The Sun Dog exercise is an exercise for the mind and the body. It is a rue accretion in the sense that each level adds complexity and speed to progress the student to mastery. 

The student will explore the different uses for the moon guards, the steps and footwork, as well blade work and strategy. By using the guards together with steps one can begin to improvise sessions based on these patterns. 

Level 1: 3 moons, 4 directions. This is the simplest practice and application of the makashi formula. The student uses only the 3 principle moon guards: full moon, half moon, and new moon and moves in a series of straight lines turning only at right angles. This is a very linear expression of the formula and is characteristic of the Form.