Functional Karate: Seisan Checkpoints

9 Sept 2005

Seisan Checkpoints

Shuto strike (RH) into flat of LH, then teisho uchi LH, Kakate RH whilst Jodan nukite. Timing in this sequence is important. 1...2.3.... Then next technique (fingertip rake to eyes).

Nukite strikes to groin - fingers pointing inward more, and arms closer to body.

Turning 180 degrees for the first time, then kakate sequence. Rising hand (moving from behind body) shows a small cupping motion prior to moving upwards for kakate technique. As yet I do not know the bunkai for this move.

Shiko dachi kakate sequence - hikite hand is actually palm down (maybe kakate also? check on this).

No comments:

Post a Comment

About Mike

Though he studied Judo for five years as a junior, it was not until 2001 that Mike began training in Kusano-ha-Shitoryu Karate with Paul Ferris (at that time 5th Dan and Chief Instructor of Kenshikan England).

Mike was awarded his 1st Dan in 2004. and the rank of Shidoin-Ho in 2005. He taught classes in traditional Karate weekly during 2006-2008 and is still in contact with some of his students and fellow training partners from Kusano-ha.

Mike trains regularly with other martial artists and focusses on the practical applications of Karate for self defence purposes.

Introduction to Functional Karate

Developed from Chinese boxing and Okinawan wrestling systems, Karate was originally called just "Te", meaning hand. It is likely that Karate's original pioneers were well educated and respected people such as law-enforcers and the bodyguards of dignitaries.

The meaning of the term "Kara-te" was changed from "Chinese hand" to "Empty hand" in the early 1900s and, in a modified form, the art was introduced to the Japanese school system as a way of developing fit and healthy, disciplined students. It was this transition from the backyards of Okinawa to the schools and dojo of Japan - and ultimately the western world - which ensured Karate's survival as an art, but relegated many of its most effective techniques and training methods to obscurity.

Modern trends for reality-based martial arts are now helping to boost the profiles of those karate practitioners who look closely at their own art, are not afraid to question tradition and who have discovered the brutal effectiveness held within.

In this blog I put into words some of my training notes and also I include links to other karate-ka who are helping to bring functional Karate back into the world, albeit with modern training methods.