It is spring break for the colleges, so we had Hiroko Sensei to lead the class tonight. It was a major workout as she drilled us for the upcoming test. Key items that she pointed out I still need to work on are stronger, tighter pull back hand, keeping my forward knee pointed straight ahead while in kokutsu dachi (back stance), and relaxing my shoulders more. I am also aware a few more items; my back heel rising at the end of advancing techniques, keeping my elbows even tighter in on punches, more power and a quicker tabling of mawashi geri (round kick).
Additionally, There are a few kihon items from my PCKD training that she still doesn’t like, including the extent to which I tuck my arm before uchi uke (inside block) and the opening of my cover hand prior to performed age uke (rising block). I’m also quite certain there are some kata differences that will still stand out, too. (Edit: Sensei wrote me to clarify regarding the age uke; the open-handed cover is not considered “bad”, but specifically for SKA kihon, the simplicity of not opening the hand is desirable)
Karate is a life-long journey. Your technique is never perfect, and there is always more to learn. I am looking forward to this test with confidence that I will do my best.