Focus today was on application of techniques in the kata – especially twisting the hips. Used to generate power in attacks and also hip motion to create blocks when distance is not possible (when cornered or pushed against a wall).

Techniques

Practiced several methods of trapping incoming punches.

chudan soto-uke kosa-dachi (from Pinan Shodan)
morote soe-uke in zekutsu-dachi (from Pinan Shodan, Godan)
wari-uke, trapping the punch between both wrists (transition from first-second move in Pinan Shodan)

Worked on morote-barai-uke in various ways. The block can be either up or down, but Sensai emphasized cutting with the attacking hand, either upwards or downwards. Can either push the opponent away or pull him in depending on whether the block is up or down.