Body Mechanics and Wunsu Kata

Well after reviewing my techniques over the last few classes, Sensei started me on Wunsu kata Shuri Ryu Style. I must say that this kata is similar but ohhhhhhh so different than the isshinryu kata that I knew from 12 years ago. The body mechanics are so much different. Sensei gave me a little portion of it and I love it so far!!

In this style everything comes straight from the hips for extra power and strength. I practiced the minute details until my muscles told me I was doing the technique properly. Carla had started me on the kata, she's a blue belt in Shuri Te, only martial arts she ever knew. She doesn't have the handicap of knowing a previous art therefore she learns straight from the source. She's a perfectionist so I was confident she would teach me the way she was taught. Beginning the kata, I mimicked her movements right to the cut off point Sensei had wanted us to start with, I must say, I was blown away by the newness of this form. My mind and body went into overload, I was overwhelmed. So we started to break it down.

The opening of the kata is also different. You bow just like a regular kata, but then you lay your hands one on top of the other, palm down (Saisho Yoi). Then as you feet move into a 45 degreee position, your hands move and get into the next position which is a palm up position, then as your feet move into shoulder length apart position, the hands move again, in front in a triangle formation with your fingers and thumbs. This triangle signifies body, mind and spirit. Lots of moves for just the opening of the kata, that's exactly what I thought as well, but its the beauty of it. Then what follows is the imaginary attacks and your defense to those attacks. Throughout the first portion I was feeling how each movement corresponded with the anticipated next movement. Visualizing the attack and marking it to my memory. Always feeling the technique to remember it. Flowing a bit further in the sequence, I was having difficulty getting the arm movements just right for the cat stance ready stance. (A right hand block, left hand on the solar plexus to the front direction) When Carla does this technique everything flows like a dance, when first learning something, do not try to make it flow because you will lose your technique and not know why you're doing what you're doing. This kata uses all muscle groups as you move. After this movement is done, you pivot the body into a right forward stance and simultaneously execute a left punch with a right open hand guard resting on the upper left arm. then you move your feet into a hooked stance (kake dachi). Lots and lots of stance changes and directions to go forward. And this was only 10 movements... I will perfect this then move on to my next movements to be on my way to completing an old kata I once knew but now in Shuri Ryu Style.