The Kyu grades are separated into 3 blocks where technical principles are learned until the student advances with them and can move on to the next block.

There are no boundaries within the 3 blocks.  Each person progresses individually and at their own pace, but must work and show continuous improvement in all blocks over time.

This block will teach the student how to move forward and backwards in Zenkutsu Dachi (ZKD), Kokutsu Dachi (KKD) and Kiba Dachi (KBID). The first three Heian kata emphasize ZDK (Heian Shodan), KKD (Heian Nidan) and KBID (Heian Sandan).

It’s essential that the student understand the proper weight distribution of those two stances.

Further, students shall learn how to harmonize and synchronize their stepping & punching and stepping & blocking while moving forward and backwards.

The student must understand the 3 levels of attacking (blocking) areas: jodan, chudan and gedan and place his/her attacking techniques within those levels aiming at vital points. As for blocking, the student must develop an idea of where to block and how to move the attacking technique of the opponent to the side out of his/her bodyline for a clean counter.

———————————————————————————————————————————————–

By now the student should be able to perform ZKD, KKD and Kiba Dachi (KIBD). He/she will now learn how to create power and speed due to hip rotation. Block and counter are performed from the same stance , ZKD, to get a feeling for hip rotation (locking the hips) and solid stable stances.

The student should be able to block and counter with proper timing to create an opportunity for his/her counter.

Body dynamic should be improved and speed plays a bigger role now. The training of Kihon Ippon Kumite teaches the one blow, one chance attitude in offense and defense.

At the same time, the student will better learn how to control his/her emotions  as a defender and be prepared for one action. The shizentai position will force the student to stay calm and to wait for the attack without moving first. Slowly the student will be lead to body shifting and Sabaki. Sabaki is the move outside of the center line to either side of the opponent.

Hip Rotation, power and Kime must be understood by now. The student now will learn proper body shifting, pivoting & weight shifting. The kihon techniques are usually a combination of two stances (for example Shuto Uke in KKD shift to ZKD Nukite). Be aware of body shifting, but also proper weight distribution between the stances. The student also will learn, understand and apply now Sabaki.

The physical and mental condition of the student is now crucial in order to be prepared for the upcoming black belt test. The student should attend at least 4 training units a week to feel comfortable and confident in his technical state and condition.

The student must be able to demonstrate a good fighting spirit (Tôkon) and proper attitude throughout the test. The kata should be performed with a feeling for timing of the techniques and the proper rhythm for the selected kata.  All the repetitions will pay off now!

Good luck for your black belt test!!!