"Oyo-Tan-Ren"

Reminder of the importance of the practice of the Special Exercise Oyo-Tan-Ren.

The sequential moves of the basic techniques introduces the student to the cat stance, open hand blocks and strike, elbow strike technique and oi-tsuki stance/punch. It is described in diagram of page 31, Shorin-Ryu Q & A Book.

A common error in the practices occurs while "drifting" to the left of ones starting point / line. This is corrected by beginning and continued straddling a described line. The line may be real or imagined. The turns at each end of the line require that the steps be adjusted, forward then rear foot, to allow the continuance of the straddling.

Stepping first and height differences of the postures are important principals to monitor, as are all the principals of each technique.

Oyo-tan-Ren is a simplified method of practice, uncomplicated and void of the nuances and angle turns found in the Kata. As in Kata, it may be applied to the makiwara or heavy bag as bunkai and also to a partner bunkai.

Arigato, Kyoshi Robert Scaglione.