White Belt Appreciation Form

This is the very first kata. It's kind of a "pre-kata". None the less, it is hard to learn and hard to do right. The details matter.

The appreciation form forms the basis for Short One and Long One and Three Count Basics and many other advanced drills. When you test for your black belt, the first exercise is....the appreciation form. Remember, hard punches, sharp high chambers, low horsestances, and keep those shoulders square!

Leader - Position
Team - position punching out forward and low with both hands into the "position" stance which has the legs together

Leader - Focus
Team - Focus - Putting right fist in front of you into left open hand with elbow out.

Leader - Horse Stance

Horse Stance (legs wide apart, knees bent) with both hands in fists pulled back into chamber. You stay with your legs in horse stance for the whole exercise.

One - Right inward block, leaving left hand in chamber
Two - Left inward block, pulling right hand back into chamber

Three - Right outward block, pulling left hand in chamber
Four - Left outward block, pulling right hand in chamber

Five - Right upward block, pulling left hand in chamber
Six - Left upward block, pulling right hand in chamber

Seven - Right downward block, pulling left hand in chamber
Eight - Left downward block, pulling right hand in chamber

Focus - Hands back into starting position with elbows out, arms horizontal, and the right fist into the left hand. Be sure to keep the horse stance low. Try not to grimmace.

Position - Back to position with legs at shoulder width and two hands punching out & down.

Congratulations, You are on your way.