Tag Archives: bunkai

Full House

If last Saturday was one of the smallest classes I could recall being part of, then today’s kata class was one of the biggest. Usually we can get by with one line, but today it took two or even three.

Worked on all kata as a group through Pinan Sandan. The double block in Pinan Sandan should be deep, yet contained so as not to go beyond shoulder width. After that we broke out into groups by highest Pinan kata. With Zack and Noah leading my group went through Pinan Godan maybe 10 times – to the point I was sweating and fatigued.

We then went through the Naihanchi kata. In Naihanchi Nidan, the sequence after the supported chudan-uke is two elbow attacks – one to the rear and one to the front. I need to continue working on relaxing while performing all the Naihanchi kata.

Today was tonfa day, so we practiced basics, as well as Fukyugata Ichi. I need to practice the figure eight motion especially with my left hand. After I repair the loose grip on one tonfa, that is.

Finally, I worked on Pinan Shodan bunkai with Jessan and Noah. I need a lot of practice here, but after going through it several times, I think I have the basic pattern down. Also based on the bunkai, I see some ways I can improve my kata here as well.

Another Tuesday class

Hoping to be able to get back on a Tuesday/Saturday schedule again.

Zack led the class today.  Stretched and worked on blocking/punching drills. Went through all kata up to Pinan Sandan before breaking into groups.

Starting with Fukugata Ni and in all Pinan kata, the first move is a short step forward with a turn to the first block.

In Pinan Yondan, after the first two kicks, there should be a slide forward into the hiji-ate attack. Following the second kick, the next move is a strike with the right hand and a head block with the left. That should have the proper angle and distance for jodan-uke even though the hand is open.

Worked on Naihanchi Sandan with Sensai Lara. The first and third front punches should be followed by a chest block. She said the tendency is to rush through the Naihanchi kata, but that it’s important to perform each move.  Performing these kata slowly to emphasize the individual moves is perfectly acceptable. Afterwards Sensai Alvin said that for the moves that have a supporting hand, it should just touch the punching/blocking arm.

Worked on Fukyugata Ichi/Ni bunkai with Sensais Zack and Alvin.
I remembered more of each than I thought, but don’t feel especially comfortable with them yet.  I think I need to practice both parts regularly like I do kata.

Lastly, we worked on nunchaku basics:

inside kasa-uchi

jodan-uke followed by an around-the-head strike

chudan-uke followed by a figure-eight

lower/uppper cross block in zenkutsu-dachi