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.

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.

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.

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.