February 7th , 2016

This week's TFTW is from Sensei Neff, Yon-Dan

Ueshiro Midtown Karate Dojo

Watch Your White Belts Ask Your Sensei Questions

Onegai shimasu Hanshi, Kyoshi, Sensei, Sempai, and fellow Deshi,

Recently while doing Kata Fukyugata Nidan prior to class I noticed one of our Go-Kyu doing the Kyubu-soete shuto-uchi (chest knife hand strike) aiming straight for his imaginary opponent's neck. ?This has always been my understanding of the target. However, I realized I've been striking lower based on the reflex of our chest punch and the slow bead of oil rolling off my knuckles / hand.

The class was lucky to have Kyoshi Mackay teaching that day and I asked him about this technique. ?He explained that the Go-Kyu was doing the technique correctly. ?He elaborated on the reasons why I was questioning my own and emphasized how we should embrace this unique technique/opportunity in our Kata.

After class I checked the Kata Guide 2000 of Hanshi performing Fukyugata Nidan and his target does indeed appear to be to the neck. ?While learning more about Kyubu-soete shuto-uchi, the bigger lesson is: ?watch your white belts, ask you Sensei questions, and use the many resources available to you.

As always, still learning!!!

Domo arigato gozaimasu,

Sensei Neff, Yon-Dan

Ueshiro Midtown Karate Dojo