One of the first things we're taught in Isshin-Ryu is the crescent or 'half-moon' step. This is basic to all forward or backward movement in our basic exercises and all of our kata.
It is said that the crescent step confers several advantages.
First, when moving forward, it shields the groin.
Second, it prevents the up-and-down head bob that signals an opponent subconsciously that you are in motion. The step becomes a bit of a glide, which can be deceptive.
Third, it allows the feet to stay grounded. A person punched or kicked while in the act of stepping forward in the traditional manner would have one foot in the air and would be balanced slightly forward (we walk by lifting on foot and 'falling' forward slightly).
There are more esoteric reasons given which involve chi or ki flow and things of that nature, but I'm just dealing with the mechanical nature of the claimed advantages here.
Given that Isshin-Ryu is sometimes seen as a more-brutal and less-elegant looking form of karate, it does contain a lot of emphasis (subtle, but present) on circling motions, in blocks, punches, and even snap kicks. The crescent step is probably the most obvious circular motion in Isshin-Ryu.
So my questions are these. How common is the crescent step outside of Isshin-Ryu? Does your style practice it or anything like it? Do you see any advantages to it other than those mentioned, or do you see any disadvantages to it? I'm also interested in general comments about the crescent step in martial arts.
It is said that the crescent step confers several advantages.
First, when moving forward, it shields the groin.
Second, it prevents the up-and-down head bob that signals an opponent subconsciously that you are in motion. The step becomes a bit of a glide, which can be deceptive.
Third, it allows the feet to stay grounded. A person punched or kicked while in the act of stepping forward in the traditional manner would have one foot in the air and would be balanced slightly forward (we walk by lifting on foot and 'falling' forward slightly).
There are more esoteric reasons given which involve chi or ki flow and things of that nature, but I'm just dealing with the mechanical nature of the claimed advantages here.
Given that Isshin-Ryu is sometimes seen as a more-brutal and less-elegant looking form of karate, it does contain a lot of emphasis (subtle, but present) on circling motions, in blocks, punches, and even snap kicks. The crescent step is probably the most obvious circular motion in Isshin-Ryu.
So my questions are these. How common is the crescent step outside of Isshin-Ryu? Does your style practice it or anything like it? Do you see any advantages to it other than those mentioned, or do you see any disadvantages to it? I'm also interested in general comments about the crescent step in martial arts.