MT: elbow placement and natural obstacles

[Knowledge Bot]

elbow placement and natural obstacles By Live True - 01-30-2008 08:33 PM

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I've discussed this with my teacher and asked this question on a Uechi specific forum I post to, but I thought it would be interesting to see what the women here have to say. While this is a woman specific question, men are welcome to comment.

First, I practice an Okinawan Karate style known as Uechi Ryu. I'm preparing for my first belt test in a few months, and I feel like I'm struggling a bit on getting my sanchin stance right, particularly with the placement of my elbows and my hips. Now, I know part of this is because I'm a newbie and still figuring out the basics. I also know part of this is because I need to keep working on the strengthening of my lats, shoulders, glutes and abs. Part of it, however, is because of... well, because my chest just gets in the way.

I've been told that there should be approximately a fist to a fist and half's width between my ribs and elbow. I also believe my elbows should protect my ribs, my palms are flat with extended fingertips at level with my shoulders, and my arms are forward at a roughly 30 degree angle (alot to remember when your still trying to figure it out, btw ).

My basic question is how much do we, as women, adapt our forms, stances, etc. to our body shapes...where is the line between adaptation for practicality and strength and simply sloppy form?

Some thoughts/examples:
I can have my elbows a fist's width from my ribs, but they are still resting against my breasts (not as a cushion, but simply unavoidable contact). Is this wrong and will this lead to poor form and laziness? If I put my arms out far enough to not touch, then I am in an awkward position that doesn't really protect my ribs and isn't a position of stability and strength.

I can continue to work on pulling my elbows inward (toward eachother) to protect my ribs, but again, they are pressing my breasts together and resting against them. Besides the concerns about poor form and laziness, does this also mean I'm not protecting my ribs as well? I should probably mention this is easier to do when I'm wearing a sports bra...all well and good in class, but that's not going to help in real life if this is ever needed.

Last thought, some of this, I'm sure will work itself out as I train more, but I'm just trying to work this out in my head and in practice as I get ready for my first test. Suggestions and ideas welcome. Thank you!


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[GranFire]

Form follows function.

Not sure about the position you try to achieve, but by all means, the element in your form has a purpose and should be executed accordingly. No matter how hard you train, you can't work around your built. As the great Bruce Lee was quoted at one time or another, you have to work with your physical limitations.

Once you get into sparring you will understand why looks are sometimes not as important as practicality, and I can tell you, a hit right under the short ribs hurts like blazes, even if not executed at full strength (I ran into a couple of kicks...ouch)

And rest assure, IRL situation - should they ever occur - looks mean nothing, only results.

[Happy Cat]

Form folows function. Learn the function (it sounds like you are doing that). Then, in my opinion, adjust the form to fit your phisical and psychological needs.

In other words, retain the function, if you believe that the function is important, but adjust the form as nessesary. I think it makes more sence to adjust the form to you, than it does to adjust yourself to the form.

In regard to his own system Bruce lee said "truth in this system is diferent for each individual student." Learn your own truth while being guided in basic principals by your instructor.