Thursday, April 29, 2010

So we started practicing Heian-Nidan tonight. I kind of like this Kata, even compared to the next 3 Heian's. It's simple enough, yet has some cool moves. I'm sure you'll all enjoy it! The white/yellow belts have 4 more months to work on it, so take your time...

Tonight's subjects:

Kihon (in place):

• Kizami-zuki, Gyaku-zukiMae-geri
• Yoko-geri kekomi
• "Wall push" isometric training with all the above techniques

Kihon (stepping):

• Kokutsu-dachi, Shuto-uke

Kata:

• Heian-Nidan (First 12 moves out of 27 total)
• Heian-Shodan

Free-style:

• Move around, back foot ready
• Move around, react with a punch

The moves we have to pick up from Heian-Nidan are, Uchi-uke (inside block), Uraken-uchi (back-fist strike), and Nuki-te (spear hand thrust).

Just a quick point: difference between Tsuki (punch) and Uchi (strike). I think PJ asked me once. A punch is a thrusting motion that your fist travels to the direction of the forearm (both shoulder and elbow joints are involved). In a strike, your hand together with forearm pivots around the elbow joint, making force perpendicular to the forearm at the end (shoulder joint may or may not involve). A strike is more of a snappy, quick action and may not be strong enough to "kill" someone, so to speak, and usually aimed at face only. A punch is better supported with the whole body right behind it, so it's easier to make it heavier/stronger and can be aimed at stomach or face level.

See you Sunday! We'll continue working on Heian-Nidan, including those techniques mentioned above. But I want to spend more time on timing drills, too. I'll try to develop your Kumite skills quickly, so that I can spar with you guys soon!