Tekki Shodan Moves 2 to 6 Using The Legs and Hips

The legendary Okinawan karate master Motobu Chōki (1870-1944), said all a karateka needs is Naihanchi (Tekki in Japanese).

Motobu was a legendary fighter in Okinawa, and he believed that the kata contained all the necessary principles for combat. He famously disliked teaching a large number of kata and often restricted his instruction to just Naihanchi. This led to a rumor that he “only knew naihanchi,” but he stood firm in his convictions, stating that the kata’s movements and principles were a complete fighting system.

While other masters like Ankō Itosu also highly valued Naihanchi, Motobu is the one who most strongly and publicly advocated for its singular importance.

The Tekki series of kata are known for their focus on developing powerful strikes over a very short distance. The lateral movements and low stances of the three Tekki kata are specifically designed to teach you how to generate maximum force without a long wind-up, making them invaluable for close-range combat.

With this in mind, here is the cleaned-up explanation of how to use your lower body for the movements in Tekki Shodan:

In Shotokan karate, the three Tekki kata are excellent for developing powerful strikes over a very short distance. To achieve this, you must use your legs and hips, not just your upper body. The transcript explains how to use your lower body effectively for moves two through six.

Driving from the Hips and Legs

Move 2 (heisho uke or uchi): As you lift the knee, keep the center of gravity low, then drive off the left leg into a strong back of the hand strike or block.

Move 3 (Elbow Strike): When you perform the elbow strike, the power comes from your left leg. You must drive off the floor, pushing through your hip. This dynamic action is what generates a powerful strike, even over a very short distance.

Move 4 Hikite: After the elbow strike, the next movement involves your hips. Try to pull with your hips, not just the arms.

Move 5 Gedan barai: Fire the down block with the left arm from the right leg, then on impact, snap the hips back square.

Move 6 (Kage Zuki): Drive from the right leg for the right kage zuki (hook punch), as the punch lands, snap the right hip back square, also trying to use the left hip. What happens is a hip vibration rather than a hip snap, everything is small and internal, trying to generate speed and power.

By focusing on driving with your legs and utilizing your hips for each of these movements, you can generate the necessary power and stability in your kata, rather than just using your arms. This is the key to unlocking the true potential of the Tekki kata.