Shorin Ryu Karate Academy
Solo training is an important part of our martial arts training. In this video, I explain one way to work the classic low block, reverse punch kihon (basic technique) combination in the traditional way and then on the heavy bag. I’m applying the low block to clear limbs away from my target, setting up the
The lapel grab is a common attack in which the enemy tries to control your body and position so as to strike you more easily and accurately. Ideally, you want to keep the enemy from grabbing your lapel and striking your head/face; however, sometimes you will be grabbed. This bunkai drill from Pinan Nidan/Heian Shodan
High blocks in kata are often interpreted as blocking a technique aimed at the head; however, such an application is unlikely, given that the high block is just too slow (two movements) to block a punch to the head (one movement). In this video, we explore a possible application of the high block as a
The opening sequence of Pinan Nidan/Heian Shodan can also be applied as a response to or defense against a sucker punch or a wild, haymaker punch. The kata makes use of the natural flinch response and teaches the combative principle of getting off to the side, away from the enemy’s other striking hand. This drill
In this video, we explore a way to deal with a high wrist grab by straightening the enemy’s arm and thrusting the forearm into the elbow joint, thus significantly damaging the arm. We also look at a few takedown techniques implicit in the big pivot from high block into low block position.
After the opening sequence of Pinan Nidan/Heian Shodan, there are three high blocks in a linear progression. This video explores a possible application for that sequence: a high wrist release in a clinch scenario. This part of the kata does not use angles to teach us that sometimes, like in a clinch scenario, we cannot
We explored in a different video how the first part of the opening moves of Pinan Nidan/Heian Shodan can be applied as a pre-emptive strike. In this video, we look at how the second part of the opening sequence–the fade back into cat stance and hammer fist–can be applied as a wrist release in a
Striking pre-emptively is an important feature of effective self-defense, and many kata present us with different examples of how to strike pre-emptively in order to incapacitate our enemy and to facilitate a safe escape. In this drill, we use the opening sequence of Pinan Nidan/Heian Shodan to get past the enemy’s limbs, move off the
The final sequence in Pinan Shodan/Heian Nidan is the high block, low block, high block set of techniques. In this video, we explore two different ways of dealing with a lapel grab attack. The lapel grab is a common street attack or habitual act of violence (as per Patrick McCarthy’s terminology). As much as possible,
