We began the session with repetitions of gyaku tsuki and uraken. Flaws in the fundamentals were highlighted and corrected. We then elaborated a little by introducing a 360 degree spin. This manoeuvre has enormous potential: the blow can be timed with the step, or delivered ahead of the step; it can be snapped, or allowed to follow through; it can be used offensively to take an opponent by surprise, or as a ‘last ditch’ response where your opponent has managed to sweep and unbalance you; it has an application in the dojo or shiai jo; it has an application in real combat. The list goes on. And on.
We then brought ushiro geri into play. We practised solo and then with partners. A couple of coaching tips were observed: telegraphing the kick by moving the lead foot prematurely; and over cautiousness. The second observation is fascinating. There must come a point in your practise where you throw caution to the wind and ‘go for it’. Where you dare yourself to deliver a real technique uninhibited by anxiety. Most of us could contrive a ‘perfect’ kicking movement at an unrealistically slow speed. But the combat situation dictates that we can’t dwell in that particular comfort zone. Dancers or gymnasts might be able to, I don’t know. But I do know that fighters can not.
We then constructed a simple drill out of all three techniques. The defender had to detect whether the attacker was delivering a spinning kick or a spinning uraken, and defend accordingly. We built things up slowly and safely. The session concluded with several rounds of conditional jiyu kumite. The conditions were that only gyaku tsuki, uraken and ushiro geri could be used. Offensively or defensively. The manifold permutations gave rise to some creative exchanges.
Three techniques. A plentiful resource.
11 members trained in the session: Bob Dainty; Frank Dennis; Miguel Dennis; Becky Cassapi; Steve Cassapi; Darren Cockburn; Audrius Mikalauskas; Simon Collier; Gobe Hobona; Rosemary Hall; Arthur Hall.
SOUTH NOTTS KARATE 