In this karate class, we worked on using the hips to deliver a straight punch, then used the hip to snap the punch back, then again used the hip, to step and punch. Once everybody got the feel of the hip snapping, we then added another stepping punch at the end. As we were working on the hip snapping, we used a short high front stance for this exercise.

1. Choku zuki snap back
2. Step forward oi zuki
3. Snap the punch and leg back by snapping the hip back
4. Then step forward with the other leg oi zuki, driving the hip forward
5. Then finally adding a fourth punch stepping with the other leg oi zuki

Sensei Amos then put together a four kick basic combination, working on alignment of the kick, a strong supporting leg, keeping the knee high and non telegraph movement. All four kicks were completed on one leg, without putting the foot down in between the kicks.

1. Mae geri
2. Yoko geri kekomi
3. Mae Geri
4. Ushiro Geri

We then split into two rooms with Sensei Amos taking the senior grades through Gankaku and myself taking everybody else through Heian Nidan. Emphasising the use of the hips on the first six moves of Heian Nidan.