Ken Zen Ichii Karate
STEPPING AND TURNS
Stepping forward will teach you balance as you move to practice your basic techniques.
Begin in a Forward Stance, then shift, on the ball of the front foot, the heel into the center of your body.
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Next move your back foot in a straight line forward so that it is the same distance in front as it was in back, setting it down turned inward.
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Now shift, on the ball of the foot, the heel of the rear foot back to a straight position, finishing your step forward.
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TURNS allow changing direction (to face attacking opponents) while maintaining balance with offense and defense.
FRONT FOOT LEAD TURN
From a Front Stance, the weight is shifted to the back foot. The front foot is then moved back and through the rear heel, which is the pivot point. When the foot is in place, the back foot shifts and a 180 degree turn is made with the body into the Front Stance.
Front Foot Lead Turn
BACK FOOT LEAD TURN
From a Front Stance the weight is shifted to the front heel, which is used as a pivot point and the back foot moves straight across the rear. The back foot is then placed down, and the body turns 180 degrees into a Front Stance.
Back Foot Lead Turn
BACK FOOT LEAD ¾ TURN
This of the three turns is the most difficult since you must first shift the weight and pivot toward the front foot as your back foot shifts with the body.
Then the back foot moves through the front foot in a straight line.
When the feet are in place you shift 270 degrees turning the feet and the body to a forward stance.
Back Foot Lead 3/4 Turn