Leaping backwards

[Hattori Hanzo]

Just one question how long does it usually take to be able to leap backward effeciently? I have the most trouble doing this.

[DanielH]

Hmm.... I don't know how to answer your question (don't know the statitics) so... I'll tell you this: It's different from person to person. Different center's of gravity, strength, natural skill, etc

[Hattori Hanzo]

leaping forward isn't bad but the backwards is tough, I am a lefty so all my coordination is at my left side that may be why it isn't as easy to come by.

[KhawMengLee]

leaping backwards in what? Hiki Waza?

Its a step not a jump. If you are having problems with hiki waza its probably cuz u are putting too much weight on your rear(left foot). It would be impossible too move backwards if all your weight was on the rear foot and you are trying to push off with the front foot...you'd fall over more likely.

Place majority of your weight on the front foot. Then stamp and push off with the foreleg as you strike.

[tango]

it's kinda hard to describe, but i agree with khawminglee...

the way i learned how to do it was this.. (obviously, different training methods are out there, so bear with me)..

if you're at tsubazeriai, your feet should be in a normal kamae position (i.e., right foot forward, left foot back, heel slightly raised)..
from there, lift your right foot off the ground.
then, you stomp with your right foot at the same time that your left foot comes slightly off the ground (basically, you just switch foot positions.. left foot off the floor, right foot (StOmP!) on the floor)..
this puts your weight on your front foot and allows you to push back (as described in the previous post)...
it's easier to show it than to describe it... may take a little while to get the timing down just right with the stomp and the strike.

good luck.. hope my description doesn't mess you up further..

[Hattori Hanzo]

Yeah that does help, thanks for the advice, the forward attacking charge type step, not sure of the proper name that one I got down pretty good..backwards is taking some work but I think I am getting it.

[tango]

i have heard some instructors teach hiki waza to stomp on the right foot **OR** the left(back) foot.

Personally, I find it almost impossible to stomp with the back foot and be able to move backwards. That's just me, though.
A more experienced kendoka can correct me on this, but I think that if you stomp on the front (right) foot, you will PUSH yourself backwards.. if you stomp on the left (back) foot, you will PULL yourself backwards. Pushing backwards with the front foot, to me, seems easier, stronger, faster, and more stable than pulling backwards with the back foot.

My advice is just to work on slowly. Break it down into individual moves if it's giving you a lot of trouble. You'll get it worked out.

Maybe also.. keep in mind that the stomp of the right(front) foot also serves as the initial action of pushing backwards with that foot. ...hope that made some sense, too..

Keep at it!

[Hai_hai]

Just one question how long does it usually take to be able to leap backward effeciently? I have the most trouble doing this.

After you start laying off the Popeye's fried chicken for a couple of months.

[Hattori Hanzo]

Love that chicken from Popeyes though.

[tango]

heh... me too...

[ferrischan]

hi guys just my teo cent quote. If you practice the steps of going forward and back like doing a men or suburi practice, it helps in your coordination and as you go along, increase your speed of your pace then you will be able to move forward and back fast and freely. If you leap or jump back doing a hiki that way may have a disadvantage if the opponent is bigger than you and going for a men, then you may lose your balance and fly.

My experience is tells me is about balance is your kamae

[Hattori Hanzo]

I wish I could but I don't have the room to do suburi (read cieling clearance) so I split it up into waza and footwork...can't wait for the spring though when cieling clearance is no longer an issue.

[Hattori Hanzo]

But a good idea none the less. Thanks for the input.

[tango]

let us know how it works out (and when you figure it out).... and you WILL figure it out eventually! :)

[Hai_hai]

Just one question how long does it usually take to be able to leap backward effeciently? I have the most trouble doing this.

The fried chicken comment was a joke.

There is no jumping back. Watching others, it may appear they are jumping back. If you are in tsuba-zeriai, you don't have to "jump" back, but you can step back quickly.

[Hattori Hanzo]

Yeah this I have began to notice, it is actually a big fast step backwards.

[twotoedgiraffe]

Actually, from what I've been instructed with before, when you are at centre with someone, you should let the left foot slide back diagonally, and then let the right foot fall as you strike.

[ferrischan]

well hattori good luck and you are most welcome. Try not to leap (dun jump) but slide faster and faster.

[Olddog_newstick]

There is no jumping back. Watching others, it may appear they are jumping back. If you are in tsuba-zeriai, you don't have to "jump" back, but you can step back quickly.[/QUOTE]
I dunno, there's a guy in our Kendo club that does literally leap backwards from Tsubazeriai. He's so fast I'd swear he's striking Men while both feet are off the ground. Never seen him off balance when he lands either.

Old dog

[-Miburo-]

2 questions:
- do you need to stomp your right foot when doing so?

- is it acceptable to slide your your foot instead of leaping it as i have difficulty leaping backwards?

[sminki]

This is one of the things that beginners have the most difficulties with. Don't get frustrated, but just keep at it and it'll become very natural.

Don't think of it as jumping back or sliding back. It is neither, but it is also combination of both. Confused yet?

From tsubazeriai leading into hiki waza, most people will slide back with the left foot to position themselves for the hiki waza and then stomp (yes, the foot stomp is necessary in my opinion) with the right and move backwards in suri ashi (and not let the right foot go behind the left) while showing zanshin. Note that it is the stomping of the right foot which propels you backward.

Does that help at all? It would be best to have one of the advance people show you in slow motion at the dojo. Don't try to rush and do this fast from the beginning. Speed in executing hiki waza will come with practice.

[Koori]

Odd enough, I find that I prefer Hiki Waza. I find that I can get a more accurate strike. Plus it really messes up your opponent. I had my opponent so confused last saturday that before he knew what was up I had scored doh on him before he could try for my men when coming out of tsubazerai.

But that is just me

~Koori