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.