The Circle And The Point
The Point:
A circle has a point in the center and an infinite number of points on its circumference. When you relate the point of impact of a strike with the relevant points on the circle and in the center of the circle, you will have discovered how momentum is applied.
Draw the following on a piece of paper: First step, draw a 4-inch diameter circle and put a dot in the center. Second step, put two more dots on opposite sides of the perimeter of the circle (one on the right and one on the left). Third step, using the two dots on the perimeter of the circle as the center for two more circles, draw two more 4-inch diameter circles. You should now have three circles in a row and three dots in a row with each dot in the center of a circle. Fourth step, put two more dots on the perimeter of the first circle (one at the top and one at the bottom). Fifth step, again using the two dots as the center of two more 4-inch diameter circles, draw two more circles. Now you should have five circles and five dots with four of the circles touching in the center of the first circle. Sixth step, put additional dots where one circle touches another circle. Now you have five circles with twelve dots on the perimeter of the first circle (like the hours on a clock, see illustration #2). Seventh step, place another four dots where the four circles, not the center circle, intersect with each other (see illustration #3). Eighth step, using the last four dots as the center of four more 4-inch diameter circles complete the drawing. You now have a diagram of how the circle and the point is used in karate regarding the direction of a technique (see illustration #4). You will also see that you have drawn the "kanku". If you were to draw the above mentioned diagram on the floor of your dojo and stand in the center while executing your techniques you would see how the circle and the point work. The nine circles in the drawing can be used in both the horizontal and the vertical planes.
If you practice "Tensho" you will easily feel the flow from the circular movements. If you also practice "Kanku" you will not only feel the flow you will experience the power and fluidity of karate. This is the power of Kyokushin karate. To learn more about how the circle and point is applied to the kihon and kata, or, to learn how to teach the physics of karate to your students please read my book entilted, "Karate Instructors Guide To The Circle and Point". Osu!
Illustration #2
Illustration #3
Illustration #4
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