Begin and End with Basics
by Doug Simpson
|
 |
|
I once read that Master Shimabuku said that Isshinryu study should be 50% basics, 30% kata, and 20% kumite. Regardless of whether Master Shimabuku actually said this or not, why shouldn’t that be true? Our kumite skills are mostly derived from our kata which is mostly formed from the basic techniques we are taught when we first tie an obi around our waists.
When you teach a class or train, how much time do you spend on basics with your students who have since “graduated” from them? Do they go over them at all? Years ago when I was still training under the late Master Wheeler, you were expected to be in front of the charts practicing basics, regardless of rank, until he called for class to begin. When I started training under Master Boykin, he also placed heavy emphasis on practicing basics.
So what is our aversion to these vital techniques that form the foundation for all that we are in our Isshinryu practice? The biggest thing I hear is that they are boring or that they aren’t really necessary. Seisan Kata begins with a left foot forward - left hand side block followed by a right hand straight punch. Sound familiar? It should.
As we progress in our training, it is only natural that basics begin to fade into the background. We move on to more exciting kata, then to even more exciting kumite and when it comes to weapons, forget about them. The problem is we shouldn’t.
When I train privately or teach others I always start the class by going over the basics together after the warm-up. Not only does this activity help continue to limber the class up, it also puts the class into the mind set for the kata practice that follows. But why not go just one step farther? Why not include another review of the basics as part of the class cool down?
I challenge each of us to begin and end our training with basics. Find ways to incorporate them into your routine and to make practicing them more enjoyable. After all they are only 15 simple hand techniques and a few simple kicks right? Besides, without our basic techniques how effective would we be as combatants and karate-ka?
Back to Isshinryu Ramblings main page
|
