Technique

Waza's and techniques are considered synonymous in that there are techniques within a technique. I describe this as outside and inside application of techniques. On the outside … waza's (Nage, Shime, Tekubi and Atemi) are grouped by type and method of execution! On the inside … within each group are dozens or hundreds of different individual techniques that can be executed. By applying each of the inside techniques (if applicable) with any of the other outside groups and in combination … endless possibilities are limitless!

This being said, we can return to being synonymous as all techniques or waza's involve many principles. Physics in application, directions in angles and degrees plus speed, accuracy, timing with fluid and smooth movements. All this must be understood, but more importantly, how they are executed as one.

In Shobudo besides learning all waza's or techniques listed, there are several other elements that need to be taught which by themselves are not considered to be techniques but are crucial in the execution of a technique. Besides exercises and dojo etiquette, the following are those elements that must be applied to each and every technique. It’s the responsibility of the dojo sensei to explain the reasons for each element in relation to a technique no matter what the waza. Looking for mistakes and making corrections is a must as accuracy from the beginning stops bad habits!

1. Exercises ----Besides warm ups which are necessary for each class, most if not all exercises are applicable for use with all techniques.

2. Dojo Etiquette -----Observe the courtesies of respect, customs and traditions in all aspects of Budo. Leave your ego at the door, your bowing rei in the dojo and take your character traits of Bushido with you.

3. Stance --Proper minimum distance between feet (shoulders width) of the three main stances. 1) Regular stance, toes forward ( ) , used upon going into most techniques and for kicks. 2) "T" stance, in defensive posture ( ), quick movement in any direction especially 180 degree step of Aikido … used to execute most techniques for most of all waza's. Also back movements against boxer etc… 3) Horse stance ( ), used for most Judo type throws and grabs from behind (leverage locking). Hips or buttocks must make contact with uke in order to be effective, the back remains straight and slightly leaning forward.

4. Posture ----Correct body form, essential for good technique. Back straight, forward knee bent, back leg straight, head upright and eyes focused forward and peripheral. Posture and stance must work together as one.

5. Dead Weight ----- Body working as one unit with your focus solid and heavy at the very end of all techniques. The principle(s) of Ki are an important part of dead weight, and is crucial for the execution of all techniques.

6. Footwork --------- To avoid, counter then attack uke, it's crucial that movements are smooth, quick and precise. Besides proper stance, movement in all eight directions of alertness (happo zanshin) or the cardinal points of a compass is utilized. NOTE: Good footwork is only half of a good technique!

7. Extension --------- Extending beyond a point of focus to create penetration. This application is most evident when striking with the elbow. Point of impact must be at the tip of the elbow, not from the shoulder to the elbow. Also in wristlocks, extending your wrist over and beyond uke's wrist, you create an over balance or added leverage to uke. This is also dead weight, which makes the technique much easier to execute … more difficult from which to escape, pain comes on more intense and quicker.

8. Triangle ----------- Besides blocking, punching and kicking … most if not all other techniques involve the application of the triangle. Whether small as used in a wrist technique or large in a hip throw, triangles are the foundation of Wrestling, Judo and Jitsu's.

9. Right & Wrong ---For every technique a better way is always possible but for sure, there is also a wrong way. For this reason, you must teach both ways in order to clarify any doubts!

10. Weak Points -----No matter how good a technique, somewhere within lies a critical weak point that can be countered! Here again you must point out and critique this area to clarify any doubts. Also, for every counter there is a counter so in essence … there is a counter within a counter! These counters must be practiced for each any every technique … without them you are limited and defeat will soon prevail.

11. Timing ------Crucial to every technique, timing is critical. In most situations, one must wait til the very last microsecond before movement is executed. By doing so you will blend in with your aggressor's point of no return and flow into a natural technique, which will be a total surprise to your aggressor.

12. Circles ---- Besides hard blocks, strikes and kicks, 90% of all techniques are made up of circles. This applies to techniques with or without the use of weapons. From small circle applications to the wrist or large circles of the body for throws, circles are extremely important. Utilizing footwork, hand and arm movements in preparing and executing any given technique, there are large and small circles as well as circles within circles plus direction changes that are going on at the same time during a technique application.

13. KI -----Of all the elements, principles, controls and combined applications that make up a technique, Ki is the hardest to develop and apply, but is the most important of all principles. Without it, one must rely on physical strength in order to execute all techniques.

Conclusion: In many arts, most students do not know or understand what is involved that constitutes a technique other than going through its movement! Learning any one of hundreds of techniques is fine but realizing all the fine points and applying them to each and every waza, one's performance will be at its best! As for the above elements (besides Ki), one is no more important than the other but are equal as one. As you can see, good technique is made up of many things which cannot be learned from books or video … time on the mat with a teacher that knows and understands the fine points will make you the best you can be!

In Budo,

Robert Morton
Kaicho
Shobudo BuJitsu Kai