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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.
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3 comments:
Question 21: Is this the proper kick for the situation? i.e. Are you doing a round house when your target is too far away but moving closer. This can cause your foot to get crushed!
Very good points Lisa.
Collin
As always Lisa it is good for me as an instructor to see things through your eyes. Sometimes as you move up you forget how much you do without thought. I can’t remember the last time I had to tell myself to check my foot position in front snap kick. I don’t mean that as disrespectful to those of you that are still learning, it’s just become automatic over time. I didn’t always get it like I do now, and I have white and yellow sash testing sheet to prove it. It’s why I kept the testing sheets and why I need to be reminded, so I can help you reach the same level of proficiency that I have.
Lisa, I would like to see you write a little more about how it is being a woman in Martial Arts. It is a perspective that the men and women could benefit from.
Sensei TJ
The answer to all fo the questions is simple. . . C. Or more so, see. The higher you get in rank, the more you should look at exactly what Lisa is refering to. Details! A small adjustment in things like foot position makes all the difference in the world.
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