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.