Another moment

On Saturday, March 10th, I participated in the Ohan Brothers Gold Cup Tournament again in the Kata Division ( Black belt level) against more than 12 opponents.

I performed the Saifa Kata. At this point I have no pictures/videos of the event.

I achieved the marks of 8.5, 8.4, and 7.9

After my performance I was approached by total strangers again as they sought to shake my hand and compliment me on how much they appreciated my kata.

I had difficulty maintaining power on the material surface of the tatami as it shifted under my weight, and was "slippery" when called upon for power. I will train to learn how to do powerful kata "on ice" as I am normally used to performing on cement or wood floors.

Goal Accomplished

On Saturday, March 27th, in Laval Quebec at the Gold Cup Tournament, I competed in Kata.

I was placed in the Advanced Black Belt group despite being a Brown Belt/Black Stripe. I was the only Brown in that group.

I didn't place in the medals, but that wasn't my goal, and the level of performance of those high ranked ladies was phenomenal. However, I did receive a respectable score from the judges, and later on during the day I was approached by many strangers who wanted to shake my hand, and praise me as they had enjoyed my kata.

Here is a picture of me during my kata performance:



This picture was professionally taken by Gioele Agostinelli You can see more pictures from this person from this event here: http://www.flickr.com/people/agioele/

Improved!

With constant stretching, and effort, I have improved the height of my side kicks. I am still working towards better control, and strength now that I have gained in height.

My spinning back roundhouse kicks are more accurate, quick, and gained in height.

I need to go back to working on my back kicks. I have learned that my short sightedness is causing difficulties for me to be able to see my target properly through peripheral vision. This causes me concern because my back kicks have proven to be quite powerful, and due to this I would want better control over where I send them.

I believe that I'm coming full circle in balancing the power of my kicks now with improving the targeting/skill/ability. I believe the key will be in having strong balance so that I can fully control the extending leg. I will pursue that path to see how that evolves.

Progess noted

Sidekicks have improved very well.

Switching my focus to spinning back roundhouse kicks, and jumping back kicks.

Working towards improving chambering position, and contact stability.

I noticed a great video on improving kicks on youtube:



I really appreciate the gift of this video, it has awakened me to how important the side muscles are to improving my kicks. I have added this type of training into my efforts.

Changing focus

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.

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:

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.