. Ten no Kata means “kata of the universe.”
TEN NO KATA of Gichin Funakoshi Read More »
Pinan Ichi Steps 1) Bow into Mokuso and slide out into Yoi Dachi. Look to your left, step back with your left foot and begin block, turn hips into left ZD as you perform GB.2) Raise your left hand to perform hidden move, step through into right ZD and punch chudan level with your right
Pinan Ni Steps 1) Bow into Mokuso and slide out into Yoi Dachi. Look to your left, step back with your left foot and stack your hands on the right side. Turn hips into left KKD, perform JU with right hand, CUU with left hand. The left fist is positioned up and down (See picture).
Pinan San Steps 1) Bow into Mokuso and come out into Yoi Dachi. Look to your left, step back and begin the block. Turn your hips into left KKD as you block CUU with your left hand. Step up into Musubi Dachi (MD) and punch straight down with your right hand, keeping your left hand
Pinan Yon Steps 1) Bow into Mokuso and slide out into Yoi Dachi. Looking to your left, step back and stack your hands on the right. Turn hips into KKD as you block CUU with your left hand and JU with your right hand. Both hands are open with thumbs tucked. See picture for proper
