Basics problem

[dragonwarrior_keltyr]

I have the opposite problem that masterintraining has. I have no problem with sparring - yes I can definatly and always improve but that isn't my focus. While sparring it feels good and right, you know how it feels when you get your techniques good. "in the zone" or whatever. But, I can't seem to get that while doing basics and noticablely during kata. The mechanics and techniques seem to go out the window and I am stiff, clumsy and altogether horrible. I know I've even fallen to "pushing my punches". I'm not sure how to get the same flow into my kata and basics that seems to come from sparring. Any tips?

[username8517]

Perhaps you should work on bunkai with a few partners. They throw whatever attack is required of them, and you counter accordingly--both of you going half to three-quarters speed.

It could simply be you need to actually have someone sitting right in front of you for your body to switch into that zone and loosen up. Or it could be something completely off--perhaps you just don't enjoy doing drills and kata as much as sparring--if so, you certainly won't be the first.

[bushido_man96]

What has always helped me with my forms and basic techniques is breaking them down, and individualizing everything, focusing on good technique.

Take a side kick, for example. It has 4 parts in its most basic form: chamber, execution, rechamber, and return to the floor. Now that you have it broken down, you can work on individual parts, to make the whole better. This can work with combinations in basics as well.

[ps1]

When I really want to practice a form to get it down well. I practice it in 4 methods back to back and then repeat.

1. Very slow with no power at all. I keep every movement very fluid (kinda like Tai Chi). I pay attention to deep and correct stances, posture, and positioning.

2. Next I perform the kata with each movement very strong. I exagerate every single movement of the kata and make it as hard as I possibly can. Not fast between movements though. Just strong, with strong stances and pause to check positioning is correct after each.

3. I then run through the kata as fast as humanly possible. Don't worry about technique or asthetics in any way. This just ensures you know the kata well. Try to go so fast that you mess yourself up. When you mess up, start again. Don't worry about completing stances or technique. If you started the technique then you knew where it goes, just move on to the next movement as fast as possible.

4. Proper pace and timing. Do the kata as it is meant to be performed. If you've done it right, all the previous elements will snap into place as they should. Of course, different schools do forms at different paces. Check with your instructor to see what is correct.

This is also a nice workout overall.

[lordtariel]

When I really want to practice a form to get it down well. I practice it in 4 methods back to back and then repeat.

1. Very slow with no power at all. I keep every movement very fluid (kinda like Tai Chi). I pay attention to deep and correct stances, posture, and positioning.

2. Next I perform the kata with each movement very strong. I exagerate every single movement of the kata and make it as hard as I possibly can. Not fast between movements though. Just strong, with strong stances and pause to check positioning is correct after each.

3. I then run through the kata as fast as humanly possible. Don't worry about technique or asthetics in any way. This just ensures you know the kata well. Try to go so fast that you mess yourself up. When you mess up, start again. Don't worry about completing stances or technique. If you started the technique then you knew where it goes, just move on to the next movement as fast as possible.

4. Proper pace and timing. Do the kata as it is meant to be performed. If you've done it right, all the previous elements will snap into place as they should. Of course, different schools do forms at different paces. Check with your instructor to see what is correct.

This is also a nice workout overall.

This is how I train as well... It's a great method.