We just got back from a great Sunday practice with Stanford Shotokan Karate. The class was led by Godan Manfred Chiu, and attended by two women karateka from Portland OR, three of us from Redding, and a few Stanford members. The Portland attendees had attended Hiroko's Women's Practice the previous day at the Saratoga Dojo, and stayed overnight to attend this practice.

Even though to the locals it was "just another Sunday practice", for us it was a very special occasion. From the moment he asked the class if we were familiar with the kata Jutte I knew it was going to be fantastic. The ... jewels of knowledge that Dr. Chiu shared will very likely save years of practice on my own. EVERY movement of Jutte was reviewed and demonstrated. Any question of technique quickly evolved into "philosophy" - i.e., the why was examined as well as the how.

Manfred also viewed Spencer's Heian Nidan and Bassai, and offered comments and suggestions. Although Spencer was the intended recipient, everybody else stood as close as possible to hear the words and see the techniques. I especially enjoyed the demonstration of how to determine the standing leg for Heian Nidan gyaku blocks. This particular exercise will be repeated in our dojo many times as we study our kata.

Thank you, Manfred!