Sandan Gi Drills

Sandan Gi – literally “technique in three steps or levels” - is a basic drill usually performed in pairs, where one partner moves forward executing punches, while the other moves backwards blocking those punches.  The three steps both forward and backward are sanchin dachi, sanchin dachi and shiko dachi, and the strikes and blocks are jo, chu, ge (upper, middle and lower) respectively.  The shiko dachi stance is angled.

Sandan Gi is a distillation of many bunkai or applications in the kata, most clearly the opening steps to Gekisai Daiichi and Gekisai Daini.  Many variations can be made, for example, retreating after the third strike to a mirrored shikodachi, as in Seiunchin.  Additionally, neko-ashi dachi stances, kouke and other blocks, and front and side kicks can be used.  More information on variations can be found here.

Key Points:

• Feet should be firmly planted on the ground before striking – in other words, if the feet are slow, everything will be slow.
• The strike should be directed accurately. Do not aim to the side or above the head, etc., as this is a form of yakusoku kumite.
• The attacking side initiates – when blocking, respond to the attacker’s motion and do not move first.
• A kiai shout should be made at the third strike/block in shiko dachi.
• Contact (by the blocker especially) should be maintained at all times - this is muchimi. 

The following comment is from here: "Moving and stationary drills develop a keen sense of timing and distancing, as well as the ability to blend and redirect, using softness to overcome strength."