FEBRUARY 2018
OPEN HAND KATAS
Seisan: From Shorin Ryu. Emphasizes a straight-forward stance, seiken tzuki blocking (straight punch), the mae geri (straight forward), and rapid technique.
Seiunchin: From Goju Ryu. Emphasizes a strong, low stance in which the heels are shoulder-width apart and the feet are pointed out on a 45° angle. It also stresses reinforced blocks and punches, breath control, and powerful techniques.
Naihanchin: From Shorin Ryu. It is known for its “toe-inward” stance (uchi hachiji dachi). Designed for fighting with one’s back against a wall, on a ledge or sideway evasion of an attack. Most movements are performed in a lateral direction.
Wansu: From Shorin Ryu. It is referred to as the “dumping form” because of the throw it contains. The technical term for this throw is kata garuma.
Chinto: From Shorin Ryu.. It derives its name from Master Chinto. This kata emphasizes pivots and fighting on angles. Chinto is one of the most difficult kata to perform while maintaining good balance.
Kusanku: From Shorin Ryu. It derives its name from Master Kushanku. Designed for fighting under conditions with limited light and teaches evasive techniques.
Sunsu: This is the kata that Master Shimabuku personally developed, and bears his nickname. It is the longest and most difficult kata to perform.
Sanchin: from Goju Ryu. It emphasizes strong technique and breath control. The names means “three battles”, and refers to the control of mind, body, and breath during the performance of the kata.
In preparation for my advanced writing class at Warren County College, I read “Choice: Reaction or Response” from Getting the Best from Yourself and Others by Julie Davis-Colan and Lee J. Colan. Students had read a number of short stories that stressed the evaluation of characters and why some were straight forward and honest and other were devious and deceitful. Each student had to determine if the characters were making good life decisions and what caused each character to react in the way(s) related by the author.
The authors related of the article I read stated – “The power of choice is one of the greatest gifts we are given.” Although we make many choices every day, we seldom make neutral choices. Each choice has a positive or negative consequence for us at some level and “Our attitude toward life is the most important choice we make!”
Just think of the last time you were in deep thought about your plans for the evening. We often do things without thinking or “being in the moment”. We daydream rather than concentrate on what must be done. Students do this in class and adults do it at times while driving – arriving home without being truly aware of the drive. Consider the multitude of much smaller choices we make each day that we don’t really think about: waking up, brushing our teeth, saying “good morning” to a colleague, eating our lunch, or performing a repetitive job duty. Subconscious actions are useful most of the time, but we must also consciously choose our attitude to control our results. Our ability to choose is a gift, but it is also a huge responsibility. No matter what today’s “it’s not my fault” culture encourages, we are all ultimately responsible for our own choices. In fact, we like to write the word responsibility as response–ability. As humans, we have the unique ability to respond.
When we react, we make a purely emotional and subconscious decision. Often, because of how our experiences and prior choices have programmed our subconscious mind, and reactions do not help us achieve the best results.
On the other hand, when we respond to a situation, we make a constructive and conscious decision. That’s why there are emergency response teams, not emergency reaction teams. When we simply react, our emotional instinct is in control, with little thought of the long-range consequences. When we respond, our brain is fully engaged, and self-awareness is high. We have the long-term consequences in mind. We all experience many negative situations and people. Choosing to respond instead of reacting helps positively orchestrate our attitudes — and our lives.
In karate we respond to situations in kata and sparring because of our training and because of the numerous repetitive drills that are performed. Our response to each situation is because of the conditioned response to the outside situation. Approaching each situation with the choice of the proper action creates a positive feeling because we succeeded. Our attitude becomes more confident and positive. This also translates into daily life whether it is in school or work.
Golden Rule Tournament – Warren Hills High School – Sunday, February 18th. Doors open at 9 A.M. and the tournament starts at 11:00 A.M.
King’s Karate Tournament – Merriam Avenue Elementary School, Newton, NJ – Doors open at 8:30 A.M. and the tournament starts at 11:00 A.M
