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 - Kokutsu-dachi
• Stepping Forward
Assume the back stance with both hands on the hips, with the right foot backward as described in previous lessons.
1st phase of the step: Pivot the left heel forward, until the foot is in a 90° angle as in the stationary back stance, kokutsu-dachi.
2nd phase of the step: bring the right foot closer to the left. Bend the knees gently and keep them close. Keep the hips facing forward. 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.
As you step you want the moving foot to draw a straight line forward. 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, knees flexed as described in previous lessons.
The whole body will smoothly rise slightly upwards and down in a wave motion. Avoid a sharp pick up and dropping down.
• 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 to orient the heel backward) and then move the front backward in a straight line fashion, touching the floor with the toes first and then the heel in 90° angle as in the stationary exercise of this stance. Pay close attention on the body weight distribution of kokutsu-dachi.
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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