Three specific technique options

There are three instances in Kata where we have a choice as to how to execute
the individual techniques.

In Fukyugata Ni:
The downward block in zenkutsudachi (there are two instances), after the
elbow strike, may be done one-armed or two-armed. (Photo #14 on page 111 in
Master
Nagamine's book.)

It may be done one-armed, as in the triple move of Fukyugata San by dropping
the body, or it may be done two-armed by covering the ribs with both arms, as
in regular zenkutsudachi gedanuke.

When executing this block, it is imperative that you bring the fist across
your body perpendicular to the direction you're facing, to block the attack
coming in; rather than dropping the fist straight in front of you, which would
allow the attack to make contact against your body.

In Fukyugata San:
The chest block that is the second part of the downblock/chestblock multiple
technique (there are two instances) may be done either one-armed or two-armed.
(Photo 7A on page 32 of the Red Book.)

Either perform the chest block with just the one arm or cover with both arms
and block as in regular chudanuke.

In both Rohai and Passai:
The double simultaneous punches (there are two instances in Rohai, three in
Passai) may be thrown from the same pocket (both hands launching from either
the left or right pocket), or they may be thrown from their respective pockets
(the left punch from the left pocket, the right punch from the right pocket).
(Photo #26 on page 184 for Rohai, photo #42 on page 202 in Passai.)

The fists chamber together on one side, but they may then launch from that
same pocket or they may separate and launch as punches from their respective
pockets.

These are options given to us by Master Ueshiro. Feel free to experiment with
the choices.

There are pluses and minuses to both options. There are trade offs. The
one-armed version will take less time to execute, while the two-armed technique
may
be stronger or may cover better. See which one works best for you.

Domo arigato gozaimasu,
Kyoshi David Baker, Shihan
Midtown Karate Dojo, Hombu
Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate USA
founded by Grand Master Ansei Ueshiro
under the direction of Hanshi Robert Scaglione