Rank belt testing has been central to my training lately.
I've been conditioning my knuckles, shins, and arms to handle impact for the last 4 months.
I've been working on improving my Bo, and nunchuku handling skills.
I've been working on my rank requirements, and testing kata.
I do need to build up my cardio. I will include skipping, running, jumping, and other such exercises into my practice as much as I can.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Improving
Working on movement in sidestance so that it is smoother, more fluid, and that the strike has a more perfect timing of execution.
Working on Nunchucks, and getting the basic movements.
Working on my earlier kata to improve what I call "nailing the position": hitting the stance quickly, confidently, and with power/speed.
Working on improving the height of my jumps:
Working on Nunchucks, and getting the basic movements.
Working on my earlier kata to improve what I call "nailing the position": hitting the stance quickly, confidently, and with power/speed.
Working on improving the height of my jumps:
Friday, June 27, 2008
So much to work on...
So many things that I want to improve, and so little time to give. I have to pick and choose, and balance, and try to meet the needs of each moment.. but isn't that the way of life.
Even with this weblog to list all of the things that I want to work upon, I'm still forgetting what to work on, and what I'm working with.. AArgh..
Well.. I'll keep my nose to the grindstone, and I know that only good can come of that.
Even with this weblog to list all of the things that I want to work upon, I'm still forgetting what to work on, and what I'm working with.. AArgh..
Well.. I'll keep my nose to the grindstone, and I know that only good can come of that.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Working on movement
I find it amazing how an artist always seems to go back to basics.
I've returned to looking at my movements in stance, and reassessing how well I use my muscles. I ask myself if I could move forwards in front stance with more speed, or if I could move backwards in the same stance with more fluidity. I've looked at my side stance, and worked on making that movement more "perfect".
Now that I have gained in leg strength through years of training, I think that I can finally start matching the desired movement.
Due to various home based demands I have had to lower the amount of personal training a little to take care of the house, kids, and myself. Balance.. life is about balance.
I've returned to looking at my movements in stance, and reassessing how well I use my muscles. I ask myself if I could move forwards in front stance with more speed, or if I could move backwards in the same stance with more fluidity. I've looked at my side stance, and worked on making that movement more "perfect".
Now that I have gained in leg strength through years of training, I think that I can finally start matching the desired movement.
Due to various home based demands I have had to lower the amount of personal training a little to take care of the house, kids, and myself. Balance.. life is about balance.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Progress is happening
Jumping kicks are not only improving, but are starting to feel less difficult.
I've managed to include the hip on my movements with more knowledge in the implementation.
I've managed to get my hands to stay up better, but I'm still looking for more height.
NOW.. to work on some minute details about moving in stance. My feet seem to have their own mind, and my timing needs a bit of adjustment.
I've managed to include the hip on my movements with more knowledge in the implementation.
I've managed to get my hands to stay up better, but I'm still looking for more height.
NOW.. to work on some minute details about moving in stance. My feet seem to have their own mind, and my timing needs a bit of adjustment.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Improving my flexibility
Jumping kicks do require some flexibility. So.. I need to work on stretching more.
Somewhere in my Martial arts files, and articles, I have acquired a great guide on how to stretch properly, and efficiently. I guess that it is now time for me to try to find it, and implement it. It's not like I haven't stretched until now, it's just that I haven't done it "religiously". I haven't set aside a certain portion of my training time to scientifically work on improving my range.
Sensei David Owen wrote an article on stretching available to read here:
http://www.jkavic.com.au/article_david_owen3.html
It is the second part of a discussion on the benefits of warm up, and stretching before, and after training. I think that it is important to be aware of the various concerns, and information that Sensei Owen mentions as I work towards incorporating more stretching into my personal training.
Somewhere in my Martial arts files, and articles, I have acquired a great guide on how to stretch properly, and efficiently. I guess that it is now time for me to try to find it, and implement it. It's not like I haven't stretched until now, it's just that I haven't done it "religiously". I haven't set aside a certain portion of my training time to scientifically work on improving my range.
Sensei David Owen wrote an article on stretching available to read here:
http://www.jkavic.com.au/article_david_owen3.html
It is the second part of a discussion on the benefits of warm up, and stretching before, and after training. I think that it is important to be aware of the various concerns, and information that Sensei Owen mentions as I work towards incorporating more stretching into my personal training.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Jumping kicks..
AAAH... jumping kicks.. I've got to be able to do jumping kicks... AARGH!
Like that! Side kick, front kick, back kick.. AARGH!
Panic.. I'm in a panic.. AARGH!
I've got to find support on this.. I have to train at home on this.. I have to get a grip. AARGH!
My hips! Will they be able to take the pressure? They complain when I do kicks on the ground.. what are they going to do in the air? AARGH!
Like that! Side kick, front kick, back kick.. AARGH!
Panic.. I'm in a panic.. AARGH!
I've got to find support on this.. I have to train at home on this.. I have to get a grip. AARGH!
My hips! Will they be able to take the pressure? They complain when I do kicks on the ground.. what are they going to do in the air? AARGH!
Sunday, March 9, 2008
The hands.. the Hands! Get the hands up!
O.k... I've been working on the hip, and managed to improve that aspect a little. Now.. for my hands. They need to be higher up in guard position.
This is how my fighting stance has developed up until now. Sure.. it's a nice position, but for Kyokushin training, I need to get my hands up higher to guard my head more... similar to a boxer's stance. Sort of like this:
That's Muhammad-Ali in the picture. Wow.. I'm going to try to imitate Muhammed-Ali. Me? Oh well.. if that is what is necessary. I found that I can train my abdomen muscles to be stronger to take impact, but my head cannot be trained.
I learned recently that women are far more prone to concusion than men. It might have to do with the physical reality that women's skulls are thinner then mens, or that women's necks are not as built up to become the shock absorber of the strikes. "High School- And College-Age Girls Playing Soccer Sustain 64% More Concussions. In basketball girls were 300 percent more likely to get a concussion."
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/10/02/eveningnews/main3321766.shtml
So therefore, I'm working on getting my hands up higher as I spar. Sure it seems like just a 4 inch difference, but oh man.. that difference is really difficult to hold up there. At least that is what I find. If I keep my hands at shoulder level, I do not feel tired, but lift them up to near chin level, and OUCHIES!
This is how my fighting stance has developed up until now. Sure.. it's a nice position, but for Kyokushin training, I need to get my hands up higher to guard my head more... similar to a boxer's stance. Sort of like this:
That's Muhammad-Ali in the picture. Wow.. I'm going to try to imitate Muhammed-Ali. Me? Oh well.. if that is what is necessary. I found that I can train my abdomen muscles to be stronger to take impact, but my head cannot be trained.
I learned recently that women are far more prone to concusion than men. It might have to do with the physical reality that women's skulls are thinner then mens, or that women's necks are not as built up to become the shock absorber of the strikes. "High School- And College-Age Girls Playing Soccer Sustain 64% More Concussions. In basketball girls were 300 percent more likely to get a concussion."
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/10/02/eveningnews/main3321766.shtml
So therefore, I'm working on getting my hands up higher as I spar. Sure it seems like just a 4 inch difference, but oh man.. that difference is really difficult to hold up there. At least that is what I find. If I keep my hands at shoulder level, I do not feel tired, but lift them up to near chin level, and OUCHIES!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
the HIP.. the HIP! Get that hip going!
I awakened to a further realization on the hip's movement and rotation. Gee.. I thought that I was moving that hip until now. I've been working on hip rotation since I was a yellow belt.. but it's more than what I thought.. There is lots of ways of moving that hip during a strike. I need to be able to understand WHAT it is that I'm doing, and what results that I want from the movement. I'm got a lifetime of study ahead of me!
As to looking for seminars/and other events that I can train with other people who love kata.. I financially have to make myself more secure for the next couple of years. We just needed to do a big purchase to keep the house warm. There goes hopes of travel for me... Just for awhile.
As to looking for seminars/and other events that I can train with other people who love kata.. I financially have to make myself more secure for the next couple of years. We just needed to do a big purchase to keep the house warm. There goes hopes of travel for me... Just for awhile.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Sunday, Feb 10th
I need to check the count of the Tsuki no Kata after the first turn. I think that I'm getting it a little mixed up as to what makes up one count, and what makes up the next count.
I need to look at Pinan sono Yon, and the placement of my hands in the first movements, something Shotokan is happening, and I'm overcompensating by dipping my lead shoulder to try to force the arm into the right position.
My backstance has gone from being too narrow to becoming too wide. Time to focus on the feeling of my backstance and bring it under control.
Also, I need to practice the more advanced renraku that involves more stance switching in mid movement. These will have to be done on my own time at home, or on breaks at work.
Both of my Bo staffs are misplaced.. yeesh. My Water Bo is totally gone. I believe that it was taken by a elementary school child as "look at this cool stick I found, Mom". My Maple staff was left at my dojo, and probably placed in a safe location for later. Therefore, yesterday, my husband and I went to the local lumber store, and bought me a wooden 6 foot stick. I have to say that I'm not impressed with this one. It is made of Hemlock. Wide.. wide spaces between the rings. Not a good color or sound to it. It's not very straight either, with a slight warp. BUT it's a 6 foot staff that I can use to practice with until I can buy myself something better, and if I lose this one, I won't mind a bit.
I need to look at Pinan sono Yon, and the placement of my hands in the first movements, something Shotokan is happening, and I'm overcompensating by dipping my lead shoulder to try to force the arm into the right position.
My backstance has gone from being too narrow to becoming too wide. Time to focus on the feeling of my backstance and bring it under control.
Also, I need to practice the more advanced renraku that involves more stance switching in mid movement. These will have to be done on my own time at home, or on breaks at work.
Both of my Bo staffs are misplaced.. yeesh. My Water Bo is totally gone. I believe that it was taken by a elementary school child as "look at this cool stick I found, Mom". My Maple staff was left at my dojo, and probably placed in a safe location for later. Therefore, yesterday, my husband and I went to the local lumber store, and bought me a wooden 6 foot stick. I have to say that I'm not impressed with this one. It is made of Hemlock. Wide.. wide spaces between the rings. Not a good color or sound to it. It's not very straight either, with a slight warp. BUT it's a 6 foot staff that I can use to practice with until I can buy myself something better, and if I lose this one, I won't mind a bit.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
I was thinking....
Hmmmm... o.k... Why was I hoping to go to a competition in Kata at a tournament?
It was to meet some like minded karate ka in Kyokushin who love kata as much as I do.. Tournaments aren't the greatest setting for such an undertaking. Not always do kata lovers become willing to perform for medals, in fact, kata lovers tend to be the "stay at the dojo, and focus on their kata" kind of people. ( or am I being too general here?)
If I wish to meet other kata lovers to spend time with, I need to go where I can find them. They'd be at seminars, not tournaments. AHA! I will look for Kyokushin seminars that I might be able to attend in the near future that are near me to see what I can find.
It was to meet some like minded karate ka in Kyokushin who love kata as much as I do.. Tournaments aren't the greatest setting for such an undertaking. Not always do kata lovers become willing to perform for medals, in fact, kata lovers tend to be the "stay at the dojo, and focus on their kata" kind of people. ( or am I being too general here?)
If I wish to meet other kata lovers to spend time with, I need to go where I can find them. They'd be at seminars, not tournaments. AHA! I will look for Kyokushin seminars that I might be able to attend in the near future that are near me to see what I can find.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Final posting.on training.
The hopes of participating in a tournament are getting dim now.
My organization is not going to create an adult division for Kata due to lack of interest over there.
I'm not allowed to go to other Kyokushin events due to the politics of IKO1, IKO2, IKO3. So even if there are events happening in British Columbia, or Alberta, I am barred from them.
I am not allowed to go to Open events.
Ah well.. It's not like I'm not going to continue training, and working on my skills, but there is no need to document my progress anymore.
I might just use this blog as a form of training journal to remind myself of special points that I'm working on, and to look at my kata in more depth to improve them.
My organization is not going to create an adult division for Kata due to lack of interest over there.
I'm not allowed to go to other Kyokushin events due to the politics of IKO1, IKO2, IKO3. So even if there are events happening in British Columbia, or Alberta, I am barred from them.
I am not allowed to go to Open events.
Ah well.. It's not like I'm not going to continue training, and working on my skills, but there is no need to document my progress anymore.
I might just use this blog as a form of training journal to remind myself of special points that I'm working on, and to look at my kata in more depth to improve them.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Tuesday Jan 15th ( Bad news)
I found out tonight that the proposed Kata competition for Kyokushin adult students will not be happening in Montreal. This has not halted my desire, and dedication to training. I am continuing to explore what possibilities are available for me to meet with, and share my enthusiasm for Kyokushin kata with others.
Tonight was seminar with Shihan.
Juji kata 4 times
Pinan sono Ichi, Ni, San Tate
Tonight was seminar with Shihan.
Juji kata 4 times
Pinan sono Ichi, Ni, San Tate
Summary Mon Jan 7th to Mon. Jan 14th
Bo training Not available.
Total 0 Goal 60 minutes
Kata:
Gekisai Dai 6 times
Gekisai Sho 6 times
Tsuki No kata 10 times
Taikyoku sono ichi 35 times
Pinan sono Yon 13 times
Pinan sono Ichi, Ni, San 3 times each
Yangtsu 5 times
Taikyoku Sono Ichi Ura 3 times
Pinan Sono Ichi Ura 2 times
Total 83 Goal 70
Total 0 Goal 60 minutes
Kata:
Gekisai Dai 6 times
Gekisai Sho 6 times
Tsuki No kata 10 times
Taikyoku sono ichi 35 times
Pinan sono Yon 13 times
Pinan sono Ichi, Ni, San 3 times each
Yangtsu 5 times
Taikyoku Sono Ichi Ura 3 times
Pinan Sono Ichi Ura 2 times
Total 83 Goal 70
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Friday, Jan 11th
Taikyoku Sono ichi 15 times
Taikyoku Sono san 2 times
Pinan Sono Ichi 2 times
Pinan Sono ni 2 times
Pinan Sono Yon 4 times
Tsuki No kata 6 times
Taikyoku Sono Ichi Ura 3 times
Pinan Sono Ichi Ura 2 times
I tried to include Bo work.. not possible.
Taikyoku Sono san 2 times
Pinan Sono Ichi 2 times
Pinan Sono ni 2 times
Pinan Sono Yon 4 times
Tsuki No kata 6 times
Taikyoku Sono Ichi Ura 3 times
Pinan Sono Ichi Ura 2 times
I tried to include Bo work.. not possible.
Friday, January 11, 2008
OOps.. Wednesday Jan 9th
Taikyoku Sono Ichi 15 times
Gekisai Dai twice
Gekisai Sho twice
Pinan sono Yon twice
Tsuki no kata 3 times
Gekisai Dai twice
Gekisai Sho twice
Pinan sono Yon twice
Tsuki no kata 3 times
Thursday, Jan 10th
Gekisai Dai 2 times
Gekisai Sho 2 times
Pinan sono Yan 2 times
Pinan sono Ichi, Ni, San once
Yangtsu 5 times
Gekisai Sho 2 times
Pinan sono Yan 2 times
Pinan sono Ichi, Ni, San once
Yangtsu 5 times
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Tuesday, Jan 8th
Gekisai Dai 2 times
Gekisai Sho 2 times
Tsuki No kata once
Taikyoku sono ichi 5 times
Pinan sono Yon 5 times
Gekisai Sho 2 times
Tsuki No kata once
Taikyoku sono ichi 5 times
Pinan sono Yon 5 times
Monday, January 7, 2008
I haven't been ignoring my training
I haven't been ignoring my training.. I just haven't written anything down for awhile. So I will remedy that.
December 30th to Monday January 7th.
60 minutes Bo training
Tsuki waza, Uke waza, warm up, Chion bo kata 12 times
Total 60 minutes training Goal: 60 minutes
Kata:
Taikyoku Sono Ichi 26 times
Taikyoku Sono San 12 times
Pinan sono Ichi 3 times
Pinan sono Ni 2 times
Pinan sono Yon 4 times
Sanchin kata 14 times
Gekisai Dai 3 times
Gekisai Sho 3 times
Total kata 67 kata this week Goal: 70 kata
I had to take it a little easier on my legs since the injury, but things have been shaping up. I'm moving far more normally now.
Shihan is coming soon. Hopefully I will find out that there will be a tournament happening, when, where, and IF they will include adult kata competition.
December 30th to Monday January 7th.
60 minutes Bo training
Tsuki waza, Uke waza, warm up, Chion bo kata 12 times
Total 60 minutes training Goal: 60 minutes
Kata:
Taikyoku Sono Ichi 26 times
Taikyoku Sono San 12 times
Pinan sono Ichi 3 times
Pinan sono Ni 2 times
Pinan sono Yon 4 times
Sanchin kata 14 times
Gekisai Dai 3 times
Gekisai Sho 3 times
Total kata 67 kata this week Goal: 70 kata
I had to take it a little easier on my legs since the injury, but things have been shaping up. I'm moving far more normally now.
Shihan is coming soon. Hopefully I will find out that there will be a tournament happening, when, where, and IF they will include adult kata competition.
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