Why you need a good 'crooked' leg

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.

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.

Attacking:  a good crooked leg allows you to steal the initiative in attack, because you start from a 'forward' position and do not telegraph. This allows you to complete the take off phase quicker than the defender, which means that - for a split second at the start of your attack - you are inside striking range.
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.

Alan King

What a Black Belt Means to Me

Second Dan Essay by Ian Smith

 

In order to properly interpret for oneself what it means to be a JKS black belt, one must first have an understanding of the philosophy of karate. The reason I say this is, because like any sport or discipline, one must first properly understand the fundamentals before one can start the process of internalising and expressing oneself in context.

Gichin Funakoshi, founder of Shotokan karate apparently interpreted the 'kara' of Karate-do to mean "to purge (oneself) of selfish and evil thoughts, for only with a clear mind and conscience can (the practitioner) understand that (knowledge) which he receives." He also apparently believed that one should be 'inwardly humble and outwardly gentle.' This really makes sense because we can all admit that it is only when we are humble that we are able and capable to receive constructive criticism. He also considered courtesy of great importance.

It was accepted during that period and Funakoshi firmly believed that "Karate is properly applied only in those rare situations in which one really must either down another or be downed by him." To Funakoshi, it was not unusual for a practitioner to only really make use of Karate perhaps once in a life time. He took this view because his attitude was "never be drawn easily into a fight" as one strike by an expert could mean either life or death.

It is therefore not surprising that the Dojo Kun or guiding principles are what they are. It really is all about the development of one's character so that one can fight against the natural urge of arrogance, over confidence and to strive to be honest and uphold a high level of integrity. As one grasps and understands these principles, the importance of etiquette is appreciated as a natural extension.

With a clear understanding of the above philosophy and principles, one is able to interpret for oneself the meaning of being a black belt. For me it is clearly a journey in life. This journey is no different to the developmental journey all living creatures follow:

Firstly, we are born without any real knowledge or understanding. This is the same with Karate when one's journey starts at the beginning. This beginning is all about understanding the basics and training oneself so that the movements become natural. It is also therefore a reality that the earlier in life this journey starts, the easier the body and mind adapt. It is therefore more difficult for someone who starts this journey later in life, as all the bad habits which have formed must be undone.

By the time we reach puberty we are better able to understand the more complex and exciting things about life. This is really the start to adulthood and beyond. I believe that when one attains the black belt for the first time, we are really only at the puberty stage, i.e. we know the basics, can do them reasonably well and we know there is a long and exciting journey of learning and understanding ahead that will require dedication, focus and humility.

By the age of 21 (now legislated at 18 years of age) one is considered to be an adult, mature enough to take full responsibility for oneself. From this stage on it is all about gaining experience and maturity. I believe this is the same with Karate, and one only really seem to reach this point around the third Dan level. This progression is not only logical but makes sense as the parallel to the life-stage analogy is appropriate.

The above is proven time and time again. I can recall several times when Sensei Pierre, during Saturday morning classes (although I have not been to any this year), explained to us some real life examples - usually during the self defence training. The most important lesson I learnt was 'if at all possible, avoid a conflict situation and if it cannot be avoided, then run.'

The message is clear: just because we train in Karate and have knowledge and some experience in fighting does not mean we should engage in a fight for no good reason. It is therefore no surprise to me to learn that Kumite was only introduced into Karate in the mid to late 1930's.

It is generally accepted that wisdom comes with age and maturity. While there are exceptions, this is true since it is generally a function of experience.

The most dangerous situation is one in which a little information is blended with ignorance. For those of us who have young children (and who may therefore have forgotten their own early teen years), this is very apparent. How often has it happened that your child contradicts you? And when this does happen, it is with conviction and it does not matter what you say, they believe they have all the answers.

Karate is no different, a little bit of experience with just some arrogance is very dangerous. It is therefore very disconcerting when I hear that the attainment of a black belt is, in itself, the final objective. This is in all likelihood to simply impress others because it is perceived to be 'cool' being a black belt.

Unfortunately not many people really understand the meaning of being a black belt. It is not so that I can simply 'donner another oke' if I am aggrieved, it is not to impress others and it is certainly not to have an inflated view of one's own abilities. It is simply to prepare in life to become a responsible and respectful citizen that recognises that taking care of one's body, mind and soul is of equal importance.

The training we get and the experience we accumulate over the years help to achieve this and in the unlikely event that we are faced with a threatening situation, where retreat is impossible or unsafe, then - and only then - should all the training, wisdom and experience enable one to survive the situation.

I also believe this applies to situations in which one experiences another defenceless person in a similar situation. From the little bit of research I have done, it would appear that Funakoshi also said "in time of grave public crises, one must have the courage to face a million and one opponents." It is therefore just as important that one is not 'selfish' with one's training and skill.

In conclusion, being a black belt means understanding the responsibility that comes with the honour. The principles and philosophy of Karate are therefore a way of life. One must work continuously to develop these traits as they apply to all aspects of life and, if applied correctly, we can all become better and more responsible citizens.

Gasshuku 2007

JKS National Gasshuku and Grading - T.O. Strand - October 2007
The annual JKS National gradings and Gasshuku were again held at T.O. Strand, near Port Edward, from 19 to 21 October 2007. This has proven to be a popular and accessible venue over the last couple of years and there was a general feeling of expectation leading up to this year's events.

Getting gasshukus right involves finding the right balance between hard endurance style conditioning and technical instruction. Anyone can design a two day physical training marathon that will test the physical and mental endurance of karateka. However, what is more difficult is to also impart the core knowledge of our style through sessions focused on skills development, while making the total gasshuku experience one that most will enjoy. It looks as if JKS has certainly managed to achieve this balance, with some excellent technical sessions interspersed with great 'spirit' sessions.

The technical sessions were hosted by our Shihankai: Shihan Norman Robinson, Shihan Pierre Jordaan, Sensei Japie Storm and Sensei Andre Kok. The early morning 'spirit' session was the responsibility of Senseis Filip Houndalas and Kobus Prinsloo, while the final spirit session was handled by six of the 5^th Dans.

This was, indeed, a gasshuku of many highlights:

-    We welcomed the arrival of three new groups at the Gasshuku for the first time: Senseis Jan Badenhorst (5^th Dan), Quentin Rourke (graded to 5^th Dan at the Gasshuku) and Hannes Gouws (2^nd Dan) along with a number of their students. Based on what we saw and the interaction between them and the rest of the karateka, they can only be described as a tremendous gain for JKS.

-    We saw whales off the beach during the traditional Saturday morning 'spirit' session, something that proved to be a great omen for the Rugby World Cup final between the Springboks and the British later that day!

-    There were a few very high standard gradings in the senior dan ranks, notably those of Sensei Quentin Rourke (graded to 5^th Dan COMMENDED) and Sensei Stuart Swallow (graded to 4^th Dan COMMENDED).

-    The standard amongst the senior dan grades was generally high, with a number of candidates being promoted to Nidan, Sandan, Yondan and one to Godan.

-    Shihan Pierre Jordaan was awarded for his lifetime commitment to JKS and in recognition of his grading to 7th Dan in Tokyo, Japan, in April this year.

-    South Africa won the Rugby World Cup! Go Bokke!!!

There were four main themes to the Gasshuku, each presented by members of the Shihankai.
Correct movement - Shihan Norman Robinson

 

Shihan led two sessions, one on Kanku-Dai and the second on effective movement. The central point of both sessions was chiselling away inefficiencies of movement - those practices and things we often do that stop us from being as effective as we should.

A highlight was the demonstrations by Shihan Norman involving students in the class. He demonstrated the effectiveness of JKS techniques on a number of students, both during performance of kata, the bunkai for the kata and during the movement session.

In summary, he showed - with effective sweeps, kicks, blocks and strikes - how efficiency of movement produces an advantage in terms of speed and power. The four principles he concentrated on revolved around:

-   Early preparation
-    Isolation
-    Posture
-    Knee-over-toe

Hand in hand with posture and knee-over-toe went the concept of the 'crooked leg'. JKS has formally identified the advantage of how not having rigidly straight back legs allows for quick, balanced and effective movement! This is in contrast to other Shotokan styles where the straight back leg, especially in zenkutsu-dachi, is stressed. It is clearly evident in movement that a straight back leg inhibits free movement, resulting in all sorts of compensating strategies.

A number of the karateka commented on the detailed understanding of karate unpacked by Shihan Norman and how evident the benefits were when correctly applied. It was also evident from the class how important our legs are in effective karate and how much conditioning is required (lunges, squats, sumo shuffles and the like). Karateka who had not included a lot of leg training in the build-up to the gasshuku found themselves with extremely sore and stiff leg muscles at the end of the gasshuku. Almost every session at the gasshuku included leg work in one way or another.
Shimpan kata - Sensei Japie Storm

This was another excellent and well-received session. The objective was to develop a higher level of competence for JKS judges and referees through a novel approach that provided a simple yet exciting aid to improving our abilities. The Shimpan kata involves a series of refereeing decisions based on an imaginary bout, covering all the important calls and decisions a judge or referee might be called on to make at tournaments.

This will be augmented by additional sessions to improve the standard, confidence and availability of JKS officials, especially at all-style events.

Using Shimpan kata to drill refereeing skills was highly successful. An immediate improvement was seen at all levels because it allowed the karateka to get a lot of practice at performing the actions of a centre referee. Good refereeing comes through practice and this approach certainly went a long way towards achieving that.

Finally, each karateka had the chance to perform the Shimpan kata in front of a 'grading' panel. This 'referee grading' tested verbal pronunciation, body language, hand movements and position and confidence. Karateka were able to check how their skills had improved while at the same time the panel was able to identify the good upcoming referees.
Self defence and close quarter combat - Shihan Pierre Jordaan

 

Shihan Pierre continued with another of his fantastic sessions on self defence, demonstrating the need for awareness, strategies to cope with the unknown and some extremely effective techniques. This particular session dealt with techniques and methods required if ever one had to handle a static knife attack, for example a street mugging.

Sensei Chris Badenhorst was fortunate (?) enough to have been used as the target of Shihan's self defence techniques. If any confirmation about whether these techniques can be effective or not was needed, the speed with which Sensei Chris was subdued by some pretty uncomfortable techniques was astounding. Shihan Pierre is a big, strong and very proficient karate man.

As part of the warm-up, Shihan Pierre introduced the class to some of his more interesting conditioning exercises - such as the Hindu push-up, the crocodile push-up, the Spiderman push-up and the 'vlakvark' push up (a whole zoo full of push ups).

Kumite training - Sensei Andre Kok

The degree of overlap and commonality between this session and those of Shihan Norman was exciting because it shows a deep understanding amongst the senior instructors about the technical fundamentals of the style. Since our karateka are doing very well at competitions, a lot of this under Sensei Andre's coaching, it is clear that the technical aspects are relevant and effective.

Some of the highlights included 'basic' three-step and five-step kumite. The objectives here were to learn how to apply effective technique, how to close the gap and how to avoid attacks. Five-step kumite was used to develop the concept of continuous attack. Added to this was the sabaki-kata - avoiding direct retreat through proper use of sidestepping and turning.

It is necessary to train and operate outside the free fighting arena that sometimes tend to reinforce poor form, bad habits and people falling into a comfort zone of using familiar techniques. Using basic kumite drills is very beneficial in developing reaction, quick take off, penetration, focus and long powerful techniques.

Many karateka commented on how well Sensei Andre's session merged with what Shihan Norman had presented earlier.

Spirit sessions

Both traditional spirit sessions were held on the beach. Once again, Senseis Filip Houndalas and Kobus Prinsloo managed to concoct a whole series of alternative exercises that were designed to test the physical and mental endurance of the karateka just after sunrise.

The morning session started off with Sensei Filip leading the way in squats and jumping lunges, very effectively using the concrete benches in the 'entertainment' area of the resort. From there the session moved down to the beach where the karatekas provided their own 'instruments of pain' by filling sandbags with beach sand. These sandbags became their constant companions until the end of the session, which predictably ended in the sea.

At the end of the morning session we were privileged to watch at least three whales breaching and jumping off the coast.

The final spirit session was led by Senseis Pieter Abrahams, Jan Badenhorst, Filip Houndalas, Kobus Prinsloo, Gert Oelofsen and Mervin Gounden. In spite of some very tired bodies and legs, these 5^th Dans managed to keep the spirit and camaraderie at a 'feelable' level, with everybody joining in on the count towards the 'final countdown' and a last and final 'trip' into the waves!



The training ended on a very high and spirited note and the Dojo Kun and final bow in seiza brought the training portion of the gasshuku to a wonderful end.

End of gasshuku party and grading ceremony
The gasshuku ended with a braaivleis, preceded by the announcement of the grading results. From a total of 32 candidates, only four of the brown belts were unsuccessful and need to put in some more effort to ultimately claim their black belts. As mentioned earlier, the standard amongst the senior grading candidates was high, with a number of candidates achieving commended gradings, which is pretty rare at these gradings - a sure sign that our instructors understand what is expected from them and that the standard is moving in the right direction!

Shihan Pierre Jordaan was awarded a special accolade in recognition of the contribution he has made together with the other members of the Shihankai, as well as for the achievement of his 7^th Dan in Japan earlier this year. What reflects extremely well on both Shihan Pierre and JKS is that he is the first Westerner to grade to such a high level in Japan without having trained there for extensive periods of time - his training since 1970 was entirely homegrown, initially in JKA and for the last decade in JKS under the auspices of Shihan Norman.

The gasshuku, once again, showed the very apparent synergy within JKS. The Shihankai (and JKS) is really strong and they and the senior instructors complement (augment) each other. They are, fortunately, NOT exactly the same and don't do everything in the same way and we are extremely fortunate in what JKS delivers to their karateka. Together they present a wide range of skills and knowledge to the JKS karate student.

Those who missed 'Gasshuku 2007' missed out on a great and wonderful experience - we hope to see you all at next year's gasshuku!

Alan King and Stuart Swallow

What it means to be a Black Belt - a Corporate Executive's Point of view

When I decided to go for my nidan, I was told to write a thesis - I am not sure what I am supposed to write but all I can do is tell my own karate story.

To be honest, I never ever dreamt I would be a karateka, never mind the wearer of a Black Belt. Karate always seemed to me to be something done by others, something of a subculture imbued in Japanese mystery, practiced by sage Orientals of the sort in the Karate Kid, offering glimpses of ancient wisdom and eternal truths to Westerners out of touch with their inner selves; lots of men executing dramatic moves, fighting shadows wearing white pajamas.

The first time I heard about the Black Belt was when, as a kid, I heard the Black Cat peanut butter advert - the boy beat up the bully, who said......Black Belt? and the reply was, no...Black Cat!

In popular culture the Black Belt represents the ultimate fighting machine, danger, fighting expertise, ultimate control - don't mess with him, he has a license to kill! Jean Claude van Damme, Jackie Chan and, in the beginning, Bruce Lee, are all Martial Arts icons that in their own ways have personified the Black Belt. Lightning fast reflexes, discipline, strength, skillful fighters and above all, determined self belief.

I came to karate in my mid thirties, looking for a sport to keep me fit and never realizing it was more than a sport - it was more a way of life. I was a director of a company and climbing the corporate ladder but, as a karate novice, had to start as a lowly white belt - progressing through yellow, orange, purple and brown. I am sure that Shihan Norman and the other seniors often found themselves wondering what had hit their dojo in the form of  this uncoordinated dude who seemed to battle with the simplest of katas and never remembered to kiai during kumite.

After the brown belt there was a bit of a pause. I never really factored a black belt into my life plan, but here I was facing it head on. Was I committed enough, was I good enough, was I tough enough, was I worthy to join this exclusive club? I was unsure but Shihan Norman was sure and he encouraged me and my mate Ian to train and present ourselves for grading. I have written and passed many tests but I did not realise that this was going to be one of the toughest. I did the training and got the grading - got the black belt. I now had the license. I was legitimate. I can't deny it, I was very proud that I had completed the grading and that I had done our dojo proud.

So, now what? I needed to live up to this icon, this black belt. To show that I was not a flash in the pan, that it was not a fluke, that I have the staying power and commitment: it is not one of the five maxims, but it should be the sixth and it is personified by Shihan Norman. He is absolutely committed to karate. His commitment has inspired me to continue and not to give up.

Karate has instilled in me a sense of discipline and self belief. A discipline to stay the course, to get up early and train week in and week out. As Shihan Norman says, every day is a gift and we are responsible for keeping our bodies healthy - it is our responsibility to ourselves and to our families. The self belief comes from facing one's fears, the fear of failure, of getting hurt, of hurting others. Knowing karate requires one to have control of one's actions and emotions.

There is also the tradition and history that goes with karate. Although karate can be rough and brutal, there is always a sense that it is controlled and that there are rules that need to be observed: the hierarchy and respect for seniors, the courtesy one shows to one's fellows, the bowing and kneeling - these are integral to the sense of order in the dojo.

Nothing that is really worth it comes without effort. Sometimes things need to be difficult for us to appreciate that they are valuable. It is the same with karate - with getting a black belt. It has required a lot of effort and commitment and years of training on my part to get my black belt.

Has it been worth it - oh yes! Adversity is character building and although the road to my black belt has been long and at times difficult, it has provided me with self confidence, purpose, a healthy body and improving coordination. It is with a continuing source of pride that I wear my black belt!

Alan Bruens - Black Belt

Restraint

My name is Luke Palmer.

I have been practicing karate since I was 5 years old. I am now 14 years old and I live to the code taught to me by Shihan Norman Robinson. This code is the basis for how I live my life: Character, Sincerity, Effort, Etiquette and Self Control. Through this I have become a man.

I never tell anyone that I do karate as it my secret, it is for me, about me, it is me .

 

Now that you know a little about me I would like to tell you a short story. This story is about the hardest thing I have ever had to:

This year there have been two boys who have ganged up on me. They verbally challenged me and attacked my character, and they have made my life a misery. This is when things became very difficult because they are smaller than me, they have probably have never thrown a punch before or even been in a real fight... I know this. I also know that if I got into a fight with them, IT WOULD BE CARNAGE. You have no idea how I wanted to beat these boys to a pulp, but I know that I am a trained fighter, I know that I am bigger, I know that I am better.

But my ego has taken a beating!

None the less, I know that once you are a 'weapon', you have to take responsibility, you have to act differently, you have to be mature, you have to put your ego aside and do the hardest thing you will ever have to do - exercise restraint. The training you get through karate is what gets you through these situations, not only the physical side but also the mental side.

 

Through my time since I started teaching, it has been tough and hard to find different ways to teach different children. It has taught me to have character and respect for the little ones since they have a lot of spirit and love for the sport. When I see them training well, it makes me feel great that I have taught them well. Even children who aren't the best at karate... I also have a lot of respect for them, as they still at least try their best and in doing so, they become better in their own way.

 

Through the maxims that we are taught I will be able to handle many different situations, with dignity for myself and other people.

 

This is what drives me towards getting a Black Belt, a goal that I have worked for since I started karate all those years ago. I have always looked up to our Black Belts for their knowledge and respect for me and for helping me become better. When I become a Black belt I hope that I will gain the same respect from others that I have had for our Black Belts.

I thank the karate dojo and all the Senseis who have taught me, for giving me more character and self control - when I wanted to lose my temper, I have been able to hold it back.
 

In the words of Rudyard Kipling in his poem "IF", and I quote:

"If you can keep your head when all about you

Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you
But make allowance for their doubting too,
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

Then you are a man my son."

Luke Palmer (Brown belt)