Sometimes stuff you learn or don’t learn in school comes back to haunt you. I know when I start talking about angles and planes, I scare myself.
Today I want to talk about planes. Not Airplanes. Knuckleheads can sign off now! I’m talking about a level plane. My dad being the mathematician that he is would be proud.
In Shotokan Karate we teach that the energy of your movement forward must follow the straightest path. Straight line. However a lot of karate-kas make the mistake of either wobbling in their approach or their step. The step most karate instructors teach is the crescent step which is often referred to as a C step. In using that name we may confuse beginners into believing that they should step in a big C. When they do this they land in a very immobile and possibly dangerously unstable stance. If forward motion is the concern then one should pay attention to the step. The function of the step is simply to move you in a forward direction. The crescent step is used to help maintain balance while stepping. During your step don’t forget that your energy must be straight ahead. Your stance, step and don’t forget the launching motion of your legs should be directed towards this end. Use the crescent step but if you keep in mind the importance of the energy line then it all should fall in line. Getting from point A to B in the fastest and most powerful way possible is the important detail. Don’t focus on the step focus on how to get there faster. Obviously, getting there slower is not a good idea.
Now to plane geometry. Simply for illustration, a plane is like a ceiling. A very important thing to add to your movement is keeping your energy line on an even horizontal plane. In other words don’t bob up and down. Compare light which moves in a straight line to radio waves. I think light speed is a good example. When you vary your energy off of the straight line then it slows down. Another benefit from level movement is that not only do you get there faster but it’s more powerful because if you move up and down you are expending energy in that up and down movement. Watch an Olympic runner and you won’t see their head bobbing up and down because all of their energy is devoted toward straight ahead movement. Another benefit to keeping your movement on this level plane (if you need another one) is that your movement is harder to read. Your opponent will have less reference points on which to pick up your movement(less telegraphing). Faster, more powerful technique and less telegraphing spells success.
This is one of the very important aspects to focus on in perfecting your movements in Shotokan Karate.
Quickness is one of the most important things there is in karate. This lesson fits into the concept of Economy of Motion.
Everyone knows how to move. We are trying to learn how to move efficiently which will have good results.
I actually think I’m beginning to like geometry. Ah, maybe not.
Written by:
Sensei Perry Culver 6th degree Black Belt (Shotokan Karate), Syu Sin Do Black Belt, Trained in Kickboxing, CDT and Personal Training.
