Class led by Taira sensai. Akamine sensai and Behr sensai helped and watched.

Started with stretching and kiso tanren – 25+ over and back (50 or so total). Was tiring but gave the opportunity to focus on the execution of the technique and pay attention to breathing. Taira sensai reminded the class to do the technique and then relax.

Fukyugata Ⅰ – practiced the turns and gedan uke. Keep blocking elbow in tight to chest durning turn, plant foot and deliver block with twist at hip to provide power.

Fukyugata Ⅱ – practiced the the kick/elbow attack by stopping during the kick and balancing with the knee up, than planting and delivering hiji-ate. Akamine sensai corrected my technique during the warmup hazushi-uke drill and again here. Also worked repeatedly on the final two attacks. Taira sensai talked about the block before the double punch as an inside chest block. One application is to do it softly to block an attack, then come over with a poke to the eyes, or palm-heel attack to the chest or head.

Pinan Shodan – In the opening part, the second upper block should come from where the previous technique ended. Don’t drop arm only to raise it again. The first kosa-dachi should begin with only a small step to the left. Too much will affect your balance and delivery of the ensuing kick.
Behr sensai said to slow down my Pinan Shodan and execute every technique distinctly. He said that O Sensai said each technique should bring something back with it. That provides an avenue for seeing different possibilities in the technique.

Pinan Nidan – The first move is a grab to draw in the attacker’s arm. The following hammer-fist should be delivered with snap.

Pinan Sandan – The second move should have a cross first and twist to power the double block. Also, the elbow blocks should be followed by uraken over top of the attacker’s punch. But when Taira sensai demonstrated, the uraken appeared similar to a chest block. The final strikes over the shoulder should be close into the body. Look first and deliver the punch. Work on extension.

Ended with one Pinan Godan. It was halfway over before I figured out which kata and caught up with where we were. Also another Fukyugata Ⅰ and some more stretching.

Taira sensai said he was happy with the effort made by all.