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It is not for me to criticize a black belt's technique, but this would (in my humble opinion) be considered a very poor execution of Seisan kata in our dojo. A green belt could maybe get away with this, a brown belt never. The movements appear similar to ours, but the execution is poor and without power, and the foot position is horrible. Beginners do this. I still make mistakes with my feet in this kata, and I'm properly called on it, so I'm sensitive to it. Seisan kata is seisan stance; with the exception of two blocks, which are shiko-dachi (Isshin-ryu's shiko-dachi is not as low as other styles, but it is still shiko-dachi).
It is not for me to criticize a black belt's technique, but this would (in my humble opinion) be considered a very poor execution of Seisan kata in our dojo. A green belt could maybe get away with this, a brown belt never. The movements appear similar to ours, but the execution is poor and without power, and the foot position is horrible. Beginners do this. I still make mistakes with my feet in this kata, and I'm properly called on it, so I'm sensitive to it. Seisan kata is seisan stance; with the exception of two blocks, which are shiko-dachi (Isshin-ryu's shiko-dachi is not as low as other styles, but it is still shiko-dachi).
Try this one. This is not our sensei, but his karate looks very much like ours (and with good reason).
I think that is part of the problem with this video, is that he calls it "Naha-Te", but then tries to perform a modified Isshin-ryu version. It is closer in performance to Shuri-te (Shorin-Ryu). I have not seen that type of front stance used in any version where the backfoot is turned out. Not sure if this is how it is performed in "Ryukyu Kempo" in which he teaches, but it is not good Isshin-ryu.
Just self-correcting my own post. I have seen a stance like that where the front foot is forward and the back foot turned out slightly in other styles and katas (Goju-Ryu uses one for example), I just hadn't seen it in Seisan kata in the opening moves.
I think that is part of the problem with this video, is that he calls it "Naha-Te", but then tries to perform a modified Isshin-ryu version. It is closer in performance to Shuri-te (Shorin-Ryu). I have not seen that type of front stance used in any version where the backfoot is turned out. Not sure if this is how it is performed in "Ryukyu Kempo" in which he teaches, but it is not good Isshin-ryu.
Mr. Dillman does have rank in Isshinryu, so I am not surprised to see him demonstrate an Isshinryu version of Seisan. If I recall correctly, he studied IR first before transitioning to his Ryukyu Kempo studies.
I agree his technique lacks crispness, but perhaps this is by design? I sometimes practice my kata with aiki blending as the foremost goal and I definitely look soft and ineffective then. I will say Mr. Dillman's upper and lower halves appear disjointed at times in this performance.
The version I know from Wado Ryu. The first movements are surprisingly difficult.
I have heard that he had rank in IR before his other studies. My point, was just that the version he presents does not resemble any of the "Naha" style versions but is closer to the "Shuri" versions.
Yes, sir, he's definitely playing Isshinryu Seisan with some variations.
Seen this one before? He calls it Tomari Seisan. I like it even less.
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