Redding Shotokan Karate

Last night's practice.....Awesome!

 Last night we did lots of kata.  Possibly the most I have done in one class.  We all did Taikyoku and Heians 1-4, then split off into groups.  One group focused on Heian katas 3 & 4, the other Bassai and Kanku.  

 Both Brad and Hiroko performed katas for us.  That is always a gift.  Their years spent studying,  understanding and practicing always shows. For me personally, it is an encouragement that continued practice and sweat will always pay off.  It also helps me to remember that they were once at the same level as all of us who are just beginning and that makes their level seem more "attainable". 

 We finished off with some jiyu-kumite and well, I have a great image of Ross's elbow on my foot!  (Note to self:  focus on performing round house using the ball of my foot vs. top of the foot and increase accuracy...OUCH!).  I may be crazy but I get a certain satisfaction out of having to break out the ice pack after practice.  I am not sure if it's just that I know I didn't hold back or the gratification that I was taught a good lesson.  Either way, I had fun...and I'd happily do it again!