Kyoshi's Weekly Technique Bulletin 05/11/98

K Y O S H I ' S
T E C H N I Q U E
O F T H E W E E K
May 11, 1998

More Hips

Hips continued. In jigotai-dachi oi-tsuki the hips are employed as described in walking stance, forward leaning stance and cat stances. The initial function of the hips is to generate power to the technique, after the force of the technique "passes" beyond the hips, the hips then root the body down on to (into) the foundation (final oi-tsuki posture differs from the other stances) thereby discontinuing the travel of the hips towards the side, in this description. In kibadachi niahanchi stance while executing defensive or offensive techniques to the side, the hips react to generate the action as in the straight forward target scenario. The first hip points forward (NOT toward the side "target"), the second hip then directs the energy down into the stance. The exact procedure carries over to the naname zenkutsu-dachi slanted front-leg-bent stance (and ALL stances) when the technique is delivered to the side. The kosa-dachi movements differ because the pointing hip is also the rooting hip( 90%of the weight supported on one foot), the second hip(and foot) assist the delivery action and rooting down movement (10%), regardless of the direction of the punch or block. In the stances detailed in this post the hips relate more to the intended foundation than to the direction of the punch (or block). The hips wind up and instigate the technique while the feet set one's foundation. Instructors may physically describe the action by demonstrating it to the beginner student. There ARE some subtle exceptions to the principals described. The exceptions are dependent upon the stance (especially one-legged, kneeling ,back-leg-bent stance) and/or the target position in relation to the stance, also stepping (bodyshifting) to the side, back or to an angle. Arigato, Kyoshi.

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ROBERT SCAGLIONE, Kyoshi, began his karate training 30 years ago in 1967. This is his 25th anniversary as a Blackbelt under Grand Master Ansei Ueshiro-Hanshi of the Shorin-Ryu Karate U.S.A. system. Kyoshi Scaglione is the Chief Administrator of the original style in the United States. He has traveled with Hanshi throughout the U.S.A. and as his representative worldwide. Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1938, Kyoshi served in the U.S. Navy and in 1961 became a NYC Police Officer. He voluntarily worked exclusively in high crime/ high hazard areas during his entire 20 year tenure with the NYPD. He served in many assignments in all five boroughs of New York City including uniformed street cop, undercover officer and as a Detective in the elite Special Investigating Unit featured in the film "The French Connection." He led the NYPD in felony arrests many times and has numerous awards, citations and letters of commendation from Police Department officials, Federal Agencies, District Attorneys, Grand jurors and the civilian community. He retired from police service in 1981 in order to devote himself full time to the art of karate.

Kyoshi began his karate training in the NYPD. He continued his training under Sensei Terry Maccarrone-Shihan of the Hegashi Karate Dojo on Long Island, New York. He was Senior Instructor at the St. James Dojo for five years. Hanshi Ueshiro, wanting a dojo in Manhattan, asked Kyoshi to open a dojo in New York City. He founded the NYC dojo in 1977, which became the headquarters of Shorin-Ryu Karate USA several years later. After ten years, in 1987, Kyoshi relocated to Merritt Island, Florida and founded the Okinawan Karate Dojo leaving his senior student David Baker, San Dan to continue operation of the NYC dojo.

Over 125 students began their training directly under Kyoshi Scaglione and have attained blackbelt level. He continues to work closely with all his blackbelts, including the ten who have opened dojo on the mainland US, Hawaii, and in Israel. Among his students are many professionals, doctors, lawyers, military officers, police officers, business executives, artists, writers, housewives, students and children.

Kyoshi is the co-author with artist Bill Cummins, Ni Dan of "The Shorin-Ryu Karate Question and Answer Book" and has written another entitled "Building Warrior Spirit." His student David Seeger, Yon Dan, an Emmy Award winner, has produced several karate videos with Kyoshi. Kyoshi is the Editor-at-large of this 30th Anniversary journal. He has written and assisted his students in writing newspaper and magazine articles, film scripts on varied subjects, novels, and stage plays. He has appeared on national T.V. and radio, in stage productions, and at Universities and schools giving karate demonstrations and lectures on self-defense and assault prevention. Kyoshi's four sons, Sal, Robert Jr., Dion, and Shane are all Ni Dan blackbelts.