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Leigh Simms
Leigh Simms's picture
Shotokans Sochin Opening Sequence

Hi Guys!

We filmed a little video of the opening motion of Sochin Kata (Shotokan)  this past week, using a Go Pro camera (hence the slight curve to the video). As with all 2 minute drill videos, only so much can be covered and it does not represent my full methodology and approach to kata bunkai. Nevertheless, I hope it is of interest.

Iain Abernethy
Iain Abernethy's picture

Nice video that Leigh! Thanks for sharing!

All the best,

Iain

DaveB
DaveB's picture

Hi Leigh. I like the basic idea of using the methods in the form to facilitate striking. Can you expand on the video to give an idea how you might modify the techniques against a live aggressor?

Iain Abernethy
Iain Abernethy's picture

To jump in with my own thoughts:

DaveB wrote:
Can you expand on the video to give an idea how you might modify the techniques against a live aggressor?

In the video we see the limbs being controlled and moved. We also see the principle of “keep the enemy in front of you, but don’t be in front of your enemy” being enacted. Both of these ideas are needed for close range striking in order to land shots i.e. clear the path and strike from a tactically advantageous position. Therefore, pretty much any live close range drill will see these principles manifest. So just fight at close range.

If the enemy covers up, then clear the limbs out of the way (as the first part illustrates). If you can, get off the enemy’s attack line while keeping them on yours. You can push on the enemy to maintain that position (as the second part illustrates). Better yet, if you can get behind them, pull them back while putting the foot against the back of the leg to stop them stepping (the kata also gives an example of this); and if it does not work, then strike from the back (the kata illustrates this idea with an elbow).

It does not matter if we use the exact same technique, in the exact same way, as the kata. We should adapt in line with the kata principles. So my answer would simply be to do live close range drills so you can let the principles flow. Any fixed “specifics” on that are just going to be alternate examples of the kata motions.

We get the most out of kata when we view it as an “illustration of principle via combative technique” as opposed to viewing it as just an “illustration of combative technique”.

Any “modification” is therefore not a technical matter, but a matter of internalising the principles and fighting in accordance with them (Stage 3 of the 4 stages: http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/article/four-stages-kata-practise).

I hope that makes sense and is of some use.

All the best,

Iain

Leigh Simms
Leigh Simms's picture

Hi Dave!

Thanks for your question.

I think Iain summed it up quite well and I will try and record and publish some of the specific sparring drills we do to improve the skills taught in the drill above. 

Without repeating too much of what Iain has said, the drills primary goal is to teach combative principles, the technques themselves are secondary.

Once the enemy begins to resist its not the technique that you've learned that will necessary work for you. What is likely to help you out a lot more is principles learned. In this example we are looking at- taking the initiative, connecting to and redirecting the enemies limbs, striking at first instance, moving to dominant positions, moving away from and shutting off the enemys weapons of attack, contiuning to dominate the enemy until a safe escape is viable, destroying the enemies balance, locating targets and so on.... 

I hope this helps to expand on the video in question

DaveB
DaveB's picture

Hi Iain. Thanks for the description. I am totally on board with the concept of transcending techniques through application of principle. However in this instance I was hoping to hear a little bit more about the technical elements being presented.

Leigh, thanks for replying. I think we were posting at the same time. Does your progression of drills from Sochin make much use of the Fudo dachi? .

Leigh prefaced his presentation with a statement suggesting there was more to his particular method and I just wondered what direction he took as the resistance increases.

Mark Powell
Mark Powell's picture

Totally different kata to the Sochin I practice but interesting. Thanks for sharing Leigh!