Secrets of Shotokan Karate. Robin L. Rielly

13), the line should remain vertical.

      As the body moves forward in the front stance, the feet begin and end shoulder width apart. In order to follow natural movement, the hips move first (Figs. 14-15). This is also the case with the front kick (Fig. 16). The hips move forward first, the upper leg and knee are raised, and the foot is snapped forward to perform the kick (Figs. 16-17).

      Note that in performing multiple kicks hip movement must also be in the direction of the kick. Figures 18 and 19 show the front kick, with the hips facing forward. The performance of the side kick (Figs. 20-21) gains power when the hip is thrust in the direction of the kick. The back thrust-kick (Figs. 22-24) requires that the hip position be maintained in order to execute the kick properly.

      When an opponent approaches from the side, it is necessary to face the hips in that direction in order to kick at him. In this case the roundhouse kick is used after the hips are turned in the direction of the opponent (Figs. 25-28).

      Balance and Stability

      Common sense would dictate that balance is an essential ingredient in any successful athletic movement, and particularly relevant in combat situations. An examination of some of the factors affecting balance is therefore necessary.

      The body at rest adopts what we refer to as a natural position, that is a position in which the feet are spaced approximately shoulder width apart, with the weight of the body distributed evenly on them. It follows, then, that whenever possible, karate stances should follow this principle. Depicted in Figure 29 is the front stance. Note that the feet are placed approximately shoulder width apart for balance; failure to do so will affect the performer’s balance. In Figure 30 the feet in the front stance are in line and the body is difficult to balance, since the base of support is narrowed. It should also be noted that the upper body is held erect, and the hips in their normal position are in line with the rest of the body.

      In Figure 31, the cat-foot stance is demonstrated. Balance here is difficult since the weight of the body is carried primarily on the rear leg. Still, it is possible to maintain balance, since the forward foot extends the base of support, and the knee is bent, lowering the hips. In addition, the upper body forms a straight line with the hip, affording maximum balance in this stance. Compare this with Figure 32. The model here deliberately has adopted a faulty cat-foot stance. Note that the upper body seems to lean backward slightly, upsetting the balance since hip and back are not in alignment. In addition, the knee is straightened, lessening the body’s ability to balance correctly. If the performer were attacked in this position, he would likely lose balance to the rear if his opponent charged into him.

      Figures 33 and 34 demonstrate how the misalignment of hip and back can cause a loss of balance. The balanced position in the straddle stance is one in which the upper body is straight, as compared to Figure 34, where the upper body inclines to the rear in an unbalanced position.

      One of the subtleties of body movement affecting balance is the manner in which the feet are positioned against the floor. In Figures 35 through 38 correct and incorrect methods of using the feet are demonstrated. In order to maintain solid balance in any stance, it is necessary to tense the foot and toes downward as if trying to grip the floor with them, as demonstrated from the front and side in Figures 36 and 38. Figures 35 and 37 show an incorrect tension of the feet with the toes actually raised, causing less of the foot surface to contact the floor, and upsetting balance.

      These may seem to be minor points as far as fighting technique is concerned; however, it must be remembered that balance affects all karate movement, and an unbalanced fighter is incapable of delivering the strongest technique.

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