Soon after starting one’s journey in Shotokan Karate-Do, the very first kick that white belts are introduced to is the Mae-geri or front snap kick. Karateka then spend the rest of their lives practicing and trying to improve this first kick along with the many other techniques they learn along the way. While the front snap kick may be the first and most basic kick that we learn, in order to be done well requires that one develop the same basic skills that all kicks need to be effective: good balance on the supporting leg, a supple ankle and knee, a flexible hip, speed, kime, controlled snapback, accuracy, and the proper placement and alignment of the striking foot upon impact. While a well-coordinated person can render what appears to be a nice Mae-geri shortly after learning it; iit may take many years of practice to in order to achieve what he/she is truly capable of with this kick. I’ve often said that when you first learn karate, instructors teach rules of movement and positioning in very black and white terms: “70-30% weight distribution on the front/back legs in zenkutsu-dachi”, “back foot at 45%”, “back leg straight”, “Han-mi (side) position for [...]

Recently, we completed a rank examination for HISKF – the first testing in almost a year.  Most dojos hold exams every 3-4 months while HISKF tests every 9 months or more.  Partly, this reflects the fact that most of our members only get to train once a week, while students in a regular dojo train three times or more a week.  As a result, both the learning process and the exam schedule become stretched out.  Fortunately, our members strive to improve their knowledge and ability in Karate-Do in the midst of a busy life, filled with many activities.  I like to think that HISKF students are not obsessed with ranks, tournaments, or trophies. That said, we know that most students (especially our younger members) quietly relish being promoted to a higher rank, especially if it involves a new color belt.  They may not realize that In the old days judo and karate adherents trained so very hard, often on a daily basis, when there were no color belts nor any black belts to achieve and wear!  Some ancient Japanese martial arts used a shodan/chudan/jodan rank system; others used the menkyo or license system.  Master Jigoro Kano issued the first judo [...]

Over the years, I’ve attended seminars given by various Shotokan Karate-Do and Aikido masters. Every one was so knowledgeable and I always learned something new. I especially enjoyed and was amazed by those given by the late Tetsuhiko Asai as well as the late Koichi Tohei (Aikido). Beyond their amazing expertise and knowledge, each master was gracious and seemed happy to share their wisdom with the attendees. Recently, I came across a video of a 2013 demonstration that was given by the late Shito-Ryu Master Yoshimi Inoue. I was immediately taken by the concepts about body movement that he shared with a group of black belts in Italy. Shito-Ryu is a close cousin of the Shotokan system and his techniques will be readily recognizable to you. His ideas resonated with me since they are similar to much of what I believe – though he demonstrates and articulates them far better than I can. You may not be able to replicate his flexibility, control, and speed; however, gaining some insight into this approach to basic technique and movement can be invaluable towards understanding how you can continue to improve your own techniques in the future. This clip is from a seminar [...]