Stumble It!
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.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
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.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Practice makes perfect
How many times does a basketball player practice throwing the free throw shot? What about a baseball player, hockey player, tennis player, football player and soccer player? The list goes on and on. Ray Bradbury the Pulitzer Prize Special Citation award winner and author once said, “I know you’ve heard it a thousand times before, but it’s true – hard work pays off. If you want to be good, you have to practice, practice, practice. If you don’t love something, then don’t do it.
Shouldn’t this pertain to martial arts as well? How many times do you practice your kicks, punches or forms per week? Do you only practice in class? If you want to get better then the only answer is practice and that includes practicing outside of class.
Bruce Lee once said, “If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits, there are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them.” If you are new to martial arts and you are thinking, “I only know a couple of kicks or punches”, now is the perfect opportunity to perfect them.
What if you have been doing martial arts for years and you think, “Well, I know my kicks and punches are good”, are they? There is always room for improvement? Did you know that Bruce Lee would throw 500 punches per day in order to improve his speed. Sometimes, he would even do 1000 or 2000 in a single day. Granted his training schedule was arduous but he trained with a goal in mind that he set for himself. He enjoyed the never-ending journey toward physical perfection.
However, the key to his success was in his training and practice. You may be thinking, “I simply don’t have enough time to practice”. One of the secrets to Bruce Lee’s training was how he decided to spend his time. The choices he made in each of his 24-hour days included several hours of training. You don’t have to figure out a way to train for several hours but, what about 15 – 30 minutes? It doesn’t have to be all at once. Have you ever tried sitting in horse stance during several commercials? Depending on the program, you could be standing there for 2 minutes! I bet if you tried you could figure out some creative times to practice your martial arts.
Michael Jordan once said, “If you’re trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I’ve had them; everybody has had them. However, obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. Romans 8:26 tells us, “In the same way the Spirit helps us in our weakness”. Use any obstacles as an opportunity to learn about yourself and God.
In light of this, as you purpose to be intentional in your practice of your martial arts consider doing the same with your walk with God. Do you pray when your practicing your stances or stretches? It is the perfect time to talk with God or reflect on His greatness. Psalm 119:15 says, “I will meditate on your precepts and consider your ways”.
In order to strengthen your relationship with Christ you must also spend time with Him. Just as martial arts takes practice, your relationship with God also takes intentional time.
I encourage you to layout your goals for your practice of martial arts and purpose to be intentional with your time with our Savior as well.
Osu,
Lisa Bethay
Shouldn’t this pertain to martial arts as well? How many times do you practice your kicks, punches or forms per week? Do you only practice in class? If you want to get better then the only answer is practice and that includes practicing outside of class.
Bruce Lee once said, “If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits, there are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them.” If you are new to martial arts and you are thinking, “I only know a couple of kicks or punches”, now is the perfect opportunity to perfect them.
What if you have been doing martial arts for years and you think, “Well, I know my kicks and punches are good”, are they? There is always room for improvement? Did you know that Bruce Lee would throw 500 punches per day in order to improve his speed. Sometimes, he would even do 1000 or 2000 in a single day. Granted his training schedule was arduous but he trained with a goal in mind that he set for himself. He enjoyed the never-ending journey toward physical perfection.
However, the key to his success was in his training and practice. You may be thinking, “I simply don’t have enough time to practice”. One of the secrets to Bruce Lee’s training was how he decided to spend his time. The choices he made in each of his 24-hour days included several hours of training. You don’t have to figure out a way to train for several hours but, what about 15 – 30 minutes? It doesn’t have to be all at once. Have you ever tried sitting in horse stance during several commercials? Depending on the program, you could be standing there for 2 minutes! I bet if you tried you could figure out some creative times to practice your martial arts.
Michael Jordan once said, “If you’re trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I’ve had them; everybody has had them. However, obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. Romans 8:26 tells us, “In the same way the Spirit helps us in our weakness”. Use any obstacles as an opportunity to learn about yourself and God.
In light of this, as you purpose to be intentional in your practice of your martial arts consider doing the same with your walk with God. Do you pray when your practicing your stances or stretches? It is the perfect time to talk with God or reflect on His greatness. Psalm 119:15 says, “I will meditate on your precepts and consider your ways”.
In order to strengthen your relationship with Christ you must also spend time with Him. Just as martial arts takes practice, your relationship with God also takes intentional time.
I encourage you to layout your goals for your practice of martial arts and purpose to be intentional with your time with our Savior as well.
Osu,
Lisa Bethay
Friday, October 10, 2008
keys to success
Each of our classes are so different that when you miss one or two then you can feel as if you have missed a great deal! This happened to me when I missed not one but two classes last week.
After talking with my kids about what they did in class I felt so left out! Of course one of the intermediate classes that I missed was throws. I was so disappointed. Thankfully, I know that the class will come back around and I will get another opportunity.
I find it interesting how entwined our classes have become in my life. My kids and I will often pass something else up because we don't want to miss class. That says a lot about our program. Each class is new and exciting and we are continually learning something new. This is especially true as you reach the intermediate level. There are so many new things to learn it's really exciting.
My 7yo daughter hasn't missed a single class in a year! That's really a huge accomplishment for someone so young. The rest of our family has had at least a 90% attendance if not at times perfect attendance. Watching my kids you can really see how this time commitment has paid off. Their knowledge level continually amazes me.
Commitment to class is one of the many keys to success in your training for martial arts. Try to attend as many classes as you can and if you do happen to miss, remember what ever was taught will come back around.
Martial arts is truly a way of life for us. We love to watch martial arts movies and dissect them. We practice at home together and I am careful about what the kids and I eat. Especially prior to class and even the day before to make sure they are getting the right kinds of food they need for their energy levels. Our diet is another one of the keys to our success.
Diet is crucial to a martial artist. You must treat your body as an athlete at all times. That doesn't mean that you can't have desert or a whopper but it does mean that you want to choose what you put into your body with a goal in mind.
Are you training for your next belt? Remember, diet should be included in that training. If you eat like you are the athlete that you want to be, guess what will happen. You will become that athlete.
Research for yourself what would be best for you and your family and remember it is as important as your physical training.
Soke, has some great information on diet and eating habits if you are interested just let him know. It makes a huge difference on how you feel in class and after. He will be the first to tell you, "don't eat a double whopper before class unless you feel like throwing up during class!" **grin**
Consistency and diet are only 2 of the many keys to succeeding in martial arts. I'm continually learning others and as I do, I'll share!
Lisa
Momt5
After talking with my kids about what they did in class I felt so left out! Of course one of the intermediate classes that I missed was throws. I was so disappointed. Thankfully, I know that the class will come back around and I will get another opportunity.
I find it interesting how entwined our classes have become in my life. My kids and I will often pass something else up because we don't want to miss class. That says a lot about our program. Each class is new and exciting and we are continually learning something new. This is especially true as you reach the intermediate level. There are so many new things to learn it's really exciting.
My 7yo daughter hasn't missed a single class in a year! That's really a huge accomplishment for someone so young. The rest of our family has had at least a 90% attendance if not at times perfect attendance. Watching my kids you can really see how this time commitment has paid off. Their knowledge level continually amazes me.
Commitment to class is one of the many keys to success in your training for martial arts. Try to attend as many classes as you can and if you do happen to miss, remember what ever was taught will come back around.
Martial arts is truly a way of life for us. We love to watch martial arts movies and dissect them. We practice at home together and I am careful about what the kids and I eat. Especially prior to class and even the day before to make sure they are getting the right kinds of food they need for their energy levels. Our diet is another one of the keys to our success.
Diet is crucial to a martial artist. You must treat your body as an athlete at all times. That doesn't mean that you can't have desert or a whopper but it does mean that you want to choose what you put into your body with a goal in mind.
Are you training for your next belt? Remember, diet should be included in that training. If you eat like you are the athlete that you want to be, guess what will happen. You will become that athlete.
Research for yourself what would be best for you and your family and remember it is as important as your physical training.
Soke, has some great information on diet and eating habits if you are interested just let him know. It makes a huge difference on how you feel in class and after. He will be the first to tell you, "don't eat a double whopper before class unless you feel like throwing up during class!" **grin**
Consistency and diet are only 2 of the many keys to succeeding in martial arts. I'm continually learning others and as I do, I'll share!
Lisa
Momt5
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Dyslexia and Martial Arts
Did you know that I was dyslexic? There are many aspects of dyslexia and each person will exhibit different symptoms. The most common that you hear about is the difficulty in reading but there are many other aspects to it as well. One of mine is math. I have always had difficulty with math. The greatest software invention ever was Microsoft’s Excel. It allowed me to see math computations visually. Spelling and grammar is another weakness. I will often write something several times before I think it is correct. Dictionary.com is definitely one of my favorite websites as well as spell checkers due to my inability to spell.
However, one negative that is visual in martial arts is my lack of sense of direction. The joke in my house is that Mom would get lost in a square box. Although, it sounds funny, it is actually true. I have no sense of direction at all. I was never a cheer leader in high school because I could not learn the sequences of moves fast enough to keep up.
If you watch me in class you will often see me wiggle my fingers on my left hand. This is my way of determining which hand, foot, or direction is left. Learning the forms has been a huge challenge for me. Not only am I remembering a sequence of movements, I also have to remember which direction to turn and which hand or foot to use. Many times I get the left and right confused. My kids laugh at me when I jump up and down in frustration at myself.
I have learned that I have to learn a few steps at a time. I repeat those couple of steps until I have it memorized then add one or two more. I continue repeating the steps from the beginning and slowly adding until I have all of them. The interesting thing in learning form 2 was, because I wasn’t still practicing form 1, I forgot it. Now, that I’m learning form 3, I have realized that I must practice form 1 and 2 while learning it so that I don’t forget them. Thankfully my kids know them well and they are helping me.
It just takes practice and working on it outside of class. If you need someone to help you outside of class, just ask someone. Everyone in class that I have asked to help me has been very happy to and I know they will be for you as well.
Another aspect of dyslexia that affects me is coordination. I was the kid that tripped over my own two feet. The first time I ever rode a bicycle I literally ran into a tree. I could not get my hands and feet to work at the same time. Martial arts is actually helping me with this. However, right now I have to mentally focus on the small details of remembering my foot placement, posture, keeping my hands up and my elbows in with everything that we do. I hope eventually that I will have the muscle memory so that I can think of the big picture of what we are doing rather than the exact detail. This will allow me to think of combinations the way Soke tells us to in the intermediate level.
I’m not there yet, but I am practicing. It takes extra practice for me to get this but I think it’s worth it.
So, if you think that you are clumsy or could never do this, let me encourage you to try. You can do it too. For some people it may take a little extra work but desire is key. Sifu Allen told me that 90% of learning anything new is having the desire to learn it. 10% is actually doing it.
I’m proving this to be true. You will often hear me say if I can do it anyone can do it. Now you know why!
If you would like more information about dyslexia there are several websites with great information. Two of my favorites are:
http://www.dyslexiamylife.org
http://www.allkindsofminds.org
One of my favorites quotes:
I have to do it differently, the way that works best for me. Learning is like a tailored suit; it takes a while and is unique to everyone.- Girard j. Sagmiller
However, one negative that is visual in martial arts is my lack of sense of direction. The joke in my house is that Mom would get lost in a square box. Although, it sounds funny, it is actually true. I have no sense of direction at all. I was never a cheer leader in high school because I could not learn the sequences of moves fast enough to keep up.
If you watch me in class you will often see me wiggle my fingers on my left hand. This is my way of determining which hand, foot, or direction is left. Learning the forms has been a huge challenge for me. Not only am I remembering a sequence of movements, I also have to remember which direction to turn and which hand or foot to use. Many times I get the left and right confused. My kids laugh at me when I jump up and down in frustration at myself.
I have learned that I have to learn a few steps at a time. I repeat those couple of steps until I have it memorized then add one or two more. I continue repeating the steps from the beginning and slowly adding until I have all of them. The interesting thing in learning form 2 was, because I wasn’t still practicing form 1, I forgot it. Now, that I’m learning form 3, I have realized that I must practice form 1 and 2 while learning it so that I don’t forget them. Thankfully my kids know them well and they are helping me.
It just takes practice and working on it outside of class. If you need someone to help you outside of class, just ask someone. Everyone in class that I have asked to help me has been very happy to and I know they will be for you as well.
Another aspect of dyslexia that affects me is coordination. I was the kid that tripped over my own two feet. The first time I ever rode a bicycle I literally ran into a tree. I could not get my hands and feet to work at the same time. Martial arts is actually helping me with this. However, right now I have to mentally focus on the small details of remembering my foot placement, posture, keeping my hands up and my elbows in with everything that we do. I hope eventually that I will have the muscle memory so that I can think of the big picture of what we are doing rather than the exact detail. This will allow me to think of combinations the way Soke tells us to in the intermediate level.
I’m not there yet, but I am practicing. It takes extra practice for me to get this but I think it’s worth it.
So, if you think that you are clumsy or could never do this, let me encourage you to try. You can do it too. For some people it may take a little extra work but desire is key. Sifu Allen told me that 90% of learning anything new is having the desire to learn it. 10% is actually doing it.
I’m proving this to be true. You will often hear me say if I can do it anyone can do it. Now you know why!
If you would like more information about dyslexia there are several websites with great information. Two of my favorites are:
http://www.dyslexiamylife.org
http://www.allkindsofminds.org
One of my favorites quotes:
I have to do it differently, the way that works best for me. Learning is like a tailored suit; it takes a while and is unique to everyone.- Girard j. Sagmiller
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
It's all about Posture
I've learned a great deal about posture recently. I've had problems with pinched nerves in my shoulders, first my left and then my right, since before the last belt test. So, I finally broke down and went to my chiropractor. He took an x-ray of my neck that shows that it does not curve the way it is suppose to. It is perfectly straight. As a result, I tend to roll my shoulders and head forward. I am now working really hard to remember to stand up straight (just like Mom said) and keep my shoulders back. If you see me in class and I'm not standing up straight, please remind me! I need all the help I can get to prevent this from getting worse.
But, I want to explain what I have learned from this. Have you ever seen a martial artist who has bad posture? Think about it. Visualize all of the martial artists you have seen in our class and in the movies etc. How did their posture look? Great, right? Guess what happens if you have bad posture. You also will have trouble with balance and if you have balance problems it affects everything else! All of your kicks and punches will be off and you will look like a weeble wobble. Posture is key to good balance.
Posture has a profound effect on breathing, if muscles and bones are compressed a certain amount of restriction has to be expected. It also creates neck strain, pinched nerves, arthritis, and can degenerate your disc's.
Are you wondering about your posture? How can you tell if you have good posture? Stand with your back to a wall. If your shoulders, bottom and back of head are all touching the wall, then your posture is correct.
Otherwise, you have some work to do. Here are a few tips:
Good Posture Tips While Sitting
Keep both feet flat on the floor (if your feet cannot reach the floor, adjust the chair or use a footrest)
Align your back with the back of the chair
Don't slouch or lean forward
Adjust the chair so your knees are even with your hips, or slightly higher, and your arms are at a 75-90 degree angle at the elbows
Keep your shoulders straight
Choose an ergonomic office chair with good back support
Get up often and stretch
Good Posture Tips While Standing
Keep your weight on the balls of your feet, not your heels
Let your arms hang naturally by your side
Keep feet about shoulder-width apart
Don't lock your knees
Keep your head level and in line with your neck and spine, not pushed forward
Keep your shoulders upright and stand up straight
An upright posture conveys confidence and self-esteem. What does your posture say about you?
But, I want to explain what I have learned from this. Have you ever seen a martial artist who has bad posture? Think about it. Visualize all of the martial artists you have seen in our class and in the movies etc. How did their posture look? Great, right? Guess what happens if you have bad posture. You also will have trouble with balance and if you have balance problems it affects everything else! All of your kicks and punches will be off and you will look like a weeble wobble. Posture is key to good balance.
Posture has a profound effect on breathing, if muscles and bones are compressed a certain amount of restriction has to be expected. It also creates neck strain, pinched nerves, arthritis, and can degenerate your disc's.
Are you wondering about your posture? How can you tell if you have good posture? Stand with your back to a wall. If your shoulders, bottom and back of head are all touching the wall, then your posture is correct.
Otherwise, you have some work to do. Here are a few tips:
Good Posture Tips While Sitting
Keep both feet flat on the floor (if your feet cannot reach the floor, adjust the chair or use a footrest)
Align your back with the back of the chair
Don't slouch or lean forward
Adjust the chair so your knees are even with your hips, or slightly higher, and your arms are at a 75-90 degree angle at the elbows
Keep your shoulders straight
Choose an ergonomic office chair with good back support
Get up often and stretch
Good Posture Tips While Standing
Keep your weight on the balls of your feet, not your heels
Let your arms hang naturally by your side
Keep feet about shoulder-width apart
Don't lock your knees
Keep your head level and in line with your neck and spine, not pushed forward
Keep your shoulders upright and stand up straight
An upright posture conveys confidence and self-esteem. What does your posture say about you?
Thursday, September 4, 2008
My smack talker
My 14 year old son was talking smack to me all day long. Our Sensi had told us to bring our sparring gear to class tonight because we were going to spar. So, my 5’8” son decided he was going to ruffle my feathers. He told me he was going to beat up on me in class. I just laughed at him and told him to, “bring it on big boy”! We had big fun teasing one another all afternoon.
So, we are in class with all of our protective gear on and I’m face to face with this teenager who has been taking classes for 4 years. I have to admit I was intimidated more than once in class. The smack talker is at an intermediate level and is still learning to control his punches. Not only that, he is very powerful and fast. But, I am competitive (this has been a new revelation to me) and I wasn’t going to let this boy know it. Anyway, we had great fun trading punches and I feel like I almost gave as good as I got. Yes, he certainly landed more kicks and punches than I did but, I got a few in of my own.
Of course, when faced with my second son I thought it was going to be easier. Ha! He moves so fast with his punches I ended up closing my eyes and flinching, as I tried desperately to block what he was throwing at me. He just grins that big grin at me while he’s continually landing punches.
My two girls did well too. They are much younger and have the techniques down but have yet to gain a great deal of power. Both were hurt at different times and had to sit out for a few minutes, but neither gave up and they both continued sparing as the class continued. They are only 10 and 7 and took a few hard licks. They reminded me of the energizer bunny, they took a licking and kept on ticking. Now, don’t get me wrong, both of the girls have earned the right to be in the intermediate class and want to be there. My 10 year old is actually a higher belt than I am. However, their brothers are always very gentle with them and I think tonight was a bit of a surprise despite the fact they have sparred competitively, with trophies to show for it. They are just usually sparring with kids their age and not with older kids and adults. But, I’m proud to say they held their own.
So, as I am yet again nursing bruises, I am smiling thinking of the fun we had tonight. Everyone in class must have thought I was crazy when I laughed at someone who landed a good punch or kick on me. You could hear me laughing throughout the class. So, that tells you how often I got hit. But, if it landed, then I didn’t block! I’m learning.
You must be wondering if I’m getting beat up on and ending up with bruises, why do it? Well, if you are a woman, let me ask you a question. Have you ever walked out of the store late at night and felt uncomfortable? I have often felt nervous if I was out shopping too late, or at Christmas time. But you know what? I haven’t felt that way since I began learning martial arts. I am learning that I CAN defend myself. As a woman, it is truly a feeling of self-empowerment. If I can block most of the punches and kicks thrown at me tonight then in a real situation I can certainly block a few. Not only that, I'm somewhat prepared for how they feel. The statistics on women being attacked is incredibly high today, and I truly believe that all women should learn basic self-defense techniques.
But, if you’re a guy, then you probably understand the competiveness and plain fun of sparring with someone. I didn’t grow up with brothers so this is a very new thing for me.
As I continue to learn, I am realizing even more the importance of my kids growing up and learning how to defend themselves in different situtations. In addition, they are learning how to deal with confrontations and how to difuse things before they get out of hand. Don't you think all kids should learn this. Wouldn't we have less fights in schools or maybe even less shootings? Hmmm, interesting thought.
So, I’m off to bed and hopefully next time I’ll land a few more punches on my smack talking son as I learn better blocking and combinations! Look out baby, Mama is coming after you (grinning a very big grin!).
Momt5
So, we are in class with all of our protective gear on and I’m face to face with this teenager who has been taking classes for 4 years. I have to admit I was intimidated more than once in class. The smack talker is at an intermediate level and is still learning to control his punches. Not only that, he is very powerful and fast. But, I am competitive (this has been a new revelation to me) and I wasn’t going to let this boy know it. Anyway, we had great fun trading punches and I feel like I almost gave as good as I got. Yes, he certainly landed more kicks and punches than I did but, I got a few in of my own.
Of course, when faced with my second son I thought it was going to be easier. Ha! He moves so fast with his punches I ended up closing my eyes and flinching, as I tried desperately to block what he was throwing at me. He just grins that big grin at me while he’s continually landing punches.
My two girls did well too. They are much younger and have the techniques down but have yet to gain a great deal of power. Both were hurt at different times and had to sit out for a few minutes, but neither gave up and they both continued sparing as the class continued. They are only 10 and 7 and took a few hard licks. They reminded me of the energizer bunny, they took a licking and kept on ticking. Now, don’t get me wrong, both of the girls have earned the right to be in the intermediate class and want to be there. My 10 year old is actually a higher belt than I am. However, their brothers are always very gentle with them and I think tonight was a bit of a surprise despite the fact they have sparred competitively, with trophies to show for it. They are just usually sparring with kids their age and not with older kids and adults. But, I’m proud to say they held their own.
So, as I am yet again nursing bruises, I am smiling thinking of the fun we had tonight. Everyone in class must have thought I was crazy when I laughed at someone who landed a good punch or kick on me. You could hear me laughing throughout the class. So, that tells you how often I got hit. But, if it landed, then I didn’t block! I’m learning.
You must be wondering if I’m getting beat up on and ending up with bruises, why do it? Well, if you are a woman, let me ask you a question. Have you ever walked out of the store late at night and felt uncomfortable? I have often felt nervous if I was out shopping too late, or at Christmas time. But you know what? I haven’t felt that way since I began learning martial arts. I am learning that I CAN defend myself. As a woman, it is truly a feeling of self-empowerment. If I can block most of the punches and kicks thrown at me tonight then in a real situation I can certainly block a few. Not only that, I'm somewhat prepared for how they feel. The statistics on women being attacked is incredibly high today, and I truly believe that all women should learn basic self-defense techniques.
But, if you’re a guy, then you probably understand the competiveness and plain fun of sparring with someone. I didn’t grow up with brothers so this is a very new thing for me.
As I continue to learn, I am realizing even more the importance of my kids growing up and learning how to defend themselves in different situtations. In addition, they are learning how to deal with confrontations and how to difuse things before they get out of hand. Don't you think all kids should learn this. Wouldn't we have less fights in schools or maybe even less shootings? Hmmm, interesting thought.
So, I’m off to bed and hopefully next time I’ll land a few more punches on my smack talking son as I learn better blocking and combinations! Look out baby, Mama is coming after you (grinning a very big grin!).
Momt5
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