"Pinan 2"

Kata P2 The opening move is executed by leaving the right hand in it's geographical position and moving the body. The left hand creates the hammer fist strike. A common error is to "wind-up" the right hand. The left hand moves between the right arm and the body in a full circular type movement. It is one the few techniques which "bounce" to it's final position, after the full extension strike of the left hand hammer fist. The same is repeated on the opposite side whereas the left hand chambered fist remains in it's geographical position while the body moves back and the right hand does the action/movement to create the snapping motion strike.

The turn to zenkutsu-dachi low block is enhanced by the pivoting action of the right foot while lowering the body height and chambering the arms in the11th move of the kata (as in all turns, shizentai-dachi to zenkutsu, all kata). The same pivoting action of the foot enhances the first and third nekoashi- gedan shuto-uke (blocks) at the end of the kata.

An instructor may explain the physical movements in person.

The life and death scenario is most simulated in the practice of all the kata, empty hand and without a partner/opponent. The imaginary opponent must be totally devastated by each technique of the kata. Second in this realistic concept is in the makiwara training. Practice of bunkai with a partner is somewhat less practical/real, because of the important injury awareness aspect and necessary control factor. We must continue to practice without serious or fatal injury to each other. The kata embodies all the concepts of a real battle when practiced properly.

Nonsensical unorthodox techniques applied in the kata and in the interpretation are a waste of the students time and often times result in serious injuries and broken bones. The ridiculous type training must not be practiced. It is especially detrimental to the practitioner when applied in life and death self-defense situations where ineffective techniques may be fatal.

More information about these principals are found in all three texts of our style. The Shorin-Ryu Q &A book, in the introduction pages 7 to 11, further explains the martial concepts of this post. The Shihan and instructors take responsibility for proper, realistic, effective and safe training of the students.

Arigato, Kyoshi Robert Scaglione.