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.