Class was led by Zack, worked through each of the Fukyugata and Pinan katas before practicing Ananku. Some of his comments:

• The intermediate/advanced class should have good basics – pay attention to stances and blocks
• Worked on the first kick in Fukyugata Ⅱ several times. The right arm stays out as a block while the hiji-ate is delivered.
• When executing the turns in Pinan Nidan, you need to step across or behind your plant foot to achieve the correct width of stance to execute the next technique. Otherwise the stance will be too narrow leaving you out of balance.
• In Pinan Sandan, the over-the-shoulder punches should be delivered at the same time as the hiji-ate. They should have good extension but there should not be too much hip rotation in the delivery.
• The kaku-zuki in Pinan Godan are the same attack but delivered in a different direction and at a different angle. The principle is the same though.

Some notes regarding Ananku:

• There are several times where more than one technique is performed on just one count. There should be good power and follow-though throughout.
• In the first nekoashi-dachi, the front foot is raised the entire time, and only on the floor when the kick is delivered.
• The second kiai is delivered at different times depending on who is teaching. Can be on either double punch or even before them both.

Practiced Sai dai Ichi, Sai dai Ni and Hanagushiku no Sai.

Notes on Hanagushiku no Sai:

• In the first two moves, the pommel of the rear sai should just touch top of the forearm.
• Soke performed the two right-hand strikes in nekoashi-dachi sliding forward instead of zenkutsu-dachi as shown in the NZ dojo videos.