Seeking Tips for Improving Balance in Uechi-Ryu Practice

[diannndden]

Hi everyone,

I have been practicing Uechi-Ryu for a few months and loving the journey so far. One thing I have been struggling with is maintaining balance, especially during quick transitions or when holding stances like sanchin for an extended time.

I am trying to focus on grounding myself better but I am curious if anyone here has tips or exercises that worked for them to improve balance in Uechi-Ryu. Are there specific drills, stretches, or practices that helped you find stability, both physically and mentally?

I also read this topic on this site https://www.quora.com/How-can-I-improve-my-balance-in-martial-arts-I-have-problems-in-kicking-due-to-my-weak-balance-sap-sac but I could not find anything.

Any advice or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance for taking the time to help a fellow student grow.

Looking forward to learning from you all.

Best regards,
[Dianna]

[emattson]

I'm good in balance, can stand on one leg for over a minute, which is longer than for an average 18 year old; Sinsei George Mattson can testify. Maybe my pointers will be helpful. Balance is a skill that can be improved over time through exercises. Strong calf muscles stabilize your ankles and feet and play a very important role in maintaining balance. Strong calves improves walking, running, climbing stairs, standing on your tiptoes, and much more. The Hinge Health's 9 Calf Strengthening Exercises web page has some good pointers.
https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/a ... exercises/

I strengthen my calves through long walks pacing 1 mile every 15 to 16 minutes every day. I walk on average 12,000 steps a day. Watching the beautiful sunrise, sunsets and passing through park paths make the daily exercises much more enjoyable and easier to accomplish. Do admit it gets hard walking on icy sidewalks during subfreezing temperature. It helps that I live in the city where the stores are all within walking distance. Shopping is an important form of exercise--carrying grocery bags.

Junbi Undo (basic exercises) includes a knee circular exercise where you lift your leg up and twirl your leg around several times. They're a fun way to improve and measure your balance.

This is my system and it may not necessarily work for everyone. I like to hear from others. Old age and obesity may cause balance trouble.