Stumble It!
Learning techniques does not make one a martial artist. Hmmm, that's a bold statement isn't it? But, it is true. I learned that lesson last night the hard way. I had one of the hardest classes I've ever had and left class distraught and frustrated. Let me explain what happened.
We were doing a class on self defense; real life scenarios. What do you do in a confrontation and at what point do you actually engage an attacker to defend yourself? Learning martial arts you have a responsibility to your attacker because of the knowledge that you have. Your job is to gain control of the situation and maintain control. Control could be walking away, diffusing the situation with words, or in worse case, gaining control using physical techniques to submission.
I was feeling uncomfortable, but thought to myself, "I can do this". I had been feeling pretty good about my training in the past 2 years, however God certainly has a way of humbling you.
Initially, each student squared off with another to practice the worse case scenarios. I was concerned about keeping control of my punches, kicks, etc and not hurting a fellow student. I was afraid emotion would take over and I would not pull back enough or if I kicked in the wrong place someone could be hurt. One kick to a knee can do tremendous damage. In the first situation, I simply walked away. That was easy to do since I was faced off with my son. The next couple of times I worked with the younger kids. Let me tell you, they kick pretty hard.
When faced with an adult male who tried to grab me my first thought was a wrist lock but his hands were so large I didn't get it and I just stopped. My mind went blank and I didn't know what to do. You would think that with all of the techniques that I had learned, something would take over automatically, it didn't. The tension in the room by this time was in a very heightened state and there was a lot of yelling and chaos. This is by design by our Master Instructor.
My last set ending up me being with two of our adult male students pretending they were going to take me with them. We had just finished discussing pressure points and my mind was focused on trying to get one of them with a pressure point and force the other to back off but I couldn't get my hands on either one. I was so focused on that one technique all I could do was move around and try to stay out of their grasp. One of them slipped behind me and put his arm around my neck in a tight choke hold cutting off some of my air. My mind panicked and went to the recces of a similar dark time in my childhood. I was no longer with other students but in the past and fear took over. I didn't have the wherewith all to say stop and all of my training went out the door. When Soke saw that I didn't know what to do, he paused us and told me to focus on one of the attackers and not both. He instructed me to do a hip throw on the one holding me. I heard him as if I was in a tunnel and tried to process what he was saying. I tried the hip throw which I've done many times. I couldn't even do it correctly. My brain had shut down at this point and pure panic and fear was there instead. I was able to get out of his grasp and thankfully at that moment class ended. I had to leave the room as emotion overtook me. You may have heard of females that have been abducted that knew martial arts and wondered why didn't they defend themselves? I know understood why with complete clarity.
Remember my opening statement, knowing the techniques doesn't make you a martial artist, applying what you have learned does. Martial arts is not only a physical art but a mental art as well. Can you keep control of yourself in order to control the situation? As a female, can you keep your confidence and your wits about you to control the situation? And for me, as a child from an abusive background can you control the panic and fear?
It was a tough lesson. This morning I can sit and think, "Why didn't I do this or that?". I am frustrated that I didn't perform any of the things that I have learned over the past two years. In our intermediate classes Sensi often tells us, "You have learned the technique, now it's time to do it with speed and fluidity."
Last night showed me that I have such a long way to go and I'm far from being what I consider for me, "a true martial artist".
Love and Merry Christmas,
Lisa
ps. (Scott, we need to finish our demolition downstairs and get the gym back together, I have some training to do!)
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Overcoming fear
Have you ever tried something new to get over something you are afraid of? I use to do a lot of rock climbing. Sounds like fun right? Well, not if you are terrified of heights. The first time I went, my friends put me in a climbing harness, hooked me up with ropes and off I went. I actually did pretty good, because I was terrified of falling. Once I was about 50 feet in the air I found a ledge I could stand on and I was stuck! I was so afraid of falling all I could do was hang on and wonder what on earth I was going to do. My friends had to talk me down and it took some time. After that first climb, I learned that I had to climb up a few feet and then let go. This allowed me to gain the confidence that the ropes would hold if I slipped, and I could continue my climb.
So, what does this have to do with martial arts? Well, for me, the same holds true with ukemi. When you watch someone being thrown it looks painful! But, if you know ukemi it really doesn't. However, I have somewhat of a mental block on throwing myself on the ground. It takes me being thrown a couple of times for my brain to remember that I can do it and it really isn't bad. We were practicing a wrist lock into a throw the other night and the first time I had to be thrown I was really wondering if I was going to be able to do the roll correctly. After I had done it one time and realized I really can do this, I was fine. But, it took doing the first one for my brain to register, "hey, you can do this".
I write this to encourage you, if you are learning ukemi and it seems a little imtidating keep working on it. It gets easier the more that you do it and when you do land from a fall or throw you will find it really isn't as bad as it looks!
Keep practicing!
Lisa
So, what does this have to do with martial arts? Well, for me, the same holds true with ukemi. When you watch someone being thrown it looks painful! But, if you know ukemi it really doesn't. However, I have somewhat of a mental block on throwing myself on the ground. It takes me being thrown a couple of times for my brain to remember that I can do it and it really isn't bad. We were practicing a wrist lock into a throw the other night and the first time I had to be thrown I was really wondering if I was going to be able to do the roll correctly. After I had done it one time and realized I really can do this, I was fine. But, it took doing the first one for my brain to register, "hey, you can do this".
I write this to encourage you, if you are learning ukemi and it seems a little imtidating keep working on it. It gets easier the more that you do it and when you do land from a fall or throw you will find it really isn't as bad as it looks!
Keep practicing!
Lisa
Friday, November 13, 2009
It's not just for kids
When my family started martial arts 6 years ago, I would always tag along and watch; secretly wishing I could do what they were doing. I was pregnant at the time and after the baby was born, I continued taking the kids to class and watching each class. To stay involved with the kids, I began doing some administrative work for our instructor. It was fun to be a part of what they were doing. I would still watch the kids and wish I could do what they were doing. They looked like they were having so much fun. However, I never thought that I could do it, and as a perfectionist didn't have the courage to try. If I do something, I want to do it well and I just didn't think I could do martial arts.
Soke would often ask me when was I going to start class and I would just laugh at him and say, "well I have the baby so I can't". In January of 07, Soke hired a babysitter and I was out of excuses!
In the beginning, I was terrified that I would look stupid trying to do some of the things my children perfected. They made it look so easy. I was so afraid that I would embarrass my husband and children because I couldn't even run one lap without stopping. But I kept at it because I wanted to be a part of what they were doing.
One of the coolest moments I ever experienced was during my white belt test and I heard my kids yell out, "Come on Mom, you can do it". Usually I was the one cheering them on. There have been many great moments since and the friends that we have made will last a lifetime.
It's been two years since I started and I have earned my green belt. I am still doing the administration for the school and loving each and every class. The interesting thing that occured to me lately is that I'm no longer doing it for my kids but for myself. I don't mean that in a selfish way, but in the aspect of furthering my development as a person and a martial artist. I love our classes and learning the things we are learning and it's exciting to begin helping others get started.
Martial arts isn't just for kids. It's for anyone that wants to try. Don't worry about how you look, or how much you can do. Just go for it; If I can do it so can you.
Lisa
Soke would often ask me when was I going to start class and I would just laugh at him and say, "well I have the baby so I can't". In January of 07, Soke hired a babysitter and I was out of excuses!
In the beginning, I was terrified that I would look stupid trying to do some of the things my children perfected. They made it look so easy. I was so afraid that I would embarrass my husband and children because I couldn't even run one lap without stopping. But I kept at it because I wanted to be a part of what they were doing.
One of the coolest moments I ever experienced was during my white belt test and I heard my kids yell out, "Come on Mom, you can do it". Usually I was the one cheering them on. There have been many great moments since and the friends that we have made will last a lifetime.
It's been two years since I started and I have earned my green belt. I am still doing the administration for the school and loving each and every class. The interesting thing that occured to me lately is that I'm no longer doing it for my kids but for myself. I don't mean that in a selfish way, but in the aspect of furthering my development as a person and a martial artist. I love our classes and learning the things we are learning and it's exciting to begin helping others get started.
Martial arts isn't just for kids. It's for anyone that wants to try. Don't worry about how you look, or how much you can do. Just go for it; If I can do it so can you.
Lisa
Friday, October 30, 2009
Tournament Preprations
My kids do alot of prep prior to a tournament and the results of their hard work show. I have 53 trophies and medals in my hallway upstairs from the past 4 years. Ok, I'm bragging on them a bit, but a great deal of it is because of their work. They practice daily for weeks prior to a tournament. This dedication shows in class when they are practicing and in demonstrations. As with all things, they have alot to learn but I'm always so proud to watch them compete. They don't always win, and they are ok with that. It makes the ones that they do win all the sweeter.
Are you preparing to compete in the upcoming tournament? Are you as excited as they are? I hope so. It is a wonderful experience, although a bit nerve wracking. I competed once in our team demo competition and I was so nervous. I was terrified I would do something wrong and let the team down. Thankfully it went well and we won first place.
Tao Hsieh Wu Shu was never designed for competition. However, our students do so well and our forms are so beautiful we have a great record so far. We can thank Soke Geniesse and the others that helped put the forms together for this. Our system is different and each level is more technically changeling than most martial arts systems and in competition; it shows.
In class we spar to submission, and in tournaments it is point sparring, but due to the way we block we do very good in the sparring as well.
The next tournament is going to be different and I think all of our students will be challenged more than in the past. We cannot do any inverted moves in our traditional forms competition. Forms 3 and up all have some type of inverted move, so changes will need to be made. Otherwise, our students will need to compete in the XMA division, will we measure up in that division? You bet!
There will be a new section for our students to compete in this year: grappling. This will be an entirely new event for us to try. My oldest son is very excited about this.
I can't wait for this next tournament. It is going to be a lot of fun and I confident that all of our students are going to do great regardless of winning or not!
Good luck to everyone and I hope you are practicing.
Are you preparing to compete in the upcoming tournament? Are you as excited as they are? I hope so. It is a wonderful experience, although a bit nerve wracking. I competed once in our team demo competition and I was so nervous. I was terrified I would do something wrong and let the team down. Thankfully it went well and we won first place.
Tao Hsieh Wu Shu was never designed for competition. However, our students do so well and our forms are so beautiful we have a great record so far. We can thank Soke Geniesse and the others that helped put the forms together for this. Our system is different and each level is more technically changeling than most martial arts systems and in competition; it shows.
In class we spar to submission, and in tournaments it is point sparring, but due to the way we block we do very good in the sparring as well.
The next tournament is going to be different and I think all of our students will be challenged more than in the past. We cannot do any inverted moves in our traditional forms competition. Forms 3 and up all have some type of inverted move, so changes will need to be made. Otherwise, our students will need to compete in the XMA division, will we measure up in that division? You bet!
There will be a new section for our students to compete in this year: grappling. This will be an entirely new event for us to try. My oldest son is very excited about this.
I can't wait for this next tournament. It is going to be a lot of fun and I confident that all of our students are going to do great regardless of winning or not!
Good luck to everyone and I hope you are practicing.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
The art in martial
Prior to beginning martial arts, I did not think of it as an art form, but merely a way of fighting. As I continue to learn, I see more and more of the art form in the movements that we do. Just as in dance, the smallest of details can change the look of a form (kata). The position of your hands, where you are looking, and the depth of your stances all make a difference. Watching my daughter perform her form is like watching her dance. Her fluidity and grace are beautiful to watch.
A weapons form can be the same thing. Have you ever watched someone performing a form with fans? Beautiful....
When I began learning form 1 my focus was: a. remembering the direction I should turn and which hand to use (I still get confused!), b: putting power and intensity behind my punches.
The number of movements in form 2 were greater but the focus for me was still on getting the kicks and punches correct.
Form 3 added more movements from many of the different systems that we learn in Tao Hsieh Wu Shu and some of the movements were definitely more artsy.
Form 4 begins to look like a dance with many of the movements flowing from one to the other. You can truly see the grace in our style when watching this form.
This leads to question do our forms add more grace as they get harder or is the student beginning to gain an understanding of the movements? Soke Geniesse will often tell us to flow like water. I believe by the time you are learning form 4 this concept begins to sink in.
Amazing....
A weapons form can be the same thing. Have you ever watched someone performing a form with fans? Beautiful....
When I began learning form 1 my focus was: a. remembering the direction I should turn and which hand to use (I still get confused!), b: putting power and intensity behind my punches.
The number of movements in form 2 were greater but the focus for me was still on getting the kicks and punches correct.
Form 3 added more movements from many of the different systems that we learn in Tao Hsieh Wu Shu and some of the movements were definitely more artsy.
Form 4 begins to look like a dance with many of the movements flowing from one to the other. You can truly see the grace in our style when watching this form.
This leads to question do our forms add more grace as they get harder or is the student beginning to gain an understanding of the movements? Soke Geniesse will often tell us to flow like water. I believe by the time you are learning form 4 this concept begins to sink in.
Amazing....
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Plantar Fasciitis
Well, I've learned alot about feet in the past 3 months, and I really don't like feet! But, I have been struggling with plantar fasciitis and I've learned more than I ever wanted to.
First, let me explain what plantar fasciitis is, just in case you don't know. It's pronounced "plantar fash-eee-eye-tiss". This is the condition that occurs when the long fibrous plantar fascia ligament along the bottom of the foot develops tears in the tissue. This creates pain and inflammation.
Plantar fasciitis causes the inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament which runs along the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia ligament is made of fibrous bands of tissue and runs between the heel bone and your toes and stretches with every step. Inflammation develops when tears occur in the tissue.
The pain can be a burning, stabbing, or aching. It is particularly painful in the morning when you first step on your foot. The ligaments tighten during the night and in the morning when you put pressure on it, the ligament stretches and creates an unbearable pain. After walking and stretching, the pain will subside until you have been on your feet awhile, then the pain returns.
Athletes most commonly develop this condition. Excessive running, jumping, or other activities can easily place repetitive or excessive stress on the tissue and lead to tears and inflammation, resulting in moderate to severe pain. Athletes who change or increase the difficulty of their exercise routines are also prone to overdoing it and causing damage.
One of the factors that contribute to plantar fasciitis is wearing incorrect shoes. In many cases, shoes either do not fit properly, or provide inadequate support or cushioning. While walking or exercising in improper shoes, weight distribution becomes impaired, and significantly stress can be added to the plantar fascia ligament.
This is exactly what happened to me. Usually, I go see my buddy Jeff Rainwater at the Big Peach Running store for my running shoes, but this time I opted to save some money. I went to the local wallyworld and bought cheap shoes, but justified it by buying some nice inserts. Later that Friday I went running with Sensi TJ and guess what, my foot began to hurt that night and hasn't stopped since. Lesson learned, don't run in cheap shoes even if you have good inserts.
I have struggled for almost 10 weeks now with my foot hurting! It has been frustrating because I feel like it has slowed my training down. I passed my green belt test with my foot taped, but let me tell you, I was in tears trying to hold the monkey stance because my foot hurt so bad!
So, what is the solution? ice, rest and new orthodic's for my shoes have helped. I'm still on the road to recovery and after the cost of the orthodic's I really wished I had just gone to see Jeff in the first place.
Lesson learned, shoes are very important! Don't make the same mistake I did. If you are getting shin splints, or your feet hurt while you are running or training trust me, your shoes have something to do with it. Find a shoe store that specializes in running and get properly fitted with a good shoe. You will be doing your feet a favor and you will save money in the long run.
Keep training,
Lisa
First, let me explain what plantar fasciitis is, just in case you don't know. It's pronounced "plantar fash-eee-eye-tiss". This is the condition that occurs when the long fibrous plantar fascia ligament along the bottom of the foot develops tears in the tissue. This creates pain and inflammation.
Plantar fasciitis causes the inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament which runs along the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia ligament is made of fibrous bands of tissue and runs between the heel bone and your toes and stretches with every step. Inflammation develops when tears occur in the tissue.
The pain can be a burning, stabbing, or aching. It is particularly painful in the morning when you first step on your foot. The ligaments tighten during the night and in the morning when you put pressure on it, the ligament stretches and creates an unbearable pain. After walking and stretching, the pain will subside until you have been on your feet awhile, then the pain returns.
Athletes most commonly develop this condition. Excessive running, jumping, or other activities can easily place repetitive or excessive stress on the tissue and lead to tears and inflammation, resulting in moderate to severe pain. Athletes who change or increase the difficulty of their exercise routines are also prone to overdoing it and causing damage.
One of the factors that contribute to plantar fasciitis is wearing incorrect shoes. In many cases, shoes either do not fit properly, or provide inadequate support or cushioning. While walking or exercising in improper shoes, weight distribution becomes impaired, and significantly stress can be added to the plantar fascia ligament.
This is exactly what happened to me. Usually, I go see my buddy Jeff Rainwater at the Big Peach Running store for my running shoes, but this time I opted to save some money. I went to the local wallyworld and bought cheap shoes, but justified it by buying some nice inserts. Later that Friday I went running with Sensi TJ and guess what, my foot began to hurt that night and hasn't stopped since. Lesson learned, don't run in cheap shoes even if you have good inserts.
I have struggled for almost 10 weeks now with my foot hurting! It has been frustrating because I feel like it has slowed my training down. I passed my green belt test with my foot taped, but let me tell you, I was in tears trying to hold the monkey stance because my foot hurt so bad!
So, what is the solution? ice, rest and new orthodic's for my shoes have helped. I'm still on the road to recovery and after the cost of the orthodic's I really wished I had just gone to see Jeff in the first place.
Lesson learned, shoes are very important! Don't make the same mistake I did. If you are getting shin splints, or your feet hurt while you are running or training trust me, your shoes have something to do with it. Find a shoe store that specializes in running and get properly fitted with a good shoe. You will be doing your feet a favor and you will save money in the long run.
Keep training,
Lisa
A little bit of fun
I had the coolest epiphany last week. I was watching a fellow student's yellow belt test thinking how well he was doing when I realized, "Hey, I passed that test too! I really can do all of the things he's doing". It was a really cool feeling.
Granted, I don't have the finesse and speed as many of our younger students, but what I lack in finesse I certainly make up for in enthusiasm. I really enjoy all of our classes. I have so much fun doing things I never thought I would ever do. Me doing a jump double roundhouse? Yea, well it wasn't pretty, but I did it and it was a lot of fun learning how to do it.
Isn't that what it's all about? Enjoying what you are doing. Life is short and we each only have one day at a time. I hope today that you smile when you are doing what you are passionate about. Share the enthusiasm. It is incredibly contagious and in today's times, we need a little fun. So whatever your fun is, indulge today. I plan to punch on our kicking bag awhile, what are you going to do?
As I tell everyone, if I can do martial arts, anyone can. If you haven't tried it yet, go for it! What have you got to lose, a little fun?
Granted, I don't have the finesse and speed as many of our younger students, but what I lack in finesse I certainly make up for in enthusiasm. I really enjoy all of our classes. I have so much fun doing things I never thought I would ever do. Me doing a jump double roundhouse? Yea, well it wasn't pretty, but I did it and it was a lot of fun learning how to do it.
Isn't that what it's all about? Enjoying what you are doing. Life is short and we each only have one day at a time. I hope today that you smile when you are doing what you are passionate about. Share the enthusiasm. It is incredibly contagious and in today's times, we need a little fun. So whatever your fun is, indulge today. I plan to punch on our kicking bag awhile, what are you going to do?
As I tell everyone, if I can do martial arts, anyone can. If you haven't tried it yet, go for it! What have you got to lose, a little fun?
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Do you feel like a martial artist?
I have been learning the art of Tao Hsieh Wu Shu for a year and half and I am just now beginning to have the inkling of feeling like a martial artist.
The first time was a couple of weeks ago during the great Atlanta flood. We had been fighting water for 4 days and I was feeling frustrated vacuuming the water out of our exercise room for the umpteenth time. I looked at the kicking bag and thought to myself, "I just need to punch and kick the bag for about 30 minutes and I'll feel better". Suddenly I grinned at myself, realizing that I actually knew how to do that. This was a great revelation to me. If your a guy then you probably grew up knowing how to do these things instinctively. I did not have a brother or Dad to teach me these things and was not very athletic, so for me this is a cool feeling.
Another huge milestone has been learning to overcome fear. Don't get me wrong, there are lots of times in class that I get intimidated, but it seems to be getting less and my confidence more. I attribute this to our terrific teachers and my fellow students.
The more classes I attend, the more there is to learn. The more that I learn, the greater my abilities will grow. As my abilities grow, my confidence increases. This confidence will one day lead to feeling like a real martial artist all the time and not just some of the time.
But the beginnings of feeling like a martial artist is a cool thing!
Keep on kicking,
Lisa
The first time was a couple of weeks ago during the great Atlanta flood. We had been fighting water for 4 days and I was feeling frustrated vacuuming the water out of our exercise room for the umpteenth time. I looked at the kicking bag and thought to myself, "I just need to punch and kick the bag for about 30 minutes and I'll feel better". Suddenly I grinned at myself, realizing that I actually knew how to do that. This was a great revelation to me. If your a guy then you probably grew up knowing how to do these things instinctively. I did not have a brother or Dad to teach me these things and was not very athletic, so for me this is a cool feeling.
Another huge milestone has been learning to overcome fear. Don't get me wrong, there are lots of times in class that I get intimidated, but it seems to be getting less and my confidence more. I attribute this to our terrific teachers and my fellow students.
The more classes I attend, the more there is to learn. The more that I learn, the greater my abilities will grow. As my abilities grow, my confidence increases. This confidence will one day lead to feeling like a real martial artist all the time and not just some of the time.
But the beginnings of feeling like a martial artist is a cool thing!
Keep on kicking,
Lisa
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Victory
Each belt test is a hugh milestone in martial arts. Earning your way up to black belt is equilivent to being a baby and learning first to hold your head up (white belt), rolling over (yellow belt), sitting up (orange belt), crawling (green belt), walking (blue belt), jumping (red belt), running (blackbelt), and flying - beyond....
(We only have a total of six color belts in Tao Hsieh Wu Shu)
While it only takes about 1.5 years to pass those milestones as a baby, in martial arts it takes many years. After yesterday, I'm at the crawling stage (green belt). Crawling is a good description of all the things that I still have to learn and perfect. Yesterday was a great test but difficult one. I learned many things about myself.
First and foremost, I need to continue to work on my endurance and flexibility. My spinning kicks really need work as does my straight back kick. I didn't whip my arm enough in my ridge hand or knife hand punches nor did I put my shoulder into my hook and upper cut punches. As for cartwheels, let's just say they are not pretty!
However, I did learn without a doubt that if I was ever attacked, I could defend myself. I had felt that I could but yesterday seem to prove to me that I really can. To me, this is the most important thing I could ever learn.
There are many techniques that I'm not great at but need to learn in our system in order to teach others who may do it well. Everyone's syle is different as are their strenghts and weaknesses.
I do feel victorious this morning, even with all the bruises from the test yesterday. Bruises seem to be my mantra these days. But they will fade and I'll still have my green belt and the knowledge that goes with it. How exciting is that?
MMAMom
p.s. Special thanks to my uki yesterday (Rich) for pushing me and not just letting me have it. He made me look good.
(We only have a total of six color belts in Tao Hsieh Wu Shu)
While it only takes about 1.5 years to pass those milestones as a baby, in martial arts it takes many years. After yesterday, I'm at the crawling stage (green belt). Crawling is a good description of all the things that I still have to learn and perfect. Yesterday was a great test but difficult one. I learned many things about myself.
First and foremost, I need to continue to work on my endurance and flexibility. My spinning kicks really need work as does my straight back kick. I didn't whip my arm enough in my ridge hand or knife hand punches nor did I put my shoulder into my hook and upper cut punches. As for cartwheels, let's just say they are not pretty!
However, I did learn without a doubt that if I was ever attacked, I could defend myself. I had felt that I could but yesterday seem to prove to me that I really can. To me, this is the most important thing I could ever learn.
There are many techniques that I'm not great at but need to learn in our system in order to teach others who may do it well. Everyone's syle is different as are their strenghts and weaknesses.
I do feel victorious this morning, even with all the bruises from the test yesterday. Bruises seem to be my mantra these days. But they will fade and I'll still have my green belt and the knowledge that goes with it. How exciting is that?
MMAMom
p.s. Special thanks to my uki yesterday (Rich) for pushing me and not just letting me have it. He made me look good.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
When times are tough
To be truthful there are times as I am training that I wonder if I going to be able to continue. For example, tonight both of my wrist hurt, my forearms are bruised, my knees are bruised, my shin and foot is badly bruised, my shoulders hurt etc, etc, etc. I'm wondering if I'm crazy doing this at my age. Is it worth it? Why am I doing this?
This is when I have to sit back and reevaluate my goals. What have I accomplished so far? What do I plan to accomplish? Just where am I going with all of this?
Hmmm, interesting questions. First, let's look at where I've been. Prior to taking martial arts I had never done any sport at all. I never played any ball sport, took gymnastics classes, track or even swimming. I didn't learn to swim until I was 13 and then it was only enough to get from one side of the pool to the other. I was never athletic in any way. The only cool thing I did as a kid was ride a dirt bike.
Now, at the age of 44, I can throw a pretty mean hook punch and roundhouse kick. Grab me unexpectedly and I'm apt to throw you with a hip or leg throw. I think that is pretty cool. If you had told me years ago that I would be practicing a spinning kick I would have asked you, "what is that?". I can also break three boards with a reverse punch. That was amazing! You can see this on youtube at our Tao Hsieh Wu Shu youtube channel.
I also have a great time training with my kids, watching martial art movies with them and dissecting all the fabulous moves. I have also made many wonderful new friends that are now a part of my family.
That leaves me with with, "What do I plan to accomplish"? Hmmm, right now, just to make it through my next belt test. One day, to earn my black belt. Beyond that, who knows. Martial arts is a life long process of learning. Who knows where I'll be in my 50's. I hope to one day be able to teach self-defense to other ladies to help them gain some of the confidence that I have. That would be really cool.
So tonight, I'll put on the ice pack and grin about my martial arts badges of honor, my bruises!
Lisa
mmamom
This is when I have to sit back and reevaluate my goals. What have I accomplished so far? What do I plan to accomplish? Just where am I going with all of this?
Hmmm, interesting questions. First, let's look at where I've been. Prior to taking martial arts I had never done any sport at all. I never played any ball sport, took gymnastics classes, track or even swimming. I didn't learn to swim until I was 13 and then it was only enough to get from one side of the pool to the other. I was never athletic in any way. The only cool thing I did as a kid was ride a dirt bike.
Now, at the age of 44, I can throw a pretty mean hook punch and roundhouse kick. Grab me unexpectedly and I'm apt to throw you with a hip or leg throw. I think that is pretty cool. If you had told me years ago that I would be practicing a spinning kick I would have asked you, "what is that?". I can also break three boards with a reverse punch. That was amazing! You can see this on youtube at our Tao Hsieh Wu Shu youtube channel.
I also have a great time training with my kids, watching martial art movies with them and dissecting all the fabulous moves. I have also made many wonderful new friends that are now a part of my family.
That leaves me with with, "What do I plan to accomplish"? Hmmm, right now, just to make it through my next belt test. One day, to earn my black belt. Beyond that, who knows. Martial arts is a life long process of learning. Who knows where I'll be in my 50's. I hope to one day be able to teach self-defense to other ladies to help them gain some of the confidence that I have. That would be really cool.
So tonight, I'll put on the ice pack and grin about my martial arts badges of honor, my bruises!
Lisa
mmamom
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Any shape or size
I didn’t realize how long it’s been since I updated my blog. Life seems to be coming at me at 90mph and I'm moving 30mph!
I am getting ready to test for my green belt that I began training for in Feb. at the end of this month. It has been a long journey that at times has been difficult due to my lower back issues and other physical issues. You will often have injuries as you train and I am no exception.
I’m made some interesting observations over the past few months and I wanted to share one of them with you that has been a revelation to me. I have had the opportunity to meet many different martial artists this year in different martial art systems. The one thing that intrigues me is that martial artists come in all shapes and sizes. I had always had the preconceived idea that to be a martial artist you had to be this perfect athlete and in perfect shape! Yes, most of your competitive martial artists are in phenomenal shape as they train for 2-6 hours per day. As a mom of 5, this simply is not feasible for me. Nor is it feasible for many of the black belts that I have met. The one thing we all have in common is a passion and love for the sport.
A martial artist doesn’t have to be in perfect shape. It is easier if you are young and in shape or even older but athletic. I guess my point is that you don’t have to be in perfect shape to learn martial arts. You can be any shape, any size or any age to learn. It may take you longer, may be a little harder but it can be learned. I have seen people much larger in weight than I am throw a kick that was techniquely beautiful! It’s not about the weight, it’s about fitness and fitness can be gained no matter what your weight is.
I write this as I am struggling still to lose the weight due to going through menopause (yes I’m an early bird), but knowing that I can do this and I am in better physical shape. Strength training has helped me a great deal as I need stronger muscles to be able to do what I want to do with my extra weight! I still have a ways to go with my technique but I have figured out how to throw the power of my weight into my kicks and punches.
If you enjoy watching martial art movies and have ever had the thought, “I wish I could do that”, try. You will be amazed at what you can do no matter what your size, weight or athletic ability. I’m a perfect example of being able to do it. My kicks are not as pretty as my beautiful girls, but I remind myself that age and wisdom comes into play!
I am getting ready to test for my green belt that I began training for in Feb. at the end of this month. It has been a long journey that at times has been difficult due to my lower back issues and other physical issues. You will often have injuries as you train and I am no exception.
I’m made some interesting observations over the past few months and I wanted to share one of them with you that has been a revelation to me. I have had the opportunity to meet many different martial artists this year in different martial art systems. The one thing that intrigues me is that martial artists come in all shapes and sizes. I had always had the preconceived idea that to be a martial artist you had to be this perfect athlete and in perfect shape! Yes, most of your competitive martial artists are in phenomenal shape as they train for 2-6 hours per day. As a mom of 5, this simply is not feasible for me. Nor is it feasible for many of the black belts that I have met. The one thing we all have in common is a passion and love for the sport.
A martial artist doesn’t have to be in perfect shape. It is easier if you are young and in shape or even older but athletic. I guess my point is that you don’t have to be in perfect shape to learn martial arts. You can be any shape, any size or any age to learn. It may take you longer, may be a little harder but it can be learned. I have seen people much larger in weight than I am throw a kick that was techniquely beautiful! It’s not about the weight, it’s about fitness and fitness can be gained no matter what your weight is.
I write this as I am struggling still to lose the weight due to going through menopause (yes I’m an early bird), but knowing that I can do this and I am in better physical shape. Strength training has helped me a great deal as I need stronger muscles to be able to do what I want to do with my extra weight! I still have a ways to go with my technique but I have figured out how to throw the power of my weight into my kicks and punches.
If you enjoy watching martial art movies and have ever had the thought, “I wish I could do that”, try. You will be amazed at what you can do no matter what your size, weight or athletic ability. I’m a perfect example of being able to do it. My kicks are not as pretty as my beautiful girls, but I remind myself that age and wisdom comes into play!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Getting Fit For Martial Arts
When I initially began martial arts it was with the idea that it would help me to get into better shape and that I would be doing something fun with my kids.
While these are good reasons to start, over time my reasons for continuing the class have begun to change. When I started it never occurred to me that I would actually one day earn my black belt. However, as I begin training for my green belt my thinking has changed on many levels, one of them, setting a goal to earn my black belt before I turn 50!
Today my thought process is, I want to be in better shape to do martial arts instead of the other way around. Investigating strength training for martial arts has opened a new way of thinking for me. I am learning that one of the secrets of doing martial arts well for me is not just the technique, but the ability to manipulate my body against a variety of forces. These include my weight, my opponent’s weight and inertia for quick changes in speed and direction and the ability to explode in a movement.
In order to improve my ability to do this, I am beginning a strength training regimen. I have learned that when you are physically strong, your acceleration, body balance, recovery and reaction time improve. Having a well-conditioned body also sharpens your mental ability as well. This has been even more evident as I have struggled with my lower back problems. Last Oct. I injured my lower back trying cartwheels on the beach and I have struggled with lower back pain since. A cartwheel is required in our Form 3.
Acupuncture has helped me regain control of my back (I’ll write another article on this topic later) and I am now in the process of regaining my strength and flexibility. It has been very frustrating to watch my kicks get lower and lower due to back pain that could have possibly been eliminated or at least not as bad had I been doing strength training for my back. Hmmm, don’t you feel some lessons are learned with our 20/20 hindsight vision?
I have found some fascinating myths and facts that I would like to share with you from Martina Sprague’s book, “Strength & Power Training for Martial Arts”:
Myth: It is all in the technique, and you don’t need strength to be a successful martial artist
Fact: Technique is important, and technique along with intelligence and courage can help a smaller or weaker person defeat a larger adversary. However, strength does matter. Strength increases your confidence, helps you achieve your objectives with greater ease, and raises your pain threshold, allowing you to endure greater physical punishment.
Myth: Lifting weights will improve your martial arts skills.
Fact: Weight training will make you stronger; skills training will improve your martial arts skills. However, a stronger athlete has the potential to be a better athlete. A strong martial artist can hit harder, throw higher and more powerful kicks, and endure more pain.
Myth: Weight training will make you slow.
Fact: Stronger muscles can make you faster and more explosive and stronger muscles will definitely not make you lose speed in your martial arts techniques.
Myth: Muscles that don’t show are not strong.
Fact: Muscles only show if you have a lean body. Excess fat will cover up the muscles and is especially prevalent around the midsection on most people. But muscles that don’t show can be just as strong as muscles that do show. Yes, you can be both strong and fat. In fact, being too lean or over-obsessing about your diet can be detrimental to your health. Work to improve strength, not looks.
Myth: It is dangerous to start lifting weights when you are old, if you are not already in good shape.
Fact: It is never to late to start strength training, but you should understand the demands you place on your body and use a progressive program. Building a strong body takes time, both for youngsters and seniors. Don’t expect to accomplish your goal in one day.
Myth: If you can’t afford a gym membership, you can’t gain maximum benefit from a strength training program.
Fact: Body weight exercises (pushups, pull-ups, sit ups, squats, and lunges) are some of the most effective exercises for improving sport specific strength.
Myth: Strength training for women can cause women to develop muscles that make them look unfeminine.
Fact: This is not possible, because women don’t have the testosterone required to build huge and unsightly muscles. If you see a woman with very well defined muscles, it is likely that she has been on a strict diet that has cut all of the fat so the muscles show better.
I would encourage you no matter what your age to research strength training for yourself and the benefits that it may have for you. There have been many studies that have proven that weight lifting increases bone strength, muscle strength, and overall health for everyone. One study of adults ages 86-96 showed an increase of 174% in strength and walking speed of 48%! Imagine the benefits at a younger age like 43.
While my information is geared toward adults there is a lot of information for youth and teens. My research has found that youth should stick with body weight exercises while their body and muscles are growing. Older teens can begin weight training with supervision.
Do some research and see what you can find that will work for you!
Wish me luck and I continue to strive for personal health benefits and my black belt.
Momt5
One of the key resources I used in this article was Martina Sprague’s book. She has written several and I recommend them all.
While these are good reasons to start, over time my reasons for continuing the class have begun to change. When I started it never occurred to me that I would actually one day earn my black belt. However, as I begin training for my green belt my thinking has changed on many levels, one of them, setting a goal to earn my black belt before I turn 50!
Today my thought process is, I want to be in better shape to do martial arts instead of the other way around. Investigating strength training for martial arts has opened a new way of thinking for me. I am learning that one of the secrets of doing martial arts well for me is not just the technique, but the ability to manipulate my body against a variety of forces. These include my weight, my opponent’s weight and inertia for quick changes in speed and direction and the ability to explode in a movement.
In order to improve my ability to do this, I am beginning a strength training regimen. I have learned that when you are physically strong, your acceleration, body balance, recovery and reaction time improve. Having a well-conditioned body also sharpens your mental ability as well. This has been even more evident as I have struggled with my lower back problems. Last Oct. I injured my lower back trying cartwheels on the beach and I have struggled with lower back pain since. A cartwheel is required in our Form 3.
Acupuncture has helped me regain control of my back (I’ll write another article on this topic later) and I am now in the process of regaining my strength and flexibility. It has been very frustrating to watch my kicks get lower and lower due to back pain that could have possibly been eliminated or at least not as bad had I been doing strength training for my back. Hmmm, don’t you feel some lessons are learned with our 20/20 hindsight vision?
I have found some fascinating myths and facts that I would like to share with you from Martina Sprague’s book, “Strength & Power Training for Martial Arts”:
Myth: It is all in the technique, and you don’t need strength to be a successful martial artist
Fact: Technique is important, and technique along with intelligence and courage can help a smaller or weaker person defeat a larger adversary. However, strength does matter. Strength increases your confidence, helps you achieve your objectives with greater ease, and raises your pain threshold, allowing you to endure greater physical punishment.
Myth: Lifting weights will improve your martial arts skills.
Fact: Weight training will make you stronger; skills training will improve your martial arts skills. However, a stronger athlete has the potential to be a better athlete. A strong martial artist can hit harder, throw higher and more powerful kicks, and endure more pain.
Myth: Weight training will make you slow.
Fact: Stronger muscles can make you faster and more explosive and stronger muscles will definitely not make you lose speed in your martial arts techniques.
Myth: Muscles that don’t show are not strong.
Fact: Muscles only show if you have a lean body. Excess fat will cover up the muscles and is especially prevalent around the midsection on most people. But muscles that don’t show can be just as strong as muscles that do show. Yes, you can be both strong and fat. In fact, being too lean or over-obsessing about your diet can be detrimental to your health. Work to improve strength, not looks.
Myth: It is dangerous to start lifting weights when you are old, if you are not already in good shape.
Fact: It is never to late to start strength training, but you should understand the demands you place on your body and use a progressive program. Building a strong body takes time, both for youngsters and seniors. Don’t expect to accomplish your goal in one day.
Myth: If you can’t afford a gym membership, you can’t gain maximum benefit from a strength training program.
Fact: Body weight exercises (pushups, pull-ups, sit ups, squats, and lunges) are some of the most effective exercises for improving sport specific strength.
Myth: Strength training for women can cause women to develop muscles that make them look unfeminine.
Fact: This is not possible, because women don’t have the testosterone required to build huge and unsightly muscles. If you see a woman with very well defined muscles, it is likely that she has been on a strict diet that has cut all of the fat so the muscles show better.
I would encourage you no matter what your age to research strength training for yourself and the benefits that it may have for you. There have been many studies that have proven that weight lifting increases bone strength, muscle strength, and overall health for everyone. One study of adults ages 86-96 showed an increase of 174% in strength and walking speed of 48%! Imagine the benefits at a younger age like 43.
While my information is geared toward adults there is a lot of information for youth and teens. My research has found that youth should stick with body weight exercises while their body and muscles are growing. Older teens can begin weight training with supervision.
Do some research and see what you can find that will work for you!
Wish me luck and I continue to strive for personal health benefits and my black belt.
Momt5
One of the key resources I used in this article was Martina Sprague’s book. She has written several and I recommend them all.
Friday, January 9, 2009
It's all about the details
Moving into the intermediate classes has proven to be a challenge for me, but I have loved every minute of it. While I am learning new techniques, the most fascinating thing for me has been the new details on our basic moves.
I've been learning and working on the basics for a year now and felt like my technique was ok, but I still needed lots of practice. Little did I know how much more detail was involved in our basic techniques. I am constantly amazed at each class and the new information to be absorbed.
Let me give you an example of what I mean by using one of our most basic kicks, the front high kick. I'll ask some questions but let you give the answers.
1. What is your foot position?
2. What should angle of your hips be?
3. What is the position of the opposite leg (is it bent, straight, turned etc?)
4. What is the position of your hands?
5. Where should you be looking?
6. During practice what should you be looking at for a high kick?
7. When do you tighten you foot for impact?
8. Is your kicking leg straight or bent?
9. Where is the impact of the kick on your opponent on your foot? (top of toes, top of foot, etc?)
10. Do you move your shoulders forward during the kick or keep your back straight?
11. What is the position of your elbows?
12. How do you gain speed and power in performing this kick?
13. What stretch to you work on to gain height in this kick?
14. What is the position of your head during this kick? (up, down, side etc.)
15. Can you only use this kick standing up?
16. In what situation would you use this kick?
17. How would you throw this kick up if you are up close to an opponent?
18. Should you slide your foot forward at the beginning of the kick?
19. Do you ki'ah in this kick?
20. When should you inhale and exhale in performing this kick?
Wow! Can you believe I came up with 20 questions for one of our most basic kicks? I'm sure that there are even more.
I am not going to give the answers as I want you to continue to practice this kick and learn these things for yourself in class. However, keep in mind that there are just as many details for each basic technique that you are learning. In light of this, I encourage you to continue working on all of your techniques knowing that practice makes perfect!
Still learning the details,
Lisa
p.s. Happy Birthday Sensi Kendall! Your ability to teach the details is incredible.
I've been learning and working on the basics for a year now and felt like my technique was ok, but I still needed lots of practice. Little did I know how much more detail was involved in our basic techniques. I am constantly amazed at each class and the new information to be absorbed.
Let me give you an example of what I mean by using one of our most basic kicks, the front high kick. I'll ask some questions but let you give the answers.
1. What is your foot position?
2. What should angle of your hips be?
3. What is the position of the opposite leg (is it bent, straight, turned etc?)
4. What is the position of your hands?
5. Where should you be looking?
6. During practice what should you be looking at for a high kick?
7. When do you tighten you foot for impact?
8. Is your kicking leg straight or bent?
9. Where is the impact of the kick on your opponent on your foot? (top of toes, top of foot, etc?)
10. Do you move your shoulders forward during the kick or keep your back straight?
11. What is the position of your elbows?
12. How do you gain speed and power in performing this kick?
13. What stretch to you work on to gain height in this kick?
14. What is the position of your head during this kick? (up, down, side etc.)
15. Can you only use this kick standing up?
16. In what situation would you use this kick?
17. How would you throw this kick up if you are up close to an opponent?
18. Should you slide your foot forward at the beginning of the kick?
19. Do you ki'ah in this kick?
20. When should you inhale and exhale in performing this kick?
Wow! Can you believe I came up with 20 questions for one of our most basic kicks? I'm sure that there are even more.
I am not going to give the answers as I want you to continue to practice this kick and learn these things for yourself in class. However, keep in mind that there are just as many details for each basic technique that you are learning. In light of this, I encourage you to continue working on all of your techniques knowing that practice makes perfect!
Still learning the details,
Lisa
p.s. Happy Birthday Sensi Kendall! Your ability to teach the details is incredible.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
