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Exploring the difference between the ideas of "Blocking" or "Uke" in Karate.

Better learn balance. Balance is key. Balance good, karate good. Everything good. Balance bad, better pack up, go home!

A journey into the concept and principles of Kuzushi In Gichin Funakoshi's book Karate Jutsu, he wrote “Hikite is to use the opponents incoming punch and pull on it beyond its reach and to twist it at the same time, to throw the opponent off his balance." To cause your opponent to lose balance is the very essence of Kuzushi.

Of course, it is important to see what happens on the completion of this step, for the completion is exactly the same through out the various Kihon Kata, from different schools, and also the 2 Gekisai Kata. For our school, there are 9 Kihon Kata, so with the 2 Gekisai Kata, that makes 11 Kata in which this single small step is made. Eleven Kata in which the practitioner steps forward then pivots with speed and aggression to his or her left, and executes the "block" as required by the specific Kata.

Meibukan Gojyu Ryu Karate Do has found the need to leave the hall that has been our home for about 16 months. Our new home will be at the Livingston Family & Community Centre 31 Parkhurst Drive, Cranbourne East. 3977