Heian Sandan

[GaryMo]

Hi, first post here

I graded for the first time on Saturday to 7th Kyu (yellow) and am now starting to learn Heian Sandan.

Just a quick question regarding the crossing of the arms at the beginning of the kata. I'm assuming that it's effectively an Uchi-Uke and a Gedan-Barai? Which move (arm) should be on the outside? The Gedan-Barai?

Thanks all.

[sensei8]

First let me welcome you to KF!

You're half correct. They're BOTH TO the outside! They both start from the inside, and then they both end on the outside, Chudan-Uchi travels upward to it's final completion, and Gedan Barai travels downward to it's final completion, therefore, Chudan-Uchi-Uke Gedan Barai utilizes simultaneously outside blocks.

[Spodo Komodo]

Sensei8, I have a feeling that this is not quite the problem you are thinking of.

If I am right GaryMo is asking which block travels closest to the body (inside) and which one is in front (outside). If this is the case Gary, then the downward moving arm (gedan uke) moves closest to the body, between the body and the uchi uke. It's a thing that everybody gets wrong at some stage but it does end up being the most natural way to perform the move.

Hope that helps.

[sensei8]

Yeah, It's right there...

Which move (arm) should be on the outside?

Well, I stand corrected. I sure did MISREAD that whole thing. That's what I get for staying up all night. Thanks for correcting my error and steering GaryMo on the correct path. I owe you one!

GaryMo, I'm sorry for that error; it won't happen again. Also, forget what I said in my first post, follow Derwentbob's post! I'm going to go find me a bag big enough to put over my head!

[GaryMo]

Many thanks to both of you for taking time to reply. It's much appreciated.

Bob is correct in that I was meaning the arm in relation to the other arm and body. Looking back, I could probably have worded it better.

It's certainly quite puzzling at first though I know it'll get easier with time in the same way that Heian Nidan did. I'm just trying to concentrate slowly on form as when I attempt to do the alternate blocking with any kind of speed I end up in a tangle!

I guess it's now a case of practice, practice, practice!

[StrangeBacon]

Congratulations on the grading Gary and welcome to KF

[GaryMo]

Thanks!

I'm not sure I've ever been as nervous though I did hide it well, or at least I think I did!