KEEP TRAINING #312 - Pinan Yondan sequence

Fellow deshi,

"Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire." —Painted on the wall at the Viera Rec Center

Last Week

Last week I focused my training on a Pinan Yondan sequence, specifically from kosa-dachi,  jodan uchi-shuto-uke, hidari ashi mae, migi te  - to  - mae geri, migi ashi mae  -  to -- kosa dachi, uraken uke, migi ashi mae, migi te.  On pages 137 and 138 of the hardcover edition of Master Nagamine's book, "The Essence of Okinawan Karate-Do" are excellent photos (Figs.16, 17, 18 and 19) of Master Nagamine demonstrating this sequence. 

Key takeaways from the photos of the Pinan Yondan sequence: 

(a)  Master Ueshiro starts from a proper kosa-dachi with his front/left foot at a pivot of 45 degrees to the left;

the front/left leg is slightly bent at the knee;

the rear/right leg is crossed behind the left/balancing leg with the toes placed on the deck in direct line with the heel of the front/left leg; the legs are pressed together with the middle of the shin of the rear/right leg pressing firmly into the middle of the calf of the front left leg,

this positioning provides a firmly rooted stance - while his right hand is in position after having executed an upper inner knife hand block with his left hand palm out in front of his forehead (Fig. 16); 

(b) next, leaving his hands in place, Master Nagamine executes a chest kick with his right foot (Fig. 17); (c) after executing the kyobu-geri Master Nagamine steps forward  with his right foot into kosa-dachi with his right foot forward (Fig. 18); (d) once rooted, Master Nagamine executes a uraken-uchi or backfist strike with his right hand;

note that to do so, Master Nagamine forms a fist with his right hand; moves  his right hand such that it is palm down in front of his solar plexus - this allows the kuckles to drop down directly on top of the target when striking - while his left hand remains open palm down and moves in front of hhis chest - the striking arm is between Master Nagamine's torso and his left forearm (Fig. 18); 

(e) Master Nagamine's  right or striking fist moves from infront of his chest  to the target while his non-striking hand forms a fist and moves to a position high and tight in the pocket (Fig 19); and

(f) Master Nagamine's eyes/gan remain focused directly ahead throughout..

The KataGuide Video gives us a great opportunity to observe Hanshi demonstrating this Pinan Yondan sequence in his performance of Pinan Yondan at half speed at 1:58 to 2:13 and full speed at 3:23 to 3:26. 

Important points to study from the video include: 

(a) Hanshi's  kick is at solar plexus height, his leg is fully extended, his non-kicking leg is rooted with a slight bend at the knee and his hands remain in their starting position (freeze frame at the end of 2:04);

(b) After kicking Hanshi fully chambers his heel - in other words he chambers his leg fully before stepping forward - and demonstrates balance (study 2:04 to 2: 07 and freeze frame at 2:07); 

(c) As Hanshi steps forward both his arms start to move (study 2:07 to 2:08); 

(d) His left arm never drops below solar plexus height as it moves to the pocket (review 2:07 to 2:12 and focus on Hanshi's left hand/arm);

(e) Hanshi's backfist strike arrives on target at the instant he reaches the lowest point in his kosa-dachi stance - in other words he drops/uses his whole budy when executing the strike not just his hand (study 2:09 to 2;14);

(f) When executing the block, both of Hanshi's  arms move in sync (review 3:23 to 3:26 and focus just on Hanshi's arm movements);

(g) Review the same section and focus on Hanshi's striking arm - look closing and you will note that Hanshi's arm accelerates from start to finish and that he throws his fist at the target - he does not place it - this arm movement generates considerable power and speed to the technique;

(h) From begining to end, Hanshi 's arms, hands and legs move fluidly and synchroneously; and

(i) Hanshi's eyes/gan remain fixed on his opponent throughout.

My Focus This Week

This week I plan to focus my training on kata Naihanchi Nidan, specifically the sequence from the middle sideward round block to the supported forearm block. I will begin my week by first reviewing the applicable sections of Master Nagamine's book followed by studying how Hanshi executes the sequence in his demonstration of Naihanchi Nidan in the KataGuide Video.

Thoughts on Training

Kyoshi  Mackay has issued the Zoom class schedule for the week.  Be fearless by adding one or more of these classes to your training regimen this week.

Reading  from the interview with Hanshi in the "50th Anniversary Journal"

"So what was it like to meet him [Master Ueshiro] in person?"

HANSHI: "It was a fascinating experience because he was a fascinating individual.  Master Ueshiro was almost magical or mystical.  I say that very affectionately.  Almost like a Houdini-type character.  A lot of cops would talk about this 'Okinawan man" who had super-human powers. Even in the early 1960's he was widely known for his displays of power, whether by his countenance or physical feats."

Stay safe. Stay healthy. Until next week.

Kyoshi