Desert Valley Shotokan

Build skill step by step, starting with simple movement before exploring complex applications under resistance.
https://desertvalleyshotokan.com/diary/2026/2026-08-24/


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.
https://desertvalleyshotokan.com/diary/2026/2026-08-03/


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/


Smooth pivots demand a single rotation point, upright posture, and balance control before adding techniques.
https://desertvalleyshotokan.com/diary/2026/2026-07-22/


Being late has consequences, but arriving late and getting to work is still better than not coming at all.
https://desertvalleyshotokan.com/diary/2026/2026-07-20/