Also known as the “Standard”, the Punching Standard is an integral part of Isshinryu practice in the Pacific Northwest.  Notably, it is absent from schools in other parts of the country.  Master Steve Armstrong, the American Karate pioneer, had incorporated the punching and kicking standards into virtually every workout.  The Kicking Standard is pretty straightforward, consisting of six kicks, using alternating legs, in different directions.  The punching standard is somewhat more complex and represents a sequence of 10 moves, consisting of hand strikes, kicks, and blocks.  Sometimes it’s referred to as the never ending kata, because you can start the sequence with any of the 10 moves, then keep going, without stopping.  You can even switch sides on any of the 10 beats, again reinforcing the inherent versatility of the sequence.  Over the years, Isshinryu tournament fighters incorporated the sequence into their tournament strategies, and wouldn’t you know...began racking up the points.  Now...in the Iron Crane School, there is a maxim...“When in doubt, execute the Standard.”

Standard One begins with the Punching Standard, continues with the Kicking Standard, then concludes with the opposite side Punching Standard.  You should be able to execute  both sides equally.

Standard Two begins with the Kicking Standard, continues with the Punching Standard, then concludes with the opposite side Kicking Standard.  As with Standard One, you should be able to execute both sides equally.

The lesson here is being able to execute your basics with confidence and flow, equally, from both sides. 

Standards One and Two are generally taught to beginners.