CHAPTER 2 - THE CHARACTERISTICS

The most effective way to win is always to get the enemy by surprise using the unexpected movements. In other words, the basic principles in the style of three dimensions Genseiryu Karate-do, is partly the thorough research of this particular point.

Then, how can we express this point through kata and from the expression of kata, how can we make the techniques practical?

After a thorough research, the founder Seiken Shukumine answered these questions by creating the techniques, which constitute the basic principles of Genseiryu Karate-do: SEN, UN, HEN, NEN and TEN.

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FORCING THE ENEMY DOWN BY ATTACKING LOW

A characteristic of Genseiryu Karate-do when attacking is the aim for the lower parts of the body. Humans stand on their feet, and for this reason, we can prevent the enemy's movement by attacking the lower parts, as he would naturally get imbalanced (see the illustration). Another reason is also, that it is mostly easier to attack the lower parts of the body than the middle part.

Even beginners could prevent throwing their weight off balance by not raising their legs too high. Also, even for experts, it would be hard to block a small movement and attack at a short distance (picture 1 and 2).

In Genseiryu we emphasize the principle of attacking low.

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SEN, UN, HEN, NEN, TEN BASIC PRINCIPLES

The basic principle of the technique in Genseiryu Karate-do are based on these five methods or "laws" of body movement. In kumite the three basic principles of SEN, UN and HEN are easily applied.

When moving and turning around your own body axis (spinal column), you can attack and counterattack easily. So in other words, when applying the principles of SEN, UN, HEN, NEN and TEN, you can win over a bigger and more powerful person than yourself.

Explanation of the five basic principles of Genseiryu Karate-do:

SEN - The vertical turning movements around the body's axis, as illustrated by the spinning movement of a top. UN - The ascending and descending, front and rear fluctuating movements. Like moving the body as a wave. Descending the body from high to low by use of gravity. HEN - The front and rear, left and right self-rolling over movements, as illustrated mainly in kicking techniques, which uses the principle of HEN, and starts by rolling over on the ground. NEN - The body twisting on the spot in a horizontal level, using both hands and elbows. TEN - The change of posture applied beyond the expectation of the opponent, from the body moving forward, backward, and sideways. This can be illustrated with the movements of a thrown ball.