Old SeisanNew Seisan
Feel free to correct.
Post your Sanchin Kata Video here
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Rick Wilson
Hi Ben:
It is important to note that the comments/corrections I am making come from my own perspective. These may not be shared by yourself or your school.
I think you are doing very well and progressing properly.
There were numerous aspects that I enjoyed of your Kata. Focus, determination and I liked your three shokens if I had to select a favourite point.
The bow: For me the bow contains great meaning and sets a “tone” for the Kata. It is a personal thing but I hate seeing it rushed. I perceived that here it was something to get out of the way before you could get to the meat of the Kata?
The opening had very good intent but again for me the opening is where we learn to “drop” into martial mode and therefore should be experienced. When the $hIt hits the fan we must be able to find ourselves in “fight” mode immediately. It is here in the opening of the Kata where we learn what that is so we can then find it when we need it.
The thrusts had good sharp intent as well but I would recommend focusing on your knees to move the body. There is a good horizontal rotation of the hips and shoulders but the focus still remains at your upper chest level. The effect of this is to raise your centre hence the few times of imbalance as you moved.
The stepping had great intent and determination at the legs but shifting your focus down the hands became dead and did not lead with their energy. You must have the energy pouring out the finger tips as you step. This will change the entire feel of the move and maintain better balance and stability.
The crane strikes were done well but I would rotate the hands to strike position sooner.
Kumite position. I have a different position but I would like to raise a couple of points I feel are important. This may be a difference from how you school wants you to do it so keep that in mind.
The wrists bend in four directions – basically. They can bend up and down from the palm to the back of the hand. The can bend side to side from thumb to little finger.
When Kumite position is done bending the hands up towards the back of the hand it has a number of effects that I feel are undesirable.
* The wrist is in a weakened position and can be attacked.
* The elbows have a tendency to flare slight outwards away from Sanchin.
* The bend in the arm becomes less than 90 degrees and is very vulnerable.
I prefer to bend the wrists forward towards the little finger. This has the opposite effect on the body.
To get a feel for it grab a partner by their lower biceps and then hold your position as they step away. You see to me the Kumite is a position of contact with the opponent so the manner I approach it fits well for me.
The elbow strike is always an awkward point for brown belts.
I teach it this way.
Step One
1. Hands at your side lean forward until your body is slightly extended passed your front foot.
2. Pick up your front foot and simply allow yourself to FALL forward.
Step Two
1. Using your left hand reach forward so that your body is slightly extended passed your front foot.
2. Pick up your front foot and simply allow yourself to FALL forward. As you fall forward coordinate this with pulling your left hand into Sanchin.
Step Three
1. Using your left hand reach forward so that your body is slightly extended passed your front foot.
2. Pick up your front foot and simply allow yourself to FALL forward. As you fall forward coordinate this with pulling your left hand into Sanchin.
3. While you are falling forward begin to draw back slightly the right arm for the elbow “punch.” Understand that your body is now moving forward so that it meets your draw back part way.
Anyway that is my take on it.
As a final overall comment I would only say to think more martial.
Great job and very well done!
It is important to note that the comments/corrections I am making come from my own perspective. These may not be shared by yourself or your school.
I think you are doing very well and progressing properly.
There were numerous aspects that I enjoyed of your Kata. Focus, determination and I liked your three shokens if I had to select a favourite point. The bow: For me the bow contains great meaning and sets a “tone” for the Kata. It is a personal thing but I hate seeing it rushed. I perceived that here it was something to get out of the way before you could get to the meat of the Kata?
The opening had very good intent but again for me the opening is where we learn to “drop” into martial mode and therefore should be experienced. When the $hIt hits the fan we must be able to find ourselves in “fight” mode immediately. It is here in the opening of the Kata where we learn what that is so we can then find it when we need it.
The thrusts had good sharp intent as well but I would recommend focusing on your knees to move the body. There is a good horizontal rotation of the hips and shoulders but the focus still remains at your upper chest level. The effect of this is to raise your centre hence the few times of imbalance as you moved.
The stepping had great intent and determination at the legs but shifting your focus down the hands became dead and did not lead with their energy. You must have the energy pouring out the finger tips as you step. This will change the entire feel of the move and maintain better balance and stability.
The crane strikes were done well but I would rotate the hands to strike position sooner.
Kumite position. I have a different position but I would like to raise a couple of points I feel are important. This may be a difference from how you school wants you to do it so keep that in mind.
The wrists bend in four directions – basically. They can bend up and down from the palm to the back of the hand. The can bend side to side from thumb to little finger.
When Kumite position is done bending the hands up towards the back of the hand it has a number of effects that I feel are undesirable.
* The wrist is in a weakened position and can be attacked.
* The elbows have a tendency to flare slight outwards away from Sanchin.
* The bend in the arm becomes less than 90 degrees and is very vulnerable.
I prefer to bend the wrists forward towards the little finger. This has the opposite effect on the body.
To get a feel for it grab a partner by their lower biceps and then hold your position as they step away. You see to me the Kumite is a position of contact with the opponent so the manner I approach it fits well for me.
The elbow strike is always an awkward point for brown belts.
I teach it this way.
Step One
1. Hands at your side lean forward until your body is slightly extended passed your front foot.
2. Pick up your front foot and simply allow yourself to FALL forward.
Step Two
1. Using your left hand reach forward so that your body is slightly extended passed your front foot.
2. Pick up your front foot and simply allow yourself to FALL forward. As you fall forward coordinate this with pulling your left hand into Sanchin.
Step Three
1. Using your left hand reach forward so that your body is slightly extended passed your front foot.
2. Pick up your front foot and simply allow yourself to FALL forward. As you fall forward coordinate this with pulling your left hand into Sanchin.
3. While you are falling forward begin to draw back slightly the right arm for the elbow “punch.” Understand that your body is now moving forward so that it meets your draw back part way.
Anyway that is my take on it.
As a final overall comment I would only say to think more martial.
Great job and very well done!
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benzocaine
- Posts: 2107
- Joined: Wed Jul 09, 2003 12:20 pm
- Location: St. Thomas
Thanks Rick. There's alot to digest there..and that's good. Yeah I really goofed the elbow on that one.. both elbows. 
Posting my kata here gives me different perspectives and I'm open to suggestions.
Thanks again Rick for the time you spent correcting me.
Next time I'll video me from our dojo. Also I'd like to record our Dan Kumite.
Domo Arigato.
Posting my kata here gives me different perspectives and I'm open to suggestions.
Thanks again Rick for the time you spent correcting me.
Next time I'll video me from our dojo. Also I'd like to record our Dan Kumite.
Domo Arigato.
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Dana Sheets
- Posts: 2715
- Joined: Mon Feb 25, 2002 6:01 am
Hi Ben,
First off kudos for putting your form up here for the world to see. I had to work up my courage for a couple of weeks before I was willing to do it. So good for you!!!
I agree with everything Rick said. He's made some good concrete suggestions. There are three areas in particular I like about your second form. And please remember - I'm a sample of one. My opinions and $.99 will get you a cup of coffee at McDonald's.
#1 - You slowed down. Fighting happens quickly but learning happens slowly. To really learn about how our unique bodies move we need to slow down and listen. In particular I find it helpful to let my body settle completely after each technique when I'm trying to make changes. That's the only way I've found to keep track of what's moving and what's not and why.
#2 - Your balance is improving. One of the key things I look for in sanchin stepping is whether or not you could have stopped your step halfway through if you felt like it. If you feel at all like you're falling into your front foot in an uncontrolled way then your upper body is probably a little disconnected from your lower body and you've probably risen up from that happy sunken place Rick was talking about. Try to image a little ball sitting just behind your sternum - now roll that little ball down until it's sitting just below your navel. Even when you strike you want to keep that little ball from rising upwards.
#3 - Your circle blocks are nice and big. This is really difficult to maintain when you're adding power to your form. Big is important and at the same time training the finish is important. When you complete each circle block remember to really visualize seizing something. This will help you activate your lats, help you keep your shoulders lowered and help emphasize the yin/yang flow from the seizing arm to the striking arm. As Walter Mattson said at camp a couple of years back - the more focused you make the end of that circle block, the more relaxed and explosive you can be with your strikes.
You're obviously putting in some really thoughtful training - Keiko - as Mr. Nakamatsu puts it.
Thanks again for sharing your form.
Dana
First off kudos for putting your form up here for the world to see. I had to work up my courage for a couple of weeks before I was willing to do it. So good for you!!!
I agree with everything Rick said. He's made some good concrete suggestions. There are three areas in particular I like about your second form. And please remember - I'm a sample of one. My opinions and $.99 will get you a cup of coffee at McDonald's.
#1 - You slowed down. Fighting happens quickly but learning happens slowly. To really learn about how our unique bodies move we need to slow down and listen. In particular I find it helpful to let my body settle completely after each technique when I'm trying to make changes. That's the only way I've found to keep track of what's moving and what's not and why.
#2 - Your balance is improving. One of the key things I look for in sanchin stepping is whether or not you could have stopped your step halfway through if you felt like it. If you feel at all like you're falling into your front foot in an uncontrolled way then your upper body is probably a little disconnected from your lower body and you've probably risen up from that happy sunken place Rick was talking about. Try to image a little ball sitting just behind your sternum - now roll that little ball down until it's sitting just below your navel. Even when you strike you want to keep that little ball from rising upwards.
#3 - Your circle blocks are nice and big. This is really difficult to maintain when you're adding power to your form. Big is important and at the same time training the finish is important. When you complete each circle block remember to really visualize seizing something. This will help you activate your lats, help you keep your shoulders lowered and help emphasize the yin/yang flow from the seizing arm to the striking arm. As Walter Mattson said at camp a couple of years back - the more focused you make the end of that circle block, the more relaxed and explosive you can be with your strikes.
You're obviously putting in some really thoughtful training - Keiko - as Mr. Nakamatsu puts it.
Thanks again for sharing your form.
Dana
Did you show compassion today?
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Rick Wilson
I agree it is excellent that kata are being posted here. (Well done Ben.)
I will have to try and get my shy students to loosen up.
It would be nice if more came forward. My offer to put the videos up on my web site still exists for those who have no place to upload them:
http://www.wilsonkarate.com/vids.html
I will have to try and get my shy students to loosen up.
It would be nice if more came forward. My offer to put the videos up on my web site still exists for those who have no place to upload them:
http://www.wilsonkarate.com/vids.html
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benzocaine
- Posts: 2107
- Joined: Wed Jul 09, 2003 12:20 pm
- Location: St. Thomas
It's well worth getting past any stage fright you might have. I've gotten some great advice as a result of posting here.
I think the hardest part about it is that you actually see yourelf on video, and see what needs work for yourself. I know dam well what some of my more obvious flaws are, but it's the ones I don't catch that make it all worth it.
If I can post my kata YOU can post your kata.
I think the hardest part about it is that you actually see yourelf on video, and see what needs work for yourself. I know dam well what some of my more obvious flaws are, but it's the ones I don't catch that make it all worth it.
If I can post my kata YOU can post your kata.
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Rick Wilson
As promised here is a recent clip of what I have been playing with:
http://www.wilsonkarate.com/videos/sanchin_nov_2004.wmv
http://www.wilsonkarate.com/videos/sanchin_nov_2004.wmv
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benzocaine
- Posts: 2107
- Joined: Wed Jul 09, 2003 12:20 pm
- Location: St. Thomas
Interesting.
Do some of the things you are playing with involve unlocking the hips? I noticed they don't remain locked on the double strikes.
Also, I noticed your strikes were different than what I'm used to. It seems you use your shoulders and upper body more.
I'm also curious where you are doing your double busikens. We aim over the nipple and just under the pectoral muscle on our double bushikens.
Thanks for sharing and I like the new Gi
Do some of the things you are playing with involve unlocking the hips? I noticed they don't remain locked on the double strikes.
Also, I noticed your strikes were different than what I'm used to. It seems you use your shoulders and upper body more.
I'm also curious where you are doing your double busikens. We aim over the nipple and just under the pectoral muscle on our double bushikens.
Thanks for sharing and I like the new Gi
-
Rick Wilson
Hi Ben:
”Do some of the things you are playing with involve unlocking the hips? I noticed they don't remain locked on the double strikes.”
I believe strongly in the use of the qwa. There are a number of them and a major one is the lower inner qwa or the line between the pelvis and the inner thigh. This area must open and close. When it is open the hips would be “unlocked” but in my way I make absolutely no attempt to “lock” the hips at any time. I attempt to loosen as opposed to lock.
Good observation.
”Also, I noticed your strikes were different than what I'm used to. It seems you use your shoulders and upper body more.”
This is another good observation but look very close at what is generating this movement. Think of them as the tip of a whip. The tip of the whip travels the furthers but it is not generating the movement.
The movement must come from the ground and go through the body like a wave. It should then ripple through a loosened torso and drive the shoulders and arms.
The back must be loosened and allow the shoulder to move forward so that the strike is stopped by the body’s physical limits by the back and NOT the shoulder.
Many Uechika I know have bad shoulders and the reason is they lock the back and hips forcing the shoulder joint to absorb the entire force at the end of the strike. I see them do it over and over again and suffer from shoulder pain their entire training.
So you will see the upper body move in this Kata. The movement of the upper body is the expression of the Dragon in Uechi Ryu. We often hear people say they know where the Tiger and Crane are in Uechi but not the Dragon. They explain this as the Dragon is the spirit etc. Now the Dragon in Uechi is not Dragon Kung Fu it is the aspects of the mystical creature expressed in that rippling undulation.
I strong suggest if anyone wants to see the best example of Dragon body mechanics I have ever seen they order from George the “Searchign for Shushiwa” tape and watch Shinjo Seiru (?) Sensei.
“I'm also curious where you are doing your double busikens. We aim over the nipple and just under the pectoral muscle on our double bushikens.”
There are lines of weakness that run down the front of the body. Three run vertical. There is the centre line and two that split the torso running down through the nipple. Striking both of these side lines at once causes a disruption because the mind can only think one thought at a time (it can go from one to the other quickly but it must move from one to the other.) Therefore anytime you can hit two places at once the pain generated demands some notice and if two places are making the same demand then for the briefest of instances you can create a “brain fart” or burp if you prefer. This brief moment gives you the chance to follow through.
So my goal in the double Boshikens is to strike along these two lines at the same time as powerfully as possible.
”I like the new Gi.”
Thanks, Ben so do I.
I tried to “play” with the Dragon in the Seichin I posted on the “Playing with your Kata” thread but it probably should be posted here as well:
http://www.wilsonkarate.com/videos/play ... v_2004.wmv
Some of the movements are more dramatic here and may give a better sense of what I am working on.
Please note everyone I am not claiming to have this down just introducing a great area of body mechanics.
”Do some of the things you are playing with involve unlocking the hips? I noticed they don't remain locked on the double strikes.”
I believe strongly in the use of the qwa. There are a number of them and a major one is the lower inner qwa or the line between the pelvis and the inner thigh. This area must open and close. When it is open the hips would be “unlocked” but in my way I make absolutely no attempt to “lock” the hips at any time. I attempt to loosen as opposed to lock.
Good observation.
”Also, I noticed your strikes were different than what I'm used to. It seems you use your shoulders and upper body more.”
This is another good observation but look very close at what is generating this movement. Think of them as the tip of a whip. The tip of the whip travels the furthers but it is not generating the movement.
The movement must come from the ground and go through the body like a wave. It should then ripple through a loosened torso and drive the shoulders and arms.
The back must be loosened and allow the shoulder to move forward so that the strike is stopped by the body’s physical limits by the back and NOT the shoulder.
Many Uechika I know have bad shoulders and the reason is they lock the back and hips forcing the shoulder joint to absorb the entire force at the end of the strike. I see them do it over and over again and suffer from shoulder pain their entire training.
So you will see the upper body move in this Kata. The movement of the upper body is the expression of the Dragon in Uechi Ryu. We often hear people say they know where the Tiger and Crane are in Uechi but not the Dragon. They explain this as the Dragon is the spirit etc. Now the Dragon in Uechi is not Dragon Kung Fu it is the aspects of the mystical creature expressed in that rippling undulation.
I strong suggest if anyone wants to see the best example of Dragon body mechanics I have ever seen they order from George the “Searchign for Shushiwa” tape and watch Shinjo Seiru (?) Sensei.
“I'm also curious where you are doing your double busikens. We aim over the nipple and just under the pectoral muscle on our double bushikens.”
There are lines of weakness that run down the front of the body. Three run vertical. There is the centre line and two that split the torso running down through the nipple. Striking both of these side lines at once causes a disruption because the mind can only think one thought at a time (it can go from one to the other quickly but it must move from one to the other.) Therefore anytime you can hit two places at once the pain generated demands some notice and if two places are making the same demand then for the briefest of instances you can create a “brain fart” or burp if you prefer. This brief moment gives you the chance to follow through.
So my goal in the double Boshikens is to strike along these two lines at the same time as powerfully as possible.
”I like the new Gi.”
Thanks, Ben so do I.
I tried to “play” with the Dragon in the Seichin I posted on the “Playing with your Kata” thread but it probably should be posted here as well:
http://www.wilsonkarate.com/videos/play ... v_2004.wmv
Some of the movements are more dramatic here and may give a better sense of what I am working on.
Please note everyone I am not claiming to have this down just introducing a great area of body mechanics.
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benzocaine
- Posts: 2107
- Joined: Wed Jul 09, 2003 12:20 pm
- Location: St. Thomas
We also hit along those some lines just at different lattitudes.There are lines of weakness that run down the front of the body. Three run vertical. There is the centre line and two that split the torso running down through the nipple. Striking both of these side lines at once causes a disruption because the mind can only think one thought at a time (it can go from one to the other quickly but it must move from one to the other.) Therefore anytime you can hit two places at once the pain generated demands some notice and if two places are making the same demand then for the briefest of instances you can create a “brain fart” or burp if you prefer. This brief moment gives you the chance to follow through.
One benefit (I've been taught at least)of keeping your hips locked is that one bushiken will reach the taget before the other causing a small twisting of the spine which will add to the total shock to the BG. To maximise this benefit we have one strike over the pectoral on one side and under the pectoral to the ribs on the other.
I also have a question about the unlocking of the hips. If your hips are unlocked and your but is pushing back on impact, is it possible you are losing energy backwards?
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Rick Wilson
Ben:
“I also have a question about the unlocking of the hips. If your hips are unlocked and your but is pushing back on impact, is it possible you are losing energy backwards?”
There is no requirement to “lock” the hips to be aligned properly for grounding.
If you watch on the strikes the energy going back does not get lost but is driven into the ground and therefore immediately directed back into the target.
Good question.
“I also have a question about the unlocking of the hips. If your hips are unlocked and your but is pushing back on impact, is it possible you are losing energy backwards?”
There is no requirement to “lock” the hips to be aligned properly for grounding.
If you watch on the strikes the energy going back does not get lost but is driven into the ground and therefore immediately directed back into the target.
Good question.
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Rick Wilson
Okay folks let’s not let this idea of sharing die off. 
Who would care to become one of the brave few who have posted their Kata?
Any Kata not just Sanchin or Uechi. Come on Jim how about a WC form?
You can send me a VHS tape or a video clip (if it is a large file you can use
http://s5.yousendit.com/ to send it) and I have space on my web site to host it.
As I said you can even mail me a VHS tape and I will convert it to a clip, so NO special equipment is required (I assume you folks have friends and at least one of them will own a video cam.
)
So who is brave enough o put their Kata up for all to see?
Come on Uechi Warriors!
Get out of Cyber Warrior mode and let’s see what you have got!
As you can see all the people who post are respectful and no one will trash you.
Come on --- SHARE!
Who would care to become one of the brave few who have posted their Kata?
Any Kata not just Sanchin or Uechi. Come on Jim how about a WC form?
You can send me a VHS tape or a video clip (if it is a large file you can use
http://s5.yousendit.com/ to send it) and I have space on my web site to host it.
As I said you can even mail me a VHS tape and I will convert it to a clip, so NO special equipment is required (I assume you folks have friends and at least one of them will own a video cam.
) So who is brave enough o put their Kata up for all to see?
Come on Uechi Warriors!
Get out of Cyber Warrior mode and let’s see what you have got!
As you can see all the people who post are respectful and no one will trash you.
Come on --- SHARE!
