May 18th, 2014

From Sempai Rick Cupoli
Shihan West Melbourne Dojo
Ni-dan

Onegai-shimasu Hanshi, Kyoshi, Sensei, and Sempai,

The power in Shorin Ryu techniques are generated by the body core through the hips. Delivering punches and blocks solely from the arms and/or shoulders sacrifices of both speed and power. I would like to briefly discuss the application of our core in the execution of the basic punch and the block.

You must step first. Stepping first is the corner stone to all of our techniques; providing the leverage for delivery. Also your upper body and shoulders must be completely relaxed with maximum muscle contraction on contact followed by immediate release.

Tsuki (High/Mid/Low Punch): Starting from the left forward punch position, your shoulders and hips are parallel to the wall (real or imaginary) in front of you, tighten your abdomen (your core) and step forward with your right foot. While stepping you must maintain the shoulder and hip position; they do not move. Once the right foot has landed and secured a solid foundation, the back (left) foot will immediately rotate to a 45 degree position. At that moment you will throw, or rotate, your right hip forward. Immediately following the rotation of your hip, you will deliver your fully chambered right punch. Immediately upon the delivery of the right punch, your tightened core will pull your rotated hip back to its original position. At the completion of the punch your hips and shoulders will be parallel to the wall in front of you.

Uke (High/Mid/Low Block): Starting from the left block position, the stepping proceeds exactly as the punch previously described. While stepping forward you will wind up your arms according the block you are performing. The stepping and wind up of your arms will naturally bring your right hip forward. Once your step is secure, you will rotate your right hip backward. Immediately upon the rotation of your hip you will deliver the block. The final posture will have your shoulders and hips parallel to the wall in front of you.

Domo Arigato,

Sempai Rick Cupoli
Shihan West Melbounre Dojo
Ni-dan