On September 24th Saiko Shihan came to San Francisco to conduct his annual karate clinic and upper level belt promotion test. The lower belt tests are conducted by Shihan at the dojo throughout the year. However, the upper belt tests are done once a year by Saiko-Shihan.
Every year Saiko-Shihan will focus on a different aspect and this year was footwork. He explained how important footwork is not only for general movement but how it contributes to the power of punches, kicks and is part of blocking. Footwork adds tremendous power to punches. If you just stand still and punch it won’t have much impact. However, if one incorporates the whole body with the punch, a good “hikite” (pull your fist) and stepping forward the punch will be very powerful.
Footwork is also a very important aspect of blocking techniques. If you don’t move you leave yourself open to a direct hit if you try to block just using your arms. Instead you can slide back “okuriashi,” or step back “fumiashi.” When practicing we usually do this in a forward and backward movement but practiced doing it to the side as well which sets one up for a powerful counter technique. We practiced this moving in a circular direction trying to anticipate the attack technique and move using footwork as well as blocking.
As with all fighting, you have to keep your hands up! This is extremely important since the minute you let your guard down your head is wide open for a punch or kick.
Another aspect of the training was listening to your body. Many people don’t do this and become feeble as a result. For World Oyama Karate our motto is “Just Sweat.” Don’t think about it, don’t talk about it, just sweat!” What this means is that you don’t have to necessarily be good or talented at karate, all you need to do is try your best and sweat! Saiko-Shihan told us his daily routine which involves, stretching and walking the dog even before his morning coffee, and afterwards he goes to the dojo, trains and sweats! Everyday!
After the clinic the upper belt test is conducted. As every karate student knows, you better pay particular attention to the things you just practiced in the clinic! During a test, Saiko-Shihan will review many things including but not limited to basics such as the form of punches and kicks to upper level items such as high level karate and weapons kata. The end is saved for fighting where students have to do their best but winning is not the point. The point is to put everything into practice while sparring and to show the student understands and uses correctly all the techniques for his or her respective belt.
In the picture on the left the greenbelt wisely avoids a jodan mawashigeri (upper roundhouse kick) from Senpai Nick using footwork and “soto uke” or outside-to-in block. In the picture on the right the green belt blocks using “uchi-uke” or inside-to-out block from Senpai Maiko.
Here is our group picture after the test. You can see everyone is a bit sweatier and disheveled compared to the first group picture after the clinic. They’ve certainly followed our mantra of “Just Sweat!”
