Tonight was what I would call a "thinking class." These are classes where Sensei dives into the minutiae of forms and techniques, gives explanations, and has us practice them.
Sweat classes are the ones where he either has us do strength-building drills, or sparring, or both.
I enjoy both kinds of class, and they both have their place.
I was tested tonight for yellow belt - and passed. I tend to think just barely so. You can bet your whatever, that I personally am not satisfied with my own performance, meaning I will drill on it even more.
The ceremony should take place in less than two weeks - time to get my patches and such also in order.
Interestingly, when we started tonight, the class's juvenile body dummy was slightly damaged by someone carelessly throwing it in a closet. Sensei was quite angry, not that I blame him.
We were, however, able to pull most of the dent in it's support base out...
It was a good class.
Sayonara,
Dan
Oom Yung Doe School Flags
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Last Thursday, This Thursday
Wow, it's been awhile since I could get here. Sorry 'bout that, but these gas prices have driven me onto the commuter trains - which means my commute has gone from two hours round-trip to four. I'm going to have to be a bit more sporadic, not that I like it any.
At any rate, last Thursday was great - we did kata, kata, kata like crazy. Sensei is getting ready to test several levels in the class, so we were really drilling.
Ed and I got to spar the last 15 minutes of class, and it was a good session. He got me a serious blast in the nose, but he also taught me something I'd already suspected: I need to stop pulling my kicks to the point where they don't contact. I'm missing a ton of points in sparring that way. I've always been afraid that if I do make contact when kicking, I'd injure someone. I think maybe now I'm getting enough control I can keep it to light contact.
Tonight, however, was started with Kata, and followed by combination routines on the Wavemaster. (See THIS POST for an explanation of what a Wavemaster is.)
After beating bag for 45 minutes in numerous combinations, we adjourned class.
The last thing Sensei said to myself and the other uniformed white belt in class was that we "should treat every class as if it were a test from here until we're tested in June." I take it there's more meaning in that than just what it seems on the surface.
On that note, Sayonara, and thank you for reading.
Dan
At any rate, last Thursday was great - we did kata, kata, kata like crazy. Sensei is getting ready to test several levels in the class, so we were really drilling.
Ed and I got to spar the last 15 minutes of class, and it was a good session. He got me a serious blast in the nose, but he also taught me something I'd already suspected: I need to stop pulling my kicks to the point where they don't contact. I'm missing a ton of points in sparring that way. I've always been afraid that if I do make contact when kicking, I'd injure someone. I think maybe now I'm getting enough control I can keep it to light contact.
Tonight, however, was started with Kata, and followed by combination routines on the Wavemaster. (See THIS POST for an explanation of what a Wavemaster is.)
After beating bag for 45 minutes in numerous combinations, we adjourned class.
The last thing Sensei said to myself and the other uniformed white belt in class was that we "should treat every class as if it were a test from here until we're tested in June." I take it there's more meaning in that than just what it seems on the surface.
On that note, Sayonara, and thank you for reading.
Dan
Saturday, May 3, 2008
I Got My Roundhouse Kick Back!
Although I haven't mentioned it much in these pages, I took Tae Kwon Do at a different YMCA for a year & 1/2 - to yellow belt. I used to be pretty good at the roundhouse kick - then I broke my foot. MALL WALKING, of all the silly $#!++, but I went on hiatus from martial arts for about 2 & 1/2 years. When I came to karate, my roundhouse kicks were like wet noodles slapping the Wavemaster. Well, last week Thursday, I got my snap back - and I was moving that bag a couple of feet sideways. I overheard one classmate say she'd never seen anyone kick the bag so hard.
On to that, this past week I just have been swamped with things that kept me out of class - so I'm hoping to make it yet today.
Sayonara,
Dan
On to that, this past week I just have been swamped with things that kept me out of class - so I'm hoping to make it yet today.
Sayonara,
Dan
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Sorry For The Delay - Last Tuesday, This Tuesday - Sparring
Last week Tuesday, class started out with a little bit of kata to warm up, then went to all sparring. We had one-on-one sparring all the way through the class, until everyone had been matched up at least twice. It was a lot of fun. Strangely, I can't seem to help laughing when we spar. The last part of class, we had two-on-one sparring, where we each took a turn being the one attacked by two opponents. That was one SERIOUS workout - definitely washagi. Great training though.
That week was also the last week of session - time to pony up another $60.00 for seven weeks. I do love the YMCA. (You can do seven weeks for $30.00 if you only go Tuesday OR Thursday, $60.00 for both, Saturday is free, thank you, Sensei.)
Last Thursday I had another commitment and was out of class.
This Tuesday was a lot like last Tuesday, starting with Kata, then 50 reps of roundhouse kicks on each leg, then front kicks across the room, then back-step side kicks across the room. After kicking drills, there was sparring for the rest of class. More about that in a minute...
During kata drills, Sensei made me go up front and lead the class on Empi kata. I swear everything I knew flew out my ear and has yet to return! The point being that we will all teach someday, hopefully, I understood what Sensei was doing, but it still rattled me, being unexpected. Sensei also had both the other white belts in class lead a kata, but I was the first one on tap.
Needless to say, I lived through it. (And I need to practice Empi kata more!)
Sparring was interesting. We took red and blue rubber flags and hung them from our belts, then matched up. The first one to pull the other's flag three times won. Then we switched opponents. That was interesting - especially as the other two guys my age, even though yellow belts, seem to be my toughest opponents. Ed is the hardest of all to spar - but I got his belt three times! Ha!
Ed also is famous for groin kicking - which is allowed and why we wear cups, heretofore referred to as "armor." After flag sparring, we returned to regular sparring, and Ed got my armor. well, guess what? I proceeded to give him a taste of his own medicine, twice! LOL
Of course, we are only going for light contact - so no one got hurt here. I like all the people in class, including Ed, but he is a little competitive, which makes it fun.
One day he came into class as Scott and I were talking. Scott is the other guy my age in class, and tough to spar as well. Ed came up saying, "Ahh, Twinkie, and Twinkette!" I couldn't resist - I asked him if that made him the "official bakery cream puff." We all got a good laugh out of that one.
These are good people, and I really like all of them. This class may be work, but it is joyful work.
Sayonara,
Dan
That week was also the last week of session - time to pony up another $60.00 for seven weeks. I do love the YMCA. (You can do seven weeks for $30.00 if you only go Tuesday OR Thursday, $60.00 for both, Saturday is free, thank you, Sensei.)
Last Thursday I had another commitment and was out of class.
This Tuesday was a lot like last Tuesday, starting with Kata, then 50 reps of roundhouse kicks on each leg, then front kicks across the room, then back-step side kicks across the room. After kicking drills, there was sparring for the rest of class. More about that in a minute...
During kata drills, Sensei made me go up front and lead the class on Empi kata. I swear everything I knew flew out my ear and has yet to return! The point being that we will all teach someday, hopefully, I understood what Sensei was doing, but it still rattled me, being unexpected. Sensei also had both the other white belts in class lead a kata, but I was the first one on tap.
Needless to say, I lived through it. (And I need to practice Empi kata more!)
Sparring was interesting. We took red and blue rubber flags and hung them from our belts, then matched up. The first one to pull the other's flag three times won. Then we switched opponents. That was interesting - especially as the other two guys my age, even though yellow belts, seem to be my toughest opponents. Ed is the hardest of all to spar - but I got his belt three times! Ha!
Ed also is famous for groin kicking - which is allowed and why we wear cups, heretofore referred to as "armor." After flag sparring, we returned to regular sparring, and Ed got my armor. well, guess what? I proceeded to give him a taste of his own medicine, twice! LOL
Of course, we are only going for light contact - so no one got hurt here. I like all the people in class, including Ed, but he is a little competitive, which makes it fun.
One day he came into class as Scott and I were talking. Scott is the other guy my age in class, and tough to spar as well. Ed came up saying, "Ahh, Twinkie, and Twinkette!" I couldn't resist - I asked him if that made him the "official bakery cream puff." We all got a good laugh out of that one.
These are good people, and I really like all of them. This class may be work, but it is joyful work.
Sayonara,
Dan
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Tuesday & Thursday Past - Rubber Legs
This past Tuesday was something else. I had worked in our new organic, no-till garden on Sunday, putting in mulch and compost over newspaper, arranging permanent paths and beds. I also installed a flower bed between the trees in our front yard.
After all this work, my legs were very sore in the back of the thighs the next day from working bent over most of the day Sunday. The fallout from this lasted most of the week.
Tuesday night, I went to class, and advised Sensei that I'd wracked my legs putting in the garden. Stretching before class helped a little. (I have learned that stretching before and after gardening is probably a good idea.) Sensei decided that I needed to work it out of my legs - so, kicking drills for most of the class. We dragged out the two big wavemasters, (the size half again as large as the one I bought) and we practiced every kick I've heard of, with a few hand strikes thrown in.
My legs actually did feel better immediately after class. The next day, however, they were pure rubber. I could barely get up and down the stairs at home. Yowsa!
Thursday, we started with kicking drills again, and also some hand and knee strikes. Then we practiced kata as well. (Sensei also told me and one other white belt that we will test for yellow in June.) After kata, we then had sparring practice.
Both days were very much washagi. Sweat city, elevated heart rate, aerobic exercise. Good stuff. My legs are pretty much recovered now.
One of the fun things that happened - there are two other guys my age in class. Two of us were sitting talking a bit before class. Our other 40-something came up, and teasingly said, " Ahh, Twinkie, and Twinkette." I couldn't resist. "So, does that make you the official Bakery Cream Puff?" I asked. We all got a good laugh out of that one.
The funny thing is, these two guys are also the toughest opponents in sparring. Tougher than some of the much higher belt ranks in class. Good for them noth - it was fun and a challenge. Thank goodness for protective gear!
Sayonara,
Dan
After all this work, my legs were very sore in the back of the thighs the next day from working bent over most of the day Sunday. The fallout from this lasted most of the week.
Tuesday night, I went to class, and advised Sensei that I'd wracked my legs putting in the garden. Stretching before class helped a little. (I have learned that stretching before and after gardening is probably a good idea.) Sensei decided that I needed to work it out of my legs - so, kicking drills for most of the class. We dragged out the two big wavemasters, (the size half again as large as the one I bought) and we practiced every kick I've heard of, with a few hand strikes thrown in.
My legs actually did feel better immediately after class. The next day, however, they were pure rubber. I could barely get up and down the stairs at home. Yowsa!
Thursday, we started with kicking drills again, and also some hand and knee strikes. Then we practiced kata as well. (Sensei also told me and one other white belt that we will test for yellow in June.) After kata, we then had sparring practice.
Both days were very much washagi. Sweat city, elevated heart rate, aerobic exercise. Good stuff. My legs are pretty much recovered now.
One of the fun things that happened - there are two other guys my age in class. Two of us were sitting talking a bit before class. Our other 40-something came up, and teasingly said, " Ahh, Twinkie, and Twinkette." I couldn't resist. "So, does that make you the official Bakery Cream Puff?" I asked. We all got a good laugh out of that one.
The funny thing is, these two guys are also the toughest opponents in sparring. Tougher than some of the much higher belt ranks in class. Good for them noth - it was fun and a challenge. Thank goodness for protective gear!
Sayonara,
Dan
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Kata & Kicks
Last night's session was begun with high-speed and force kata practice, followed by a slow intricate breakdown of kata practiced at a slow pace.
At the end, we practiced kicks, 50 per leg for roundhouse, 15 for side kick, and back & forth across the room for crescent kicks.
Sensei was tight on correct kicking posture and the same during kata practice, explaining how we could actually hurt ourselves fully powered up if we didn't have proper form, but would develop much more power if we executed correctly.
Next session will either be this coming Saturday or the following Tuesday, most likely the latter.
Sayonara,
Dan
At the end, we practiced kicks, 50 per leg for roundhouse, 15 for side kick, and back & forth across the room for crescent kicks.
Sensei was tight on correct kicking posture and the same during kata practice, explaining how we could actually hurt ourselves fully powered up if we didn't have proper form, but would develop much more power if we executed correctly.
Next session will either be this coming Saturday or the following Tuesday, most likely the latter.
Sayonara,
Dan
Saturday, March 29, 2008
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
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
Friday, March 21, 2008
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
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
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
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
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
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
Friday, March 14, 2008
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
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
Thursday, March 13, 2008
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
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
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
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
Sayonara,
Dan
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
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
Sayonara, and thank you for reading.
Dan
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Ordered a new Gi...
From http://www.superfoots.com/whitstudkaru10.html
"Home » Uniforms and Belts » Traditional Style Karate Uniforms » White Student Karate Uniform
"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
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
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
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
Sunday, March 2, 2008
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:
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:
Friday, February 29, 2008
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
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
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
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
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
Saturday, February 23, 2008
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
Sayonara,
Dan
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