Desert Valley Shotokan

Teaching requires patience and persuasion, turning repeated corrections into practice for influencing action.
https://desertvalleyshotokan.com/diary/2026/2026-09-02/


Adjust speed and power within a combination, pulling explosively then striking with precise controlled restraint.
https://desertvalleyshotokan.com/diary/2026/2026-08-26/


Build skill step by step, starting with simple movement before exploring complex applications under resistance.
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A new student’s willingness to struggle through unfamiliar kata shows why spirit matters more than technique at the beginning.
https://desertvalleyshotokan.com/diary/2026/2026-08-17/


Comically slow sparring removes the panic and gives students room to experiment with distance, angles, balance, and recovery.
https://desertvalleyshotokan.com/diary/2026/2026-08-12/


Controlled exposure teaches students to suppress the startle response and replace the flinch with deliberate movement.
https://desertvalleyshotokan.com/diary/2026/2026-08-10/


Keep the front knee bent to keep your center over the pivot foot and maintain balance through the long turn.
https://desertvalleyshotokan.com/diary/2026/2026-08-05/


Empi: Arc the rising punch from a body line and flip the knuckles, then rake the eyes to set up the knee strike.
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Maintain hand contact after the block to control the arm and guide the punch directly to the target.
https://desertvalleyshotokan.com/diary/2026/2026-07-29/


Maintain an upright spine so the backfist travels level and the fist stays vertical during the side snap kick.
https://desertvalleyshotokan.com/diary/2026/2026-07-27/