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 enemy’s center line, and then strike the head. We also practice a basic takedown application for the “low block” motion that follows this hammer fist technique.
