The session started with a Kihon focussed warm up focussing on relaxation. These techniques include whipping motions from various angles that were akin to the teachings and style of the late Tetsuhiko Asai Sensei. Yamaguchi Sensei emphasised remaining loose and fluid through the joints, particularly the shoulders and hips until the point of impact (Kime), before returning to relaxed state. This allows a karateka to effectively execute techniques with correct timing, power and conserve energy. Yamaguchi Sensei stated that ‘a technique can be slow or fast, but the timing and efficiency of the line is the essential component of an effective technique’. This principle underpinned the entire session and was reinforced throughout.
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“Speed is not timing.” - Yamaguchi Sensei
On the 7th October, JKS Wales had the privilege of training with Takashi Yamaguchi Sensei, International Director of the JKS and 7th Degree Black Belt.
Takashi Yamaguchi Sensei Seminar. October 7th 2024
After a quick water break, Yamaguchi Sensei then led the session into Kata which started with Bassai Dai. After outlining intricacies and the correct execution for many of the techniques found within the kata, Sensei highlighted the differences in the Bunkai (applications) for the grab (known as Ryosho-Taukami-Uke) between Bassai Dai and Bassai Sho. Yamaguchi Sensei wanted to highlight the slight differences in the techniques as seen in the kata, and how these translate into substantial differences in their applications.
Following this, Yamaguchi Sensei split the class, taking the Black Belt cohort through Sochin and the Brown Belt cohort through Tekki Shodan. For both cohorts, Sensei demonstrated many techniques with incredible accuracy and execution whilst also providing invaluable insight into the method and reason of these movements. The session concluded with a masterclass in Yamaguchi Sensei’s specialist area, Koten or ‘Ancient’ kata, focussing on Suishu. This kata echoed Sensei’s message throughout the session of relaxation and kime as this kata demanded ‘flowing like water’ by rising slowly before crashing rapidly repeatedly. The kata itself as described by Yamaguchi Sensei, embodied water by constantly changing direction, angle and tempo. The session was concluded with a personal performance of Suishu by Yamaguchi Sensei which left all those who witnessed in awe and admiration.
JKS Wales would like to express our deepest gratitude to Yamaguchi Sensei for his time, and for enthusiasm in sharing his nearly 50 years of karate experience with us. We greatly look forward to seeing Sensei again in the near future. Oss.
