Power Training

The above photo is a still from a commercial Shihan Takahashi did. A month has now passed since I began training with Shihan, and my kicking skills and knowledge, in particular, have definitely improved. Through detailed observation, Takahashi realized that I was releasing my kicks far too soon, not allowing my hip and center (tanden) to be fully involved. It's very frustrating to realize that you are not even able to, after 15 years of Karate, able to do the most basics kicks as well as you can. I must have done hundreds of front kicks in front of him, only to have done perhaps 3-4 properly. He is extremely focused on details and a wonderful technician. As a result, it can also be a tremendously frustrating experience to have techniques put under such a watchful eye.

In a month he has most certainly changed how I emphasize my kicks, the power in my stances, and my kime (focus) at the end of the technique. He has also given me more understanding of how to use tanden, but the challenge will be to integrate tanden into my other techniques. Shihan Takahashi has also given me a glimpse into the like a Karateka, and how dedicated the top one's are. He is incredibly talented, and in stunning physical health. I hope to gain more information about his exercise routine, and general diet. I hope to be able to see him throughout my life, on a private basis, and continue to learn more from him. I only have a few more remaining classes with him before our contract is finished, but later down the line I will be certain to visit him again.