Heian Godan Kata Moves 22 to 26
Breaking down Heian Godan kata moves 22 to 26 in detail.
Moroto uchi uke (augmented forearm block) in zenkutsu dachi (front stance) right leg in front.
There are many different ways to practice this series of moves from Heian Godan. This is the way I practice these moves.
Heian Godan Kata Move 22
The preparation for move 22 is very similar to the preparation for move 10 after the second mawashi enpi in Heian Yondan.
I step across with the left leg and strike a left arm shuto uke, at the same time i prepare the right arm by the side of the forehead for shuto uke.
As i strike nukite (spear hand) with the right hand, my left palm comes across the face and rotates, finishing with the palm facing the right ear, finishing in zenkutsu dach (front stance) with the body and hips square (shomen).
Heian Godan Kata Move 23
From the nukite position, sharply block manji gamae, with the right arm and right back leg moving together as you take the body weight from front stance into back stance. The right arm moves straight back, feel like you are striking with empi uchi (elbow strike) then uraken uchi (backfist strike) to finish. Many karateka refer to this uraken uchi as uchi uke also.
The left arm strikes down and forward like a punch. Many karateka refer to this as gedan barai (down block) also.
My left leg moves naturally according to how i use my back right leg as i rotate into kokutsu dachi (back stance).
Heian Godan Kata Move 24
From here, pull the left leg back leg back into heisoku dachi (feet together stance) slowly, keep facing forward.
Heian Godan Kata Move 25
The next move I practice differently from many karateka.
I lift my left heel, rotate on my right foot, so my left foot moves over the top of my right foot. As i rotate and move the feet i strike taisho uchi (palm heel strike) with the right arm, whilst blocking nagashi uke (sweeping block) with the left arm.
I then plant my left foot flat on the floor and drive off the left leg stepping forward as move 22 and strike nukite (spear hand) with the left hand, my right palm comes across the face and rotates, finishing with the palm facing the left ear, finishing in zenkutsu dach (front stance) with the body and hips square (shomen).
Heian Godan Kata Move 26
From the nukite position, as with move 23, sharply block manji gamae, with the left arm and left back leg moving together as you take the body weight from front stance into back stance. The left arm moves straight back, feel like you are striking with empi uchi (elbow strike) then uraken uchi (backfist strike) to finish. Many karateka refer to this uraken uchi as uchi uke also.
Heian Godan Moves 22 to 26 Tips
We practice two ways to do move 22. One where the left leg steps accross, then you strike nukite and one way where you land nukite as the left foot lands in front stance.
Drop the body weight as you rotate on the right foot when preparing for move 25.
Use the arms and legs together on the rotation when preparing for move 25.
Keep that back straight. When you when you rotate round, keep that back straight and keep your chin tucked in.
When going form zenkutsu dachi to kokutsu dachi, place a strong emphasise on the back leg as the back leg controls the movement.
Pull up smoothly on move 24, use the inside thigh muscles.
Drive off the back legs strongly on moves 22 and 25.
Try not to swing the arms around for manji gamae (double arm block), drive the arms direct.
Timing. 1,2 pause, then slowly pull up to heisoku dachi, pause, then 3,4 for the last two moves.
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