Keystone Abilities. What are they and do you have them?

Keystone Abilities are derived from the biological term “Keystone Species“.  These are plant/animal species that have a disproportionate effect on their environment.  In other words, their presence (even in very small numbers) have a big effect on everything else around them.  So if these Keystone Species are ok, then the surrounding environment is almost certainly … Read more

Bunkai to Shotokan Kata Empi

Sensei Paul James (5th Dan) takes you through a possible Bunkai to Empi.

Important:  This is a possible bunkai to Empi.  So before thousands of you keyboard warriors start foaming at the mouth saying that it is wrong or a corruption of Shotokan, remember the most important words to live by…

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Empi Uchi – Elbow Strike

Click the symbol for an mp3 file for your iPod. Download it, play it and practice. Empi Uchi – Elbow strike. Despite the name, the striking point it immediately above or below the elbow joint.

Kokutsu Datch – Back Stance

Click the symbol for an mp3 file for your iPod. Download it, play it and practice. Kokutsu Datch – Back stance. Make sure the feet are in a straight line, the back foot is pointed at right angles to the side and the front foot is pointing directly to the front. The body weight distribution … Read more

Gedan Barai – Downward Block

Click the symbol for an mp3 file for your iPod. Download it, play it and practice. Gedan Barai – Downward block defending against a kick to the body. The twist of the forearm at the very end of the move helps the block. As with most blocks, the body is twisted to an angle of … Read more

Kizame Tsuki – Lunging Punch

Click the symbol for an mp3 file for your iPod. Download it, play it and practice. Kizame Tsuki – Lunging punch. Twist the body to get more distance, but don’t let the shoulder lift up.

Mawashi Geri – Roundhouse Kick

Click the symbol for an mp3 file for your iPod. Download it, play it and practice. Mawashi Geri – Roundhouse kick. This is an effective kick to all heights, and can be used from a long distance. Make sure the upper body is controlled during the kick.

Mae Geri – Front Kick

Click the symbol for an mp3 file for your iPod. Download it, play it and practice. Mae Geri – Front Kick. Always done as a snap, and making contact with the ball of the foot. Make sure the knee is lifted high both before and after the kick.

Nukite – Knife Hand Strike

Click the symbol for an mp3 file for your iPod. Download it, play it and practice. Nukite – Knife hand strike. Similar to an oi tsuki punch, but with the hand open. Imagine your fingers as a blade and the finger tips as the point stabbing into someone.

Oi Tsuki – Stepping Punch

Click the symbol for an mp3 file for your iPod. Download it, play it and practice. Oi Tsuki – Stepping punch. The body is square to the opponent, and the reaction arm is brought back with as much power and ferocity as the punching arm goes out. The first 2 knuckles should make contact with … Read more