The Silk Thread of Gorindo - Ottawa - Canada
Issue 19
- Visit of Maestro Vicente Nogueroles
Photo cover 'Claudio Iedwab's step’ ©2012 Photo by Roxanne Standefer
Kihon - How to Walk
Walking - Neko-ashi-dachi
• Stepping Forward
Assume the cat stance, neko-ashi-dachi, with both hands on the hips, with the left foot forward as described in previous lessons.
1st phase of the step: Pivot the left heel to the inside and down, (at the same time bringing the right hip forward and right heel up) until the left foot is in a 45° angle with its heel touching the floor.
2nd phase of the step: Keeping the weight low, bring the right foot forward, close to (but not touching) the left. Bend the knees gently and keep them close with the hips facing forward. Maintain the ball of the foot close to the floor as you move the foot forward in a straight line, ending the step when you gently assume the cat stance, neko-ashi-dachi, with right foot forward. Touch the floor first with the toes, then raise the heel, ending with the adjustment of body distribution, proper stance length, and knees flexed as described in previous lessons.
Avoid dragging the moving foot it will create unnecessary friction and reduce the step’s speed and flow.
The whole body will smoothly rise slightly upwards and down in a wave motion. Avoid a sharp pick up and dropping down.
• Stepping Backward
Reverse the actions previously described in stepping forward. Be sure that initially you move the front (right) foot straight backward until the ball of the foot touches the ground behind the base (left) foot’s heel. The right hip will also rotate to the back and as the weight shifts to the right foot the heel lowers to the ground forming a 45° angle to the inside. At the same time smoothly raise the front (left) heel to assume the final stance.
Pay close attention on the body weight distribution (90/10) of neko-ashi-dachi, as well the orientation of your torso at 45°.
by Claudio Iedwab & Roxanne Standefer
Originallly published in the Gorindo Student Manual by Claudio Iedwab & Roxanne Standefer
©2012 Illustrations by Claudio Iedwab
- Visit of Maestro Vicente Nogueroles
« Click the Subscribe link on the left
