A new freshly varnished dojo floor was our prize for two weeks’ training on the grass. Yes, we were back inside which was a good job because the weather conditions were distinctly wet and gloomy Trentside!
We kicked off with some reps of kizame tsuki gyaku tsuki and identified some key principles: dynamic use of the pulling hand to augment the punch; and the significance of core strength. We then settled into a vigorous eight kick routine eventually bringing the punches into play to conclude matters.
Partnerwork followed. We worked on front leg maewashi geri delivering it from different ranges: close, medium, and long. This required the kicker to deliver a direct kick (without any step with the back foot) when close, and also to use nimble footwork when working at the longer ranges.
We took this idea into jiyu kumite. The mission for both sides was to use the front leg to deliver an effective maewashi geri if the oportunity arose, or could be created. The importance of maintaining the integrity of the exchanges was stressed and this was borne in mind by all. We changed partners numerous times which gave everyone an opportunity of solving the problems created by the variety of fighting styles within the dojo.
The final challenge was against the self: one kata; one performance; one opportunity!
14 members trained in the session: Miguel Dennis; Frank Dennis; Becky Cassapi; Steve Cassapi; Harry Heather; Alex Heather; Bob Allison; Darren Cockburn; Sam; Steve Hull; Kerry Lee; Teddie Henderson; Arthur Hall; Rosemary Hall.
SOUTH NOTTS KARATE 