The Silk Thread of Gorindo - Ottawa - Canada
Issue 20
- Fitness - Cat-Stretch & Climbing the Sky
Photo cover 'Roxanne Standefer - gedan barai’ ©2012 Photo by Claudio Iedwab
Kihon - How to Turn
Turn in Zenkutsu-dachi
1) Begin in zenkutsu-dachi with right foot forward. Look first over the left shoulder toward a point in the opposite direction (180°).
2) Continue the rotation of the head while initiating the shifting of body weight by momentarily unweighting the right foot and pivoting on the metatarsal at the same time pushing with the rear (left) foot. The transfer of weight to the right foot concludes when the foot is at a 45°angle to the new direction. (pivoting until it assumes its rear foot position for the new zenkutsu-dachi). The left foot pushes off the metatarsal, drawing a backwards “V” by moving it up close to the right foot and then stepping out again in the “new” direction (which was “behind” but is now “forward” after the turn) and assuming the correct forward foot position for zenkutsu-dachi.
By keeping the knees bent and close, the hip will rotate to the left allowing the turning of the torso and the whole body until facing towards the new direction.
Common Corrections
• Do not allow the feet to collide.
• Gently shift the body weight.
• Control the action and do not let the movement control you. Step quietly and smoothly.
• The body will move slightly upward in the middle of the action and will descend at the end smoothly. Avoid a “pick up and drop” motion by keeping the knees bent.
• When touching the floor do it first with the metatarsal and then with the heel.
• Use the hip rotation to generate power and momentum.
• Pivot on the metatarsal not on the heel.
• Exhale while doing the 2nd phase of the turning.
by Claudio Iedwab & Roxanne Standefer
Originallly published in the Gorindo Student Manual by Claudio Iedwab & Roxanne Standefer
©2012 Illustrations by Claudio Iedwab
- Fitness - Cat-Stretch & Climbing the Sky
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