Hara is a Japanese martial arts concept referring to the belly. I read that it can be translated from Chinese or Japanese into "red field," or "golden stove," and is considered the location of "ki" energy. It is located about three fingers below the navel and two fingers in.
Mikio Yahara (get it.... "Yeah, Hara"... uh boy) is one of the Japan Karate Association's most amazing athletes. Here he is as a young man, kickin' Japan Karate Ass'n.
And here, he is as an older man kickin' Japan Karate Ass'n.
I love to watch Yahara Sensei's spinning movements. Attack from this side, then like lightening attack from the other side. His techniques are quick and powerful because they come from hara, from the red field, golden stove, or just the core.
CrossFit strength and conditioning effects the hara area, the core. Many mixed martial artists love crossfit training for this reason.
I love crossfit. Love shotokan too. The two re-enforce each other multiplicatively. For a treat, watch this clip of Yahara's hara in action! Be sure to turn up the volume. If you aren't inspired to get right up and do kata or hit a heavy bag, check your pulse.
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