July 20th, 2014

From Kyoshi Mackay, Midtown Karate Dojo

Dynamic Kata

Onegai shimasu, Hanshi, Sensei and Deshi of Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu USA:

This week's technique attempts to apply Gichin Funikoshi's Fourteenth
Principle of Karate to the practice of kata. Master Funikoshi states,
"The outcome of a battle depends on how one handles emptiness and
fullness." This precept suggests that when performing kata we must
consider the variability of all its elements: those performed quickly vs.
slowly, with full extension vs. compression, tension or relaxation,
changes in rhythm, patterns of breathing, etc. Performing kata at a
static level - no matter how powerful - only renders it meaningless, and
insures one's defeat.

Domo arigato gozaimasu, Hanshi,
- Kyoshi Mackay, Midtown Karate Dojo