Pushing with your legs, feet anchored

[shortyafter]

Hi all -

Sensei8 posted a thread that reminded of this, and it's something that my CI was going over yesterday - also has to do with some realizations I've been having on my own. My CI was stressing the importance of, when moving with whichever technique or kata, keeping the back foot anchored and only twisting it at the last moment as you execute the punch / block / technique. But always keeping your toes anchored.

I've also noticed that a lot of the power seems to come from pushing with the lower body. My untrained bad habit is to try to gain power by leading with the upper body, but it seems I'm more powerful when I really move with my legs and push my weight forward from the bottom up. If that makes sense? With my back foot well anchored of course.

This was shotokan. But I imagine it is similar for all styles. And insight / experience / guidance is appreciated. Thanks.

[sensei8]

For example, with the thread of mine that you were referring to, a practitioner can more forward from, or remain, in Kokutsu dachi simply by tensing the rear leg outwardly, and in doing that, forward motion is expedited, while your foot is still anchored. It's just Body Shifting 101.

*Don't raise and lower your hips unnecessarily; maintaining that straight/level line.

*Shift weight smoothly.

*Don't drag the feet...don't lift the feet high off the ground; balance as well as speed will be affected.

*Maintain your balance and posture.