Renshukai

Renshukai currently trains in one of the two budojo at the municipal sports center in Kami-Itabashi on Wednesday evenings. The facilities are modern, comfortable and user-friendly, and more than spacious enough for the approximately ten members of Gojuryu Karatedo Yoyogi Ryushinkan who regularly participate. Monday's training at Heiwadai was canceled due to snow.

Karate Push-Ups

Some of the various parts of the hand used in striking are shown in the diagram on the left. One way to strengthen these areas is push-ups, which can be done on the palms, fists, knuckles, fingertips and even wrists (not shown in the video). Care should be taken, however, to keep the shoulder, arm, wrist and hand in a straight line directly beneath the chest to avoid injury through twisting or spraining. 


For those not used to such practice, start off by doing the push-ups from a kneeling position to reduce the force on the joints. 

Seiken

Making a fist, or Seiken, correctly is important in avoiding injury. Starting with the fingers fully extended and the thumb pointing upwards, fold the four fingers at the first and second joints until the fingertips touch the base of the fingers at the third joint. The fingers should be drawn in tightly. Continue to draw in the fingers until they are pressed tightly into the palm. The thumb is then folded firmly over the fingers and pressed against the index and middle fingers. 

If the thumb is not tucked in, it can get caught and damaged during contact. The thumb also provides support for the fingers. The thumb should never be extended over the top of the index finger. Finally, it is important that the forearm, wrist and fist form a straight line. If this is not done, the pressure on an angled wrist can cause serious damage. Contact is generally focused on the first knuckle of the index and middle fingers.

New Year Training

Happy New Year to all readers in this year of the Monkey. 

The January evening "Renshukai" training sessions for members of Gojuryu Karatedo Yoyogi Ryushinkan will be on Mondays and Wednesdays at Heiwadai and Kami-Itabashi Municipal Gyms respectively.  As Monday is a national holiday in Japan, the time will be earlier than usual, starting at 16:30.