After a vigorous warm-up, Sensei started with the Sandan Kata, Nijushiho.
He demonstrated each move and both correctly an incorrectly and spent time explaining some very subtle points from this intriguing Kata.

He was asked how the hips moved prior to the two Kekomi's and not only explained and demonstrated this but he also showed those present a number of exercises to help specifically with these techniques.

His Kekomi's were quite simply awe inspiring and I'm sure everyone was extremely envious of his outstanding abilities.
 
 

He made particular emphasis to the rhythm of the Kata and explained that to perform all Kata correctly, there should be no stops from the beginning to the end.

Once again he demonstrated the correct and incorrect way to perform the Kata (with resepct to the previous point) and the difference between the two was quite astounding.

Once again he demonstrated each move with precision and incredible power and emphasized the correct rhythm and hip movement.

The slow hip twist on the two Tate Shuto's near the start of the Kata were particualry difficult.

After practicing Gojushiho Dai for another half hour or so, Sensei again demonstrated the bunkai and showed multiple applications for most of the techniques. He also explained that many applications were no obviuos and that each student to practice and find these applications for themselves.

There are not many sports that give ordinary part-time practitioners the chance to train with the best in the world and we all appreciate how lucky we are to be able to have such Karate-ka as Sensei Murakami at Matsuba Kai.