Ryukyu Kenpo Kobujutsu
This section is an attempt to define those movements considered essential in
building a system adaptable to each individual. These are the foundation on
which to build; and, without which, success is not assured. While the list is
as complete as possible, there are bound to be some omissions.
Stances
Stances are very important
in technique application. They provide the balance and alignment necessary for
proper execution of the technique. They are ephemeral, a moment frozen in time.
Normally, you are passing through the stance on the way to somewhere, or thing,
else. “The naming of stances is a learning device to enhance your understanding
of your physical passage through space and time.”
Attention:
The feet are pointing 45° out with the heels together, weight is
evenly distributed 50-50%. The Attention II stance is the same except;
the heels and toes are together. It is normally used in kata
Natural:
Feet are shoulder width apart and parallel (on the outside) with the
knees slightly bent, 50-50%.
Naihanchi:
Feet parallel (on the outside) one and a half to two shoulders wide,
toes gripping the ground, both knees bent out over the insteps, 50-50%.
Fighting:
The feet are parallel, pointing 45° forward, shoulder wide, with the front
toe and ball of the back foot on the centerline. Both knees are bent with the
front knee pointing forward, 50-50%. The Fighting Horse stance is
identical except; it is two shoulders wide or more.
Crossing:
Legs are crossed, knees are bent, 90-10 to 10-90% weight
distribution.
Cat:
Both feet are placed flat on the ground, one foot distance between
them. The back foot points 45° forward while the front foot is straight. Both
feet are on the centerline, knees bent and pointing forward, 10-90 to 20-80%.
‘T’:
Feet are flat on the ground, back foot 90° to the centerline, front
foot straight ahead, both feet are on the centerline, knees bent, 10-90 to
50-50%.A variation called the ‘L’ stance is the same; except, the front
foot is placed off the centerline by the toes or heel.
Seisan:
The feet are parallel, shoulder wide, pointing to the front, one to
two-plus shoulder widths long, front leg is bent with the knee over the
instep, the back leg straight, 60-40%.
Bow:
Short for Bow and Arrow. The front foot is pointed, at minimum,
45° forward, the back foot is straight pointing forward, both feet are centered
on the centerline. The front leg is bent with the knee over the instep, the
back leg straight, 70-30%. The Neutral Bow is the same except; the back
leg is bent with the knee pointing down, over the centerline, with the foot's
heel in the air, ball on the ground, 70-30 to 30-70%. When the back knee
touches the front knee it is called a Knee to Knee stance. The exact
reverse, of the Neutral Bow, is the Dropping stance. The front
leg is bent to the rear, knee pointing down; foot, heel in the air, ball on the
ground.
Weapon:
The normal stance used in Kobudo. The feet
are parallel and pointed 45° forward with the toes on the centerline. They are
one to two-plus shoulder widths apart. The front knee bent is over the instep,
the back leg straight, the hips and shoulders twisted 90° to the front, 60-40,
70-30%. Almost the exact reverse of the Bo stance is the Kusanku stance. The difference lies in the weight
being to the rear. Thus, the toes are pointed 45° rearward, the back knee is
bent and the front leg straight, but the major difference is the hips and
shoulders being straight along the centerline.
Crane:
One legged stance, Front Crane: support leg foot points same
direction as the raised knee; Side Crane: raised knee is 90° to support
leg foot; 0-100%.
Kneeling:
One knee on the ground; front foot minimum 45° forward, back knee two hands
distance from front heel, both feet and rear knee on center line; back foot,
heel in the air, ball on the ground, 50-50%.
Sitting:
Legs are crossed in front, feet and butt on the ground.
Postures
Postures cause us to
project an image to our adversary be it benign, fearful, competent, threatening
or whatever. They should rarely be a true reflection of our inner state of
mind. They should project the image that you want him to see.
Self
Defense:
Facing forward in a passive,
non-threatening, open to attack or verbal communication manner. The body is 90°
to the centerline, the feet apart shoulder width and parallel (on the outside),
the knees slightly bent, with the weight on the balls of the feet, 50-50%
weight distribution; hands down along the sides.
Wait!:
Similar to the Self
Defense posture; the hands are 45° forward, shoulder high, and open, the
arms bent 90°, the elbows one hand’s distance from the ribs.
I give up!:
The same as the Wait!
Posture; except, the hands are positioned at the sides.
Fighting:
Feet parallel, 45° forward, shoulder
wide, front toe and back ball of foot on center line, both knees bent, front
knee pointing forward, 50-50%; hands closed, front arm, bent 90°; elbow, one
hand’s distance from the ribs; hand shoulder high; back hand by cheek bone,
elbow against the ribs. On the ground the Ground Defense posture
is used. Laying on the side, the bottom
foot is tucked in; front leg bent, the knee up and pointing forward, the foot
is flat on the ground, knee and foot on the centerline, hands in Fighting
position.