{"id":2549,"date":"2014-02-05T09:29:02","date_gmt":"2014-02-05T17:29:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/karateteaching.com\/?p=2549"},"modified":"2014-02-05T09:29:02","modified_gmt":"2014-02-05T17:29:02","slug":"turning-on-your-heels-part-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.karateteaching.com\/blog\/turning-on-your-heels-part-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Turning on your heels – Part 2"},"content":{"rendered":"

So a couple of weeks ago I told you about when somebody once told me to make rear leg mawashi geri it’s best to turn on the heel of the supporting leg.<\/p>\n

I think we all agree that advice was absolute %$%3!<\/p>\n

I then talked about my preference for turning on the balls of the feet for EVERY other transition (kihon and kata) as in my experience it gives more control and balance. However, I did discover one time when turning on the heel can actually be a good thing, and I promised to share that with you today.<\/p>\n

I’m sure you’re familiar with at least some of the following kata:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Pinan Godan \/ Heian Godan<\/li>\n
  2. Kanku Sho<\/li>\n
  3. Kosokun Shiho (Shiho Kosokun)<\/li>\n
  4. Kokokun Dai \/ Kushanku<\/li>\n
  5. Chatanyara Kushanku<\/li>\n
  6. Empi<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Can you tell me what all of these kata have in common?<\/p>\n

    They all have a turn with a JUMP.<\/p>\n

    I’m not going to go into the purpose or bunkai of the jump as there are many interpretations, but typically the person performing the kata will do one of two things immediately preceding the jump.<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. They take a small step with the launching leg to gain momentum to give height to the jump.<\/li>\n
    2. They shift both legs, bend both knees and then jump, again to give height to the jump.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Take a look at these videos below and note the launching leg<\/span> each time. First the Japanese team at the WKF World Champs performing the kata Empi. Watch at 1:25.<\/p>\n