The basic
exercises provide both the student and the Sensei with many opportunities and
options. In the beginning exercises, the student is taught the basic stance of Isshin-ryu, Seisan Dachi and the manner in which you step forward in this stance.
There is a principle or reason for each of the stances in Isshin-ryu and in Seisan, the students take the first step in learning their
center of balance. The position of the feet in this stance is very important,
with both feet facing directly forward and in a straight line and the outside
alignment based upon the width of the individual student’s shoulders. The toes
of the rear foot should be aligned with the heel of the forward foot. When
ordered to get into the Seisan stance for basic exercises, they will always get
into, the stance always starts with the left foot forward. When the student
wishes to advance, the rear foot moves forward in a semi-circular motion and
finally, the right foot becomes the forward foot
and is properly aligned in the toe to heel position. The semi-circular
step serves two purposes; first, by moving in this manner the student is more
aware of where their feet are moving and is more likely not to lose the proper
alignment while advancing. As the foot moves forward, the toes and ball of the
foot should remain in feather light contact with the deck. All of this is an aid
in establishing an awareness of proper stance and therefore discovering the establishment of your personal center of
balance. Simultaneously, when the rear foot comes forward to advance your stance
properly, the knee of the moving leg will rise, almost imperceptibly, and
combined with the semi-circular movement, it serves as a block, in the event
that your opponent throws a kick toward the groin as you move forward.
Finding the center of your bodies balance is important to everything
that you will ever do in Isshin-ryu. Among the tenets of
philosophy that Soke Shimabuku has laid out for our guidance is one that states,
“Imbalance is as a weight”. The meaning to an Isshin-ryu practitioner is that, if you do not maintain excellent
balance at all times, your weight will be poorly distributed, restricting your
movement and limiting your responsiveness to your opponent’s moves and your
ability to take advantage of their mistakes.
When moving forward in the basic exercises, you must keep
your body erect, never leaning your head toward your opponent and becoming
vulnerable. When throwing a block or punch, stay within
the outline of your personal space or circle or you will create an
imbalance. Keep your feet under your body at all times and you will always be in
control of the situation. When throwing a kick, block or punch, always rechamber
immediately, to maintain your defense and readiness to
strike.
The reason for the basic exercises is the same reason and of the same
importance as placing a solid foundation, with the best materials available,
prior to building a house or other structure on the land. Without the proper
foundation, all that you attempt to add to your knowledge of Isshin-ryu,
will be flawed and restrict your progress in every aspect of Isshin-ryu.
The
basic exercises will afford you the immense advantage of perfect balance, one of
the three
The basic exercises are also your introduction to a systematic self
defense, honed over decades of fighting and exploration into the development of
the martial arts, in particular, Isshin-ryu. This is where you learn the principles of balance,
speed and focus, as well as combat movement and shifting, blocks and punches.
Basic kicking exercises will further enhance your balance, since the Isshin-ryu kicks will place you in uncharacteristic postures that require your
ability to readjust your balance constantly. The need to rechamber and focus
your kicks places stress upon your body to accustom itself to the explosive
nature of an Isshin-ryu kick.
Master McGrath’s ten supplementary exercises have
evolved from the basics, kicks, katas and
kumite moves
that have been proven in over twenty thousand matches on the deck during four
decades. What they bring to the students are advanced moves, requiring multiple
blocks and strikes, body shifts and change of stance, from Seisan to Seiuchin or
oblique Chinto.
All of these exercises are expressly designed to change the student from
a beginner to an Isshin-ryu karate ka, that can defend themselves more than adequately. The
exercises will also give you the necessary experience and background to
understand the eight empty hand katas of Isshin-ryu, which incorporate every possible move that can be made
within kumite and give you every weapon and move required to successfully defend
yourself against multiple attackers.
Placed together, all of these elements blend to create a pliant, open
mind and a body that reacts to Isshin-ryu to create a karate ka who is prepared, knowledgeable and ready to
absorb the spirit of Isshin-ryu and all the benefits that inure to the practitioner of Isshin-ryu. You have an opportunity to become Isshin-ryu, something that everyone of Grand Master Nagle’s Sensei's and their students strive
to attain. This is the reason why Master McGrath and his instructors insist that
when you are not in class, you must practice all of the basic elements with
diligence and perseverance, every day. Soke Tatsuo Shimabuku and Master Don
Nagle routinely practiced all of the basics and the katas every day. That is
what made them Masters of Isshin-ryu, masters of their destiny and masters of those around
them. They became leaders in every phase of their lives. That can be your
destiny, your
future. It is up to you to put everything that you have into your practice.
Never practice without spirit, never practice nonchalantly or lazily. That is
what separates good students from champions