Ashi-sabaki and foot Kamae

[Keith]

Resuming kendo after a long absence and have picked up a new bad habit to add to all my old bad habits. I can't seem to keep my left heel down lower to the floor. It's riding up too high which is pushing my hips forward. This, in turn, puts my weight up too high. I want to be more centered and grounded.

If anyone has any drills that would help me with this I would appreciate it. Thank you, in advance, for any replies.

[Andoy]

Well, I think i've experienced the same problem as you but this is what i did to remedy that....


- My left heel was so high that i noticed taht my left foot was on its toes! Just try to relax yourself and your body will assume a natural chudan posture.

-Also i shifted a bit more weight towards my right foot so my weight distribution is left foot 40%, right foot 60%.

-Or maybe your feet are too far apart (distance from left toe to right heel)

Anyways, I'm not a sensei or anything, just a fellow sempai that experienced something similar. Hope that helps

[Andoy]

-Or maybe your feet are too far apart (distance from left toe to right heel)



sorry, maybe they are too close. not too far apart

[kawa]

hum....


I think left leg should receive 70-80% of your weight and right leg no more than 30%. (At least that's how I practice for the past 14 years)

I think you are putting too much weight on your right side. If you are supporting your body weight with your left feet. Naturally your heel will be lower from the pressure of your body weight. You shouldn't be able to support 80% of your body with with yoru left toe. Unless you have a very strong toes.

[Neil Gendzwill]

I think left leg should receive 70-80% of your weight and right leg no more than 30%. (At least that's how I practice for the past 14 years)


Are you sure you have that much weight back? Common advice is 50-60% of the weight on the front foot.

If your left heel is too high, often your kamae is too wide (front to back).

[kawa]

Are you sure you have that much weight back? Common advice is 50-60% of the weight on the front foot.

If your left heel is too high, often your kamae is too wide (front to back).


Maybe not that much, actully about 60%. I like to keep on back of my mind to put 70-80% of weight on the left leg, so I can attack forward at any moment whithout having to feel the need to push with my left leg. I like the feeling when I let go my right feet I have no where to go but forward.

[Neil Gendzwill]

I like the feeling when I let go my right feet I have no where to go but forward.
That feeling usually comes when you have more weight on your right foot, not less. Senior players sometimes will subtly shift their weight forward as part of their attack preparation.

[Keith]

Thanks very much for the replies. Gives me quite a few things to work on and think about. It's ironic that something so basic has crept in after so many years when many "advanced" aspects seem to have more muscle memory. Guess that's why it's a lifetime pursuit and one must always build from the basics. - Keith

[Neil Gendzwill]

Yup, it comes around to the basics. I am currently working on my basic kamae and in remaining centred. The most basic, simple things are the toughest to keep correct, especially when facing strong opponents.