More often than not, when an instructor teaches the application for the opening sequence of Heian Nidan/Pinan Shodan, you can be sure it will involve grabbing or trapping the opponent’s arm at some point.
Now don’t get me wrong, I suppose these kind of applications MIGHT work in certain, very restricted situations. I believe these kinds of techniques are best left for public demonstrations and shouldn’t be used in the dojo. Frankly, you’re better off catching flies with chopsticks.
I much prefer to use applications that stand up to more rough and ready conditions. Grabbing an opponent’s arm mid punch just doesn’t work for me.
Below is a more functional variation of the application. It is pretty straight forward- lower grades can learn this very quickly, plus it requires no punch catching and follows the kata very closely.
Please note I used the Wado Ryu version which replaces the kokutsu dachi with neko ashi dachi.
Thank you to Dan for the stunt work!
1. Your opponent grabs you by the collar.
2. Use the left hand to block his incoming punch, drive your right forearm into his face.
3. Grab his head (not his arm!!) and pull him into a punch. From here a wide variety of takedowns or locks are available to you.
Project Mawashi 
November 15, 2014 at 9:38 am
I have watched almost all Hotton Sensei’s Video’s, this is also a very good one called finding the center. This man is an inspiration, and to me brings a whole new meaning to Karate. For me anyway. You have to listen to him carefully, NOT just watch his videos. That’s the key. 😉
November 16, 2014 at 6:39 pm
Agreed – a lot to take in though!
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