Step in Time with the Universe

Recently we have been focusing on this cut-away katata defence. This defence formalises how the entrance and the offer should work in an ideal situation.

The most important thing here is maai. Where you are and when you are. In normal practice it is all too easy to loose focus of when a defence, the offer or a technique should begin. It is much earlier than you might think. In addition, you need to be out of range and at the right distance. This is the way to correct timing.

Maai, the offer and initiative misdirect the uke. While they are focusing here you have moved there. By the time they get there you are over here. Always this step ahead. Always early. Leading, offering. Maintaining the initiative.

These are the most important things to take away from tanninzu practice. Fine-tuning your distance and your timing. Forcing yourself to think ahead and in this way finding a path through the melee to step in time with the universe.

PM