Tekki Shodan timing and head
Even at beginner level we are told about the importance of head moment in Tekki Shodan. They even have their own count which is unusual enough to underline the importance. Although there are 6 important head movements, most concentrate on the 4 associated with the sweeping foot blocks. But to achieve a sharp performance there is more to just these 4 alone.
Main Focus
Head movement and timing
Katas Today
What I Discovered
Tekki is a good example of correct timing, fast and slow. For such a short kata, timing is’s important. However the correct timing is not what you might read in a book, or see online. Correct timing is largely dictated by an individuals body mechanics.
I can see so many faults in this video ie, very first move thumb position. Gedan Baria is not correctly formed (fist movement), and I raise and lower the stance a little to create power in move 2/3. I've picked this up from watching the more fluid style of Asai Sensei doing this kata, but I'm not sure whether to go with the fluid style, or the more regimental style seem in competitions by JKS and JKS karate-ka.
Tuning your kata to your body is as important as tuning your body to a kata.
What I Found Challenging
Head movement and snapping techniques from full speed to dead stop.
Combating forward creep is also important, and difficult. Nakayama Sensei thought this important enough to talk about in his teachings, so it’s something to work on until consistently achieved.
What I Really Enjoyed
It’s all in the detail. Progress? Maybe a little individual kata progress. But the 50kata challenge? I’ll not be making much progress at all if I keep pausing to spend days and days on the detail of one kata.
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Thoughts, questions or observations about my 50 kata journey are always welcome.