For the Dan other possibilities for Chart I

 

The only Chart 1 and Chart 2 I have used are the ones I originally learned in the Salisbury Dojo of Tom Lewis. I never trained with anyone outside of  Lewis Sensei's organization in Isshinryu on the charts by what I was originally shown. Never attempted to learn any other versions from movies or YouTube,

 

‘But now thinking on the underlying principles that are shown on Chart 1, I can see some other  possibilities that would be useful for dan training. I see no value showing them to kyu students, they have enough to do with the original versions. But considering some flex about the underlying principles makes them quite credible dan training drills

 

Original Upper Body Combinations

Original Upper Body Combinations

 

1. RFF Right Punch
2. RFF Right Uppercut
3. LFF Right Punch
4. LFF Right Uppercut

 

 

5. RFB Left Low Block, Right Punch
6. RFB Left Side Block, Right Punch
7. RFB Left Arm Block, Right Spear
8. RFB Left High Block, Right Punch
9. RFB Left Open Hand Block, Right Uppercut
10. RFB Left Bridge Strike (Nose), Right Punch

 

11. LFF Left Low Block 5 Punches
12. LFF Left Side Block 5 Punches

 

13. LFF Right Roundhouse Punch, Left (Same)
14. LFF Left Open Low Block, Right Shuto

 

15. Break Bear Hug

Note that this does not attempt to address everything possible. For example many Isshinryu (and I am one) first parry the strike with my right palm setting up the following left side block, then the right hand chambers before the strike. This is just one example of things to consider

 

Now consider a basic analysis of the principles in use.

 

I.                   The first set of principles show Interior Basic Attack moving into the attacker.

II.                The second set of principles show Interior Counter attack moving away from the attacker

III.             The third set of principles show Interior Attack Overload moving into the attacker.

IV.             The fourth set of principles show more Complex Attack moving into the attacker.

V.                The fifth set of principles show Rearward defense from an attack from the rear.

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While these are extremely valid use of basic techniques, they are at the same time limiting other useful principles. For one thing the idea of counterattack does not mean they are done with two beats, instead they could be simultaneous block-strikes while moving away. Nor does the idea of a block limit the use of the block from being a strike and in effect a double striking combination. Those are also practices that should be considered in practice.

 

But the thing I notice is that they are done straight in or straight backward from the attack. Where a more advanced principle of defense is not being practiced.

 

Another set or drills seems called for. A set of the first 14 not changed just first a shift to the side when the attack is initiated and then performed on a 45 Degree Angle across the attack.

 

Another potential to explore is the Attack Overload, where so many strikes are thrown that sooner or later one scores to eliminate the threat. Consider again striking on the 45 Degree Angle. Tom Lewis demonstrated a different version, where the strikes work the centerline down the body. While theoretically possible to block them, in reality extremely difficult.

 

1.      RFF Moving forward on a 45 degree angle of attack Right Punch

2.      RFF Moving forward on a 45 degree angle of attack Right Uppercut

3.      LFF Moving forward on a 45 degree angle of attack Right Punch

4.      RFF Moving forward on a 45 degree angle of attack Right Uppercut

 

 

5.      RFB Shift to the side and then counter on a 45 degree angle with Left Low Block, Right Punch

6.      RFB Shift to the side and then counter on a 45 degree angle with Left Side Block, Right Punch

7.      RFB Shift to the side and then counter on a 45 degree angle with Left Arm Block, Right Spear

8.      RFB Shift to the side and then counter on a 45 degree angle with Left High Block, Right Punch

9.      RFB Shift to the side and then counter on a 45 degree angle with Left Open Hand Block, Right Uppercut

10.  RFB Shift to the side and then counter on a 45 degree angle with Left Bridge Strike (Nose), Right Punch

 

11.  LFF Shift to the side and then counter on a 45 degree angle with Left Low Block 5 Punches

12.  LFF Shift to the side and then counter on a 45 degree angle with Left Side Block 5 Punches

 

13.  LFF Shift to the side and then counter on a 45 degree angle with Right Roundhouse Punch, Left (Same) The strikes can be delivered at an angle.

13+ 45 Degree Angle. Tom Lewis demonstrated a different version, where the strikes work the  centerline down the body. While theoretically possible to block them, in reality extremely difficult.

 

14++ 45 Degree Angle. Tom Lewis demonstrated a different version, where the strikes work the center line down the body. Strike to the throat, the solar plexus and the groin of into the thigh While theoretically possible to block them, in reality extremely difficult.

 

14.  LFF Shift to the side and then counter on a 45 degree angle with Left Open Low Block, Right Shuto The strikes can be delivered at an angle

 

15.  Break Bear Hug

One option to consider is the way Sherman Harrill used the left arm/hand to first touch the attacker’s arm, leading their mind, distracting them to weaken their grip and then striking back with the other arm elbow.

 

There are of course many variable targets for thse ‘blocks; and  ‘strikes’. Do not limit yourself to just one option.

 

Other possibilities exist.

 

One should consider you might make a mistake, for that is the constant in life.

 

Consider when you step forward with No. 6 RFB Left Side Block, Right Punch . Upi step outside of the strike, placing yourself in the Exterior Line of Defense.

 

In such a case you just raise your left open hand, the one you cross before a block. That motion deflects the strike away from your centerline as the arm raises.

From there you deliver your left outside block to slide along the Exterior of their arm. As this occurs your right hand chambers.

Then if they are stepping forward with the right foot, you punch down into their upper thigh muscle into the bone to drop them

Or if they are stepping forward with their left foot they you can punch into their lower abdomen, Alternatively into their right of left hip at the joint formed where their leg joins the hip, on even into their groin.

 

This is but one set of possibilities. It is just the simplicity of Chart One does not stop you from developing other training possibilities.

 

I would suggest the dan consider addressing this.