After stretching we did hold and release of kime. I think Sensei did a bit of this for my benefit as I find it difficult to relax between techniques, but maybe I’m not the only one. We did it in different sequences, keeping strong for the whole technique, and ‘turning it on and off’ as required.

We did a bit of practice working in pairs on kumite. It was basic moves but with strength. We had to do punching attacks with kime and release but the person doing blocks had to hold kime for longer. The blocks were also attacks, although we didn’t attack with them if you know what I mean, just that we had to apply them with full strength as if they were attacks.

I enjoy the basic sessions because I think until I can master these techniques then there’s no point me trying to do anything more difficult. I think the higher grades appreciate them as well because it reminds them of keeping their techniques correct.