I apologize ahead of time as I am not the most artistic person, nor am I the most computer literate person either.To the left is a diagram of a basic stepping drill used in Tou'on-ryu called "Ten I Happo" or roughly translated as "Stepping the eight directions". It was a drill purportedly made by Kyoda sensei and one of the first things he taught Kanzaki sensei, who in turn taught it to me. Starting with the right leg, the person steps to the first point into a right zenkutsu-dachi (forward stance), then returns. Then steps out to the second point into a right zenkutsu-dachi and returns. For the third point, the person steps out with his right leg horizontally into shiko-dachi (horse stance). At points 4 to 6 you pull the right leg back into a left zenkutsu-dachi. For point 7, you step out again as in point 1 into a right zenkutsu-dachi. For point 8 you turn180 degrees counter clock-wise to the rear into a right zenkutsu-dachi. Then the drill is repeated with the left leg, but stepping in the opposite direction. Confused? Maybe to start with, but it's certainly not rocket science, and I'm sure you will get it with a little practice. This practice is interesting in its ability to capture essential movement and convey it through a simple drill. In many respects it is similar, but a little less complicated, than a drill developed by Mabuni Kenwa and published in his 1938 book, "Karatedo Nyumon" or "Introductory Karatedo".
The drill doesn't end with simply stepping. As the student progresses, striking, kicking, and sweeping techniques are added, along with variations in stances. After that, the drill is repeated with a partner. With enough practice, and time, the steps and techniques become second nature and can be used in more open ended type training. For myself Ten I Happo, along with Sankaku Tenshin, are two of the most important drills I have ever learned and still practice them to this day.
Posts
