One of the distinguishing characteristics of Shotokan karate is its deep stances. In order to achieve these low stances, the legs have to be bent - hence the 'crooked leg'. If you look at the front leg in zenkutsu-dachi, the back leg in kokutsu-dachi and both legs in kiba-dachi, they look very much like the back leg of a cat.
The secret to good karate is the ability to move from one stance or position to another in a fast, fluid, controlled and dynamic manner. The benefits of this are simple: it affords you the ability to control distance between yourself and an opponent, and to 'position' yourself to your best advantage.
This ability is critical, whether in attack or defence:
In defence, you need to be able to maintain a safe distance between yourself and the attacker. This is best achieved by moving the upper body away from the threat in an upright posture. Any additional movement that delays the retreat should be minimised.
This includes:
- Raising the heel of the back foot;
- Bringing the back foot forward to get a 'better' step;
- Leaning forward to generate momentum;
- Not 'pushing' off the front leg.
In attack, you need to close the gap between yourself and your opponent. This is best done at the start of the attack so that, for a brief instant, you are inside the strike zone. As the initiator you should have a slight advantage, but any extra movement that delays the initial take off should be minimised.
This includes:
- Opening the front foot;
- Pulling the front foot back to be able to push off;
- Rising up over the front knee;
- Shifting forward to start the roll/step;
- Leading with hands with late or no step/shift.
The secret to good karate is the ability to move from one stance or position to another in a fast, fluid, controlled and dynamic manner. The benefits of this are simple: it affords you the ability to control distance between yourself and an opponent, and to 'position' yourself to your best advantage.
This ability is critical, whether in attack or defence:
In defence, you need to be able to maintain a safe distance between yourself and the attacker. This is best achieved by moving the upper body away from the threat in an upright posture. Any additional movement that delays the retreat should be minimised.
This includes:
- Raising the heel of the back foot;
- Bringing the back foot forward to get a 'better' step;
- Leaning forward to generate momentum;
- Not 'pushing' off the front leg.
In attack, you need to close the gap between yourself and your opponent. This is best done at the start of the attack so that, for a brief instant, you are inside the strike zone. As the initiator you should have a slight advantage, but any extra movement that delays the initial take off should be minimised.
This includes:
- Opening the front foot;
- Pulling the front foot back to be able to push off;
- Rising up over the front knee;
- Shifting forward to start the roll/step;
- Leading with hands with late or no step/shift.
What does a good crooked leg look like? Simplistically, the knee needs to be sufficiently bent so that it is positioned over the toes.
Bad crooked leg: knee is behind the toe; quads are relaxed - and weight is carried by leg acting as a passive strut
Good crooked leg: knee is over toe; quads are under tension - carrying weight; active support
What makes a 'good' crooked leg good?
- Since the knee is already over the toe, there is less distance to be traveled, therefore less warning or telegraphing to your opponent.
- Since the thigh muscles are under tension, they are able to move immediately, i.e. either push off to retreat or pull forward to advance.
- If the knee is behind the toe, then you have to do one of four things to get moving:
- Push the knee forward until it is over the toe;
- Bring the foot back until it is under the knee;
- Open the front foot to make space for you to drive (fall forward?) off the back foot;
- Lean forward to get momentum going.
Defending: a good crooked leg allows you to react immediately you perceive an attack, because the quads are preloaded and you can push off instantly. At worst you will maintain the separation, giving you time to block and counter, while at best you will control the distance - giving you an opportunity to steal the initiative (sen-no-sen).
In both cases, because you are in a ready state that is to your advantage, it affords you the ability to move instantly without preparation. To be in this ready state, you need a 'good crooked leg'.
How do we develop this crooked leg during routine training?
- In kihon - make sure students are always in knee over toe position;
- In kata - knee over toe strictly observed after moving from one stance to the next;
- In kumite - make sure students fight from a 'forward' fighting stance. It is possible to have 50/50 weight distribution with front knee in knee-over-toe position.
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