keiko

I've been researching lately the feeling of staying in free space when uke makes an attack. Sometimes, we get caught by an attack and don't have the option of moving to a better spot to receive (that's where a good rooting in kanage can help) but when possible, I've been working on maintaining a free mind as well as freedom in the space around me. The simple act of stepping omote with accurate foot position (the main focus of Sensei's last gasshuku), if done with sharpness and clarity, should be effective enough to unbalance uke completely. This beginning has shown me of late how light nage's touch can be after that. Gleason Sensei always says you only use a few ounces of pressure to express technique. I'm learning not to seek the fight but maintain the freedom.