Instructor Training Assignment #2: Eli Tuttle Technique Evaluation

Instructor Certification Course
Nov. 8, 2007
Student Evaluation

Nathan Kimball

Student: Eli Tuttle

Age: 25

Rank: Ni-Kyu

Technique: Moving through zenkutsu dachi into Oi-Zuki The assignment for this month is to pick a student and observe him while training in order to choose a technique that could be improved. Evaluate the student's technique while performed during class. Then for the next few weeks work with the student to improve the technique, perform a final evaluation of the student's technique, and note how the student has improved.

Formative Evaluation: I observed that when participating in kihon, Eli leaned forward and did not lock his hips when completing oi-zuki. I will work with Eli to help him improve his body movement through expansion and contraction of his legs and trunk when moving through the technique. I will work with Eli explaining the objectives for improving step punching. He will perform various drills and I will explain the purpose for each one. The drills have been given to Eli to perform as he can outside the dojo.

Evaluation after initial observation: Eli understands how to move through his hip but does not do it consistently; he also does not lock his hips when he completes oi-zuki. I also noticed he does not roll his thighs and hip in to move forward. Understanding this concept will greatly improve his oi-zuki. Eli wants to learn and become a proficient karateka, with the following drills I hope to help him improve his basic movement.

Drills Assigned:

Below are drills to improve Eli’s movement through oi-zuki, as this is not necessarily a basic movement the understanding of how to move first with the rolling of the thighs inward and the hip to follow, finishing with the opposite hip pushing toward the punching side proves to be challenging for many people including myself. With these drills and the explanation of them through performing and assisting I intend to increase Eli’s understanding as well as my own of how to properly complete oi-zuki. The objectives of these drills are to develop techniques that will flow from the floor up through the body, compression of the thighs and rotation through the hip and out the fist with the opposite hip pushing toward the punching side for maximum power and balance. These drills will also improve the flexibility of the hips and develop proper hip rotation when performing techniques.

Drill 1: From left leg forward zenkutsu dachi, drop into your stance, move right leg back, place your hands on your hips and move forward into right leg forward zenkutsu dachi with the emphasis on pushing through your hips to move. Use your hands to feel and push your hips into the next stance. Concentrate on moving your hips first and the head and upper body should follow with your hips. When moving through oi-zuki, remember to snap the rear leg hip into full front at the end of the technique. With the forward movement remember body contraction and expansion through your lower body, this would be to move and use your hips and legs as efficiently as possible with additional power. Complete 50 oi-zuki a day with the above in mind.

Drill 2: From yoi, drop into the height of your stance, move your right leg back into left forward zenkutsu dachi as soon as you heel touches the ground step forward while keeping the height of your stance, into right forward zenkutsu dachi. Complete this drill 20 times on each side as this will help with explosive movement forward as long as drill 1 is used.

Drill 3: For a hip and ankle stretch exercise, stand straight up and lower your body as if to start leg movement. Twist your hip as far as you can to the left and then to the right. Remember to contract your trunk and bend your legs without leaning over, pull your hip and stretch your ankles to gain maximum proficiency through your hips and legs.

Summative Evaluation: During these past couple week’s Eli has increased his flexibility throughout his body and is moving through his thighs, back and trunk on a more consistent basis. To make this mindset permanent we need to understand how power and power generating movement travels through our bodies to a final action, add this mentality to our basic motion and it will become natural, with this I believe our karate will improve dramatically.