Six Points on Training

1. The original intent of Bujutsu (martial arts) was to kill an enemy with one blow – since all techniques can be lethal, observe the teachers directions and do not engage in contests of strength.

 2. Bujutsu is an art in which one can defend against many. Therefore train yourself always to be mindful of, and alert to, opponents in the four and eight directions.

 3. Always train in a vibrant and joyful manner.

 4. The instructor can only impart a small portion of the teaching. Only through ceaseless training can you obtain the necessary experience allowing you to bring these mysteries alive. Hence, do not chase after many techniques – one by one make each technique your own.

 5. In daily training, begin with basic movements to strengthen the body without overexertion. Spend the first ten minutes warming up and there will be no fear of injury even for older people. Enjoy yourself in training and strive to comprehend its’ true purpose.

 6. Training in Bujutsu is to build ones’ character. The techniques are transmitted from person to person on an individual basis and should not be disclosed indiscriminately to the public. Such secret techniques should not be used for evil purposes.

--- Ueshiba Morihei  

Considerations for Kicks and Punches

Gusukuma Shinpan (1890-1954), was a student of Itosu Anko and Higaonna Kanryo. He often spoke of the eight considerations for kicks and the four considerations for punches. They are as follows.

Considerations for kicking:

1. When kicking in kata or kumite, the back must be kept straight so as to allow you to punch if the kick is blocked.
2. The quickest kicks are of the snapping kind.
3. The kicks of kata are performed with the toe-tipped foot. (An old-style kick, where the kick is performed with the tip of the big toe.)
4. The most important kick is that done to the middle area. (Trunk of the body).
5. Consider the knee the “hinge” of the kick.
6. The ankle must be as strong in kicking as the wrist is strong in punching.
7. The leg must be loose and flexible while the toes are tight. Just like a punch, the arm is loose while the fist is tight.
8. When kicking, always kick with both legs. (Power of the kick comes from the supporting leg.)

Considerations for punching:

1. The large knuckle finger and the thumb squeeze the index finger in a good fist.
2. In making a strong fist, the index finger is folded first.
3. Punching is done with a loose arm and tight fist.
4. You strike with the index knuckle first.