The Silk Thread of Gorindo - Ottawa - Canada
Issue 13
Photo cover Claudio Iedwab sensei, November 2011, by Roxanne Standefer
Basic Stances
Kumite no kamae
From heiko dachi, parallel stance, shift the body weight to the left foot, drawing the right foot in towards the center line. Swing both arms up and back to the right side, bending the arms as they rise with the left fist arriving beside the face, keeping the forearms parallel. Left fist with the back of the hand facing out and the right fist with theback of the hand facing inside. Keep looking forward.
In one motion place the right foot backward on the floor with the outside edge of the foot forming a 45° angle. The ball of the foot rests on the ground and the heel is slightly up. Flex the knee as if it will function as a spring for further action. The left foot pivots slightly on the ball, opening the heel to the left until the outside edge of the foot is in a straight line forward.
(The distance between both feet is equal to a normal walking step. Body weight is distributed 55% on the front foot, with the option of putting more or less if necessary).
Simultaneously, bring both arms to the front across the body in a blocking motion coming to rest in the “guard position”. The right forearm covers the right side of the body, with the elbow protecting the lower ribs (the distance of one fist out from the body). The right wrist and fist protect the solar plexus and the heart (one fist distance out).
The left elbow is in line with the left side of the body protecting the lower ribs. It forms a 90° angle between forearm and upper arm. The fist is held out from the body on the center line.
One way to check if the guard is in a good standard position is to open the thumbs of the fist, and they should both be pointing upwards to the sky.
Common Corrections
• Maintain the elbows close to the body with a fist distance off the ribs.
• Maintain correct angle of the forward arm.
• Keep the chin close to the throat and the head vertical.
• See ‘Some Advice About... Stances’ for general tips common to all stances.
by Claudio Iedwab & Roxanne Standefer
Originallly published in the Gorindo Student Manual and “The Secret Art of Health & Fitness – Uncovered from the Martial Arts Masters” by Claudio Iedwab & Roxanne Standefer
©2011 Photo by Roxanne Standefer / Illustrations by Claudio Iedwab
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