The first Saturday class of 2015 was small. Sensai even commented at one point that he wondered if anyone was coming.  At ni-kyu, I was the lowest belt, which is a good thing since it means that as a group we can work on most anything.

For most of the class we worked on basics.  Stretching, warming up like the Okinawans recommend, from the extremities in to the core. Kihon Undo, including forearm extension drills.

The 11 Ido Kihon foundation drills. Sensai reminded us to move first and set our feet before executing the hand technique. I’m sure that still applies to me. Thinking about it afterward reminded me of something Senasi Baehr said to me last July when we were practicing Pinan Shodan. I was rushing and he said that I needed to complete each movement.

We also worked through each kata from Fukyugata Ⅰ to Ananku.

The yoi position for all Pinan kata, Sensai reminded me to keep my arms at shoulder width. I am holding them out to the side. Relaxing will probably take care of it.

The chudan hasami-uke (middle scissors block) in Pinan Ⅴ should be close to the body so that you can drive the punch in the following move.

Work on developing koshi in the kata. Any time you double block or cross your hands to execute a technique (jodan uke, gedan uke), you can accelerate it with koshi.  Look for opportunities especially in kata from Pinan Ⅲ through Ananku.

Remember that when receiving a punch by covering with the opposite hand, you can quickly turn the opponents arm and get on the outside by grabbing the wrist and doing an outside chest block.