1. tai sabaki8/30/2023 ![]() Theobjective in ones training will always determine how one trains. The obvious question is then why? It is the author's opinion that most shotokanorganisations simply stopped teaching tai sabaki due to the focus on sports karate. Has shotokan lost this treasure? The answer would have to be a resounding yes! The answer could only be that various shotokan organisations did not teach it in the firstplace, were taught it but have now forgotten it, were taught it but have chosen not topractice it. If such a diverse range of martial arts acknowledge the importance of foot workand body shifting, why has shotokan chosen to neglect it? ![]() The importance of foot work is also a foundational plank in westernboxing. ![]() This emphasis on body shifting and foot work can be found in many other forms ofmartial arts. In some instances, Chinese forms advocate that their specific forms arebased on this entire principle. The Chinese martial arts are replete with the importance of body shiftingand foot work. Historical evidence has shown the historical lineage of Japanese karate from Okinawaback to China. Instructors and even the late Bruce Lee stated that the person with the superior footwork will always win the fight. This is of grave concern,especially when many noted martial artists, including well known shotokan Nfortunately the art of body shifting (tai sabaki) and foot movements (ashisabaki) has been lost in most shotokan organisations. Tai sabaki shows one how this works in reality. Kata represents in a stylistic way what one could do in a certain situation. However, kata is not a dynamic representation of a real life encounter. Kata is the text book to which one can refer to obtain information on how to defend oneself against a particular attack. Kata can be practiced individually with out the need for a training partner. So why the need for tai sabaki? Kata encapsulates effective self defence techniques to common forms of physical aggression. Most shotokan students acknowledge that kata hold the keys to self defence. Is body shifting and foot work important? Should it be practiced? Is it essential for effective self defence? The answer is yes to all these questions. The objective in ones training will always determine how one trains. Has shotokan lost this treasure? The answer would have to be a resounding yes! The obvious question is then why? It is the author's opinion that most shotokan organisations simply stopped teaching tai sabaki due to the focus on sports karate. If such a diverse range of martial arts acknowledge the importance of foot work and body shifting, why has shotokan chosen to neglect it? The answer could only be that various shotokan organisations did not teach it in the first place, were taught it but have now forgotten it, were taught it but have chosen not to practice it. The importance of foot work is also a foundational plank in western boxing. This emphasis on body shifting and foot work can be found in many other forms of martial arts. In some instances, Chinese forms advocate that their specific forms are based on this entire principle. The Chinese martial arts are replete with the importance of body shifting and foot work. Historical evidence has shown the historical lineage of Japanese karate from Okinawa back to China. This is of grave concern, especially when many noted martial artists, including well known shotokan instructors and even the late Bruce Lee stated that the person with the superior foot work will always win the fight. Ed Hudson (6 th Dan) nfortunately the art of body shifting (tai sabaki) and foot movements (ashi sabaki) has been lost in most shotokan organisations. ![]() TAI SABAKI THE FORGOTTEN EXERCISE OF BODY SHIFTING BY Dr.
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