Performed Pinan shodan and Naihanchi shodan katas, and also worked on some interpretations.

Pinan shodan

Two variations on the opening sequence, one based on the bunkai where the initial attack is chudan-zuki with the right hand and the other where the attacker uses the left.

Another interpretation of the opening block where the attacker uses jodan-zuki and the double block traps the punch.

Naihanchi Shodan

There is a lot in this kata, but we only worked on a couple of parts tonight.

A basic application of the opening sequence – shuto, hiji-ate and grabbing and pulling the opponents arm in.

Also worked on the later sequence starting with the double block. In this application we changed direction, stepping forward rather than to the side and applied the downblock as a strike to the opponent’s side. Sensai stressed thinking of this move in terms of cutting. Reminded me of another class earlier this year where we were applying techniques from the katas.

Kobudo

Performed Fukyugata Ichi and Kihon kama katas in class for one of the first times this year.  I recall missing most previous kama weeks, due either to other commitments or weather-related cancellations.

Worked on Sai dai-ni and Hanagushiku-no-sai. Sensai wants to teach the latter kata the way Soke used to teach it, which includes nekoashi-dachi rather than zenkutsu-dachi. He also said the version performed in the videos on the the NZ site is alright. I’ll use it for reference for practice outside class.