March 16th, 2014

From Sensei Lyle Kleusch Shihan, Director Ueshiro Mesabi Karate Dojo

"Change Your Orientation"

When training kata, it is important to change the orientation in which you most often stand. For example, if you start off facing east in the yoi position, make sure after a few kata that you change to the north, south, east and even northeast, northwest etc. through all the points of the compass. This way you begin to understand the kata as its own entity as opposed to its relationship to the environment you are in. Sometimes, under supervision, it is even beneficial to close your eyes during a kata to further let go of a directional connection. We strive to become the kata. A good step towards this is to disconnect the kata from a favored position that you like to face. Change it up and face in different directions.

Arigato Hanshi, Kyoshi, Sensei, Senpai and Deshi

Sensei Lyle Kleusch
Shihan, Director
Ueshiro Mesabi Karate Dojo