From Kyoshi David Baker, Shihan-Midtown Karate Dojo, Hombu
Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate USA

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Use hip

Note: "Hip" is shorthand for the resultant movement of the hipbone, as
illustrated when the ends of the obi move. The generation of hip movement itself
comes from the large muscles of the hip region, especially the quadriceps,
obliques, and gluteals; plus, in downward movement, gravity.

Categories:
There are at least three major categories of hip movement, plus techniques
that combine two of the three movements. They are: upward (quads), downward
(gravity), and rotation (quads, obliques, and glutes - in that order.)

The three are illustrated in the triple technique in Fukyugata sandan: on
page 33 of the red book, photos 4 (downward hip), 4A (upward hip), and 4B
(rotation or torque.)

Timing:
Done properly, the hip movement should immediately precede and precipitate
the arm's movement within that technique. This requires practice to achieve the
optimum timing.

Universality:
Every technique has hip. In photo #11 of Fukyugata sandan, there is hip
movement despite the fact that the feet do not move. (Primarily through downward
hip movement, plus some rotation.)

In conclusion, make sure you use hip in your techniques. Verify its movement
by monitoring the ends of your obi for movement during one practice kata.

(Beginners: This is done as an exercise only. Normally, you should always
focus your eyes straight-ahead, never looking down.)

Domo arigato gozaimasu,
Kyoshi David Baker, Shihan
Midtown Karate Dojo, Hombu
Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate USA
founded by Grand Master Ansei Ueshiro
under the direction of Hanshi Robert Scaglione