The Silk Thread of Gorindo - Ottawa - Canada
Issue 19
- Visit of Maestro Vicente Nogueroles
Photo cover 'Claudio Iedwab's step’ ©2012 Photo by Roxanne Standefer
Kihon - How to Walk
Walking - Zenkutsu-dachi
• Stepping Forward
Assume front stance with both hands on the hips, with the left foot forward as described in previous lessons.
Move your right foot forward in a crescent motion. Maintain the sole of the foot close to the floor (almost a sheet of paper distance), but avoid dragging it; creating unnecessary friction and reducing the step’s speed and motion flow.
1st phase of the step: bring the right foot closer to the left (pivoting on the toes and metatarsals of the left to orient forward). As you step you want the moving foot to swing through an imaginary line halfway between the shoulder width apart distance. You do not want to bring your feet together. Bend the knees gently and keep them close. Keep the hips facing forward.
The whole body will smoothly rise slightly upwards and down in a wave motion. Avoid a sharp pick up and dropping down. Other techniques will allow “dropping force” but it is not at all the aim of this motion.
We are trying to propel our mass and center of gravity forward under control, not allowing any interruption in balance or direction.
2nd phase of the step: Pivot the left foot until is in a 45° angle as in the stationary front stance, zenkutsu-dachi. This will help you to spring with the left knee to propel you forward, while continuing with the already initiated crescent motion (concave to the outside). Ending the step when you gently assume the final stance, touching the floor first with the toes, then with the heel, ending with the adjustment of body distribution, proper length, front knee flexed and rear one extended (without locking it), and of course with all the correct points of stance already learned.
• Stepping Backward
Reverse the actions previously described in stepping forward. Be sure that initially you move the rear foot (pivoting on the toes and metatarsals and moving the heel to the outside) and then move the front foot backward in the crecent shaped movement, touching the floor with the toes first and then the heel. Pay close attention to the body weight distribution of zenkutsu-dachi. Keep the center of gravity low and knees bent in the movement.
by Claudio Iedwab & Roxanne Standefer
Originallly published in the Gorindo Student Manual by Claudio Iedwab & Roxanne Standefer
©2012 Illustrations by Claudio Iedwab
- Visit of Maestro Vicente Nogueroles
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