So by now we've covered pretty much all the techniques that you need to perform in the exam. We'll continue working on them here and there, as well as Jon spending a lot of time on those in Sunday class, but it's your responsibility to make sure that you know what you're supposed to do. Ask us if you're not sure about anything; don't wait for us to "feed" you...!
If you need extra help, book me for a private lesson, as some of you are already doing it on a regular basis. Also, I highly recommend you to go to NKI in West LA (where Ron Vance, Robert Dobes and I teach) at least once before the exam, just to show your face to Ron who will be the examiner.
Warm-up:
Lunges
Kihon:
Kizami-zuki ~ Gyaku-zuki
Mae-geri
Yoko Keage Yoko Kekomi
Kiba-dachi, side stepping side kicks (Keage & Kekomi)
Free-style:
Yori-ashi Kizami-zuki
Yori-ashi Gyaku-zuki
Yori-ashi Kizami-zuki ~ Gyaku-zuki (=A)
Yori-ashi Kizami-zuki ~ Kizami Mae-geri (=B)
Kumite:
Combination attacks (A or B)
Combination attacks (A or B) catching a target before s/he is ready to come back
Cool-down:
Kata
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Dear My Students
Our exam is coming up in a month. Are you ready? Some of you are, and some others aren’t yet. I’m sorry but there is no trick to being ready for the exam; the only key is the consistent training.
Sensei Nishiyama once told us that we need at least 2-3 times a week of training to maintain the current level. And that was for us, black belts with 5 years or more of training. If you don’t have years of training experience behind you, you need more training for the same. And if you want to improve rather than to maintain, you need more.
According to our record, some of you are not meeting this “2-3 times a week” standard. It is true that the beginning students can rapidly improve even with minimum training, but it also is true that they lose those improved skills rather quickly as well.
It’s OK to skip classes for any reasons, and we are not here to judge you by how often you come to the class. However, we know the importance of consistent training and we offer as many classes as we can afford, and we want you to take advantage of our service as much as possible.
Exam is not mandatory, so we never force you to take it if you don’t want to. At the same time, we will never ask you not to take it even when you’re not ready. It’s entirely up to you to decide whether you take it or not, pass it or fail it. Just like a competition, it’s just one of your learning tools and it shows you a milestone of your improvement, and for that reason we do encourage everyone to train hard for it. And I’m sure you know how good it feels to train hard and to attain the next level/ a new belt!
Missing a test or two, or even failing one is not a big deal if you see karate training as your lifelong journey. But again, consistent training is the only key for your success, and we’re here to assist you in any way we can.
Sensei Nishiyama once told us that we need at least 2-3 times a week of training to maintain the current level. And that was for us, black belts with 5 years or more of training. If you don’t have years of training experience behind you, you need more training for the same. And if you want to improve rather than to maintain, you need more.
According to our record, some of you are not meeting this “2-3 times a week” standard. It is true that the beginning students can rapidly improve even with minimum training, but it also is true that they lose those improved skills rather quickly as well.
It’s OK to skip classes for any reasons, and we are not here to judge you by how often you come to the class. However, we know the importance of consistent training and we offer as many classes as we can afford, and we want you to take advantage of our service as much as possible.
Exam is not mandatory, so we never force you to take it if you don’t want to. At the same time, we will never ask you not to take it even when you’re not ready. It’s entirely up to you to decide whether you take it or not, pass it or fail it. Just like a competition, it’s just one of your learning tools and it shows you a milestone of your improvement, and for that reason we do encourage everyone to train hard for it. And I’m sure you know how good it feels to train hard and to attain the next level/ a new belt!
Missing a test or two, or even failing one is not a big deal if you see karate training as your lifelong journey. But again, consistent training is the only key for your success, and we’re here to assist you in any way we can.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Sunday 3/27/11
Despite another rainy Sunday we had a pretty good turnout today. One month until Kyu test!! Everyone today looked really good. Push hard this month - come to class as much as possible and do some at home on your own. Today we went over your testing kata a lot. I also had everyone go one by one - with count - checking everything. A good slow kata is very helpful. You can make it exact when you go slow - checking stance, asking yourself 1. What am I doing in this technique - blocking or striking, how and where is my target? 2. How are my hips - straight for punch or angled for block? 3. Am I rising/floating up 4. How is my posture? 5. Are my elbows in? 6. Are my shoulders coming up - am I tight on top 7. Do I feel myself using the floor? Basics - we did mostly white to yellow(no rank to 8th kyu) belt basics. At the end I did a more yellow to green(7th to 6th kyu) and green to 2nd green basics(6th to 5th kyu). Kumite - basic sanbon kumite and green belt one step kumite Combinations - back and forth - we noticed that the basics were very solid one by one but when the combinations started all the basic stances were lost. When we went slower again and focused on the stances and techniques the form looked better. Something to remember and think about. Then offense/defense - trying to incorporate combinations Since a tournament is coming April 30th I'll start to do more and more sparring in class.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Warm-up:
Kata
-Stance/Posture/Body dynamics
-Elbows & Knees connection to the center (in between actions)
-Matching body dynamics with technique, ending together
-Solid technique, with back leg support
Kihon:
Mae-geri ~ Oi-zuki
Mae-geri ~ Mawashi-geri ~ Gyaku-zuki
Kumite:
3-step Kihon Kumite (for yellow belt levels)
Kata
-Stance/Posture/Body dynamics
-Elbows & Knees connection to the center (in between actions)
-Matching body dynamics with technique, ending together
-Solid technique, with back leg support
Kihon:
Mae-geri ~ Oi-zuki
Mae-geri ~ Mawashi-geri ~ Gyaku-zuki
Kumite:
3-step Kihon Kumite (for yellow belt levels)
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Warm-up:
Kata
Kihon:
Kizami-zuki ~ Gyaku-zuki (rotation)
Choku-zuki in Shizen-tai (vibration)
Exam Kihon sequences
Kumite:
Sen Gyaku-zuki against Kizami-zuki (w/ sweeping block)
Cool-down:
Kata
Kata
Kihon:
Kizami-zuki ~ Gyaku-zuki (rotation)
Choku-zuki in Shizen-tai (vibration)
Exam Kihon sequences
Kumite:
Sen Gyaku-zuki against Kizami-zuki (w/ sweeping block)
Cool-down:
Kata
Rainy Sunday March 20
Wow! It really rained today. Just as I guessed the rain scared off most of you today! But nevertheless a test is just around the corner so the rain failed to keep everyone away. As promised - TEST, TEST, TEST focus! We did basics for the tests, kumite and kata for the tests. Sen practice - making double sen - 2 half techniques. This really helps with keeping zanshin during the practice. footwork - I can never remember the Japanese terms and won't attempt to write it because Eiko and Taichiro will make fun of me. We did two kinds of footwork and then we incorporated those into the sen practice. It helps to use the footwork in a practical way. We discussed posture. Eiko later told me I talked too much...sorry about that. I'm always sensitive to that.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
I was happy because there were even number of students tonight; I was able to pay attention during Kumite drills, instead of practicing with them. And in that small room, 6 students is just about perfect; I was able to watch everyone, and everyone could even do Kata without crushing against each other...!
Warm-up:
Yori-ashi bwd/fwd
Kihon:
Mae-geri ~ Yoko Keage
Mae-geri ~ Mawashi-geri
Mae-geri ~ Oi-zuki
Mae-geri ~ Mawashi-geri ~ Gyaku-zuki
Kumite:
One attack against a stable target
One attack against a move-in target
Kata:
Heian Shodan & Heian Yondan
...But it was a rather small class even though we only have just over a month before the exam. Time to get serious and start working hard!
Warm-up:
Yori-ashi bwd/fwd
Kihon:
Mae-geri ~ Yoko Keage
Mae-geri ~ Mawashi-geri
Mae-geri ~ Oi-zuki
Mae-geri ~ Mawashi-geri ~ Gyaku-zuki
Kumite:
One attack against a stable target
One attack against a move-in target
Kata:
Heian Shodan & Heian Yondan
...But it was a rather small class even though we only have just over a month before the exam. Time to get serious and start working hard!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
OK, I almost forgot to write this entry. My PC was acting up and didn't have a chance to write it. Yes I know, "excuses, excuses... (by Jon B.)"...!
I may be missing some things we did, but the class was something like:
Warm-up:
Kata
Enpi-ate in Shizen-tai
Enpi-ate in Kiba-dachi ~ Gyaku-zuki in Zenkutsu-dachi
Kihon:
Soto-uke / Soto-uke ~Gyaku-zuki / Soto-uke ~ Enpi-ate
Shuto-uke / Shuto-uke ~ Nukite-zuki / Shuto-uke ~ Kizam Mae-geri ~ Nukite
Yoko Keage, Yoko Kekomi
Yoko Keage ~ Yoko Kekomi
Kumite:
...OK, I lost it. I don't remember exactly what we did. I think we did very simple kicking drills, first against a stable target, then against a moving target (shifting-in or pausing). I remember we didn't have much time left at this point and didn't spend too much time on Kumite/timing drills.
Since I taught a class at NKI on Friday, it's hard for me to remember what we did at VTK and what we did at NKI at this point (another excuse!). Sorry! Oh, speaking of NKI, there might be a new beginner joining there. It will be interesting to see how a beginner will progress over there, comparing to our beginners. But of course my students are better for sure!
I may be missing some things we did, but the class was something like:
Warm-up:
Kata
Enpi-ate in Shizen-tai
Enpi-ate in Kiba-dachi ~ Gyaku-zuki in Zenkutsu-dachi
Kihon:
Soto-uke / Soto-uke ~Gyaku-zuki / Soto-uke ~ Enpi-ate
Shuto-uke / Shuto-uke ~ Nukite-zuki / Shuto-uke ~ Kizam Mae-geri ~ Nukite
Yoko Keage, Yoko Kekomi
Yoko Keage ~ Yoko Kekomi
Kumite:
...OK, I lost it. I don't remember exactly what we did. I think we did very simple kicking drills, first against a stable target, then against a moving target (shifting-in or pausing). I remember we didn't have much time left at this point and didn't spend too much time on Kumite/timing drills.
Since I taught a class at NKI on Friday, it's hard for me to remember what we did at VTK and what we did at NKI at this point (another excuse!). Sorry! Oh, speaking of NKI, there might be a new beginner joining there. It will be interesting to see how a beginner will progress over there, comparing to our beginners. But of course my students are better for sure!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Wednesday 3/16/11
Nate almost had a private lesson! Small class tonight. Since we had one person taking her first class we had to go slow. But that is what this class is for. When a brand new person comes it actually helps the other people in the class to slow down, really focus on what they are doing, check themselves, adjust. Basics - all blocks and kicks(not back kick though), oizuki Nate made Maegeri-rengeri and mawashageri-rengeri Nate - Heian Yodan Karla - Heian Shodan Test Kumite for both Karla and Nate Pushing practice - moving each other across the room - emphasis on footwork and posture
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Warm-up:
Enpi-ate (sideway) in Shizen-tai or Kiba-dachi
Step fwd in Zenkutsu-dachi, Step bwd in Kokutsu-dachi
Kihon:
Soto-uke, Soto-uke~Gyaku-zuki, Soto-uke~Enpi-ate
Shuto-uke, Shutouke~Nuki-te, Shuto-uke~Kizami Mae-geri~Nuki-te
Mae-geri & Mawashi-geri in Heisoku-dachi
Kizami Mae-geri, Kizami Mawashi-geri
Kumite:
Kizami-geri (front or roundhouse) against a hand
Kizami-geri (front or roundhouse) against a body
Kizami-geri (front or roundhouse) against move-in target
Kizami-geri (front or roundhouse) against move-in target, followed by a punch
Cool-down:
Kata
Enpi-ate (sideway) in Shizen-tai or Kiba-dachi
Step fwd in Zenkutsu-dachi, Step bwd in Kokutsu-dachi
Kihon:
Soto-uke, Soto-uke~Gyaku-zuki, Soto-uke~Enpi-ate
Shuto-uke, Shutouke~Nuki-te, Shuto-uke~Kizami Mae-geri~Nuki-te
Mae-geri & Mawashi-geri in Heisoku-dachi
Kizami Mae-geri, Kizami Mawashi-geri
Kumite:
Kizami-geri (front or roundhouse) against a hand
Kizami-geri (front or roundhouse) against a body
Kizami-geri (front or roundhouse) against move-in target
Kizami-geri (front or roundhouse) against move-in target, followed by a punch
Cool-down:
Kata
Sunday - Spring Ahead
Not a bad turnout for a clock changing Sunday!
I'm still not sure why we change the clocks...
I'm focusing on the test until the test.
So for the next month in my classes we will be going over basic test things.
Toward the middle of April I'll have you all do "mock" tests to really get ready.
Kihon - we did all te-waza or hand techniques and ashi-waza - kicking
Kata - we did our kata and a kata drill. The drill went over pretty well. It is important to "see" an opponent. I set up those opponents for you. As we did the kata we had real attackers from every side. It is amazing how the kata changes and how everyone reacts to this. But it gives that "real" feel we miss when simply punching air.
Kumite - basic sanbon kumite for 8th kyu, 6th kyu and 5th kyu tests
Sen drill with pads as target.
I'm still not sure why we change the clocks...
I'm focusing on the test until the test.
So for the next month in my classes we will be going over basic test things.
Toward the middle of April I'll have you all do "mock" tests to really get ready.
Kihon - we did all te-waza or hand techniques and ashi-waza - kicking
Kata - we did our kata and a kata drill. The drill went over pretty well. It is important to "see" an opponent. I set up those opponents for you. As we did the kata we had real attackers from every side. It is amazing how the kata changes and how everyone reacts to this. But it gives that "real" feel we miss when simply punching air.
Kumite - basic sanbon kumite for 8th kyu, 6th kyu and 5th kyu tests
Sen drill with pads as target.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Those who were members of the AAKF last year, please give me the renewal form and fee by the end of next week (so that the office will receive it by the month-end) and save $10! You can certainly wait until the exam day but you'll have to pay +$10...
It was a small class for a large studio. I was planning on going over the exam materials more, but had to change the plan to accommodate 2 trial students. I hope they liked it and will come back!
Warm-up:
Yori-ashi bwd/fwd
Kihon:
Zenkutsu-dachi step fwd/bwd
Kokutsu-dachi step fwd/bwd
Oi-zuki
Kokutsu-dachi Shuto-uke
Mae-geri in Heisoku-dachi
Kizami Mae-geri in free-style
Kumite:
Kizami Mae-geri against move-in target
Reaction drill
It was a small class for a large studio. I was planning on going over the exam materials more, but had to change the plan to accommodate 2 trial students. I hope they liked it and will come back!
Warm-up:
Yori-ashi bwd/fwd
Kihon:
Zenkutsu-dachi step fwd/bwd
Kokutsu-dachi step fwd/bwd
Oi-zuki
Kokutsu-dachi Shuto-uke
Mae-geri in Heisoku-dachi
Kizami Mae-geri in free-style
Kumite:
Kizami Mae-geri against move-in target
Reaction drill
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Warm-up:
Lunges
Yori-ashi bwd/fwd
Kihon:
Mae-geri
Kizami Mae-geri
Yoko Keage
Yoko Kekomi
Free-style:
Kizami-zuki
Gyaku-zuki
Kumite:
Go-no-sen Amashi-waza against Kizami-zuki
Go-no-sen Amashi-waza against Kizami Mae-geri
Cool-down:
Kata (Heian Shodan & Nidan)
Lunges
Yori-ashi bwd/fwd
Kihon:
Mae-geri
Kizami Mae-geri
Yoko Keage
Yoko Kekomi
Free-style:
Kizami-zuki
Gyaku-zuki
Kumite:
Go-no-sen Amashi-waza against Kizami-zuki
Go-no-sen Amashi-waza against Kizami Mae-geri
Cool-down:
Kata (Heian Shodan & Nidan)
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Many students for a small room! Times like this, I really wish we have our own large space. Actually, I just want the space so that we can hang out after the class without worrying about being kicked out...!
Warm-up:
Slide bwd/fwd
Kihon:
Oi-zuki Chu-dan
Age-uke
Oi-zuki Jo-dan
Age-uke ~ Gyaku-zuki
Mae-geri
Mawashi-geri
Mae-geri ~ Mawashi-geri
Kumite:
Mae-geri or Mawashi-geri against a stable target (body or hand)
Mae-geri or Mawashi-geri against a move-in target
Sasoi-waza ("invite") against a kick
Cool-down:
Heian Shodan
We've been kicking a lot, and just like any other technique, the more you do it the better it gets! We'll continue working on the kicks, so get your loose pants ready! :-)
Warm-up:
Slide bwd/fwd
Kihon:
Oi-zuki Chu-dan
Age-uke
Oi-zuki Jo-dan
Age-uke ~ Gyaku-zuki
Mae-geri
Mawashi-geri
Mae-geri ~ Mawashi-geri
Kumite:
Mae-geri or Mawashi-geri against a stable target (body or hand)
Mae-geri or Mawashi-geri against a move-in target
Sasoi-waza ("invite") against a kick
Cool-down:
Heian Shodan
We've been kicking a lot, and just like any other technique, the more you do it the better it gets! We'll continue working on the kicks, so get your loose pants ready! :-)
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Sunday 3/6/11
Nice turnout for class today!
I can see everyone is starting to focus on their test now. A lot of white belts today!
On Sundays I'll be going over test drills. We will do a few mock tests as we get closer to April 28th.
Basics - We went over all the basics for white belts first exam, Ron testing for green belt, Jon M. and Nate testing for 2nd green, Eiko testing for Nidan.
Kumite - All kumite drills for 8th, 6th and 5th kyu tests
Kata - Heian Shodan, Heian Sandan, Heian Yodan and Gojushiho-sho
Sen practice - pushing then faking trying to make opponent react.
Offense/defense - light sparring
I'll be back next Saturday! So - enjoy a full week of Taichiro teaching. Start asking questions and hone in on issues you are having. It's amazing how one little fix can have a chain reaction which sets you off on a good path!
I can see everyone is starting to focus on their test now. A lot of white belts today!
On Sundays I'll be going over test drills. We will do a few mock tests as we get closer to April 28th.
Basics - We went over all the basics for white belts first exam, Ron testing for green belt, Jon M. and Nate testing for 2nd green, Eiko testing for Nidan.
Kumite - All kumite drills for 8th, 6th and 5th kyu tests
Kata - Heian Shodan, Heian Sandan, Heian Yodan and Gojushiho-sho
Sen practice - pushing then faking trying to make opponent react.
Offense/defense - light sparring
I'll be back next Saturday! So - enjoy a full week of Taichiro teaching. Start asking questions and hone in on issues you are having. It's amazing how one little fix can have a chain reaction which sets you off on a good path!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Jiu-Jitsu Friday
Tonight was the Brazilian Jiu-jitsu launch! Marcello DiPaoli lead a great class!
I'm mentioning it in this blog because 4 of our VTK members (including me) took the class. Zach, John Olson and PJ attended. We also had visitors from Dan Inosanto's school and JJ Machado Academy.
Jiu-jitsu is very different from karate but in my 7 years of training I have been searching for similarities. I am always asking myself how one style compliments the other.
There are 3 main things I have found so far that cross over...1. Timing, 2. Posture/hips and 3. Relaxing/tight elbows
1. Timing - this does not need to much discussion. It is mainly feeling. Without judging we try to see ahead of our opponents. Not second guessing but being in tune with the opponent. But sometimes our opponent gives "tells" - maybe there is a shift...we feel they are off balance. Maybe in karate we know that someone is about to move because they wind up, etc. These things aid in timing but are not really timing.
I personally have caught timing only a few times. When done correctly it is as if nothing was done but everything falls perfectly into place. Sweeping someone feels like air...without effort or energy expended. Even my mind was peaceful - not over thinking or looking to see if I could read someone's thoughts, etc.
Perfect timing is a rarity. It must be "practiced" constantly.
2. Posture/hips - the heaviest part of our body is the center - hips and buttocks. If you control this part of your opponents' body he/she can not function. This works in both vertical and horizontal situations. Think of the floor as you would a vertical wall. Once you press someone up against it they can no longer move in that direction (chess). Now they only have 3 options instead of 4. If you block the hips from moving (full mount position) your opponent is in serious trouble. This is the same in karate. If someone's posture is off you should thank them! It is very hard to move forward of their butt is already going backwards. Break your opponent's posture and keep your own.
3. Tight elbows. When on the ground try not to extend your arms. Keep your elbows glued to your knees. With proper timing you can use your arms to try and gain position. In karate - same idea. Everything comes from the center. If your elbows go out the energy goes with it. Think in terms of leverage as well. If your arms are out you can be manipulated easier...options are given to your opponent including arm bar or an easier fulcrum to break balance. This is why when we punch we would not simply keep our arms dangling outward...hit or miss. Zanshin must be present...inner readiness/reaction.
Just a few thoughts. Much more to learn and discover.
I'm mentioning it in this blog because 4 of our VTK members (including me) took the class. Zach, John Olson and PJ attended. We also had visitors from Dan Inosanto's school and JJ Machado Academy.
Jiu-jitsu is very different from karate but in my 7 years of training I have been searching for similarities. I am always asking myself how one style compliments the other.
There are 3 main things I have found so far that cross over...1. Timing, 2. Posture/hips and 3. Relaxing/tight elbows
1. Timing - this does not need to much discussion. It is mainly feeling. Without judging we try to see ahead of our opponents. Not second guessing but being in tune with the opponent. But sometimes our opponent gives "tells" - maybe there is a shift...we feel they are off balance. Maybe in karate we know that someone is about to move because they wind up, etc. These things aid in timing but are not really timing.
I personally have caught timing only a few times. When done correctly it is as if nothing was done but everything falls perfectly into place. Sweeping someone feels like air...without effort or energy expended. Even my mind was peaceful - not over thinking or looking to see if I could read someone's thoughts, etc.
Perfect timing is a rarity. It must be "practiced" constantly.
2. Posture/hips - the heaviest part of our body is the center - hips and buttocks. If you control this part of your opponents' body he/she can not function. This works in both vertical and horizontal situations. Think of the floor as you would a vertical wall. Once you press someone up against it they can no longer move in that direction (chess). Now they only have 3 options instead of 4. If you block the hips from moving (full mount position) your opponent is in serious trouble. This is the same in karate. If someone's posture is off you should thank them! It is very hard to move forward of their butt is already going backwards. Break your opponent's posture and keep your own.
3. Tight elbows. When on the ground try not to extend your arms. Keep your elbows glued to your knees. With proper timing you can use your arms to try and gain position. In karate - same idea. Everything comes from the center. If your elbows go out the energy goes with it. Think in terms of leverage as well. If your arms are out you can be manipulated easier...options are given to your opponent including arm bar or an easier fulcrum to break balance. This is why when we punch we would not simply keep our arms dangling outward...hit or miss. Zanshin must be present...inner readiness/reaction.
Just a few thoughts. Much more to learn and discover.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Good job, guys & gals!
Warm-up:
Kata
Kata:
Stance, Floor use for initiation, Leading with eyes/head, Floor connection for Kime
Kihon:
Kicks: Mae-geri, Yoko Keage, Yoko Kekomi
Free-style:
One kick (No back motion, Support foot use, Align knee to the target)
Kumite:
Kick against step-in target
Kick against Oi-zuki target
Kick, followed by a punch or Zan-shin
(React with the support foot, Pelvis already tilted, Adjust distance with the support foot)
Cool-down:
Kata
Warm-up:
Kata
Kata:
Stance, Floor use for initiation, Leading with eyes/head, Floor connection for Kime
Kihon:
Kicks: Mae-geri, Yoko Keage, Yoko Kekomi
Free-style:
One kick (No back motion, Support foot use, Align knee to the target)
Kumite:
Kick against step-in target
Kick against Oi-zuki target
Kick, followed by a punch or Zan-shin
(React with the support foot, Pelvis already tilted, Adjust distance with the support foot)
Cool-down:
Kata
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Wednesday March 2, 2011
Tonight's class marks a new experience at VTK!!
So far the dojo has been operating for a year and a half...and this was a first.
Here was the new addition to "Things that happen at the dojo..."
A NO SHOW!!!!
I understand it is a beginner's class, in a small room and it was raining BUT what's the irony of a possible 20 people not coming to class?
Did I cancel this class for some reason and then forget myself?
Well hopefully this was a one time thing. Someone could have had a free private lesson if they showed up. OH! Speaking of which - If you do book a private lesson please give 24 hour notice of cancellation...
But instead of sitting there for 1 hour and 22 minutes - I left at 8:22pm - I did Hangetsu many times. I also worked on my Nidan exam basics and did lots of stretching.
So far the dojo has been operating for a year and a half...and this was a first.
Here was the new addition to "Things that happen at the dojo..."
A NO SHOW!!!!
I understand it is a beginner's class, in a small room and it was raining BUT what's the irony of a possible 20 people not coming to class?
Did I cancel this class for some reason and then forget myself?
Well hopefully this was a one time thing. Someone could have had a free private lesson if they showed up. OH! Speaking of which - If you do book a private lesson please give 24 hour notice of cancellation...
But instead of sitting there for 1 hour and 22 minutes - I left at 8:22pm - I did Hangetsu many times. I also worked on my Nidan exam basics and did lots of stretching.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
A small class, but a perfect size for that small studio...
Kata & Kihon:
Establishing the base first
Anchor the back foot at the end
Matching the body action/dynamics (rotation, vibration, shifting, etc.) with the technique
Exam-style Kihon:
Oi-zuki
Age-uke (make a side space as you step back) ~ Gyaku-zuki (ROTATION!)
Soto-uke ~ Gyaku-zuki (ROTATION)
Shuto-uke (back foot!)
Mae-geri (square hips)
Mawashi-geri (attack from the side)
Yoko-geri Keage (quick, small kick, keep the floor connection)
Yoko-geri Kekomi (longer, thrust & hold, but don't push & fall)
Mae-geri ~ Oi-zuki (square hips)
Kicks in general - posture (hips in, face back), deep knee flexion (before & after), floor connection & balance
Free-style:
Shift around ~ react to signal with a kick (react with the support foot, and quickly align the knee to the target)
We have less than 2 months till the exam! Some are ready but many are not. At this point, I don't see anyone testing for 2 levels at once, but let me know if you want to give it a shot. The amount of proper training definitely shows in your movement, and I know you feel it, too. Stay focused, try not to miss any classes, and you'll be OK!
Kata & Kihon:
Establishing the base first
Anchor the back foot at the end
Matching the body action/dynamics (rotation, vibration, shifting, etc.) with the technique
Exam-style Kihon:
Oi-zuki
Age-uke (make a side space as you step back) ~ Gyaku-zuki (ROTATION!)
Soto-uke ~ Gyaku-zuki (ROTATION)
Shuto-uke (back foot!)
Mae-geri (square hips)
Mawashi-geri (attack from the side)
Yoko-geri Keage (quick, small kick, keep the floor connection)
Yoko-geri Kekomi (longer, thrust & hold, but don't push & fall)
Mae-geri ~ Oi-zuki (square hips)
Kicks in general - posture (hips in, face back), deep knee flexion (before & after), floor connection & balance
Free-style:
Shift around ~ react to signal with a kick (react with the support foot, and quickly align the knee to the target)
We have less than 2 months till the exam! Some are ready but many are not. At this point, I don't see anyone testing for 2 levels at once, but let me know if you want to give it a shot. The amount of proper training definitely shows in your movement, and I know you feel it, too. Stay focused, try not to miss any classes, and you'll be OK!
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