Doshi-Kai
Matsuyama's Shotokan Karate
Better Balance is Essential to all Movement

Here is a balance posture, standing on one leg holding your leg out. It is so easy with an arm,
but try it with a leg for 30 seconds!


This is a classic "horse stance", which strengthens the legs and helps lower your center of gravity.



Here is a drill to practice standing on one leg before delivering a pitch. Notice the strong focus on the target. Students try to hold this position for 30 seconds so it is easy to hold it for 1-2 seconds in a game.


Core Control and Balance
What is Core Control and why is it important to all sports?

Your center of gravity, or your "Core" is located about 2 fingers below the belly button.

Every movement in every sport starts from this point. One of the essentials to both balance and forward movement is to gain core control.
  • When a pitcher stands on one leg before delivering a pitch, if he does not have good core control, he will wobble and possibly deliver a bad pitch.
  • When a player absorbs a hit in football or hockey, control of their weight from their core is essential.

This class will enhance core control significantly, utilizing a variety of karate kicking and holding of balance postures to help build better balance during athletic competition.