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.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
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/
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/
Monday, December 21, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
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.
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.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
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.
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, 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
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