The emphasis of the training in the 6.15pm class was on basic blocking and punching. We progressed from solo practise to a ‘mind boggling’ blocking drill which required considerable concentration. Matters were then simplified with standard gohon kumite practise using both jodan and chudan attacks. This is a staple of the pre-yellow belt gradings and must be drilled regularly to develop competence.
We then began kata practise: the white belts worked on Kihon kata; the higher grades worked on Heian Sandan. To conclude, the class divided into two cohorts: the first performed the kata whilst being observed by the second, and then vice versa. Doing this has two benefits: firstly, everyone has plenty of space to move; and secondly, it adds just a ‘pinch’ of pressure!
Several people stayed for the second session which is always pleasing to see. Following three rounds of skipping we worked on our combination punching skills. Four different methods of delivering two and three punch combinations were drilled. The ‘sticking point’ for several people was the third set which involved three punches and four ‘steps’. We rehearsed the routine ad nauseam but it was necessary to do so in order to have a firm platform upon which we could build.
Build we did. We added a moving but compliant target; a moving non-compliant target (the partner attempted to escape by back pedalling at a very high cadence!); a partner blocking and countering with set blocks; a partner blocking and countering with any appropriate method; and finally jiyu kumite using the skills developed to attack with punches only.
We then changed the tempo and went straight into a light performance of Heian Yondan. This kata has great examples of tactics and techniques useful in real combat: elbows; knees and clinch work. We worked on these using a close range engagement with the forearms (as suggested by the ‘wedge block’ disengagement in the kata) as the basis of a realistic (and physically challenging) drill.
13 members trained in the 6.15pm session: Izzy Ponsonby; Joseph Mann; Jason Mann; Archie Beardsley; Jonathan Osborne; Paul Osborne; Frank Dennis; Becky Cassapi; Steve Cassapi; Anthony Mills; Gregory Mills; Jeremy Mason; Kerry Lee.
10 members trained in the 7pm session: Becky Cassapi; Steve Cassapi; Oliver Wood; Anthony Mills; Jeremy Mason; Gobe Hobona; Kerry Lee; Teddie Henderson; Arthur Hall; Rosemary Hall.
SOUTH NOTTS KARATE 