July 27th, 2014

From Sensei Lyle Kleusch
Shihan, Director
Ueshiro Mesabi Karate Dojo

Establishing proper footing before initiating turns

Onegaishimasu Hanshi, Kyoshi, Sensei, Senpai and Deshi,

Hanshi has been working with me for the last few years on my turns, specifically on moves 11-12 in Pinan Shodan on page 119, in The Essence of Okinawan Karate-Do, by master Shoshin Nagamine, and also moves 4-5 in Pinan Yondan on page 135 in Master Nagamine's book.

What I've been working on is establishing my foot plant before starting my head turn. Hanshi caught me turning my head and looking too early, before my foot was planted. So now in every foot movement that involves turning one's head as well, I apply Hanshi's correction to great benefit of my kata. I have been spending a lot of time looking through master Nagamine's book, looking at the black feet positioning illustrating the finished position of the feet for each and every move of each and every kata I train. Then I visualize the move with my eyes closed, imagining myself establishing that footing before starting the turn of my head. Then I practice that technique on the deck. It has helped me tremendously. Arigato Hanshi for such a great correction and helping me progress in karate-do!

Arigato Hanshi, Kyoshi, Sensei, Senpai and Deshi!

Sensei Lyle Kleusch
Shihan, Director
Ueshiro Mesabi Karate Dojo