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.