Being a Sensei must be one of the hardest but most rewarding jobs in the world. Pretty much like being a parent in a way. Always wanting to see your children come out better than you, seeing what their limitations are and working around them, but always keeping the big picture in mind as you shape and mold your students into miniature versions of yourself but the modified 2.0 version.
Tonight Sensei decided to use me as guinea pig. With my previous martial arts training, he's trying a newer approach with me, says that normally we would work in stages and add different elements to my training as we progress. Baby steps. I'm thinking he sees that my learning curve isn't where it should be for a yellow belt and possibly feels he wants to see how much I can absorb. I'm not sure, but we're doing what we're doing for now, testing the waters with this newer version of teaching and learning.
Normally when learning a new piece in the master plan of Shuri Ryu, the teachings are done in stages; For example, you learn the moves of an element, whether it's kata, kihon, ippons, taezus, etc... practicing it many times over and over, so it's imprinted into your very being, then you apply the theory (bunkai) to it, so the understanding comes into play. Sensei has decided that with me, he's teaching the segments of Anaku along with the bunkai. I really like this approach. At the beginning of the kata portion of class, I was struggling, getting discouraged, and just not getting it. The footwork, and how to tranition from cat stance into horse stance and applying my upper body movements along with my footwork. Things just weren't doing what I wanted them to do, I felt like I was starting from day one. I know that this is a new kata, I'm just getting familiar with my expectations in this style, but for some odd reason, it felt like I was inside someone else's uncoordinated body.
This is when Sensei came to my rescue. He talked to me, saying he wanted to try this different way of teaching/learning with me. I was absolutely thrilled because I remembered when I learned the bunkai to Wunsu, my passion was renewed, my techniques crisper and more powerful. I was confident because I finally understood what I was doing and why. We worked the portion he had taught me last week. Starting the first sequence, cat stance to the left and knife hand scanning, cat stance to the right and knife hand scanning, stepping forward with your right foot, turning the body on an angle to the left and executing a left mid block with two straight punches, pulling left foot in slightly and stepping, turning the body on an angle to the right, executing a right mid block and punching two straight punches, pulling both legs together facing forward and dropping into a horse stance and crossing arms in front of your chest to execute to low blocks on either side of your body. With the bunkai, you have two attackers, the first section when we're doing both cat stance and scanning techniques, we're actually just scanning for attackers, done in a graceful scanning motion. then turning your head to seek out any attackers, seeing, evading by stepping away but also executing the block as the punch is thrown towards you... not only did this help me with the technical portion, it helped me with the timing... I was absolutely amazed that with that tweeking in teaching/learning, I was able to understand and perform better than what I did prior.
At the end of the classes, Sensei always asks us if we have anything to say or any questions to be answered. I told him that I had a revelation. The other students didn't know of this new development in my training. When I had told him about my revelations, I was able to see the approving smile. That smile was smiled by Sensei, but it is also one I see on my own father from time to time. Domo Aregato Sensei.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Kihon Nunchaku
Kihon Nunchaku
1) Opening: Toes out, nunchaku in the right hand. Rei. Bring the right hand to the left hand in front of the body, spread the hands apart grasping one side of the nunchaku in each hand. As the hands spread apart, the heels rotate out to a shoulder-width stance.
2) Fold the right hand to the left forearm. Step forward with the right foot into a right-front stance and execute a middle block to the right, with the right hand forward and the left hand on the right forearm.
3) Step forward with the left foot into a left front stance and execute a middle block to the left, with the left hand forward and the right hand on the left forearm.
4) Chamber over the right shoulder. Step forward with the right foot into a right front stance and execute a diagonal slash to the left, catching with a forehand grip at the left hip.
5) Chamber over the left shoulder. Step forward with the left foot into a left front stance and execute a diagonal slash to the right, catching with a forehand grip at the right hip.
6) Chamber over the right shoulder. Step back with the left foot into a right front stance and execute a figure-8 (downward to the left, then downward to the right) that flows to a cross-body strike from right to left.
7) Execute a cross-body strike from left to right. As the nunchaku passes in front of the body, step forward with the left foot into a left front stance. Continue the strike, passing the nunchaku behind the back, and catch at the left hip with the left hand in a reverse-grip position.
8) Execute a figure-8 (upward to the right, downward to the left, then downward to the right), catching in the forehand grip and the right hip.
9) Raise both hands over the head. Holding with the right hand, execute a circular, horizontal, right-to-left strike above the head. As the nunchaku completes one revolution step/jump forward with right leg, raise the right foot in front of the body, then raise the left foot and turn in the air so the body is facing Direction 3. Land with the right foot and then the left foot in a right diagonal stance. Continue rotating the nunchaku for an additional half-revolution above the head and execute a downward diagonal slash, catching at the left hip with a forehand grip.
10) Raise the right leg and execute a right down block. Set the right foot down in a right front stance facing Direction 3 and chamber over the right shoulder.
11) Execute a right-to left cross body strike. Execute a left-to-right cross body strike. As the nunchaku passes in front of the body, step forward with the left foot into a left front stance. Continue the strike, passing the nunchaku behind the back, and catch at the left hip with the left hand in a reverse-grip position.
12) Execute a figure-8 (upward to the right, downward to the left, then downward to the right), catching in a forehand grip and the right hip.
13) Change the grip on the left hand to a forward grip. Head snap to Direction 4. Raise the right leg and execute a right down block to Direction 4. Set the right foot down in a right front stance facing Direction 4 and chamber over the right shoulder.
14) Execute a right-to-left cross body strike. Execute a left-to-right cross body strike. As the nunchaku passes in front of the body, step forward with the left foot into a left front stance. Continue the strike, passing the nunchaku behind the back, and catch at the left hip with the left hand in a reverse-grip position.
15) Execute a figure-8 (upward to the right, downward to the left, then downward to the right), catching in a forehand grip and the right hip.
16) Change the grip on the left hand to a forward grip. Head snap to the right facing Direction 2. Pivot into a right front stance facing Direction 2 and repeat movements 2 through 9, ending with the body in a straddle stance facing Direction 1.
17) Raise the right leg and execute a right down block. Set the right foot down in a right front stance facing Direction 1 and chamber over the right shoulder.
18) Execute a right-to-left cross body strike. Execute a left-to-right cross body strike. As the nunchaku passes in front of the body, step forward with the left foot into a left front stance. Continue the strike, passing the nunchaku behind the back, and catch at the left hip with the left hand in a reverse-grip position.
19) Execute a figure-8 (upward to the right, downward to the left, then downward to the right), catching in a forehand grip and the right hip.
20) Step back with the left leg into a right cat stance facing Direction 1 and chamber over the right shoulder. (Continue to hold the cat stance position through movement 22.)
21) Execute a figure-8 (downward to the left, downward to the right) that flows into a cross body strike from right to left and returns cross-body from left to right, continuing to chamber over the right shoulder. (Position the left hand as if catching under the right arm, but not complete the catch.)
22) Execute a figure-8 (downward to the left, downward to the right) that flows into a forward overhand strike and catch under the right armpit. Repeat this figure-8 and catch under the right armpit.
23) Execute a right-to-left cross body strike. Execute a left-to-right cross body strike, chamber over the right shoulder, and catch under the right arm with the left hand.
24) Closing: Step back with the right foot to a shoulder-width stance facing Direction 1 and bring the hands in the front of the chest. Pass the side of the nunchaku from the left hand to the right hand, sliding the left foot towards the right foot, heels together and toes apart. Lower the right hand to the right. Rei.
And that folks, is kihon nunchaku... just the tip of the iceberg... a person's journey can be bogged down by what seems to be impossible, looking at the complexity and saying "I can't do it!" or you put one foot in front of the other, taking baby steps, until you get closer to your goal; with that mind set, you can master anything!!!
Direction 1
Direction 3 -- + -- Direction 4
Direction 2
1) Opening: Toes out, nunchaku in the right hand. Rei. Bring the right hand to the left hand in front of the body, spread the hands apart grasping one side of the nunchaku in each hand. As the hands spread apart, the heels rotate out to a shoulder-width stance.
2) Fold the right hand to the left forearm. Step forward with the right foot into a right-front stance and execute a middle block to the right, with the right hand forward and the left hand on the right forearm.
3) Step forward with the left foot into a left front stance and execute a middle block to the left, with the left hand forward and the right hand on the left forearm.
4) Chamber over the right shoulder. Step forward with the right foot into a right front stance and execute a diagonal slash to the left, catching with a forehand grip at the left hip.
5) Chamber over the left shoulder. Step forward with the left foot into a left front stance and execute a diagonal slash to the right, catching with a forehand grip at the right hip.
6) Chamber over the right shoulder. Step back with the left foot into a right front stance and execute a figure-8 (downward to the left, then downward to the right) that flows to a cross-body strike from right to left.
7) Execute a cross-body strike from left to right. As the nunchaku passes in front of the body, step forward with the left foot into a left front stance. Continue the strike, passing the nunchaku behind the back, and catch at the left hip with the left hand in a reverse-grip position.
8) Execute a figure-8 (upward to the right, downward to the left, then downward to the right), catching in the forehand grip and the right hip.
9) Raise both hands over the head. Holding with the right hand, execute a circular, horizontal, right-to-left strike above the head. As the nunchaku completes one revolution step/jump forward with right leg, raise the right foot in front of the body, then raise the left foot and turn in the air so the body is facing Direction 3. Land with the right foot and then the left foot in a right diagonal stance. Continue rotating the nunchaku for an additional half-revolution above the head and execute a downward diagonal slash, catching at the left hip with a forehand grip.
10) Raise the right leg and execute a right down block. Set the right foot down in a right front stance facing Direction 3 and chamber over the right shoulder.
11) Execute a right-to left cross body strike. Execute a left-to-right cross body strike. As the nunchaku passes in front of the body, step forward with the left foot into a left front stance. Continue the strike, passing the nunchaku behind the back, and catch at the left hip with the left hand in a reverse-grip position.
12) Execute a figure-8 (upward to the right, downward to the left, then downward to the right), catching in a forehand grip and the right hip.
13) Change the grip on the left hand to a forward grip. Head snap to Direction 4. Raise the right leg and execute a right down block to Direction 4. Set the right foot down in a right front stance facing Direction 4 and chamber over the right shoulder.
14) Execute a right-to-left cross body strike. Execute a left-to-right cross body strike. As the nunchaku passes in front of the body, step forward with the left foot into a left front stance. Continue the strike, passing the nunchaku behind the back, and catch at the left hip with the left hand in a reverse-grip position.
15) Execute a figure-8 (upward to the right, downward to the left, then downward to the right), catching in a forehand grip and the right hip.
16) Change the grip on the left hand to a forward grip. Head snap to the right facing Direction 2. Pivot into a right front stance facing Direction 2 and repeat movements 2 through 9, ending with the body in a straddle stance facing Direction 1.
17) Raise the right leg and execute a right down block. Set the right foot down in a right front stance facing Direction 1 and chamber over the right shoulder.
18) Execute a right-to-left cross body strike. Execute a left-to-right cross body strike. As the nunchaku passes in front of the body, step forward with the left foot into a left front stance. Continue the strike, passing the nunchaku behind the back, and catch at the left hip with the left hand in a reverse-grip position.
19) Execute a figure-8 (upward to the right, downward to the left, then downward to the right), catching in a forehand grip and the right hip.
20) Step back with the left leg into a right cat stance facing Direction 1 and chamber over the right shoulder. (Continue to hold the cat stance position through movement 22.)
21) Execute a figure-8 (downward to the left, downward to the right) that flows into a cross body strike from right to left and returns cross-body from left to right, continuing to chamber over the right shoulder. (Position the left hand as if catching under the right arm, but not complete the catch.)
22) Execute a figure-8 (downward to the left, downward to the right) that flows into a forward overhand strike and catch under the right armpit. Repeat this figure-8 and catch under the right armpit.
23) Execute a right-to-left cross body strike. Execute a left-to-right cross body strike, chamber over the right shoulder, and catch under the right arm with the left hand.
24) Closing: Step back with the right foot to a shoulder-width stance facing Direction 1 and bring the hands in the front of the chest. Pass the side of the nunchaku from the left hand to the right hand, sliding the left foot towards the right foot, heels together and toes apart. Lower the right hand to the right. Rei.
And that folks, is kihon nunchaku... just the tip of the iceberg... a person's journey can be bogged down by what seems to be impossible, looking at the complexity and saying "I can't do it!" or you put one foot in front of the other, taking baby steps, until you get closer to your goal; with that mind set, you can master anything!!!
Direction 1
Direction 3 -- + -- Direction 4
Direction 2
Thursday, January 14, 2010
A Break Does A Person Good...
Well tonight was my first class this year. I must say, the break was a good one. It really shows a person what they've been missing. Tonight I made the trek to Appleton. From previous posts I'm sure you're aware if you've read them that it's my reflection/preparing/destressing time. My choice of music, my new found love, Reikei music. A beautiful instrumental mix that lets your mind wander and relax, listening to the beautiful piano music, I envisioned myself performing kata slowly and remembering the movements as I transition from movement to movement.
Entering the dojo from being away from it for so l9ng made me realize how much I've grown to love this place. This is where I belong. My home away from home. I noticed that Karla was doing the kids class, I gave her a quick wave and headed to the change room.
Getting out onto the mat after the kids class was over, I realized this was a perfect night to come back, it was only me and Karla. I knew I would get some really good review in and also have some "good ole girl" time. We worked hard, went through all my stuff, Ippon first to get the blood flowing, then Tae Kyo Kyu 1, 2 and 3 to continue the momentum, then slowed it down with Kihon for form... then we went into kata, we also did some self defense, reviewing my locks on self defenses 1-5, then went back to doing some blocking drills just to get the flow going again... we had lots of fun, chit chatting while we worked, critiquing each other and talking about the arts.
I had some issues with one of the locking techniques because I couldn't get my foot work to go where I wanted it to go, and it wasn't flowing like it should. Karla being an advanced belt and also having dance background, put it into terms I was able to grasp. I was able to do the technique with ease. I thanked her for all her help in my review and we joked a bit more before class was over. It was very productive despite the chattering and much laughter... grin. Sometimes it's nice to have these type of classes because it builds that forever friendship and feeling of family that I've grown to love.
Looking forward to Saturday's class because we'll all be there. I've missed my karate family when I was taking my break. Now it's time to get back on track and start learning more of the Do.
Entering the dojo from being away from it for so l9ng made me realize how much I've grown to love this place. This is where I belong. My home away from home. I noticed that Karla was doing the kids class, I gave her a quick wave and headed to the change room.
Getting out onto the mat after the kids class was over, I realized this was a perfect night to come back, it was only me and Karla. I knew I would get some really good review in and also have some "good ole girl" time. We worked hard, went through all my stuff, Ippon first to get the blood flowing, then Tae Kyo Kyu 1, 2 and 3 to continue the momentum, then slowed it down with Kihon for form... then we went into kata, we also did some self defense, reviewing my locks on self defenses 1-5, then went back to doing some blocking drills just to get the flow going again... we had lots of fun, chit chatting while we worked, critiquing each other and talking about the arts.
I had some issues with one of the locking techniques because I couldn't get my foot work to go where I wanted it to go, and it wasn't flowing like it should. Karla being an advanced belt and also having dance background, put it into terms I was able to grasp. I was able to do the technique with ease. I thanked her for all her help in my review and we joked a bit more before class was over. It was very productive despite the chattering and much laughter... grin. Sometimes it's nice to have these type of classes because it builds that forever friendship and feeling of family that I've grown to love.
Looking forward to Saturday's class because we'll all be there. I've missed my karate family when I was taking my break. Now it's time to get back on track and start learning more of the Do.
Being in charge of your own destiny...
Written on January 2, 2010.
With the new year, comes the anticipation of a new year to experience the unknown but also reflection on the year that just passed. So today, I reflect.
It amazes me how things happen for a reason, sometimes its a bad outcome, but for the most part and the long run, its for the good, just a matter of looking at things from another viewpoint.
Back in June I had decided to finally do something for my physical, spiritual and mental well-being. I had a love for the martial arts since I was a young girl so I thought I would begin my search for a dojo that I would feel comfortable in. Just by sheer luck that momentous day I was doing a search online for TRADITIONAL martial arts studios in the area. I knew that's what I needed in my life. I wasn't looking to being a black belt right away, I wasn't looking at a McDojo (a school that guarantees, fast service but the quality is yet to be desired), I was looking for something small and very traditional but also a great school to learn from one of the best... high standards, yes I know, but if I'm going to do something, I'm going to do it good, not mediocre, to the best of my ability but also as good as I can be taught. The past 10 years I wasn't able to find what I was looking for, something always fell short of my expectations. That pivotal day, I found a PDF file online about a seminar that Troy J. Price was doing at a place called Original Martial Systems in Appleton. It didn't have too much detail, but what I read, I needed to find out more about the club that was hosting this event. The contact information was on the file, so I called. I got the answering machine. I left all my information for the Sensei to contact me back.
It didn't take long for Sensei Joseph Pounder to call me back. We talked about his school, the types of classes he taught there, also the curriculum schedule. I was definitely intrigued. Because it was so close to July 4th weekend, Sensei Pounder felt it would be more beneficial for me to attend and visit one of his classes after the festive holiday. He did get my contact information to send out some literature on his school so I would have it for my reference.
Well mid July came around and I decided to do something about this new found desire of mine. Yes, to make the short trek to Appleton to see if I was going to get back into the arts. I wasn't going to get my hopes up because from previous experience, my hopes were diminished after the initial visit. What greeted me that day I walked through the dojo doors has since changed my life. I am eternally grateful to myself, to my new Sensei, and the new friends and family I have met since joining.
I had asked my husband last night before bed, what comes to mind when you think martial arts or karate - he said, "fast paced, kicking, striking". On the first impression it is just that, but that's only the tip of the iceberg... what lies underneath it is so much more... there's the physical aspect, the mental discipline, the spiritual aspect, the inner peace you achieve through focus, all individual benefits, but with that comes the feeling of being involved in something greater than yourself, being a part of a like minded group of people who you come to view as family, a better awareness of compassion, understanding, and the gift of seeing humanity in a whole new light.
With that all being said, I would like to challenge those who took the time to read this, to find your passion this year, develop it, and see how it truly changes you. After all, it is you, who is ultimately in charge of your destiny, the direction your life is leading, to find enlightment in what you do and realize, you are a great person in this vast world. Make a difference in your life, because I can tell you it does filter into your surroundings and everyone reaps the rewards.
Peace and much love for the upcoming year. Take charge of what you can control and savour the experience. We all have one life to live, live it to the best of your ability!!!
With the new year, comes the anticipation of a new year to experience the unknown but also reflection on the year that just passed. So today, I reflect.
It amazes me how things happen for a reason, sometimes its a bad outcome, but for the most part and the long run, its for the good, just a matter of looking at things from another viewpoint.
Back in June I had decided to finally do something for my physical, spiritual and mental well-being. I had a love for the martial arts since I was a young girl so I thought I would begin my search for a dojo that I would feel comfortable in. Just by sheer luck that momentous day I was doing a search online for TRADITIONAL martial arts studios in the area. I knew that's what I needed in my life. I wasn't looking to being a black belt right away, I wasn't looking at a McDojo (a school that guarantees, fast service but the quality is yet to be desired), I was looking for something small and very traditional but also a great school to learn from one of the best... high standards, yes I know, but if I'm going to do something, I'm going to do it good, not mediocre, to the best of my ability but also as good as I can be taught. The past 10 years I wasn't able to find what I was looking for, something always fell short of my expectations. That pivotal day, I found a PDF file online about a seminar that Troy J. Price was doing at a place called Original Martial Systems in Appleton. It didn't have too much detail, but what I read, I needed to find out more about the club that was hosting this event. The contact information was on the file, so I called. I got the answering machine. I left all my information for the Sensei to contact me back.
It didn't take long for Sensei Joseph Pounder to call me back. We talked about his school, the types of classes he taught there, also the curriculum schedule. I was definitely intrigued. Because it was so close to July 4th weekend, Sensei Pounder felt it would be more beneficial for me to attend and visit one of his classes after the festive holiday. He did get my contact information to send out some literature on his school so I would have it for my reference.
Well mid July came around and I decided to do something about this new found desire of mine. Yes, to make the short trek to Appleton to see if I was going to get back into the arts. I wasn't going to get my hopes up because from previous experience, my hopes were diminished after the initial visit. What greeted me that day I walked through the dojo doors has since changed my life. I am eternally grateful to myself, to my new Sensei, and the new friends and family I have met since joining.
I had asked my husband last night before bed, what comes to mind when you think martial arts or karate - he said, "fast paced, kicking, striking". On the first impression it is just that, but that's only the tip of the iceberg... what lies underneath it is so much more... there's the physical aspect, the mental discipline, the spiritual aspect, the inner peace you achieve through focus, all individual benefits, but with that comes the feeling of being involved in something greater than yourself, being a part of a like minded group of people who you come to view as family, a better awareness of compassion, understanding, and the gift of seeing humanity in a whole new light.
With that all being said, I would like to challenge those who took the time to read this, to find your passion this year, develop it, and see how it truly changes you. After all, it is you, who is ultimately in charge of your destiny, the direction your life is leading, to find enlightment in what you do and realize, you are a great person in this vast world. Make a difference in your life, because I can tell you it does filter into your surroundings and everyone reaps the rewards.
Peace and much love for the upcoming year. Take charge of what you can control and savour the experience. We all have one life to live, live it to the best of your ability!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)