This basic pad drill includes tai-sabaki (body shifting), limb-clearance, a straight palm-heel, a dropping-slap and a rising face kick. Rather than drill such things individually, I believe it is better to drill them in innumerable combinations so they are always viewed in a combative context (it’s more fun too). We begin by practicing the combination on a partner, with control, so we get to practise the placement of the techniques on a human body. We then take the same combination onto the pads so we can practise the methods with impact.

This video looks at some neck cranks found in Naihanchi Shodan and Nidan (Tekki Shodan and Nidan).

There is a widespread myth that the three Naihanchi / Tekki kata were originally one kata that has been split into three. There is no evidence to support this idea. It should therefore be discounted as baseless speculation that is contrary to the historical information that we do have.

In this video, I discuss “the common origin myth”. It’s widespread throughout the martial arts and the myth is essentially the false assumption that common methods must have a common origin. In truth, common methods most often evolve independently due to common combative problems and common physiology.

This video looks at a leg scooping throw we can see in Jion kata; specifically the version of Chomo Hanashiro. Where this version differs from most is the “manji-uke, morote-uke” sequence where the feet come together is instead performed as “gedan-barai (back arm across the chest), morote-uke” and the feet remain stationary. This variation looks very much like the leg-scoping throw discussed in the video.