________________________________________
I agree that most movements have multiple applications that vary with the range and intent. I too try to practice my kata with this in mind. Why do we have sequences of three so often in Uechi? So I can explore a movement three different ways with each performance. Example the wauke step offs Is one, I’m thinking slip off line of the force, 2nd one I’m thinking absorb the force and respond, 3rd one I’m thinking shut them down close. Same movement performed slightly different each time. I like your take on kata George just don’t get hung up on it do it and explore!Originally posted by gmattson
But should we move our feet in an exaggerated circle as we step because we might at some time find an opportunity to convert the step into a tripping action? (Don't think I've ever seen anyone ever make that move work)
________________________________________
My point, I guess, was whether it is necessary to perform every step with this one application in mind, in order to make it work when needed. I like the open ended approach, where a movement can be worked in any number of ways. . . but, keeping in mind the primary reason for doing it. . . Balance while moving one foot from a rear position to a front position, and therefore should do that job in the very best way possible.
Think Marcus makes a great point we have been managing to step forward without a crescent step for our entire lives, most of us don’t wobble and fall down when we walk. So maybe seeking applications might shed some light on the step.
Ben: Sorry to miss quote you. I remember when you posted your kata on this thread…its gone now. Seems to me we did not perform the step that much differently. I think we are talking the difference of a few inches on this drawing in thing. I advocate less you advocate more. Cool! It’s all good mate.
I was hopping you would be able to explain why you prefer your methods and explain why. Saying that some dead guy did it that way or that the majority of the world does it that way doesn’t tell me anything.
I understand you are a shodan or will be testing for shodan soon. I thought you might have explored it and questioned it a bit. Do you expect me to believe someone of your ability has just accepted everything as presented and not tinkered tampered and considered in private why the hell they were doing the duck walk as a white belt. Surely after all these years you know why the foot must come in that far, why would you suggest someone change if you don’t know why?.
Dana, great point about the double thrusts, I agree. BTW, I remember the old bring the foot in till it touches exaggeration method. It seems like much in Uechi is taught big and utilized small. From time to time we get to hung up on our drills and forget why we do them or fail to even consider what we are doing. I kind of see the finger tips posted at the elbow as a similar issue, a drill to correct an issue that some how crept into the main stream.
Now my views never seem to mesh will the masses, but that’s okay too because I think the bulk of the martial world practices fluff!
That’s not directed at Uechi or anyone, that’s just what I think, most systems have been diluted over time to make them more acceptable to the public. Lots of snot nosed entry level guys like me passing on their limited skills, and the new students do the same and it just escalates over time. Lots of unskilled sensei’s over time end up teaching drills that they were given to correct a personal fault as part of the system.
As a result I tend to look at what is done with questioning eyes, I like to test and experiment and understand why. I kind of bailed on the bind obedience stuff when I gave up the military.
I think it is great a few have decided to discuss and compare notes, that’s why we have folks posting different kata, so we can discuss the differences and explore the supporting rational for the different methods. It’s called learning, I’m encouraged by this turn of events.
Jim, I think you and I see the world through very similar places!