Technique of the Week (October 10th 2011)

From Sensei Sensei Lorenzo Aguon
Ueshiro Hawaii Karate Dojo

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TOTW:
Drive the elbow in the pocket "Straight back" at all times

We train many different techniques as we move up in our ranks.
We learn face punches, chest punches, lower punches, high blocks, middle blocks, lower blocks.
In addition, we begin to incorporate striking and blocking techniques to the side in conjunction with many different stances.

But one aspect that we often overlook, is the hand and elbow that is driving back into the pocket.
At all times the hand that drives back into the pocket should have the elbow pointing straight back and not out to the side.

A common mistake is having our elbows pointing out at a 45 degree angle.
Regardless of whether a technique is done to the front or to the side,
the elbow in the pocket should be pointing straight back.

Let's take a look at a few common techniques:

The first image in each of the pictures show the elbow properly pointing straight back.
The second picture shows the common mistakes we make with the elbows pointing outwards and not straight back.

1. Chest Punch

2. Oi-zuki

3. Gedan Yoko Barai Uke

Let's all pay special attention this week to our hands and elbows that drive back into the pockets.
We often pay a lot of attention to our techniques that strike and block and sometimes neglect what is
going on in the pocket. Train Hard!

Domo Arigato
Sensei Lorenzo Aguon
Ueshiro Hawaii Karate Dojo