Honor Your Body - - Chief Instructor's Blog July2014

There is a fine line between thinking you are toughing it out and honoring your body.  The distinction is clear, the line between the two is thin, and the difference is everything.

What do I mean by this?

Training and practicing martial arts can be very physical. It demands balance, flexibly, muscular and cardio endurance, and strength to name just a few.  And each day may be different depending on the amount of sleep, the stress of work, an injury, etc.  Each day when you come into the dojang you should check in with yourself and know how much you can be pushed.  I am not saying this gives you an excuse to slack off or not try, but you should be conscious of your body and what your limits are.

We study martial arts in part as a means to learn self-defense.  The number one rule in self-defense is not being chosen as a victim.  In order not to be chosen as a victim, you need to set boundaries and stand up for yourself.  If your partner is applying too much power, you need to request them to reduce the power.  If an instructor asked you to do something that causes pain in joints, or discomfort in breathing, or feels like it is straining muscles, you should stop and let the instructor know this does not feel right for your body.  If you are injured, know what activities exacerbate the issue and those you can do.

There are many things you can still do even if injured or recovering from an injury.  When I was recovering from my hip surgery, I mentally went through techniques and forms but did not do anything physical for the first few weeks.  Next I was able to do some upper body techniques in a chair or in a light stance.  Eventually I could move in stance and throw some light front kicks and turn away kicks and go through some forms with minimal force.  Each time I practiced, I slowly tested what my body could do and paid attention to what my body was telling me was okay to try or to add more force or power to.  The last technique I could do was side kick, because the pivoting on the base foot was a motion my hip muscles and joint needed more time to heal and strengthen in order to perform.  At first, I used the wall and very slowly performed the motion with no force at all.  Over time, I was able to throw the kick with some power and then with even more power. 

As I said in the beginning, there can be a fine line between toughing it out and honoring your body.  As instructors, we tend to push you to your limits to make sure you are progressing in the art form.  However, we do not know your body as well as you and rely on each student to know when they have come up to that limit. 

Train hard, push yourself to your limits, but listen to your body and know when to say no.  This is an important part of becoming a martial artist and living a key martial artist principle.  And by honoring yourself and your body you are not allowing yourself to be victimized by others or victimized by yourself.

 

Regards,

Kelly

"He who knows when he can fight and when he cannot will be victorious." ~ Sun Tzu (6th Century BC), Chinese General, military strategist, and author of The Art of War“

 

Martial Arts Goes Beyond The Dojang- - Chief Instructor's Blog June 2014

The ultimate intent of becoming a martial artist is not an activity to reach a certain rank or something one does a couple times a week.  Since the beginning, almost every martial arts master has indicated that what you are learning is a Way of life.  In fact, the “Do” in Tae Kwon Do, Karate-Do, Judo, means “Way”. 

In Gichin Funakoshi’s, The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate [1], his eighth principle is “Karate goes beyond the dojo”.  Funakoshi states, “The objective of karate-do is to polish and mature both the mind and body.  The cultivation of one’s spirit and mental attitude begun during practice in the dojo (training hall) should not cease after the physical and mental exertions end for the day.  Rather, this should continue outside the dojo, in our daily routine.” 

I have mentioned in many classes that to master many of the skills in martial arts, they need to become part of your lifestyle and not just something you do 5-6 PM, 6-7 PM, or 7-7:30 PM Mondays and Thursdays and an occasional Saturday. 

For instance, grounding is not just something you do right before start practicing martial arts.  Being grounded needs to be part of who you are and how you move in every part of your life.  It is not just something you do in the dojang.  You will discover if you are always grounded that other physical activities become easier – lifting weights, gardening, etc.  You will discover that if you are always grounded you feel more relaxed and you are less reactive to the environment or people around you.

Continuous, “even” breathing is something you should strive to do always as well.  This includes physical activity or any situation where your breathing might get strained.  For instance, I practice even, continuous breathing not only in my other physical activities but also at places like the dentist’s office.  I try to remain relaxed and focus just on easy breathing the entire time.  As much as going to the dentist is not something I think I will ever enjoy, I have found it a much more pleasant experience by just focusing on my breathing.

We strive to be present in performing our techniques, forms, sparring, etc.  We should be present in every activity we do, whether it is at home, work, or in the dojang.  We should be present when we communicate with friends, family or co-workers listening and staying present for each word so we are sure we understand their perspective and what they are trying to say.  I find when I am completely present when communicating with others, I understand more, I learn more and there is less miscommunication which leads to less frustration from both parties.  We should be present when driving to work or the store which will keep us and those around us safe by not being distracted.  We should be striving to be present in everything we do, always.

We practice patience with ourselves and others in the dojang.  When we are patient with ourselves and stop trying too hard to master or learn something instantaneously, we enjoy the journey more and appreciate the effort we put in to learn and master something.  We should strive to be patient with others in every scenario on every occasion.  When we are patient with each other we tend to have better interactions, less frustration, and more enjoyment. 

Eventually you stop thinking you are practicing a martial art, but you start thinking and acting like a martial artist.  There is a big distinction here.  One is something you do, while the other is who you are.  You start to carry the knowledge and skills interchangeably in the dojang and outside the dojang.  You see the relationships of how you practice and how you live and you strive for them being one and the same. 

You may be amazed at how this not only enhances your martial arts practice but also enhances your everyday life once you get to the point where the ideals and concepts you learn in the dojang are part of your “daily routine”.

Regards,

Kelly

"Although it is important to study and train for skill in techniques, for the man who wishes to truly accomplish the way of budo, it is more important to make his whole life in training and therefore not aiming for skill and strength alone, but also for spiritual attainment."~ Masutatsu Oyama (1923- 1994), a karate master who founded Kyokushinkai Karate

References

1.      The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate: The Spiritual Legacy of the Master by Gichin Funakoshi

 

Evolution of the Jump Kicks - - Chief Instructor's Blog May2014

Have you ever noticed that your jump front kick may not look the same as someone else’s in the Club?  Well, it may not and it might not supposed to.  What level are you comparing yourself with?  A White Belt or Blue Belt jump front kick should not look the same.  A Blue Belt and a Black Belt’s jump side kick should not look the same.

Why?

The jump kicks take a tremendous amount of balance, control, and force.  It is a very dynamic kick, so we teach it in stages so students can progress and not get completely frustrated.  The jump kicks evolve to take advantage of the skills as students progress.  What is critical is not if your jump looks different but are you demonstrating it the way that is appropriate for your level, you understand it will evolve as you progress, and you understand the goal as an advanced student.  Your instructor and/or coach will prompt you when it is time to take it to the next level. 

Let’s look at the evolution of the “jump” of the three basics jump kicks one at a time.  Keep in mind what is described here is the standard and does not mean variations are not performed depending on the scenario or intention – will discussed this more in a later blog.

Jump Front Kick:

At the Beginner level, the “jump” for jump front kick is taught more as a step since students usually do not have the balance yet for a more advanced “jump”.  The step is taught that the hips shift forward transferring weight forward to initiate the jump and the rear foot shifts to the side of the front foot (heel to heel).

At the Intermediate level, as students demonstrate more balance and control, the “jump” evolves to a foot replacement where the rear foot replaces front foot (i.e., heel of rear foot should move under and replace heel of forward foot).

At the Advanced level, where students are more grounded, demonstrate even more balance and control, the “jump” continues to evolve such that students will place the rear foot further forward and “jump” through the forward foot.

Jump Side Kick:

At the Beginner level, the “jump” for jump side kick is taught more as a cross step that creates a more stable base to throw the kick from.  The cross step is taught by shifting forward in Cat Stance  with rear foot crossing behind the front foot; turning the body 90 degrees  on the balls of the feet.  Depending on the student’s ability and the instructor’s determination of the student’s balance and control, their progress dictates how much time a student at the Beginner level practices the cross step before moving to a step. 

At the Intermediate level, as students demonstrate more balance and control, the “jump” evolves to a foot replacement where the rear foot replaces front foot (i.e., heel of rear foot should move under and replace heel of forward foot).

At the Advanced level, where students  are more grounded, demonstrate even more balance and control, the “jump” continues to evolves such that students will place the rear foot further forward and “jump” through the forward foot.

For brown belt and above, the “jump” in both jump front kick and jump side kick should look exactly the same.  A major advantage is an opponent should not be able to tell the difference on which kick will be thrown until the last second and you can determine at the last second which kick would be more effective.

Jump Turnaway Kick:

At the Beginner level, the “jump” for jump turnaway kick is taught more as a step since students usually do not have the balance yet for a more advanced “jump”.  The step is taught that the hips shift forward transferring weight forward to initiate the jump and the rear foot shifts to the side of the front foot (heel to heel).

At the Intermediate level, as students demonstrate more balance and control, the “jump” evolves to a foot replacement where the rear foot replaces front foot (i.e., heel of rear foot should move under and replace heel of forward foot).  In addition, at the Intermediate level, students should be taught to attack with the front hip; rotating hips approximately 45 degrees and transferring weight forward to initiate the jump.

At the Advanced level, where student  are more grounded, demonstrate even more balance and control, the “jump” continues to evolves such that students will place the rear foot further forward and “jump” through the forward foot while continuing to attack with the front hip.

Fast Jump Kicks:

As students continue to advanced, a fast jump kick is taught where the entire kick is initiated from the back leg with no weight on the front foot.  This may not be as powerful as the Advanced kicks above, but much faster and over time more power can be generated with practice.

Summary:

Many of our techniques evolve as we progress in the art form.  Mechanically, the jump kicks probably evolve the most.  It is simply part of the journey. 

Enjoy the journey.

Regards,

Kelly

"Behind each triumph are new peaks to be conquered." ~ Masutatsu Oyama (1923- 1994), a karate master who founded Kyokushinkai Karate

What Energy Are you Bringing Into the Dojang? - - Chief Instructor's Blog April 2014

In January’s blog, I discussed the importance of the attitude and your mental state when coming into the dojang for each class.  This month I am going to take it one step further and discuss the energy side of it.

So, as discussed last month, your mental state of willingness to learn, being present for the instruction and willing to focus on learning and studying a martial art is critical every time you step into the dojang.

The energy you bring and the intention you set with your energy is also important.  Keep in mind that thoughts are energy and our thoughts matter tremendously when setting intentions and projecting energy.

Instructors:

Instructors should strive to ensure every student’s safety while participating in the drills and exercises of each class.  As instructors, it is important not only that we set up drills that are safe but we set an intention (project energy) that the dojang is a safe place to learn and study.  This by all means does not mean we need to always go light or never project force.  In fact, at times instructors need to project energy that could be damaging as a means of demonstrating the energy and philosophy of the Han Moo Kwan art form. 

It means being conscious of the selection of drills and projecting the appropriate force/energy (or taking to a level slightly above what a student’s level is) and at the same time have the intention we are in a safe learning environment. 

Instructors should set an intention that the environment is inviting to learn, ask questions, make mistakes and learn from them.  Instructors should set an intention to be patient with their students since not all students learn at the same pace. 

Students:

As students, it is important our intention is to be safe for ourselves and be safe with our partners.  This by all means does not mean we need to always go light or never project force.  In fact, at times we ask students to project energy that could be damaging as a means of demonstrating the energy and philosophy of the Han Moo Kwan art form. 

It means projecting the appropriate force/energy.  If a student is concerned with getting hurt or hurting someone else, he/she tends to cause more harm with that intention than just projecting the appropriate force/energy (or taking to a level slightly above) dependent on the drill and the level of experience of our partner.

It is also important we set an intention of being open to learning.  Students should feel comfortable we are all here to learn and grow.  Students should set an intention to do their best and learn from mistakes with no judgment.  Students should set an intention of being patient with themselves if they are not picking up a new technique, correcting a technique, or learning a new form as quickly as they would like.  Every day we walk into the dojang is a new day.  We may be coming off an injury or illness and should honor whatever our best is that day with the goal to continuing to improve.  Our mental state and the intention we put into each class every time we bow into the dojang will set the stage for that class for you and others participating that night.  It is about being conscious of the energy we project into the room and with other students. 

Summary:

So, when you bow before entering into the dojang, not only spend a moment and let your day go, be happy to be entering the dojang and be ready to learn (and/or teach) and practice with an open mind.  Ensure when you enter a drill with a partner you are projecting the appropriate energy/ force, set of intention of being patient with yourself and others you work with, and create an, inviting space to learn, teach, and grow.

Regards,

Kelly

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.”

~ Aristotle, (384 – 322 BCE), Greek philosopher

 

Awareness Revisited - - Chief Instructor's Blog March 2014

Awareness is a critical aspect of self-defense.  I have written about awareness in other blogs in the past (May 2008 and August 2009).  For many reasons, I think it is important to bring this topic back up.  Two of the biggest reasons is there are more and more petty crimes (e.g., smart phone stolen out of people’s hands on streets) and more random violent acts (e.g., The Knockout Game) than ever before.

Using your skills learned in class is a last resort.  Let me state that again.  Using your skills learned in class is a last resort. 

If you are aware of your surroundings and can avoid a confrontation that is the best way to “win”.  Awareness does not mean being paranoid every time you step outside or inside your house; it means being alert, noticing your surroundings and the people around you.  By being aware, you will stay safer.  Those people who look and act as if they are aware of their surroundings are less likely to be a target.

Being aware also means being conscious and have an understanding of human behavior (body language, tone of voice, heavier breathing, etc.) and understand when that behavior is a potential threat to you or the people you are with.

It is simply being aware of the energy/intention of the people around you.  Is their energy warm and friendly or feel harsh or directed?

If you are waking down the street staring at your smart phone, texting someone, are you aware?  Are you an easy target?

If you walk into a bar in a neighborhood you are unfamiliar with and do not notice the people (are there some loud, obnoxious people there that have had too much to drink?), the atmosphere of the room and where all the exits are, are you being aware?

If you get on public transit and immediately put your nose in a book and are not aware of who gets on, what their energy is like, are you being aware?

If you are on travel and not aware of the people next to you while you are carrying large amounts of cash, are you being aware?  Are you staying safe?  Are you an easy target?

Awareness is not being paranoid or “looking for trouble”.  It is simply being more conscious of your surroundings and the energy of the people around you.  Awareness will keep you safe regardless of where you are at or where you are going.

For more information on awareness, I again recommend the following books:

1.      Surviving Armed Assaults: A Martial Artists Guide to Weapons, Street Violence, and Countervailing Force by Lawrence Kane, 2006

2.      Strong on Defense by Sanford Strong

3.      The Gift of Fear by Gavin De

Regards,

Kelly

“There must be awareness at every moment: getting up in the morning, working, eating, going to bed.”  Taisen Deshimaru (1914-1982), Japanese Sōtō Zen Buddhist

 

 

Mepojan Series – What It Teaches You - - Chief Instructor's Blog February 2014

In my April 2013 blog, I discussed the Kibon series and what you learn from it.  In my June 2013 blog, I discussed the Pyung Ahn series.  In my October 2013 blog, I discussed Shipsu and in the November 2013 blog I discussed No Pe Hyung.  In this blog, I will discuss the Mepojan series.

Note:  If you are not a Black Belt I strongly suggest you do not practice these concepts.  These are Black Belt concepts and assume you have the mechanics, power, and energy to make use of them; else you may just confuse yourself and are also not focusing on what you need at this time to advance.  I share these more advanced concepts so everyone has a bigger vision of where this art form can take them.

If the Kibon series is about learning to crawl and walk, Pyung Ahn series is more about learning to run, Shipsu is about learning to run with style, control, finesse, and independent of the physical body, No Pe Hyung is learning to have power, control and style while maintaining constant focus, then Mepojan is about short, compact moves that directs energy and minimizes physical exertion.

The origin of this series is unknown but all research indicates it came from China to Okinawa.  In Okinawan the series is called Naihanchi (which means "fighting holding your ground" according to some literature) and in Japanese they are called the Tekki forms (which means “horse riding”).

As in the Pyung Ahn series, Shipsu, No Pe Hyung, Mepojan series also helps students focus and practice linear strikes, practice throwing techniques without reciprocals, combinations, staying centered and balanced in techniques, and grounding. 

• Horse Stance Outward Ridge Hand
• Horse Stance Hook Punch
• Horse Stance Low Block
• Horse Stance Combination Medium Block/Low Block
• Horse Stance Upper Cut Punch with guard
• Horse Stance Inward Guarded Low Block
• Horse Stance Combination Outward  Hammer Fist/ Hook Punch
• Horse Stance Stamping Side Kick

Mepojan series also allows students to practice and master short strikes

• Horse Stance Knife Hand Block to the side of the body
• Horse Stance Inward Guarded Low Block
• Horse Stance Upper Cut Punch with guard
• Horse Stance Outward Knife Hand
• Horse Stance Outward Knife Hand
• Horse Stance Elevated Forward Punch with knife hand guard
• Horse Stance Medium Block with knife hand guard
• Horse Stance Stamping Side Kick

Another key to the Mepojan series is to learn and master maintaining your ground as you move from side to side and transition into the next technique.  Hips should remain level throughout these movements. 

Mepojan series is also about minimizing the need of extraneous motions in your moves and techniques to generate power.  These techniques should be performed with minimal or no upper body torso motion (e.g., twisting the torso) to generate power.  The power comes from the stance, grounding, and energy projection.

Directing energy at will, independent of the physical, is another key aspect of the Mepojan series.  It is one thing to master projecting energy, but are you projecting it exactly where you want?  Are you projecting it independently of your physical body movement?  Examples are below:

• Horse Stance Outward Ridge Hand
• In the opening move to Mepojan One, the outward ridge hand should be practiced as an energy move to displace an opponent.

 

• Horse Stance Inward Guarded Low Block
• This technique should be practiced as an energy slice through an opponent’s collarbone and collapse them to the ground.

 

• Double Inward Punches followed by the Combination Outward Hammer Punch/ Hook Punch
• In the opening move to Mepojan Two, the double inward punches should be practiced as gathering energy followed by projecting it at will with the Combination Outward Hammer Punch/ Hook Punch.

 

• Stamping Side Kicks Outward/Downward away from the body
• In Mepojan Two the Stamping Side Kick Outward from the body allows students to practice projecting energy outside their physical body in order to ensure effective, linear side kicks to the ground.  

 

• Attack Stance Medium Block to the side of the body
• In Mepojan Three, the opening move Attack Stance Medium Block to the side of the body allows students to practice projecting energy in a direction independent of the direction of their stance.

 

As in the all other hyung students should also practice and study the techniques and combinations in the Mepojan series in self-defense applications, including the transitions.

There are many advanced concepts to be learned and practiced in the Mepojan series and each one can be applied to concepts or techniques in the basics or other hyung.

Couldn’t we practice short strikes even in Kibon Hyung?  What about no reciprocals as a drill or exercise in other hyung?  How much extraneous motion is in your other hyung that you can work to eliminate? Have you examined where you are directing your energy in your other hyung?  Are you conscious of where and how you are directing your energy in all your hyung?

Regards,

Kelly

"When the student is ready, the Master appears." - Buddhist Proverb

What Are you Bringing Into the Dojang? - - Chief Instructor's Blog January 2014

While our Club follows minimal etiquette or protocols, the one that I think is the most important is bowing.  We bow on the following occasions:

• Upon entering and leaving the dojang, (or training area, such as the mat)
• Start and finish of classes or Testing Session
• When working with a partner.
• Formal sparring

I see the act of bowing important for many reasons, but I want to focus on when entering the dojang.   One major reason we bow before entering the dojang is so we can leave the outside world and events outside and prepare ourselves mentally to focus on what happens inside the dojang: practicing and studying a martial art. 

When is the last time you spent a moment and let your day go before you entered the dojang?

When is the last time you bowed entering the dojang and said I am happy to be here and ready to learn?

The attitude and energy you bring into the dojang will determine how well you enjoy the class that night, how much you may learn that night, the type of experience you will have and the type of experience your fellow students will have as they interact with you.

If you are distracted and not focused on learning, how much and how well do you think you will learn?

If you are distracted, how well do you think you will practice?

If you had a bad day and are still thinking about that or spending the class time thinking about the rest of your night or tomorrow, do you think your partner will enjoy working with you?  Do you think your partner that evening will get the most of his/her experience that night?

Especially considering what we practice can do damage, should you be practicing if you are not focused?  If you have other motives of being there – waiting for traffic to clear or just wanting to escape work for an hour and we are doing a drill that is intense or sparring, should you participate?

As instructors, how good do you feel about your teaching session if you are tired or distracted?  How much do you think your students will get out of your session?

We owe it to each other, our fellow students and instructors, to show up and be present when we are participating in class sessions and bring a positive attitude and energy ready and willing to learn and practice.  One student or one instructor that is not present, distracted, or really wanting to study/learn that night can change the experience for everyone for that night from positive to not positive.

So, when you bow before entering into the dojang, spend a moment and let your day go, be happy to be entering the dojang and be ready to learn (and/or teach) and practice with an open mind.

Regards,

Kelly

“As you think, so shall you become.” ~ Bruce Lee, (1940 –1973) American-born Chinese Hong Kong martial artist, actor, and founder of Jeet Kune Do