40
years ago Saturdays were a very important part of my training.
My
wife was coaching a girl’s swim team for the YMCA and I was alone most days. Of
course there were the occasional tournaments but the rest of the time I was
mostly alone.
I
would start the day traveling to Wilkes-Barre, Pa and have breakfast at Denny’s
with Ernie Rothrock and some of his students and
great conversations.
Then
we would separate, Ernie to his school and morning classes. Me to travel to
train with Carl
Long (at that time he was teaching a Shorin system in the Shimabuku Ezio lineage). I would go
there to train and sweat. And along the way I learned a bit about his system.
I remember
learning to deliver front kicks from
seiza position. Most challenging.
I
also learned to think outside of the box a bit.
Of
course our systems had much in common as well as different.
One
drill in particular stuck with me.
Naifanchi Shodan with turns. Placed a different complexion to the kata.
You
begin doing Naifanchi Kata (Your
version), about 1/3 way through the form (after the low
block then step across section) You pivot on the balls of your feet when you
step out with the right foot. Emding up 180 degrees facing the opposite
direction. Then you continue the kata facing the rear direction.. Repeat the
step 2/3 the way through the form and then pivot to the front. Then complete
the form as normal.
The
key is to work the turns till they are smooth and do not interfere with the
kata.
This
adds a new dimension to what Naifanchi can be used for.
I
would work with Carl doing drills, kata and kobudo for about 2 hours in the
morning. Then I would travel to Ernie’s school and as the morning classes were
concluded we would spend the afternoon
running forms from Kung Fu and Tai Chi till about 3 pm. My classes would be
during the week on Tuesdays. Saturdays would be for practice and questions on
Chinese systems of training.
This
lasted for about 3 or 4 years.
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