Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Fudo-Dachi (不動立ち)

Fudo-Dachi is literally “non-moving stance”, but we sometimes refer to it as the “ready stance”. This is the basic position we stand in while waiting for the command to go into another stance.


When we stand in Fudo-Dachi, we stand in a relaxed manner, which means your feet will be approximately hip-width apart and toes pointed out where it’s comfortable for you. Stand with an upright posture with your hands in a relaxed fist, slightly forward of where they would naturally hang. Your head and eyes should fundamentally be oriented forward, but if the instructor is speaking you may follow the instructor with your head and eyes.

Remember that this is a relaxed standing position. There’s no need to clench your fists, tighten your shoulders, or hold your hands high.
Posted on 5:10 PM | Categories:

Saturday, April 11, 2020

Stances

In Koushinkai, we use stances in training. The various stances train us to use and control our bodies effectively, help us build balance and stability, and familiarize us with shifts in body weight. While most of the stances we train in are not true fighting positions, they help us develop the foundation for the movements we may use in practical application. Because the purpose is to develop body control, we use exaggerated stances that necessitate shifts in body weight with movement.


Some of the common stances in Koushinkai Karate are as follows:


不動立ち
平行立ち
三戦立ち
前屈立ち
後屈立ち
騎馬立ち
結び立ち

This is not an all-inclusive list. There are other stances, but these are the ones we use most commonly.

Video:
https://youtu.be/uGDETrQ5-Cs
Posted on 10:23 AM | Categories:

Thursday, April 9, 2020

Sanchin Dachi (三戦立ち)

Sanchin-Dachi or Sanchin stance is named after Sanchin kata and is the main stance we use when practicing hand techniques while stationary during Kihon practice. 


On the command of "Sanchin dachi, yoi (三戦立ち、用意)", cross your arms and transition to Heiko dachi (平行立ち). On the command of "kamaete (構えて)", go into Sanchin-Dachi by bringing your right foot near your left foot and sliding your right foot outward in front of you until your feet are about shoulder width apart as viewed from the front and the heel of your right foot is aligned with the toes of your left foot as viewed from above. Simultaneously, bring your arms inward and up into position. As you get into position, kiai (気合).


In the final position, your fists should be at shoulder height. Your fists should be about three fist widths apart. Your elbows should be about two fist widths apart, and your elbows should be about one fist width from your torso. Make sure you have an upright posture. Your knees should be bent slightly and close enough together for your thighs will prevent a kick to your groin from reaching your groin. Your toes should be pointed inward and the heel of your right foot should be aligned with the toes of your left foot.

In doing kihon, you will be right foot forward, but some kata may require you to go into this stance with your left foot forward. Also, the person leading kihon will be left foot forward in order to be a mirror for the students.
Posted on 3:08 PM | Categories:

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

KOUSHINKAI Ideals and Etiquette

Osu (押忍) is an ideal that we strive for. Osu is written with the kanji “push” and “endure”.  In Koushinkai, the word “Osu” is substituted as a greeting and also used when acknowledging our instructors and peers. When using the word “Osu”, we should be reminded that we are pushing ourselves and each other to achieve goals that will require us to endure the hardships of rigorous training.

押忍の精神

耐え難きを耐え、忍びがたきを忍び、押さば押せ、引かば押せ、是即ち押忍の精神なり。

The Spirit of Osu 

Bear the unbearable, endure the impossible, press forward when pressed upon, press forward when withdrawn; this is the spirit of Osu.

  • The ultimate aim of Koushinkai Karate is to strengthen mind, body, and spirit though Karate training.
  • Rei () (manners; etiquette) is the most important quality of a Koushinkai Karate-ka.
  • We expect everyone in the club to train hard but not to train harder than they are capable.
  • Safety in practice is our primary concern.
  • Spiritual development is equally as important as physical development.

吾以外皆師 (I learn from everyone else) Every person and thing we come in contact with, in their own ways, has “something” that I don’t have.  If they could be taken in meekly, all objects in heaven and earth will become a valuable teacher.  It is essential to lose the ego and have a humble attitude to learn for any degree of personal progress.

生涯一求道者 (This is a lifetime pursuit) There is no limit to progress.  There is no pause or stop in a person’s progress.  Not forgetting our original purpose and holding steadfastly to our pure desire to learn, be ever learning and ever growing.


  • Respect the Dojo by bowing and pronouncing “Osu!” before entering or exiting.
  • If you arrive late to class, please prepare yourself to join (dress, warm up, stretch) and sit in seiza facing away from the class. The instructor will invite you to join in a way that doesn’t disrupt the flow of the class.
  • Respect the instructor leading class by lining up promptly when class begins or when returning from a break during class.
  • Respect the instructor by not interrupting during instruction.
  • Respect your peers by following safety guidelines and instruction.
  • Lastly, honor Koushinkai Karate and your peers by striving to live outside the dojo as a moral and productive member of society. The ideals of Karate should extend into other areas of your life.