Last Tuesday

I just realized I never got in here last Tuesday to let you know how it went. (Thursday & Saturday are off of classes his week due to Spring Break.)

Last Tuesday, we practiced kata almost exclusively. Sensei explained a few of the things I was doing wrong in Takeoko, most notably my 3/4 turns. I need to do my foot turn-in differently, moving the toe instead of the heel, and draw my pivot leg back just a bit further before turning. I was winding up with too narrow a stance after the turn. This helped a great deal.

Practice, practice, and more practice.

Sayonara,

Dan

Yahoo Companion Discussion Group Started

You can discuss beginning karate to your heart's content at: http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/emptyhand/

Sayonara,

Dan

Kata, Sparring

This evening, we spent the first half of clasas practising kata. Four of us tonight were white belts, and the four of us together practiced the first three takeo's, working together to perfect forms. Takeo Kai Ichei, Takeo Kai Ni, and Takeo Kai Son all use the exact same "I-pattern" foot work. In Ichei, you use down blocks and low punches. In Ni, you use middle blocks and middle punches. In Son, you use high blocks and high punches.

We also practiced Empi kata, which is elbow strikes. We did this one twice.

After kata practice, we moved to our regular dojo room. There, we had a graduation ceremony. One of the yellow belts earned sixth degree, which is the last degree of yellow belt. For this, green bands are added to the ends of the yellow belt. Another yellow belt earned his green belt.

In the ceremony, all of us get on our hands and knees to mark the special quality of the occasion, and out of respect for our classmates' achievement. Unfortunately, google image search is failing me on this one. Maybe I'll get to scan a photo when my first belt rank is passed.

After that, we did sparring, and I got to break in the new protective gear. It all worked pretty well, except I had trouble with one of the bottom straps on the left foot guard cutting into the webbing between my next to little toe and foot a bit, and the skin split there at the flex point. The mouthguard was ok, but I got rid of the strap on it.


(My set is all in the metallic blue, and I got a separate Shock Doctor "boil-n-bite" mouthguard. Click on the picture to get the gear pictured.)

The last couple of rounds of sparring, Sensei had us spar two-on-one, and we each got to take turns being the middle person who was getting double-teamed. it's tough, but not impossible.

By the end, we were all pretty tired and thirsty. Definitely a wash-a-gi night.

Sayonara,

Dan

Kata Lotta, Kick The Bag...

Tonight, we practiced kata, several times. Takeio Kai Ichei for white belts, highest kata for yellow on up. (There were two of us white belts tonight.)

We also did Empi kata once or twice, all of us.

After that, we did kicks and strikes on Bob, the rubber head and torso on a stand.





We did combinations of kicks and punches, single kicks, and hand strikes.

Finally, we finished up with ten repetitions of side kicks on each leg.

Sensei advised us that we will spar on Thursday night. Also, there will be a belt promotion ceremony. Two of the yellow belts have earned their green belt. I'm looking forward to it.

I also learned that I have to boil my mouth guard and bite down on it to fit it to my teeth. I didn't know that before.

More on Thursday night.

Sayonara,

Dan

Sensei Was In An Explanatory Mood Tonight...

...so he took each of us and made sure he explained AT LEAST one thing we were questioning. For me, it was the upward block wrist positioning.

When doing an upward block, your wrist should be straight as far as the up-down bend, but your forearm should be turned slightly upward at a 45 degree angle facing out from your face, and your arm needs to be at a 45 degree angle over your head.

Some Google image search:



You see the first and last pictures in the series - this the correct end-of-motion position for the block.

Also practiced tonight were Takeo Kai Ichei, Ni, and Son. These use down, middle, and upward blocks and punches. Footwork is un-changed in all three kata. Ichei is down blocks and punches, Ni is middle blocks and punches, Son is up blocks and punches.

We also practiced Empi (elbow) kata - which uses several different elbow strikes.

When I get good at these kata, I may do some of them in this space as embedded youtube video, but for now I don't want you learning my mistakes only to have to correct them later.

Finally, we wrapped up with some kicking drills - and Sensei had each of us pick the kick we felt we had the most difficulty with. I chose the side kick, (so did at least four others) simply because I've done it the least and need to learn it better. Sensei then made sure to show us slowly and carefully exactly how it's done.

Last, but not least, I wore the new Karate Gi tonight. It fits far better than the Tae Kwon Do Gi and is easier to move in altogether. I am very well pleased with it. For $22.00 and change, shipping included, it is a great deal from Superfoots.com. See this post: http://karateemptyhand.blogspot.com/2008/03/ordered-new-gi.html
for details on the new Gi purchase and associated notes / photos.

It also didn't hurt that I was able to go to class in no more than a sweat jacket, seeing how it was 45 degrees outside in the West Chicago suburbs. Taieee!! Spring is springing!

By the way, I have lost 10 pounds since starting Karate. THAT is a thrill all its own.

Sayonara,

Dan

The New Gi Arrived Yesterday...

...and I'll be trying it out in class tonight. What I like about the Karate Gi vs. the Tae Kwon Do Gi, is the way the shirt is done.

In the Tae Kwon Do Gi, the shirt is a pull-over. In the Karate Gi, it closes in front similar to a button-down shirt, but is held closed by your rank belt.

Pull-overs are a pain to take off in the locker room after a hard, sweaty work out. They stick to your skin when wet. Yuckity.

Sayonara,

Dan

Sick out of class again

All, my apologies, but I was not well enough yet to attend class last night. Tomorrow night it will be.

Sayonara,

Dan

Aaaaahchoo!!

I've had a cold for several days and it's been impossible to go to class or practice. I'll be back in class this evening, so please hang in there - or go kick your wavemaster...

Sayonara, and thank you for reading.

Dan

Ordered a new Gi...

From http://www.superfoots.com/whitstudkaru10.html

"Home » Uniforms and Belts » Traditional Style Karate Uniforms » White Student Karate Uniform

White Student Karate Uniform
ECNW$34.95Your Price: $12.49Size: 0000001 (+$2)=$14.492 (+$2)=$14.493 (+$2)=$14.494 (+$4)=$16.495 (+$4)=$16.496 (+$4)=$16.497 (+$6)=$18.498 (+$6.50)=$18.99 Click Here for Uniform Sizing Chart This traditional cut white martial arts uniform includes a white belt, elastic waist pant with draw string and traditional cut jacket. Made of a 8 oz per square yard of a 55% Polyester, 45% Cotton blend cloth resists wrinkling. The uniform jacket and pant are cut for the standard physical build of an westerner. This Quality Karate Uniform is an excellent lightweight wash and wear choice for martial artists of all rank."

Hopefully it will be here by Friday or Monday - and I can use the Tae Kwon Do Gi for practice at home.

Otherwise, I was between classes last night, and tonight I am on my 1st Thursday of the month where I have a regular appointment for something else, so I won't be in class this evening. I'll try to get in some practice on my own, though, or find something cool & obscure to report. (Those are always fun)

Sayonara,

Dan

500 kicks...per leg

Wow. Sensei really put us through the paces tonight.

First, we did kicking drills against pad bags, then a large wavemaster. We practiced combinations, and flying side kicks.

THEN, he started having us get on the bar and do fifty round house kicks per leg, alternating sides four times. After that, he had us pair with a partner each, hold hands, and fifty more facing away from each other with each leg. Then in groups of three, fifty more per leg. Then in groups of four, twenty five more per leg. Then in groups of five, twenty five more per leg, with a hop forward in a circle after each kick.

After that, four katas, including Takeo Kai Ichei, Empi, Takeo Kai Nee.

DEFINITELY washagi. (A GI is a karate uniform. We sweated bullets - get it?)

I think I'll crawl everywhere tomorrow - but lose a couple of pounds, too. Awesome.

Sayonara,

Dan

Saturday Class Review and...a New Wavemaster!

Saturday:

Saturday is open instruction. Basically, Sensei comes in and gives everyone a chance at a free extra hour of instruction for taking the class. (Since I am on both the Tuesday & Thursday schedule, this means I pay for two and get the third free. Given the rates at the Y, this is a great deal.) The only separation is by age - the kids go in two divisions, beginner & advanced, and then the adults. He puts in a total of three hours.

The division isn't quite a hard, fast rule. There can be a little mixing of kids and adults on Saturday, but they train in separate parts of the room which serves as our dojo.

Sensei was pretty busy, so basically I just practiced kata, blocks, kicks, and punches for an hour after stretching. (I still use the Tae Kwon Do stretches.) I did kicks last, and worked out hard for an hour, raising a good sweat.

One thing I did learn on Saturday was proper wrist positioning on an upward block. I'm going to have to get a picture in here to explain it, so I'll reserve that for another post.

Then the fun part: I got a new Wavemaster Original model today! (I got it at Sports Authority, which was the same price without any shipping as the link below, but you can get more info at the link. Just click on the picture of the Wavemaster.)

It holds about 26 gallons or so of water in the base, so I got an extra work out toting water to the basement. Our house has a 2nd floor laundry, so no water in the basement. I used an empty gallon milk jug and a two-gallon flower sprinkler can with the sprinkler head removed to fill it, so about 8-9 trips from the kitchen sink to the basement to fill it up.

I broke it in with a 45 minute work out today. The bare concrete floor isn't fun, and leaves grey concrete dust all over the bag afterward, so I had to get a damp cloth and clean it up, but it works. I got a good sweat going, then cooled down with kata and blocks. (I couldn't do this Saturday at the dojo because I have to share BOB with the rest of the class.)

Now I've broken the ice working out at home - which should speed my training and fitness level a bit.

Sayonara,

Dan


The Original Wavemaster:

Kata, Kicks, Punches, and Elbows...

Tonight was fun. Sensei was off working with a newcomer to class, getting her up to speed, so he had our purple belt teach the rest of the class. First she had us doing kata takeo kai ichei four times. The first time was nice and slow, work on perfecting forms and stances. The second time was a bit faster, the thirsd as fast as we could go and a bit more "powered up." (Using full strength, or more strength.) TYhe final time, she had us do it with our eyes closed! That was different indeed. Try it some time.

After kata, we did kicking drills on our body-dummy, Bob. Being made of rubber, he's pretty compliant. We started off with front kicks, then roundhouse, then hook, then crescent, then step behind side kick, etc. (Alternating legs on each type, of course.) After that, we did punches and such.

Sensei came back in with the new gal about two-thirds of the way through class, and had us practising various kicks and elbow strikes, and also a few joint locks and combinations.

It amazes me how many variations there are for this art. I always suspected there was a lot more to karate then I had ever heard, and how!

I'm having to watch the old knees, though. I've got a little bit of arthritis in them, and being so new, I don't have proper form yet. I think it will be less strain on the knees once I lose some weight and get better form and execution of my moves happening.

At any rate, have a great weekend!

Sayonara,

Dan

A Good Class...

We had two new gals in class tonight, one young gal is a real go-getter, great kicking. Sensei started us off doing the highest kata we know. (I just know number one) Then he had us doing hand strikes and kicks. For this, he had various students holding large kicking pads while the rest of us lined up and practiced kicking. (We all got to take turns, me included, holding the pads)

One of the interesting drills was where we formed two lines, and we'd practice kicking two pads at the same time together. The idea was to get us working on reacting to peripheral vision cues with instant action. It also allowed us to work on being fighting teams of two using in-synch attack timing. Pretty cool stuff.

Hard enough for me to believe, this is the last of our seven-week session. I just ponied up for the next seven weeks tonight. (With a full YMCA membership that's $30.00 per session, and since I'm taking both Tuesday and Thursday night classes, that winds up at $60.00 for seven weeks for me.)

BTW, I got my new kicks and head gear in last Friday, but we haven't sparred yet, so I haven't used them. I'll let you know when we do.

Kicks drilled: Front, side, roundhouse, crescent, back, and reverse roundhouse.

Sayonara,

Dan

An interesting karate blog I found...

The Goju Ryu Karate blog - it has a lot of video from tournaments, dietary, and workout information. This post ( http://gojuryujkf.blogspot.com/2007/12/work-your-entire-body.html ) I found particularly interesting. It speaks about the differences in metabolism activation between workouts of single muscles in isolation vs. entire muscle groups. Stop over there and give this one a read, it's very informative.

Sayonara,

Dan

It Was A Good Night...

...I got to give my apologies to the young lady who taught me a lesson about sparring. That had been weighing on my mind a bit. She was very good-natured about it.

Did all the stretches I could remember from Tae Kwon Do, etc. (I always make it a point to be there early for this reason.)

The one brown belt in class was teaching tonight, as Sensei was teaching a brand-new beginner white belt one-on-one for her first evening.

Our brown belt turns out to be a good teacher, not uptight at all. (It helps when the people in class are respectful.) She started us out with drilling on kata. (I'm going out on a limb here, as I'm usually a very good speller, but don't know the words in Japanese, so I'll spell them phonetically until I see them in print.) I only know the first kata, Takeo Kai Ichei. (Ichei means "one" in Japanese.)

Takeo Kai Ichei begins with attention stance and bow, then you block left and right at the same time as you move your left leg into horse stance. Immediately look left, then right.

Now pretend the closest attacker is coming from your left. You execute a left one-quarter turn and low block left, then step forward and low punch right.

The other attacker is now coming from behind you. You elbow behind you and look that way, then half-turn and low block right, following with a forward step and low punch. You are now facing the direction that was to your right when you started.

Another attacker is now coming from the direction you were originally facing, now to your left. You execute a quarter turn left and low block left. Follow through with three step-forward low punches.

Look over your right arm, execute a three-quarter turn left with a low block left. Step forward, low punch right.

Look behind you over your right shoulder, elbow strike to the rear right. Execute a half-turn right, low block right. Step forward, low punch left.

Look over your left shoulder to your left, one-quarter turn left, left low block. Step forward low punch three times, kiai (yell) on the last punch.

Look right over your right shoulder, three-quarter turn left, low block left. Step forward low punch right.

Look right behind you over your right shoulder, elbow strike rear with your right elbow. One-half turn right, low block right. Step forward low punch left.

One quarter turn left into horse stance, low block both directions as you move into stance. Stand at attention, (move right leg to your left leg) and bow.

Kata is complete.

Every time you block or punch, your next move is performed with the other hand. If I just low blocked left, I wil step forward punch right. The three step forward punches are right-left-right.

I need a LOT more practice before I will have executed this kata properly. I need to work on proper stance on step forward, keeping my foot just above the floor and sweeping it in a crescent arc. I also need to work hard on executing the turns properly.

The next two kata are basically the same, except number two is middle blocks and punches, and number three is high blocks and punches. By the time all three are perfected, you will have the stances and footwork very practiced.

Ms. Brown Belt then had us practice kata again, only starting in a different direction. By the time we finished kata, we had faced all four directions. We had also squeezed into a line of four shoulder-to-shoulder and tried kata. Last, we practiced the forward step across the room, then BACKWARD to where we started.

----------------

After the kata, we brought out Bob, our body dummy. He is basically a rubber torso and head on a sand bag pedestal. Bob is used for kicking and punching drills.

Ms. Brown Belt had us line up, then she had the first person in line figure out a four-move hand attack combination. We were doing various punches, chops, palm strikes, tiger claw, etc. After everyone had performed the specified hand combination back to the person who called it out, the next person called out another combination. We worked our way through until the entire line had called a combination and everyone had practiced them.

Next, we did kicking combinations in the same manner, through the whole line.

By the time class was over, I'd learned three new kicks and fou hand strikes. pretty good for one evening.

I also figured out how to wear the cup. Put one of those on upside down, I dare you. Your thighs will NOT thank you.

Sayonara, and thank you for reading.

Dan

PS: I gave the kicks that were too small to the class inventory, and discovered that I left my soap holder in the shower in the mens' locker room last Thursday. The cleaning guy said he turned it in, but the desk threw it out because it had soap in it. Drat! Those old-fashioned soap holders aren't easy to find anymore.

Sorry I didn't make it here yesterday...

...but I'm back in the game today, and class is on tonight. I'm looking forward to it, I need to get all this mass back in motion. :-)

More later -

Sayonara,

Dan

Unfortunately, I didn't make class last night...

...I am feeling a bit under the weather and the side-effects precluded me from attending. Sorry for the brief post, but at least I can look forward to Thursday's class and the arrival of my new kicks and headgear on Friday.

Regards,

Dan

*Note on the new kicks and head gear...

...I received a couple of e-mails today, it looks like the new gear is going to be delivered this Friday, if UPS keeps to their word.

Meanwhile, I need to get a 2nd bag ready for this type of equipment - one gym bag is just a bit too full with all that stuff in it.

I've got class this evening, I'll let you know how it goes later.

Sayonara,

Dan

Some Intial Thoughts On Weapons In Karate...

...I'm running across quite a few references to various martial arts weapons in Karate, along with much discussion of lineage, history, and Japanese vs. Okinawan terminology.

First, on the subject of weapons, I feel that adding weapons to this practice is something I want little part of at this juncture. I suppose that at some time in the future, I may want to train with weapons to further hone skill or coordination, but at first glance I am rather repulsed by the idea. Becoming adept at "Empty Hand" seems to me to have a more noble, principled allure. This is just something I feel, and at this point, I couldn't put my finger on why.

There is quite a bit of weapons discussion going on here: The Oninawa Karate & Kobudo Blog. If you want to get into that sort of thing, go check them out. For me, it's just not what I want to get into. Maybe I have enough on my hands right now just learning with them empty. Only time will tell.

As to the history and Japanese-language terminology, I think I am in for a lot of schooling. Maybe it will also improve my ability to absorb rote memorization, or have other benefits. Because new knowledge almost always brings with it new opportunities, I will look forward to learning as I go along.

Sayonara,

Dan

New Kicks...

...I just ordered ProForce Lightning kicks and headgear from http://www.superfoots.com - under $40.00 shipping included, in blue. Shipping option is UPS ground, so it might take a week or two. I'll let you know when they arrive.

http://www.superfoots.com also looks to have uniforms and such at very reasonable prices - but I'll worry about that later. For right now, the Tae Kwon Do gi will have to do.

Sayonara,

Dan