Introduction

The concept of 2-person forms as an adjunct to training is not new: in China many schools develop such forms as an additional means of practising their techniques in a contextual environment and packaging their knowledge . In China these types of forms or drills are known as " dui da quan". This tradition is, by contrast, not well established in karate. In order to find 2-person forms in Japan you have to delve further afield into arts such as Doshin So’s Shoriji Kempo o... Read More

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The second move in Taikiokyu Shodan I'd like to discuss is the "big turn".

Move 2 - the "Big Turn"

The big turn starts from a right forward stance. You look over your right shoulder and then bring your left foot around 270 degrees so that you are in a left forward stance, facing what was your right. You then execute a left downward block and advance to a right foot forward stance and execute a mid punch.

This move is usually explained to beginning students as a simpl... Read More

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In our style (Hawaiian Kenpo) the Taikiokyu kata are taught first. The way we teach them, they are simple, straightforward kata. As with any kata, however, there is a great depth of meaning for each of the moves.

Move 1 - Stepping out
The first move in our T1 is to look to the left and step out with the right foot. You then pivot and execute a left downward block. Immediately you step forward to a right forward stance and execute a punch to the midsection.

I typically h... Read More

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