November 5th, 2017

This weeks technique is submitted by Emiliano Mazlen, Go-Dan
Shihan, Boston Chinatown Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate Club

"The Conditioned Reflex Response"

Onegai-shimasu Hanshi, Kyoshi, Denshi, Sensei, Shihan and Fellow Deshi,

Hanshi instructs us in the Red Book that one of four physical principles of Shorin-ryu Karate is the conditioned reflex response.

There are a number of ways in which we train this principle.  One is the use of visualization in kata (which is emphasized at three quarters speed and power and is sharpened through proper bunkai training).  Another is yakusoku kumite performed with the particular kumite (and side) chosen by the attacker.  For example, the attacker will choose either yakusoku 1 or 2 (and which hand), and the defender will need to react.  An additional exercise to develop this principle is ippon or one step kumite, with the attacker throwing a Shorin-ryu technique of their choice and the defender blocking (and/or avoiding) the attack and immediately counterattacking. 

As with all exercises (especially those with a partner), they should be learned first in class at half-speed under strict supervision with speed only increased as control can be fully maintained so as to avoid injury.

Domo arigato gozaimasu to all,

Emiliano Mazlen
Go-Dan
Shihan, Boston Chinatown Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate Club