Orishiki
Also known as: Ashi-orishiki, Hiza-dachi
A kneel on one knee that opens the Shotokan kata Empi; the left knee touches the ground during gedan barai.
Quick Facts
Katas containing this technique
About
Orishiki, also ashi orishiki or hiza dachi, is a kneel on one knee. Unlike hizakutsu dachi, a kneeling variant of zenkutsu dachi in the same kata, it is a separate stance. In the Shotokan kata Empi (JKA numbering) it is the 1st movement, opening the kata. Per The Martial Way, the practitioner turns the pelvis left, lowers the right fist, and during gedan barai touches the ground with the left knee, an example of the low, dynamic work typical of Empi, with quick changes of direction and level recalling a swallow's flight.