Technique of the Week (January 3rd, 2010)

From Sensei Steve Lott
Ueshiro Mid-town Karate Dojo

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Common Errors in F2

Instructors, please note some common errors.

Early in the kata the deshi has just completed the left arm down block and is prepared to make a 180 degree turn and come to a standing position with a right hand high block. But, as the deshi begins to turn, notice how the right hand begins to drop from its chambered position to the belt level before going up to the head block position.

Here is how the error looks as the deshi begins to turn and cover - right hand is much too low.

The blocking arm ( right arm ) should not drop - it should go from the chambered position up to the arms crossed position and into high block.

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The deshi has just completed the right hand down block and is prepared to come to walking stance with left hand - left foot chest block. Notice here how the blocking arm ( left arm ) begins to drop. The blocking arm should not drop - it should go from the chamber - to the arms crossed position - and into chest block.

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First chest block - the deshi steps out to execute left hand - left foot chest block. But, as the left foot moves forward to walking stance it has not moved far enough toward middle . The stance is much too wide.

 

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Elbow strike.

The strike is about to be thrown.

The error here occurs just as the strike begins - the left hand and arm drop. The foreman should remain close to the bicep throughout the technique.

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Another error in this elbow technique is seen here

The error - the head is positioned off to one side.

This is the correct position of the head.

There are two reasons for making this error with positioning of the head.

As seen here - the elbow and arm are not extended as far as possible. This is simple to correct. Be certain the elbow is extended as far forward as possible. This will bring the fist forward of the face and not to the side.

Here is the way the elbow should be extended ( If I were more flexible I would have reached even farther. )

The second reason the head is not centered takes a bit of practice to correct. Most deshi move the head to the side to avoid punching themselves in the face as the fist comes up. The way to correct this is to perform this elbow technique many times in slow motion if front of a mirror. As the striking arm comes up and extends the fist stops short of the face. Make sure the head stays facing directly forward. Pay very close attention to the way the correct head position feels while performing the technique. Then increase the speed. Then finally practice the technique, slow and then fast, with the eyes closed. Remember the way the head position felt when the technique was executed with the eyes open. This is the "feel" that must become a habit. Keeping the head straight during the elbow strike with the eyes closed will give you the confidence to move the arm very quickly without hesitation when performing this move with the eyes open.

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Chambering the open hand strike. In order to be efficient with this strike the hand must be in a direct line to the target and not wrapped around the head.

The error - notice how the arm must travel around the head to hit the target.

Here the striking hand is chambered in a direct line to the target.

Use the mirror to see if this technique is being done correctly. Position yourself with the mirror behind you. As you come up from low stance and begin to look behind you, your striking hand must be visible in the mirror. If you can't see it then it's chambered incorrectly.

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Correct chambering of the double chest blocks:

The first double chest block is chambered with the right arm on the outside. Theory - same hand - same foot blocking.

The second double chest block is chambered with the left arm on the outside.

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Executing the double chest blocks. The size and shape of the chest blocks in F2 are exactly that of any other chest block. Because they are delivered quickly in order to throw the punches that follow, it is difficult to see how the blocks look if they were caught in "stop action" photo.

The error - here in stop action we can see that these blocks are much too high.

Another subtle error to be aware of. Here in stop action these blocks are not only too high, one is higher than the other.

We all know what the correct chest block should look like. Wrist should be shoulder high. This does not change in F2.

Instructors - please be certain to correct these and other mistakes in the students early on. If a student makes a mistake often enough - it will be very difficult to correct later on. Make it your business to see that each student learns the correct way from the very start.

Special thanks to Sensei Ramson for his assistance with these techniques.

Arigato

Sensei Steve Lott