Class Week-In-Review September 20, 2014

Maryam leading the warm-ups

Self-defense was the focus this week. After reviewing awareness drills in part 1 of class, we practiced drills to cultivate the "warrior spirit." This consisted of shield fighting (a new drill) and knife evasion (from previous weeks). There was quite a bit of sweat and yelling. But everyone had a strong spirit of teamwork and warrior spirit. For more about the warrior spirit cultivation, check out Jim Wagner's Reality Based Self-Defense You-Tube Channel. We finished the segment with circular omni-directional blocking.

Part 2 built on the first with omni-directional blocking, but standing in place with a "block-shock." That is, blocking and immediately responding with a palm-heel or other strike [past] our partner. We finished the day with kicking from the ground and defending against an attacker that is sitting on us.

Sensei Tony helping with blocking drills

Ramza had another successful Junsado stick fighting class. Special thanks to Maryam for leading the beginning of class. She did an excellent job. Also special thanks to Khalin for teaching a new student how to break-fall. Sensei Tony's last word of advice to everyone was to remember to keep our knees slightly bent and be flexible. Being stiff and straight makes it hard for one to adjust to an ever-changing fight.

Class Week-In-Review September 13, 2014

Ramza and Jack hard at work

Basics, basics, basics and self-control. These were the elements of this week's class. Good breakfalls, rolling, stances, strikes and kicks are what makes us strong fighters. We had a full class and made good use of our new schedule. Special thanks to Taha for opening and leading the beginning of class!

After helping set up the mats, Ramza taught his early morning Joong Bong stick fighting class. For those students interested in practicing more, you can order the video all about this unique stick fighting form.

Early morning Joong Bong Stick Fighting Class

We went through all of the yellow belt techniques. In part 1 of the class, we worked with partners. In part 2, everyone got one-on-one assistance with our highly skilled black belt instructors. Most of us needed much more practice, including green belts. Everyone needs to practice more at home in order to be successful. If you lost your manual, you may download another one here. From time to time, instructors may write a "training prescription" for individual students with focus points for home/solo practice. It doesn't mean the student is doing poorly. It is a way to encourage them to build up their weak areas.

At the end of class, we discussed the Awareness homework assignments. They were wonderful! All of them demonstrate that our students are thinking about their environments and being aware. You can view the assignments below. Master Erjan shared some words of wisdom about the importance of self-control in practice. Whether you are in a real fight or in practice, know yourself and know how to control yourself.

Awareness Homework Projects by Gen-Ki Martial Arts in Evanston

Class Week-In-Review September 4, 2014

Master Erjan with students

After a few weeks off, we launched a new beginning after the 1 year anniversary of the passing of our beloved Renshi Zachary Bradley. We are now officially under the guidance of a very accomplished Head Instructor, Master Erjan Fortsen. Along with a friendly smile, he brings various black belt degrees in Aikido, Judo, Karate, Kali and a long list of security and law enforcement abilities. Master Erjan was Renshi Zachary Bradley's first student to promote to black belt in the 1990's.

Here's Master Erjan in action with our class this Saturday, September 4th. Class opened up with discussion of awareness and the experiences students had observing "unaware" potential victims at a shopping mall.

Blocking drills

We continued with drills for self-defense footwork, blocking and running.

Next week we'll focus on basic techniques in a new, longer Saturday schedule (weekday classes have been cancelled for the near term). Please show up at the usual time for the 10:30 slot (15 minutes early please!). We'll break for 15 minutes at 11:15, start up at 11:30 and finish by 12:15. This will ensure more attention for individual students. Also, we recommend students bring some water and a light snack for the break. Something like vegetables or a granola bar is a good choice.

Responsibility and Progress

Since implementing the Attendance Card program and Basic Training Homework Log for our students, we have seen a marked improvement of students desire to achieve and perform well. From fighting ability and fitness to leadership and organization, those who strive to keep up and seek feedback from instructors, we are now sure that this is a good program.

Our school puts a lot of responsibility on the student for their own success (and parents for the younger students). It's not easy. However, it makes everyone accountable for themselves. This is the essence of good citizenship and responsibility. Please treat your attendance card like a valuable object. In fact, it is!

What if I lose my attendance card? Answer: We will give you a new one.

Unfortunately, here's what will need to be done with a new card:

1. You will need to have all techniques re-examined before anyone can sign off on them.
2. You will have lost all the wonderful leadership, basic training and homework stickers that you earned (we cannot replace those stickers).
3. You will need to arrange with an instructor to arrive at class 30 minutes early so we can go back through our grade-book to re-enter your attendance dates.
4. You will have lost a wonderful record of your progress that can be used if you move to another school.

How can I prevent losing it?

1. Organize: Look at the Being a Star Student article we gave you. It contains tips for keeping everything for class in one safe place (binder with sheet protectors, duffle bag or backpack) .
2. Make a color copy of your attendance card after each class and keep it at home in a separate place.

Class Week-In-Review August 3, 2014

Drilling kicks for self-defense with Sifu Leonard

On Monday, we drilled all of the Yellow Belt striking techniques and included application with step-sparring. As usual, we worked up a nice sweat and learned about the tools in our arsenal.

Wednesday was a special treat, as Sifu Leonard stopped by and helped us do the same thing on Monday, but with kicking techniques. Using the kick as a push-away was a fantastic drill for getting distance before running from an attacker.

Thanks to Ramza for leading the warm-ups both days. On Saturday, we awarded some of our students with stripes for their belts: Ramza and Niabelle. Congratulations! We also had the great pleasure of having the help of Sensei Erjan. We have many green belt students who seemed to have forgotten their kicks and striking techniques. It is very important to practice what you learn so you can be a better student and leader. Also on Saturday, Ramza led the first stick fighting class. If you are interested in learning, put your name on the sign-up sheet in class. It is open to all ranks. Be sure to show up no later than 10 am to start.

We'll have a short month of classes in August. Please pick up a new calendar. Our focus will be self-defense during the month. If there are specific techniques to be signed off for on your attendance card, please tell an instructor to help you learn or review them. Please be prepared.

New Belt Stripes Program

This new, no-cost program will help encourage all students to continue practicing what they learn and seek promotion and leadership with more enthusiasm.

When a student of any rank from (White through 1^st Brown) has the sections below in their attendance card completed (signed by an instructor), an instructor will use the appropriate electrical tape color to put a stripe on their belt.

Red stripe:     All blocks signed off on attendance card.

White stripe:  All strikes signed off on attendance card.

Blue stripe:    All kicks signed off on attendance card.

Yellow stripe: Form/Kata/Hyung AND stances signed off on attendance card.

Green stripe:  All self-defense signed off on attendance card.

Each color has a specific meaning. They can be earned in any order. These stripes are symbolic of progress. Stripes do not indicate rank promotion. The student must also have all other sections completed on their attendance card, such as CLASS SESSIONS ATTENDED, PREVIOUS BELT REQUIREMENTS, FITNESS and TEACHING TIME.

Class Week-In-Review July 27, 2014

Focusing on forms (kata/hyung) this week, we saw tremendous improvement from all the students. Special thanks to Sensei James for helping Niabelle get a sign-off on her attendance card for Chon-Ji. Remember: The key to your success in the martial arts is in how much you practice on your own outside of class.

Also, Ramza will begin offering basic stick fighting classes at 10 am on Saturdays. So far only one brave student has signed up. 

Next week: Techniques.

Class Week-In-Review July 20, 2014

Small class on Monday, but we covered much!

For this week in sparring we reviewed footwork drills: Sliding, one-step-in, switching and pivoting. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. This included basic strike and kick attacks. All of these can be practiced at home. We still have a lot of work to do when it comes to using our techniques in actual sparring rounds.

Special thanks to Angel for holding yet another successful warm-up class Saturday. He has covered for other students who were assigned, but did not arrive on time. Check your calendars. Your name may be assigned to lead a class. Be ready. Be early!

The most enjoyable part of Saturday was the showing off the homework projects. This was the first of such projects inspired by martial arts teaching expert Keith Pascal. We hope to assign more such projects in coming months.

This first project was to write a report based on the story of Master Hee Il Cho in an article published by Black Belt Magazine. Master Cho vividly describes the differences between martial arts training when he was a child to the training widely used today. They also had a choice of writing a poem, creating a Venn Diagram, comic book or illustrated scene of his life as described in the article. The students who did the assignment created wonderful projects. Although every single project was fantastic and none exceded the other in creativity, Niabelle's project must be noted as exceptional in that she created seven page comic book in Korean and English for her report!

You can view or download a PDF of everyone's projects for free below.

Hee Il Cho Projects

Class Week-In-Review July 13, 2014

On Monday and Wednesday, the knife attack drills continued. Our goal is to make us brave and courageous. Once you can control your fear, it is easier to save your life. Disarming and using techniques will be more successful. For now, bravery and speed will be our focus. Knife attacks are quick and often deadly. So we move through a progressive level of various movement and speed drills to break the fear factor and turn on the warrior within.

The blind-folded disarm drill was slightly successful for all of us. However, from the way that drill went—and the 5 second attack evasion drill—all of us would have left the fight with very damaged limbs and stab wounds. Half of the time we would probably have survived. However, we might have died eventually due to blood loss.

Ankle rotations are important warm-up exercises

Special thanks to Sifu Leonard for sharing with us important tips for surviving a stabbing attack. Simply put, if you find the attacker's knife in your body, leave it there until you get professional medical attention. Pulling it out could result in greater blood loss and tissue damage.

Confidence is growing in the students, but we have more work to do! Try not to miss class. It could save your life.

Congratulations to Angel for leading the beginning of class on Saturday on last minute's notice. Next week's teacher-in-training: Maryam.

Class Week-In-Review July 6, 2014

We have a shorter week with no class on Saturday July 5th. On Monday we focused on combination kicking and striking, working up a good sweat and turning up the speed for countering. Special thanks to Sensei Aaron for leading this session.

Wednesday was a (re-)introduction to knife defense. Eric, Sensei Aaron and Sensei Tony led the class. We learned about human nature and the resistance to stabbing, as opposed to slashing with a knife and how we must avoid knife attacks. Unfortunately, due to the stealthy nature of many knife attacks, we must approach them with urgency, as statistics demonstrate that most attacks will not last more than 5 or 10 seconds.

Looping footwork—retreating slightly and quickly turning back in from an angle are crucial to evasion and the possible option of deflecting. Also remember to suck in the air, bringing your body inward for those few extra centimeters of protection. The final part—and last resort—is to disarm. These almost always result in some injury for the defender. However, with some multiple stabbing drills, learning a few disarming techniques and a blindfolded disarming drill, students now have a little more confidence.

We plan to build on this and continue in coming sessions next week.

Students went home with a new drilling technique to improve speed of deflection and grabbing (with shin kick counter-attack) the attacking arm with a belt they can tie to a tree, post or railing.

Many of the drills we practiced are defined and illustrated in a book called The Ultimate Guide to Knife Combat by Black Belt Books.

Class Week-In-Review June 30, 2014

Black belts supervising our forms

Forms were looking good this week. In general, we all needed some improvement, however. Kudos to Angel for showing a 100% improvement in stances and kihap. We are very proud of everyone's success. Practice your forms with power and deliberate speed (not fast). The more repetitions you do, the easier the form becomes.

Master Jhoon Rhee

Taekwondo Master John Chung created what are probably the best videos of how to perform the katas/forms/hyung as instructed by our late Sensei Zachary Bradley. You can purchase these videos in the "Achieving Taekwondo Excellence" series. They are not cheap in any sense of the word. However, they will lead you toward excellence and that is priceless when it comes to performing these traditional Korean forms.

Master John Chung

The books by Master Jhoon Rhee (Master John Chung's teacher), are also excellent resources.

It is critical that you practice all of your forms at least once daily. They make excellent exercise and the benefits of practice are beyond description. Successful martial artists practice their forms, they exercise often and they take initiative with their studies inside of and outside of the martial arts classroom/dojo/dojang/kwoon. 

Special condolences to Khalin's grandmother, who passed away this weekend after a tough illness.On a lighter note, we were privileged to have a visit from Sensei Alex Pitner. Congratulations to him for his new job in Pennsylvania. Come back to visit again, sir!

Class Week-In-Review June 22, 2014

Sensei Tony supervising Angel and Marlon in point-sparring

For sparring drills and practice week, we began with kicks on Monday. With chest safety gear, we covered lead-leg front kicks, as well as lead-leg and rear-leg turning kicks. The last half was time to put it to practice. Congratulations to Nabila for taking the lead with most points scored with excellent kicks.

On Wednesday, we covered additional footwork skills from the Olympic-style Taekwondo sparring techniques (Called Jitgi in Korean):

1. In-Place Switching
2. One-Step In
3. Slide In

We practiced all of these individually before drilling a combination of all three, plus the pivot turning footwork we started out with a few months ago.

Then we drilled and practiced a counter-attack kicking technique called "Dwibal Pajo Apbal Momtong Dollyo Chagi" or Rear Foot Step Back Front Foot Trunk Roundhouse. This particular drill is used to help the defender retreat from a kick while also setting up a quick counter-attack to the attacker. This drill, along with dozens of other drills, are available in a video called "Complete Sparring 2" by Turtle Press.

Saturday was more review of footwork and then some 1-minute point-sparring rounds. Everyone performed well.

As a reminder to our students: Your success is based on how much you practice and how well organized and prepared you are for class. Come early (especially during sparring week). It is recommended that all students purchase a binder with folders and sheet protectors to store their manual, attendance card and Basic Training Worksheet. For colored belts, this is mandatory. With higher rank, comes greater responsibility.

Next week is Forms and Application. We hope students are practicing and will have something to show so we can sign off on this part of your Attendance Cards.

Star Student Tip #1: Organization for Our Students

How To Be a Star Student Tip #1

Have a 3-ring binder with pockets for the following materials in sheet protectors (you were given a sheet protector with your Attendance Card/Sheet):

1. Manual (will require a few dozen sheet protectors)

2. Attendance Card/Sheet (available from an instructor)

3. Basic Training Homework forms (will require multiple sheets so you can see your progress over time)

4. Calendar (available from an instructor)

5. The pockets in the binder can be used to keep nutrition and fitness handouts.

Where can you download the Manual and Basic Training form? See the Class Forms and Records section in the article.

You can purchase an inexpensive binder and box of sheet protectors at any office supply store such as Office Max, Office Depot, Staples or other independent store. In addition to inner pockets, make sure the binder has a front cover sleeve where you can slip in the monthly calendar so it will be visible when the binder is closed.

Reminder: Losing your Attendance Card/Sheet could mean you will increase the time between promotion tests as you will lose the record of all of your progress. Instructors do not keep record of your progress. If you take charge of your progress and organize, you will be a very successful martial arts student and instructor.

We also recommend that you keep your binder, safety equipment, weapons and any other items for class in a single duffle bag or backpack. That way you will not lose anything and will have quick access to and from class.

If you need an example of how the binder should look, ask Sensei James, Eric or Enriqueta.

Class Week-In-Review June 15, 2014

Sensei Aaron at work with the class for self-defense

We had a shorter week  with one class due to the closing of the community center. So Saturday was jam-packed with self-defense practice, starting with drills for fighting off an attacker who is standing above you if you fall to the ground. Everyone performed well. Practice at home by yourself so you don't forget.

1. Break your fall when you slip or are pushed back.
2. Stay on your side, holding yourself up with one arm and use the other arm for guard.
3. Kick your attackers knees or groin section as they approach. Yell when you strike (Kia/Kihap).
4. Get up quickly, shifting your body back away from  the attacker.
5. Use whatever technique you can while standing if they approach you again—or run away quickly.

Sensei Aaron topped off the class with Hapkido wrist locks against collar grabs. These were very useful techniques to shock your attacker—or even a friend that might be playing too rough. So practice carefully. However, practice nevertheless!

Maryam leading the class with warm-ups

Congratulations to Maryam for leading the class for warm-ups. As mentioned in class, all students with colored belts are need to bring their manuals in binders. You are the leaders and must be organized and prepared to lead class at any time. The manual contains good warm-up exercises you can teach. The binder can also hold your attendance card and other paperwork.

Next week is Sparring Drills and Practice. Bring your safety equipment and be ready to review what you have learned.

Six Ways of Good Citizenship

Practicing martial arts of any style requires self-control and good character. Citizenship—being a subject of a state or nation—consists of six characteristics: Respect, fairness, caring, responsibility, courage and honesty.

Respect others and their beliefs. More importantly, one should respect students and teachers of other martial arts. Never slander them or their style. We never heard Sensei Zachary Bradley put down any other martial art style. In fact, he encouraged his students to study whatever style interested them and bring back what they learn to help our class improve.

Fairness: Take your turn and listen to others regardless of circumstances.

Caring: Think about what your partner, friend or relative needs. What you need and what others need are often very different. Do not assume people know you care about them. Tell them and show them.

Responsibility: You have a duty to honor your parents, teachers and community. Think about what you are supposed to do and do it with enthusiasm. Think before you act.

Courage: Do the right thing, preserve your dignity and defend your life. Never be the aggressor or harm anyone out of spite. If you do something wrong, take responsibility for it and be honest about your failures.

Honesty: Speak the truth regardless of circumstances. Your words lead to actions—both good and bad. People will respect you more if you are honest.

This article refers to terms explained in Scott Foresman Social Studies Regions.

Class Week-In-Review June 8, 2014

Isabella and Ramza working on a basic technique

This week we taught and practiced the basics of step-sparring. This is different from free-sparring or point-sparring. That is for the third week of the month. The difference is there is no contact and the techniques are done in order with attacker and defender. The main benefits of this practice are control of power, posture, form and motion.

Students Ramza and Nabila demonstrate intermediate level step-sparring techniques in this video from the Gen-Ki 2013 martial arts tournament (below).

 

On Wednesday and Saturday we had the fortunate visit of returning black-belt instructor—and busy college student—Ms. Rebecca. She guided us later in the week into the Hapkido techniques and kicking drills.

For students interested in learning more about step-sparring, techniques and how to create your own step-sparring drills, we recommend the book Taekwondo Step-Sparring by Master Sang H. Kim.

Next week is self-defense. Make sure you bring your safety equipment.

Class Week-In-Review June 1, 2014

Monday was the Memorial Day holiday. There was no class. However, on Wednesday we started our martial arts work week with technique review led by Ms. Enriqueta. Since it was only high-ranking students, we focused on the kicks and strikes required for those levels.

We're introducing a new drill to our warm-ups routine: Break-falls. It is critical that all of our students know how to fall effortlessly. Below is an excellent video covering the basics of backward break-falls. It goes into further drills for rolling. That will come in a separate class for us.




However, for the basics, you'll find all you need. Rolling should be done very carefully and cause no pain. If it hurts, stop and ask one of the instructors next time you're in class.

Saturday was a packed house as usual. Ms. Enriqueta led the charge with kicking techniques. We finished with 10 minutes at four drilling stations for front kick, side kick, rear kick, instep groin kick and roundhouse and hook kicks. Everyone did their best to practice good form over speed, along with a strong kihap. Congratulations to Marlon for outstanding improvement! We also want to mention congratulations to Maryam and Taha on their pilgrimage to Mecca and welcome back.

Remember the important lesson of today: Good form must come before power. We all want to be powerful with out techniques. However, power comes with balance and control of body movement. When all body parts move in unison—with control and balance—a powerful kick will be easy to achieve.

In self-defense applications, there is no time to worry about your stance (the foundation of good form). However, after training consistently with good form, fast, low kicks to your attacker's knees or groin sections will be devastating and accurate.

It is very important to practice slowly and build up speed as you become more stable. Use a railing or chair as you were shown. Take your time and practice, practice, practice.

Next week is step-sparring self-defense. We have various levels planned for each student. What you learn can be applied to the self-defense portion of your yellow, green and blue belt promotions. Please try to attend.

Class Week-in-Review May 26, 2014

We continued practicing and forms. Sensei James and assistant instructors worked with our newest students to introduce Chon Ji Hyung—the first traditional Korean Taekwondo form taught to us by our late Sensei Zachary Bradley. Although we are affiliated with the Gen-Ki Karate and Kung-Fu association, we have an eclectic mix of Korean, Japanese and other martial arts. However, the root of Sensei Zachary Bradley's teaching is based in the Korean Hapkido/Traditional Taekwondo style.

On Wednesday, the students finished learning their first form, while other high-ranking students learned Hwarang-Do.

Saturday we reviewed forms and practiced over and over. We noticed many students needed to improve fist-making. It is important to exercise good discipline for all the details in practicing forms. Practice daily by doing forms once or twice. It will really pay off.

Class Week-in-Review May 14, 2014

Sensei James overseeing light-contact drills

Sparring week welcomed new and continuing students. Sensei James drilled the higher rank students in light-contact format and Mr. Eric assisted the white belt students with footwork and back-fist attacks in no-contact format. Wednesday was more of the same, but with much improvement. The confidence level in their attacks really showed.

Saturday culminated with 1 minute point-sparring rounds, focusing on the previous techniques. Our focus was good technique and footwork. Everyone performed with dignity and in a warrior spirit. The most outstanding sportsmanship was also displayed. The instructors were impressed!

Remember that sparring—regardless of style—is based on 4 important fundamentals: Fitness, technique, strategy and warrior spirit. Be aware of these fundamentals in order to make your practice more successful.

Footwork and attack drills

For more about these fundamentals, we recommend the book Taekwondo Kyorugi by Sang H. Kim Ph.D. For techniques and drills we recommend the videos courses Shotokan Kumite by Sensei Steve Flores and Championship Taekwondo Drills by Master Lynnette Love (These excellent videos are out of print and can only be found second-hand on various websites—or new through Amazon.com on-Demand video).

Students interested in purchasing their own sparring gear should look at this article about buying gear online.

Class Week-in-Review May 11, 2014

Self-defense week was kicked off on Monday with reviewing of "Fencing" and how to hit those who won't stop on their "off" buttons: Groin, throat and eyes. The most important part of the lesson was to never allow someone to take you away. Once they get you in their territory, your life may be over. Instructor Eric explained many important points that can be found in SAS and Elite Forces Guide Self-Defense by Daugherty. This book is available through Half-Price Books.

On Wednesday, we reviewed Monday's lesson and practiced as the instructors role-played aggressive persons that the students had to deal with effectively. The students did well expressing aggression and fast responses.

Saturday was more review and how to kick properly. Many of the students needed to improve their kicks. We also welcomed a new student, Francisco. Special  thanks to Canyon for being such a great helper this day!

Next week is sparring week. Be sure to bring your mouth-guards and groin cup. For recommended brands see this article.

Class Week-in-Review May 4, 2014

On Monday, Techniques week started off with the ever-so-important basics. Enriqueta led the beginners in proper stances: Front, Riding and Back. That led to the proper form for kicks. Eric led the higher rank students in striking techniques with elbow and the 1-2-3 drill (two palm heel strikes and low kick). Angel commented on his experience with our new Basic Training homework and how it has helped him become stronger and more prepared for class (read more about this new part of class in this article). Indeed, his strikes are improving greatly.

On Wednesday, we had a very small class, but were able to focus on high-rank strikes with combinations and targets. We wrapped up the evening with take-downs with defending from kicks.

Saturday was piloted by Sensei Aaron Bradley, the son of the Evanston Gen-Ki school. Students showed great improvement with kicks and strikes. Both old and new students should be proud of their progress.

Uniform and Equipment for Class

Our recommendations for uniforms and equipment are not restrictive. The only mandatory items are mouthguard (male and female students) and groin cup (for male and female students). Currently, we suggest purchasing from the following sources:

Mouthguard and groin cup
Karatedepot.com has a an entire section for these items and more (see the "Protection" category on the left side of their website when it loads).
Dick's Sporting Goods (the Niles store)
The lowest cost (pictured at left) is sufficient. However, for the most comfort, you might consider a higher priced item.


Uniform
We encourage individuality in our classes. That is, if you prefer a particular colored uniform—or style—you are free to choose it. However, we recommend black or white color mediumweight or heavyweight Karate uniforms. A thicker weave—Judo/Jujitsu style top—is optional. Thicker weave tops will not rip as easy as other tops during throwing and grappling practice. Some students own both a mediumweight Karate uniform and a thicker weave Judo/Jujitsu top.

Sparring Gear
With the exception of mouthguards and groin cup, we keep all the basic sparring gear you might need to use in class. However, if you prefer to use your own gear—worn only by you—then Karatedepot has the sparring gear you need.

Class Forms and Records
Every student is required to have an Attendance Card. This is available from instructors. It will allow you to have full accounting of your attendance and techniques required for promotion tests. It is important to keep the Attendance Card and other documents in sheet protectors in a binder. You will need it because of the wear-and-tear that comes with physical training. You will be given other worksheets and handouts throughout your stay with us and it is critical that you use a binder to stay organized.

Other documents required are available for download:
1. Par-Q Form.
2. Manual.
3. Basic Training Homework Form.

Chon-Ji by Jhoon Rhee

Books and Videos
The Founder of the Evanston Dojo of Gen-Ki Karate and Kung-Fu, Sensei Zachary Bradley was a student of traditional Taekwondo for many, many years. He passed that tradition on to his students with the forms/kata/hyung explained in Master Jhoon Rhee's series of Taekwondo books. These books will enhance your martial arts education for our particular method of fighting. There are some minute differences in how we apply some of the moves. Other than that, what we teach and what is in the books are identical. Highly recommended for serious students!

Also available at Barnes & Noble

For regular immersion in the wide world of martial arts, we also recommend subscribing to Black Belt Magazine. This publication showcases various martial arts and practitioners from around the world. Each issue is quite educational. Click the free trial issue button at the top right corner of the website when it loads.

We also highly recommend videos from the Junsado style formulated by Master Sang H. Kim. Focusing on self-defense and fitness, these excellent videos will augment what you learn in class. Master Kim is an excellent instructor from the Taekwondo and Hapkido traditions, with a great appreciation for all other martial arts. His company, Turtle Press, publishes books and videos from all styles of martial arts.

Class Week-in-Review April 27, 2014

One of the best front stances from our newer students!

For Forms Week, the students learned about the importance of prearranged combat (Forms/Kata/Hyung/Poomsae). On Monday we reviewed Chon-Ji Hyung. This is one of the most important parts of martial arts training because it emphasizes balance, coordination and controlled power. You can view each step conducted by the famous Tae Kwon Do master John Chung's students online.

On Wednesday we worked on helping individual students improve their forms. Ramza shared what he has learned in Master Sang H. Kim's Joong Bong Combat (Junsado Short Stick), teaching higher ranked students the basics and first form.

Saturday was a big day for refining what the students already know. Everyone knew their forms and we all performed our best. We critiqued each other and learned how to edify as well as deconstruct how we performed. Congratulations to Maryam for performing Dan Gun Hyung with great skill. She earned the privilege to learn a weapons form with Ramza.

Class Week-in-Review April 20, 2014

Sifu Leonard working with students

Self-defense week got a great start with review of basic self-defense from a point-blank gun attack and hold-up. We slightly modified some techniques based on Aikijujitsu stylist Bob Laronga. Nabila offered very effective variations based on Aikido techniques taught by the late Sensei Robert Koga.

On Wednesday we introduced defense techniques from a club attack. Sifu Leonard and Sensei Aaron were on-hand to help us learn how to enter the attack and what to do after evading an attack.

Saturday welcomed review of basic "fight avoidance" and "fencing" techniques. That is, how to avoid physical conflict. This included simple footwork for creating space with your "fence" or arms/bike/object, along with stepping in at an angle when someone suspicious approaches you. Verbal techniques, such as "Stop" when someone gets into the "red alert" zone were covered.

We also had a new student. As always, we encourage visitors and prospective students to sit in and try a class. There is no obligation.

Class Week-in-Review April 13, 2014

Monday was the start of our second round with a new schedule (the second week of the month focuses on sparring drills). Sensei James, Enriqueta and Eric led the class in a quick review from last month and some details for "taking" techniques. The aggressive nature of competitive sparring requires one to initiate attack in a good spirit, with focus and solid technique. With partners, we used both lead- and chambered-hand taking and back-fist attacks. The evening concluded with 1-minute sparring practice. Everyone performed with great attitudes and ferocity.

Wednesday was more of Monday with the addition of a switch-stance in-place footwork. A couple quick 1-minute sparring rounds at the end allowed the students to put their new powers to the test.

Saturday was a fantastic class with 100% participation with our new basic training homework assignment. That meant that we could skip push-ups, sit-ups and other exercises so we could spend more time with sparring techniques and practice. Congratulations to all of our hard working students. Keep up the great work!

Sparring drills and footwork were reviewed. We need a lot of work in moving and moving light, with speed. Practice at home. Keep trying. You can do it.

Next week is self-defense. Don't miss it.

Class Week-in-Review April 4, 2014

On Monday, Eric and Sensei James taught gun defense fundamentals, which included gun functions and moving ones body out of the line of fire.

On Wednesday, Sensei Aaron joined us to help us improve what we learned on Monday, including how to mentally prepare for victory when attacked and doing a full take-down. We also covered defending against a two-handed grip of the weapon.

Saturday was basic hand-to-hand self defense for punch attacks. Nabila led the students and Ramza assisted. Students also received their new homework assignments. Maryam showed the most improvement with speed and strength with her blocks. Good job, Maryam!

It's time to get fit at home with basic training. We hope when students are training for strength and endurance at home, we can spend more time in class learning new techniques and mastering the basic ones.

If you missed class, be sure to download and print the assignment sheet below. Follow the instructions and remember to bring it back to class so we can check your progress. You can print it out. For our younger students, we suggest a parent supervise its completion.

Next week will be sparring techniques and drills. Bring your mouthguards and groin cup.

Basic Training Alpha by Gen-Ki Karate Dojo in Evanston

Class Week-in-Review March 30, 2014

For the week ending March 30, 2014 we spent our time focused on striking and kicking techniques. On Monday, Eric and Enriqueta led us in the following techniques:
1. Palm heel strikes.
2. Elbow strikes.
3. Spear-hand jabs.
3. Knee kicking.

On Wednesday, Enriqueta had us practice high-rank techniques:
1. Forearm strikes
2. Okinawa Hand
3. Hammer fist strikes.

On both days we worked with targets and partners. On Saturday, Nabila led us we practiced front punch, extended knuckles, all of our knife-hand strikes, front kick, side kick and turning kick. Congratulations to Jack and Marlon for practicing their homework of improved front stances and slightly bent arms for strikes!

Next week we will focus on self-defense. Male students: Be sure to bring your groin protection.