SHIMÉ TESTING
These should always be performed in the same sequence and once completed another cycle must be administered.
* Start by moving to the rear of the student and down at the soles of the feet and feel
the inside edge of the feet to check that the arches of
the soles are not raised. Do the same with the outside
edge of the feet.
* Grab the ankles to assist
the student in rooting his stance to the floor and to
concentrate power into his legs and feet.
* Place your toe in front of
the students toe and press your knee onto his knee,
trying to force it backwards. The knee should not move
back, this ensures that the feet are rooted to the floor
and the quadriceps (thigh) muscles are activated. Care
must be exercised that too much or erratic pressure is
not applied - a firm and consistent pressure would be the
right blend.
* Slap against the side of
the thighs at two short intervals so that concentration
of power is focused here and locked in.
* Apply the same slaps to the
buttock muscles and kick up gently but firmly between the
students legs. This ensure that the muscles inside the
thighs are also focused and tightened.
* Place you palm against his
stomach and firmly gently against the tanden.
* Check that the students
spine is straight by running your hand up along it to the
base of the neck. Then with the palm of your hand press
at regular intervals against the students back so that
focus is also maintained here.
* Move up the shoulders and
firstly placed your hands on them so that the students
tightens the muscle in that location. Then slap down
firmly making sure that you stay clear of the neck and
its immediate surrounds.
* Reverse the procedure that
was used to ensure that the spine was straight, by
starting at the neck and running your hand down the spine
the approximately its base
* Go around to face the
student and feel the tanden again, making sure that
strength is focus here as well.
* As the student extends his
arm on punching, add resistance by placing you palm heel
on the fist and firmly pushing against the punch. Do not
add too much resistance so as to hamper the students
posture and concentration.
* When the student blocks
chudan uke, apply firm resistance to that as well. When
the students performs morote osae uke and mawashi uke
apply pressure using both of your hands and adding equal
resistance to both the students hands
* Continually observe the
students face and skin color and stop the students if
signs of undue stress or pressure is noticed. The
teachers slaps and kicks should be firm but never
damaging.
* Whilst the teacher is
applying the testing he must also observe that the
students breathing is co-ordinated with his movements.
* Continue the cycle by going
back to the soles of the feet and starting the procedure
again.
The purpose of shimé testing is
also focus on parts of the body that is not actively being used
and not to forget about them, thus enabling one to concentrate
and focus on the whole body at the same time. This training is a
wonderful method to enhance your spirit and even though your body
feel a bit battered after Sanchin shimé you feel very elevated.
Only through consistent Sanchin training would one reap it's
benefits. Sanchin training and hojo undo is a great combination
to ensure a good physique and strong spirit.
Miyagi Sensei performs Shime (testing)
