Kamae Again

As previously, it seems that the opening, "kamae" positions of the classical bo kata were not meant to be static, "ready" postures. It seems that they were intended to be active dynamic parts of the actual opening sequences. This is very clear in kata like Choun and Sui Shi and less so in others like Sakugawa. In particular though, the opening of Tsuken no Kon was frustratingly obscure. Here's a reasonably viable option for that application.

Suna Uke 砂 受 Again

The names applied to martial arts techniques are sometimes curious in their lack of actual description of movement and application. This might be an intentional attempt to conceal information from outsiders or poetic license or just the human propensity for naming things. I am often aghast at how humanity tends to develop names for things that could be easily conveyed in a few words. Names though, instead of more lengthy descriptions, may not impart the specificity required for those not familiar with the intended concept. My students sometimes ask, "What would you call that?" and I try to dodge because names can carry or convey unwanted or erroneous connotations. It's better to demonstrate the motion and the intended application than put a name on it.

As an example, the motions in the kwah kata that were, at least to me, designated as "throwing sand" will not work as such. Try it, you have to modify the motion to get an acceptable throw that doesn't, at least partially, come back at you due to the angle of the blade. And the distance to the opponent for a sand throw is much greater than that for the accompanying techniques. So, again, what might it actually be? In the first and second instances within the kata, I think that it's an attack aimed at the head or neck. In the third instance I would consider it a block. Please consider the slowly-done and slightly modified, for safety's sake, video.

Thanks to Luc and Narda for assistance.