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In karate and some martial arts there is the concept of physiokinetic rooting to achieve power and force when applying multiple methodologies in self-defense. An issue worth discussing is that in those disciplines one is taught to root or to take a stance as appropriate the root themselves to the Earth while applying a situational methodology such as a strike to the solar plexus.
What this entails more often than not is a karate-ka, etc., will move in kata and in drills to a specific stance, then take root by using the toes to grip, giving a slight twist to lock the feet in place much like the stances in Sanchin practice, then use the hips, spine, shoulders and arms with ship like actions, sequential locking and an application of that strike with dynamic type tension at impact.
What really happens is the moment they root and lock the momentum of the body mass diminishes almost instantly and leaves the application of the methodology to rely almost exclusively on those actions that are augmentations and enhancements to build on the power and force generated by the body movement but instead the practitioner loses that force and power reducing their effectiveness and assuming what feels powerful is no longer powerful or forceful.
Why do karate-ka practice this way? Well, you have to learn about principles first then you have to achieve a practice that brings them together into the one wholehearted effort in energy generation and use to create force and power in those same methodologies. This form is a great way to achieve that goal BUT it is a novice level basic learning tool. To achieve true applications of force and power maximized one must go beyond the basic learning and teaching tool described.
In truth the term, “Rooting,” tends to convey that process of taking root in the Earth. The term is useful yet without the proper understanding of its true meaning toward a deeper and broader application and understanding we often make assumptions upon hearing from Sensei, “We must root our bodies to achieve power, force, etc.” This is simply not enough as it stands in most dojo, we as Sensei must go way beyond that basic understanding and teaching.
I believe rooting should be either fully and completely and comprehensively explained or another term or phrase must be used that achieves the goals of teaching that physiokinetic sub-principle. Connecting or Grounding seems more appropriate as both do not hint at or require one “Root their bodies/feet to the ground” leading one to believe and practice ceasing body mass movement to achieve that gaol.
When I explain rooting I always lead to the belief that such rooting is another aspect of the intent to sequentially lock and apply instantaneous dynamic tension when the methodology used is applied in that appropriate moment to achieve application that reaches the adversary to defend and protect in a manner that stops the attack.
Then I proceed to demonstrate, then I proceed to have the practitioner try it and finally I hands-on (tactually), verbally explain and guide the practitioner’s body as he or she attempts to learn and apply the concept physiokinetically. Then I leave them alone to practice and train while remaining cognizant to their efforts with occasional interruptions to reinforce the original teachings until they get it and encode it into procedural memory.
Rooting is better describes using the term, “Grounding,” where that grounding occurs, when appropriate and achievable, only in that, “One instance” when we bring together all the principles in applying an appropriate methodology to that moment and situation to defend and end the attack. Making that, “Momentary Connection” so that our body mass continues moving and then becomes enhanced and augmented with other physiokinetic actions that make for the maximum achievable force and power to end the fight in a defensively appropriate and acceptable way.
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