Tsuku Kihon
Dynamic Kumite Techniques of Shotokan Karate
by
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Tsuku kihon (tsuku means “push” in Japanese) should only be taught to brown belts and above because lower-ranking students will not have the necessary karate basics foundation to correctly understand and execute them. Another way to look at this is that a student should have regularly trained for at least three years before learning tsuku kihon. Regular kihon (“basic” or “fundamentals” in Japanese) must first be understood and practiced by students for several years prior to being exposed to tsuku kihon. Before we get into the actual techniques and how they work, let’s first consider a few terms used in traditional martial arts. Many variables make up an effective martial art and, by extension, realistic self-defense techniques and mental attitude. Below is a partial list of terms that will set the foundation to understand shotokan karate principles. Budo – The way of the warrior, or the way of martial arts. Originally applied to the Japanese class known as Samurai. These men and women truly lived a life of constant threat of mortal combat. When one speaks of the way of the warrior in modern times, we refer to dedicating oneself to a code of honor, readiness, respect, humility, and an intense appreciation of life. A samurai’s most important priority in life was honor and he would commit suicide if he felt he had dishonored himself. We don’t expect martial artists to go to those lengths, but we do place importance on budo basic virtues. Budo applies to everything we do, including our work, home life, driving, and social interactions. With work, for example, budo means that we do everything to the best of our ability and maintain the highest ethical standards. Therefore, work is not something into which we put just enough effort to get by and receive a paycheck. Even the most monotonous and lowly work must be done with pride and care. Needless to say, training in the martial arts also requires us to put in maximum effort and dedication.
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About the Book
Tsuku Kihon refers to powerful and dynamic techniques used and taught by some Shotokan karate instructors. The idea behind Tsuku Kihon is that power and closing distance are greatly enhanced by propelling the body forward using basic karate principles. A group of approximately 25 Tsuku Kihon combinations was developed by several Shotokan instructors in the middle of the 20th century. Sensei Luis Bernardo Mercado decided to expand and categorize Tsuku Kihon in order to increase its applications and to create a formal structure for teaching them. Many months of trial and error by the author of this book resulted in an additional 42 combinations and three methods by which Tsuku Kihon can be systematically taught to intermediate and advanced karate students.
This second edition of Tsuku Kihon is expanded to include several more exercises that will help practitioners improve their skills in this art form. Chapter 3 is for instructors to use as an introduction of Tsuku Kihon to beginners below brown belt. These exercises teach how to drop into an attack and end up in a complete front stance. Chapters 10 and 11 are meant for advanced students who have been training in Tsuku Kihon for about one year. Using the heavy bag and makiwara will sharpen skill at all levels and improve kime and distancing. Chapter 14 integrates sweeps into Tsuku Kihon combinations, which will raise kumite to a higher level of proficiency. Together, these additional drills will make for a more rounded martial arts practitioner, competitor, and improve self-defense capabilities.
Another great addition to this updated book is beautiful artwork by Nobu Kaji (tsuku kihon, kihon, and kata techniques), Egil Thompson (samurai scene drawings) and Mike Thompson (wood inlay artwork for back cover). All these original works of art give a sense of real action and martial arts spirit.
About the Author
(Luis) Bernardo Mercado has studied Shotokan Karate since 1981. While enrolled in the engineering program at San Francisco State University, he began training with sensei Mayer Parry, who was a direct student of kancho Hirokazu Kanazawa.
In 1983, Bernardo started training with sensei Leroy Rodrigues, who is founder and chief instructor of the Shinkyu Shotokan Karate dojo, at the South San Francisco Parks and Recreation Department.
Sensei Leroy Rodrigues awarded Bernardo a first degree black belt in Shotokan and Shorinji Ryu karate-do in 1986. Bernardo taught at the Shinkyu Shotokan Karate dojo in Orange Park for 20 years.
Upon moving to Fremont California in 1997, Bernardo continued studying martial arts with sensei Al McGaughey at the Pine Waves Karate Academy. In 2009, he partnered with sensei McGaughey and sensei Harry Imamura to founded the Fremont Shotokan Karate dojo, where all three currently teach and train.
Sensei Leroy Rodrigues awarded Bernardo a sixth degree black belt in Shotokan in 2007.
Concurrent with studying, training, teaching and competing in karate, in 1992 sensei Mercado partnered with his younger brother Ernesto and founded Core Power Services, Inc., where they both work with a great team of field engineers and office staff.
Sensei Mercado has contributed to two other martial arts books: Classic Kata of Shorinji Ryu: Okinawan Karate Forms of Richard ‘Biggie’ Kim by Leroy Rodrigues, and Karate Everyone, 2nd Edition by Steve McCann.
Sensei Mercado is also author of Critical Thinking 101: Key Concepts for the American Voter, a book with ideas and information designed to stimulate intellectual honesty, positive attitude, and an ethical lifestyle reflecting the way of martial arts.