武神館忍術

Doug started class talking about the seminar he attended last weekend, some recent Google Group postings, a student’s intention when training at a どうじょう (dojo), and a scroll that Soke Hatsumi wrote menkyo kaiden on and gave to Chris who in turn gave it to Doug. It was a nice addition to his どうじょう (dojo).

The じゅなんたいそ (junantaiso) consisted of leg squats, leg stretches, back stretches, sit-ups and reverse sit-ups. We also did another punching/squatting exercise only this time instead of punching your partner’s hands you punched the chest and inside of the thighs.

After that Doug asked that I demonstrate a basic おもてぎゃく (omote gyaku) and we all practiced that for a bit. Since classes lately have focused on more close in movement the version I did had little footwork. We did several variations afterwards.

1. Step back with the same leg and apply.
2. Step back with the opposite leg and apply.
3. Step forward on the same side and apply.
4. Step forward on the opposite side and apply.

Next we worked on a several variations on a two punch attack. First we practiced just moving along with the punches while covering. Move back with the first punch and move just to the inside on the second. Then we practiced responding after the second punch by shifting to the outside while striking with a はっぱけん (happaken) to the jaw with the lead hand then shifting back and striking again with the opposite hand. It may be necessary to adjust the うけの (uke’s) shoulder after the first strike by pushing against it. A few variations followed.

1. Strike with a fist.
2. Strike with a fist and after the second strike follow up with a strike to the torso (e.g. solar plexus) and perform がんせきなげ (ganseki nage). When performing the throw either punch to the sky or to the ground with the arm applying the throw.
3. Strike with the back of the fist. The follow up strike can be to the inside of the hip instead of the torso.
4. Strike with the back of the fist for the first strike. As you strike begin to roll the うけの (uke’s) wrist/forearm outward. With the right foot そくやくけん　げり (sokuyakuken geri) to the inside of the hip.

To finish class everyone demonstrated one of those exercises we practiced.

Class was pretty small but I believe everyone had a good time. Calvin showed up so it was good training with him. After class Mike and Mark were messing with おもてぎゃく (omote gyaku) a bit more. I haven’t seen people to that in a long time. Good for them.

がんばって！