Between commitments at home and snow again on Wednesday this is the first class I’ve made in a week and the first for the month of March.

Also marks my first class led by Sensai in five weeks.

Class is qualitatively different when he teaches.

Worked on moving

zenkutsu-dachi gedan-uke turning 180 right and left. First time just the turn, then turn plus gyaku-zuki and finally the turn with a covering block and gyaku-zuki. Adding the block really reduces the effort needed to make the turn and also accelerates it.

nekoashi-dachi gedan/chudan shuto-uke forward and backward. Sensai mentioned that the Okinawans have differing opinions on whether the ido kihon turns should be done with the front or back foot. It’s alright to use whichever feels more natural.

partner drills

attacker slides forward punching gyaku-zuki, defender slides backwards blocking/covering the punch with the front hand.

attacker steps forward shizentai-dachi punches chudan-zuki, then steps forward again punching jodan-zuki. Then steps forward zenkutsu-dachi punches chudan-zuki, finally steps forward punching oi-zuki. Defender counters all attacks with outside uchi-uke changing the level of the block and sliding as necessary to maintain distance.

Kata

Fukyugata Ⅰ

Pinan Shodan – In the final section, never lower the arm before blocking jodan-uke. Instead, raise the previous gedan-uke crossing and covering your center.

Pinan Sandan – make sure to incorporate a twist to the over the shoulder punches. Gives better extension and allows the punch to stay closer to the body.

Naihanchi Shodan – Watch foot placement. When crossing, don’t step too far or you’ll end up closer to jigotai-dachi and trying to correct by shuffling.

Ananku – The first move  should come down hard. The second move needs to include uchi-uke.  Can think of this in terms of trapping and pulling not simply as a chest block.

I was trying to work on keeping closer while free sparring with Nick. I tried to make a point to defocus on his center to see the attack and to move side-to-side. I was able to catch a couple of kicks (one which he landed nicely first anyway) and was often able to counter with multiple punches. I think Nick has better developed and more varied attack combinations. Something I need to work on. I definitely feel like I throw more or less the same technique.