another extension of this discussion is the idea of transitioning.
When does the upper body technique happen?
Before the stance shifts
While the stance transitions your direction
After the direction is shifted and the stance is resettled.
I firmly believe that the movements we do after our stance is set in our kata are supposed to be the movements we do while we're moving with a partner.
One take on this is the following:
If you are attacked from behind - the movements in uechi get you turned to face your attacker, just off the line and able to deal with the attack.
If you are attacked from in front, the uechi movements display many, many ways of moving center body mass and getting off the line in order to deliver counters to the attacker before they can adjust to the new direction.
Am I not comfortable with the idea that uechi is only meant for "straight down the tubes" attacks. The cat stance turn lets you face an opponent and move your body mass barely out of the way. Yes you may get clipped at uke goes by, and you'll probably be able to see his earwax as he goes by -- but this in a close style and works best when very close. IMHO.
Dana
cat stance turns
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cat stance turns
2Green, regarding your observation, I'll try to comment... The upper / lower body disconnect (when moving) is a problem most folks aren't aware of. Your observation is 'on the money'. This is part of the mind/body thing. The key difference with cat and sanchin stance (in movement), that you are eluding to, and which many karateka fail to carry over from Sanchin is the correct placement of the hip. Many let the hip fall out. Others force it under and then have to loosen it to move. The hip is the power transmitter. If it isn't tied directly into the movement, you get mush or stiff movement and even worse. Regards. Phil
