This is the second part to ‘Muchimi’, (explained here for reference to an earlier post)
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The second meaning of the word muchimi derives from the Japanese word “muchi” (鞭 whip), thus implying you should use your body like a whip. Muchimi, defines a powerful technique linked to the progressive and fluid acceleration of that technique.
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The twisting of the hips, using the whole body to generate power, is gradually built up inside the body and then released into the strike. This ‘whip-like’ power is very different to that produced by muscular contraction alone, relying more on the potential of stretching muscles and their associated elastic quality.
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Now, the whip hip (or double hip), means that a slight pulling back of the hips before the punch, initiates relaxation, and is followed by the speed of the thrust and throwing in of the hips in the direction of the punch. On impact the hip snaps back and again a full body relaxation is achieved. This is the perfect cycle between relaxation – momentary tension – relaxation.
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The orthodox understanding of ‘kime’ looks at the end of the technique, whereas it is equally important how the action starts. You cannot deliver a fast punch, when you are tightened up at the formation of the thrust.
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Muchimi is relaxation, a more ‘flowing’ way of producing power, not relying on muscle power.
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Karate is often regarded by many to be an entirely external art. For me, this is not true. A superficial understanding will only take you so far, but by taking time to look a little deeper and beyond the surface, numerous internal practices are revealed.
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Whereas the beginning karate student may only ‘see’ the surface, the intermediate karate student aims to ‘listen’ from the inside, the advanced karate student should aspire to ‘feel’ the integration of both outside and inside.
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With thanks to Chris Denwood
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Photo Credit: Alessandro Timmi
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