Ido Kihon

In a recent class we practiced ido kihon. While kotei kihon is defined as repeating the basic techniques in a stationary position,  ido kihon involves executing fundamental stances, striking and blocking while moving forward, backward and turning - in other words, basics in motion.

In the session, we practiced sanchindachi, zenkutsudachi and shikodachi stances, using mid- and upper-level oizuki going forward and mid- and upper-level blocks and gyakuzuki moving backwards.  




Three key points to always keep in mind while practicing ido kihon are:

1. One's height should not change while stepping forward or backward, and the head should not "bob" up and down.  This requires keeping the stance low and the knees flexible.
2. Though in sparring and tournaments any kind of stance can and should be used, ido kihon is basic training, so the stances should be rigorously and correctly maintained. No half stances or feet pointing out rather than in, etc.
3. Especially for beginners, the block or strike should be executed after (or as) the feet have firmly taken the stance - never before.