Carter Hale
English 3
Mrs.Daimond
5/25/2010
Karate: The Masters Secrets to Uechi-Ryu
I read the book “Karate: The Masters Secrets to Uechi-Ryu” and I thought it was one of the best books that I have ever read. Out of ten stars I would rate it a nine. I would recommend this book to people who study Uechi-Ryu.
This book was about the techniques and the development of skills and moves that are taught in this style. The book also teaches philosophies and important dynamics of the styles structure. Master Ihor Rymaruk is the author of this book and he is a very good martial artist who had been studying this style for years. He really emphasizes the importance of a solid structure in the mind and of the body. Sunchin is the first kata that all Uechi-Ryu practitioners learn. Sunchin is the most important kata and is the foundation of the style. Everything that is learned is either derived from or is connected to Sunchin (for the people who do not know what a kata is, it is a series of positions and movements performed as an exercise). Sunchin has a very simple concept in which it only consists of five noticeable movements. Sunchin is one of those things that seems very simple, but is in deed the complete opposite. In Sunchin you must tighten every muscle in your body, but at the same time when you are striking relaxing only the muscles that you are using to strike with. This is a very daunting task. Ihor Rymaruk tries to explain how important Sunchin is and how the attitude of your spirit and your mind can control every thing you do physically and mentally.
Carter I liked your post. I will be completly honest I know nothing about this skill. However it seems like the book does a nice job explaining it in detail. Nice job!
ReplyDeleteCarter,
ReplyDeleteI saw this kata for the first time last night. This style is so different from TKD, but yet have very similar stances, strikes, and philosophy. I found this link of this form which I added below. In the video the instructor actually strikes the students. I assume this is to ensure that they have all their muscles tightened as you mentioned. Check it out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_joSS_Y7ro
Carter, much like Ken, I no nothing about Karate. But you obviouslyu are very serious about it, it shows. You seem like you picked the perfect book for you. Most people don't like reading non-fiction, but I think that if you find a non- fiction book about something you like, it's just like talking about your interest with somebody. Good post!
ReplyDeletethis sounds like a good book for me. i have always wanted to learn more about karate i think i will read it. nice post
ReplyDelete