A belated welcome back for Sensei Sasha! Hope you feel better soon…
Worked on some leg exercises and reviewed Ippons, Teazus and Kihons. We also practiced our Kihons in four directions with opponents. It’s always good to be able to perform these on the opposite side, as well as on the regular side that you normally practice them on. Remember to practice the bunkai for your kata! See you Thursday!
Special thanks this week to Sensei Jimmy. It’s always nice to have you back at the dojo, and we all appreciate and enjoy your instruction and presence.
Good work sparring tonight. Remember to keep your kicks above the belt when you are sparring. A few minor injuries today, but everyone walked away. Just remember your control, whether you are working with a younger student or a more advanced rank. Don’t forget your fundamentals or your form. Also, evaluate yourself as well as your opponent, you should be finding your weaknesses as well as your opponents.
Here is a review of the 8 Types of Attack:
Direct
Defensive
Counter
Circular
Sacrifical
Surprise
Hit and Run
Passive
Good work with the universal level of the kata, everyone. Just remember to keep the techniques effective and know what you are doing with each technique and against what. As you run your kata at home, remember the 10 points of kata and try to focus on a different one each time you run your kata.
Thursday, we will be sparring, so remember to bring your sparring gear (espescially mouthguards if you have them) and come focused and ready to spar!
Good work on your kata today, and remember, KEEP PRACTICING! There is no such thing as practicing or learning your kata too much. If you already know your highest kata, work on the spiritual and universal aspects. Learn the bunkai for your kata so that you know what your opponents are doing in addition to what you are supposed to be doing in your kata.
Here is the 10 Principles of Kata if you were not able to copy them down:
Speed
Power
Form
Balance
Intent (Meaning that you know what your strikes are and what kind of damage they are inflicting)
Breathing
Focus
Zanshin (or open mindedness. Meaning that you are aware of what you are doing in your kata.)
Kime (Focus)
Kiai (Spirit)
Remember, no class on Thursday this week. Have a good weekend; See you all Tuesday!