Following Alan’s warm up we began the 6.15pm class by practising stance changes: zenkutsu dachi to kiba dachi. This became the foundation for three techniques: a block; a punch; and a strike. These were initially practised on the spot, and later moving forward and then backward. The same techniques were taken into basic ippon kumite where the emphasis was on correct distancing throughout the drill. The exercise began slowly to begin with and we built up to full speed; or “like a rocket” as I have taken to describing it recently!
The class then divided into three smaller kata training groups: Rachel worked with the junior beginners and lower grades helping them get to grips with Kihon kata; Alan worked on Heian Sandan with his group; and I worked with the adult higher grades fine-tuning Bassai Dai.
In the 7pm session we began with three rounds of skipping: a solo two minute skip; a two minute skip facing a partner; a tempo change two minute skip with a partner. We continued the warm up with a light kicking routine using the four basic kicks, before increasing the intensity by adding punching techniques.
A basic two punch combination, and a basic three punch combination were then practised. These combinations were developed further with a partner acting as a moving but compliant partner. After several reps everyone was comfortable with the attacking combinations, so we threw defences into the mix. The defender was required to use their instinct and skill to deal with the attacks. In other words the ‘problem’ posed by the attacker had to be solved by the defender. I deliberately didn’t provide the solution by way of spoon feeding! We took the drill to the next level by adding counter attacks. I did prescribe the particular counter to be used, but not to make life easier for the defender; to make it harder! The defender was thereby forced to ensure that he or she was in a position to deliver the prescribed counter which of course posed another ‘problem’ to be solved. Next we added the dimension of deceptive movement by applying the drill jiyu ippon kumite style. This movement and feinting by the attacker created even more ‘problems’!
Why all the problem solving? Because all this work was by way of build-up to jiyu kumite. The ability to solve the multifarious problems posed by an opponent who is at liberty to do exactly as he or she pleases (within reason) is crucial to develop. Learning by doing is one of the best methods. With every partner change a new set of ‘problems’ was posed and a new opportunity to solve them was provided. Very taxing; very engaging; and very worthwhile.
Following the kumite, when everyone was at ‘fever pitch’, we concluded proceedings with concurrent performances of Jion or Hangetsu. Everyone was encouraged to express themselves confidently; to exude confidence with every move and posture; to having a feeling of pride in every move as opposed to being full of inhibitions; to ‘attack’ each move without worry rather than being tentative and over cautious.
Irrespective of the kata chosen, they were performed with the same high level of intensity as in the jiyu kumite. Intensity of attitude is the invisible thread which connects even the most esoteric kata to kumite. By the looks of amazement on the faces of the other leisure centre users watching from the balcony, this invisible thread was as plain as a pikestaff!
10 members trained in the 6.15pm session: Archie Beardsley; Sam McCallister; Joseph Mann; Izzy Ponsonby; Jason Mann; George Coates; Paul Osborne; Anthony Mills; Oliver Wood; Kerry Lee.
Assistant instructors: Alan Lea and Rachel Tyler
8 members trained in the 7pm session: Oliver Wood; Gobe Hobona; Rachel Tyler; Charlotte Bonardi; Rory Cave; Rosemary Hall; Arthur Hall; Alan Lea.
SOUTH NOTTS KARATE 