United States Chito-ryu Training Guidelines
By: William J. Dometrich, Hanshi

The following Guidelines are a must if you are training in Chito-ryu

GENERAL RULES:

(1). Remember that the following stances are signature stances of Chito-ryu that must be done properly if you want to learn the kata of Chito-ryu properly.

Seisan- dachi
Shiko-dachi
Kosa-dachi
Uchi-Hachi-dachi

(2). When doing the above stances if you drop on one knee to the floor to check the distance between the knee of the rear leg and the heel of the front foot there should be one fist (approximately 4 inches) distance between them. DOES NOT APPLY TO KOSA DACHI.

(3). The Shiko-dachi stance’s height should be natural and will vary between individual students. You will know when you are at the proper level as this will be your strongest stance.

(4). When standing in Hachi-dachi the hands are made into a fist and are held in front of the body with the back of the fist straight up.

SHOULDER ANGLES:

(5). When in Seisan dachi or Neko Ashi dachi, the shoulders should be twenty (20) degrees off front center when blocking, and squared when punching.

(6). When in Shiko dachi, Uchi Hachi dachi or Kosa dachi the shoulder angle will vary depending upon the kata, or intention of the arm and / or hand technique being used.

HANDS ON HIP/ TURNING OF ARMS:

(7). The hand on the hip (wrist) when performing kata and some basics will be at the same height as the elbow when it is resting beside the body.

(8). The elbows should slide against the side of the body as the punches go to and from the target. The fist rotates quickly only after the elbow clears the side of the body.

SEISAN-DACHI

(9) When in Seisan dachi the knees are slightly bent with the weight equal on both feet( 50%-50%). The front foot is turned in a little to protect the groin.

(10). Seisan dachi has a tension on the legs that is inward. Also be aware of the counter tension (outward) on the feet to assist in locking in the stance.

(11). Keep your center of gravity low. Think low, think relaxed. You only tighten the entire body upon impact of your technique against the opponent’s body.

(12). Be aware of tucking the tailbone under (forward) when assuming most stances. This will enable you to lock in the stance for the moment of impact.

BREATHING-ZANSHIN-ORDER OF ADJUSTMENT:

(13). When breathing out always maintain at least 30% of the air in your lungs, let up to 70% out. Never exhaust all of your air, as this will cause a weak spot in your defense and offensive techniques.

(14). Always be aware of what is going on around you. Look and listen but always attempt to be alert to your surrounding area and everyone in or around you. This is called Zanshin

(15). REMEMBER: Ichi-Gan #1. Eyes
Ni-Soku #2 Stance
San-Tan #3. Hara (Body Connection)
Shi-Riki #4. Technique (Power)

First see the opponents action, then you adjust your distance with your feet, then your hips start the proper motion be it a block, a kick or a punch and last is technique (with power) to the opponents body.