Technique of the Week (May 15th 2011)

From Sensei Steve Lott Midtown (Hombu) Karate Dojo, NYC, NY
--------------------------------------------------------------
Kosa Daichi exercise across the deck - the turns

When a student becomes a green belt Pinan Shodan is the first new kata that is learned. And with Pinan Shodan comes the new stance, kosa daichi: bent legged, hidden foot stance.

This technique is often practiced as a separate exercise back and forth across the deck.

When practicing the series of blocks, kicks, punches, and hidden foot stance, across the deck, the turns may be easier to learn if you keep the following in mind:

As you approach the wall, the last technique will be the reverse punch. Do not drop and block.

Step across, turn and punch, in exactly the same way as is done in basics.

Now - dropping back down into kosa daichi

remember:

whichever foot is forward stays forward

whichever arm is forward stays forward

Turn the forward foot 45 degrees

cover for chest block - forward arm ( punching arm) stays in front

drop and block

Important notes:

-the toes of the rear foot must face directly at your opponent

-the chambered fist must be in line with your opponent. The technique is called hidden foot not hidden fist

-keep the rear shoulder down

-be certain the head is facing directly at your opponent (full face)

There are a lot of things going on here at the same time. The break down above is meant for practice and observing each part of the complete kosa daichi technique in Pinan Shodan. When the entire technique is performed during kata, everything will flow, like the "sunlight flowing into a room when a door is opened." An expression we learned from Hanshi long ago. And for beginners, be certain to have an advanced student observe you when you practice this.

Arigato,

Steve Lott