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...

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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...

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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...

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Basic Knowledge Requirements

All of the updated basic knowledge requirements have now been loaded here under the label "club required reading". I suggest you read them in this order: A Brief History of Karate About KOUSHINKAI KOUSHINKAI Self-Defense Strategy KOUSHINKAI Ideals and Etiquette You may also access the belt test requirements at: Belt Test Guide O...

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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,...

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