Frans Karate World At Green Belt And Life At The Dojo

KARATEKA COME AND GO IN OUR DOJO

2012-01-18T13:07:00.002-05:00

Devlin is on the left, Harvey is in the middle, and Imjimbrae is on the right.Karateka come and go in our Club. We have Members that go away for awhile but then they return. It brings me great sadness to announce that our Club is about to lose another Karateka. Imjimbrae is heading back to his homeland.I will always hold a great memory of him with me. When I had just started out at Green Belt and at Sparring there was one Class that stands out. It was the Class where I met Imjimbrae for the very first time. Sensei told us to don our Sparring Gear, Green Belts included. Sensei placed the Black Belts all in a row and told the Green Belts to pick a Black Belt and stand in front of them. I being new to the Sparring World was a tad scared of the whole idea. I was not too keen with it at first. I stood in front of Devlin and got set and ready to do battle. Then Sensei called "Hajimae" and we started to Spar. I had images of Black Belts beating us to a pulp but those thoughts soon vanished as Devlin allowed me to do all the hitting and he just stood there giving me a target. We did this for about three minutes. Most of our Sparring Matches are three minutes long. Sensei stopped us and Green Belts were told to move down one. I was then faced with Andy. We started again and I found that Black Belts were not hitting at all. I was waiting for a comeback from them but they would not engage. Again we were stopped and I was faced with Harvey. We started again and again we did all the hitting and the Black Belts just stood there giving us a good target. When we Spar with Black Belts they do give us great tips. I was really enjoying the Sparring bouts with the Black Belts. We were stopped again and were again told to move down one. I stood in front of nobody and thought "cool I can go sit down I am pretty tired". That moment of relaxation came to an abrupt stopped when I was faced with Imjimbrae. Imjimbrae is the tallest in Class. I had never met him before until that night and I was a tad uneasy about sparring with against him. I was literally shaking. We both set our distance as he stepped further away from me. I had a bad feeling about it. Then Sensei gave the word to begin.Imjimbrae came at me with arms and legs flying and doing a bit of a war cry. I turned white as a ghost and was about to bolt out of the Gym that night. Imjimbrae started to laugh and came over and gave me a hug. I guess that was his way of breaking the ice. In a soft voice he said "let's begin". And we Sparred. He taught me a lot that night. And that is a memory I will hold very close to me.Imjimbrae you will be missed in Class I hope you come back and visit us soon.

How To Tie Your Obi

2012-01-15T23:33:00.000-05:00

1. Fold the belt in two. 2. Open the belt toward you, placing the peak of the fold just below your navel. 3. Wrap the belt around behind you, and bring both ends in front. 4. As you wrap it, slide the right hand side under the left hand side--so it looks like one piece of belt from behind. 5. In front, cross the left end over the right end. You now have an X in front. The left end is now to your right and the right end is now to your left. 6. Bring the left under the belt and back up over it. 7. Cross the right end over the left end, wrap it under the left end, and pull.This is how I tie my belt. In some schools, they tie it exactly the opposite way--but that is very awkward. Some also cross the belt in back, so it looks like you have two belt pieces instead of one. I think that looks sloppy and I doubt very much that was ever the way people wore their belts before the Americanization of the martial arts.

SPARRING

2012-01-15T00:06:00.001-05:00

Now at Green Belt I get to do a lot more Sparring. Especially at 5th Kyu (2nd Level Green Belt). To be honest I am still relatively new to Sparring. Sparring is by no means easy when you start. And you most definitely will get hit. In my Dojo we practice CONTROL. Our Style (Wado Ryu Karate) is a great Style. Our main goal is to not hurt/maim/injure anyone. Our Goal is to Block/Counter and to try and get the Upper Hand to get away from the Danger.Wado Ryu is Peace and Harmony.Here are a few TipsKeep your hands up and closed in your Sparring GlovesDo 2-3 Combinations then get outWhen the Adrenaline is going full force keep it in check (our goal is not to hurt anyone)KEEP CONTROLRelax with no Tension in the bodyTry and do faintsOne thing to remember is to BREATHE.

FRAN'S FITNESS CLASS FILLED THURSDAY

2012-01-13T14:02:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I tried a new Fitness Class and really enjoyed it. The Class that I tried was "Pilates". It was fun. We did a bit of Cardio and used some weights. I grabbed the 5LBS but then changed to the 2LBS. Even with the 2LBS it was quite the workout. We lay on the floor and did "butterfly curls". Not sure if that's what it is called. My Biceps sure feel yesterday's workout today. I can tell you that. Although that could be from me using a new Machine at the Y that works the Biceps. We also did a lot of Abdominal Work.I did my usual Gentle Yoga Class which I find very relaxing. I think I am ready for a little more intense Yoga Class. I am thinking about stepping it up a notch and doing the Regular/Normal Yoga Class. Gentle Yoga is a bit too easy.As for Stretch And Strength Class our regular Instructor was not there so it was taught by a new Instructor. She was good and really funny. When you walk into a Fitness Class the Instructor tells you what Equipment you will need. The sirens rang loud as I heard "stability balls and dumb bells". It's quite a workout using the Balls. Even lifting them during your workout is a workout. I had a minor incident involving those balls once and I never quite recovered from that. Fran On The Stability Ball Meets The WallHere is the story of that incident. I had found a Video Tape at Goodwill once "Stability Ball Exercise Video" and thought that it would be cool to try it out as I had a Ball and now the Video Tape. I set the tape up and sat on the Ball and followed along. In an instant the Ball slipped out from underneath me and the ball went one way and I went the other and crashed into the wall. From then on I hadn't been on a Ball since. Actually yesterday was the first time I been on the Ball. Being short in stature I require a smaller ball. I know that now.Fitness Classes are fun to do. It's nice to workout with new people and doing something different. So my Thursday at the Y starts a little earlier. I am there at noon.Pilates 12:30-1:30Yoga 2:30-3:30Stretch Class 6:00-7:00Karate 7:45-9:30Between Pilates and Yoga I have something light to eat. Then I have a more substantial meal between Yoga and Stretch Class. That usually holds me until after Karate Class.I took with me some Celery and Peanut Butter yesterday and it tasted really great after Karate Class. Actually that tastes good all the time. But for some reason it was really awesome after Karate.Between the pauses I can find something to occupy my time with. Either working out, doing some Karate Practicing on my own, swimming, or even batting the Racquetball around in the courts.

Cloth Gear Vs Vinyl Gear

2012-01-08T14:27:00.001-05:00

This Entry is about Sparring Gear and what I use and prefer and why. SIN GUARDSThe Gear I have for Sparring are: Helmet, Eye Protection, Mouth Guard, Chest Protector, Cloth Arm Guards (seldom use), Shin Guards with foot protection, and Karate Chops (Gloves). I have both Cloth and Vinyl Shin Guards.My Cloth Shin Guards are great. I used them a lot in the beginning and I use them when we do light sparring. Except the toes are exposed and open to injuries from kicking. I've injured my big toe a few times. I also have a problem with slipping on the floor with the cloth part (under wrap) that goes under your foot. And also in these my ankle is exposed to being kicked. Which it has.There are Shin Guards that just protect the Shin (which I also have) but I found that they do not protect me well enough.The Vinyl Shin Guards are great. Especially now as I am doing a little bit more Sparring and am Sparring against Senior Belts, and sometimes I spar with the males in Class. With these my foot is completely covered, my ankle is covered, and my toes are nicely snug and covered. I do not slide on the Floor in these as the under wrap is not as wide.Cloth is great for light Sparring and they are not as hot as the Vinyl ones but for all and out protection I prefer the Vinyl. For all around Protection for the Ankle and Toes the Vinyl are better for me.

QUIET FOR NOW UNTIL JANUARY

2011-12-27T15:57:00.000-05:00

December is a busy month at our Dojo.We have Gradings, and the Christmas Social. To Grade all the Kyu Levels and to have Dan Mock Grading it usually takes about two weeks. Now that the Gradings and the Social are behind us we get a chance to relax. Even if it is for a brief moment as Christmas is always a busy time for people in general. Even for Karateka.January is upon us and I look forward to our New Year's Training. We hold our Annual Kagami Biraki usually in the second week of January. It's a day long Training Event. We do Train hard. It's a lot of fun as we do a lot more Sparring. And I love Sparring.The purpose of the Kagami Biraki is to begin the new year with new and good intentions, reflecting and meditating on the previous year, and "breaking the mirror" means "to break the image of ourselves in the old year".Also January is when many will be Training hard for their up and coming Dan Grading which happens in February. Where our Dojo will be visited in February by Shiomitsu Sensei and we all will have a few days of being taught by him at his Special Clinic. Those are always fun.

KARATE CHRISTMAS SOCIAL 2011

2011-12-12T01:41:00.001-05:00

Saturday Night we had our Annual Karate Christmas Social. It's a good way to meet and talk to fellow Karateka outside of the Class. We had about 70 people in the Dance Studio. I think that is a new record. I handmade the "Tickets" again this year. I made 100 Tickets. Next year I think I will try doing it via the computer. Other than Spreadsheets, and The Word processor Program that is in my Computer I've really not looked at other Programs that I have.The Menu was Chinese Food again. The food is really good from the place we get it from. I am rather fond of Lemon Chicken. It is so good. I think my Plate had nothing but Chicken and Vegetables on it. A few Youth made Desserts and we also had some store bought dessert as well. The Band played a few Christmas Songs and some Classic Tunes. Sempai Jeff and Jason play in the Band. I knew Jeff could play Guitar but I did not know he sings too. It was nice seeing a few Karateka Dancing. A few of the Couples Danced too. Sensei and his wife Carol started and other Couples joined in. I did manage to sneak a few pictures.Santa even stopped by. He was a hit with the little kids. That was a great idea.Can't wait to see what Ideas they have for next years Christmas Social.

ZANSHIN

2011-12-02T02:25:00.003-05:00

When we break off into our little Grading Groups we always have Black Belts walking around and helping. It's also a great opportunity to learn a few tidbits from Sensei. Today we learned about "Zanshin", I know the word and what it means but I would never tell Sensei that. I actually had a Black Belt tell me about Zanshin and what it means recently. But I received a bit more info on the Subject from Sensei. I welcome and listen to Sensei even if I already know the answer. Sometimes one misses something and it's nice to have it repeated so one can pick up the missed info again. And plus I enjoy when Sensei explains words and he actually demonstrates the word and what it really means.

ZANSHIN

Being aware and alert of one's surroundings. Being ready for anything. In Pair Works when we complete the defensive move we go back into "ready mode". We go back into fighting stance. Never taking our eyes off the Opponent. Followed by returning back to Musubi Dachi.

If one takes their eyes off an opponent (which I mistakingly have done in Sparring) one does get hit. Been there done that.

THE ROLE OF A SENIOR BELT

2011-11-30T15:27:00.004-05:00

The Role of A Senior Belt

One should be "humble"

To lead the Lower Ranks and to set an example

To help the Lower Ranks and if you can't, direct them to someone Higher Ranking that knows

Be friendly, helpful, and courteous and treat the Lower Ranks the way you wish to be treated

One thing a Senior Belt should never do is:

Back talk to a much Higher Ranking Senior than themselves and also the Senior Belt should never back talk to their Sensei

Pull Rank and use your Higher Rank Status against a Lower Rank in a negative way

We're all in this and learning this together. Your Belt and Status is just your Belt and Status. Use it in a positive way.

Shaolin Ulysses: Kungfu Monks in America

2011-11-28T13:34:00.001-05:00

This is a Documentary that I watched last night about Kung Fu. It was very interesting.

Meiji Jingu Kobudo Demo 2011 : Wado Ryu Karate Jutsu

2011-11-22T02:07:00.000-05:00

Here is an interesting Video. I thought I would share.

Some of these moves and techniques and of course Knife Defense will be what I'll be doing when I do reach the Senior Belt.

Grading Week A Cometh

2011-11-21T00:56:00.003-05:00

Another Grading Week is coming. One sure fire way of telling that we are coming into another Grading Week is the arrival of long lost Karateka. I can only speak for My Club but it seems the only time we get a "good attendance" showing is right around Grading Time. Karateka comes out of hibernation usually around this time of year. They have an intention of Grading but sadly many won't be allowed to as we "the Club" is starting to crack down on poor Class Attendance.

As for me I am still Grading for 4th Kyu (The Final Green Belt). This time I am doing two Sections. I am doing "Kicks" and "Combinations". I think I have them. I've been working on them. My Grading is on December 13. After I do this then in another few months I will be Grading Kata and Pair Works for 4th Kyu. Then I will be a full fledge 4th Kyu. YAY.

My Kicks Are. I do these with the same leg.

Maegeri Chudan
Sokuto Kekomi

Maegeri Chudan
Mawashigeri Chudan

Mawashigeri Chudan
Sokuto Kekomi

Sokuto Kebanashi
Sokuto Kekomi

And as for my Combinations. They are.

Okuri Ashi Jodan Jun No Nido Zuki-Ayumi Ashi Chudan Nagashi Gyakuzuki

Okuri Ashi Jodan Junzuki-Maegeri Chudan-Jodan Nagashi Junzuki

Soto Okuri Ashi Mawashigeri Chudan- Kekaeashi Sokuto Kekomi- Jodan Gyakuzuki

MY BUSY THURSDAY

2011-11-16T15:40:00.007-05:00

I carry a little bit more to karate Class on Thursday now.

I recently purchased a Yoga Mat. I was using a thin long soft foam one but opted to by a new one. Just because. Besides the new Mat came with Straps that I can sling over my shoulder and carry the Mat comfortably.

I started doing Yoga Class once a week and also a Stretch And Strength Class too. I really do like these two Classes. I do them on Thursday. Karate Day. It does put me at the Y earlier than usual and there is a gap between Yoga and the Stretch And Strength Class but I occupy that time with either Swimming, Working Out, Karate Training, Playing in the Squash Court, or having a nice long hot shower followed by a nice Sauna. In between Yoga and Stretch And Strength I also add in a light meal to my Routine. I take a Sandwich and a piece of fruit. And a Juice Box.

One can never be too bored at the Y. I always find ways to occupy my time. And if I get too bored I can walk across the street to Bayview Mall and stroll about.

Yoga is fun. I enjoy it a lot. I am just doing the "Gentle Yoga" as I figured that would be best suited for me. As I get better, and more coordinated and flexible then I'll look into doing the more Advanced Yoga Class. It's quite a workout. I find it interesting how some of the moves and stretches we do are the same one's we do in Karate. The Warrior Pose to me is a Deep Junzuki Stance, Heels Together Toes Apart that is Musubi Dachi to name a few.

In Stretch And Stance Class I am finding Karate Moves and our usual Warm Up Moves in that Class as well.

Both of these Classes are a lot of fun and you do sweat. I really do enjoy these Classes. My goal is to have better coordination, more flexibility, which the main goal is I hope this improves my Karate.

Yoga Class is from 2:30-3:30
Stretch And Strength is from 6:00-7:00.

Then I dash downstairs and change into my Gi for Karate which is at 7:45. Thursday is a busy night for me but I feel great doing it and after doing it.

MOUTH GUARD CLEANING TIPS

2011-10-21T01:37:00.005-04:00

I am not going to plug any Brand of Mouth Guard here. For me I prefer one that is colourful. I have the Neon Pink one. For me the brighter the mouth guard the better. In a cleaning it sense of way. The mouth guard should also be another item in your Gear Bag that should be cleaned. Actually it should be cleaned after every use.

The mouth guard is a great place for bacteria to grow. Especially if you don't clean it.

TIPS FOR CLEANING YOUR MOUTH GUARD

1. Use a toothbrush and toothpaste on your Mouth Guard after every use. I suggest you add and carry a mini travel toothbrush and toothpaste (those can be found at either the Drug Store or Dollar Store) in your Gear Bag.

2. Remember to Rinse your Mouth Guard thoroughly to rid it of toothpaste.

3. Rinse your Mouth Guard in Mouthwash before putting it away

4. Pat dry and place it in a well ventilated container.

Before every use remember to rinse your mouth guard in cool water before wearing it.

* soap and cool water is fine but not all the time*

* Denture Cleaning Tablets also work (Soak them for a few minutes not over night)

The Migi Side Of Things

2011-10-12T15:55:00.004-04:00

Migi- Right

Last night was an ordinary night like any other night. Warm Ups were led by Sempai Harvey. He does the best warm ups in my opinion. Then we did the usual lining up, and bowing. Sensei then delegated which Senior Belt would teach what to the Lower Belts. Lately we have been short Black Belts in Class, last night we only had two. Sensei delegated Devlin to teach the Beginners while The White/Green Belts had the honour of being taught by Sempai Harvey. He called the Group to order as we proceeded with our Drills. For some odd reason Sempai Harvey likes to do things from the right side. I asked him about that once and I was told it was "because we do things Left Side all the time that our Right Side does not get a chance to do much and it builds our Right Side up." When we fight "spar" we don't Spar on just the one side. Although it is really comfortable Sparring on the stronger side that being our Left. It was rather odd doing things Right "Migi" last night. But fun.

Doing Kata the opposite Direction is rather fun and quite a challenge too. All Kata we start going to our Left first. But when you go the opposite way to which you are used to it is a whole new experience. It does give the Brain a good workout.

GOSHIN HO 3 Down 4 To Go

2011-10-08T23:44:00.004-04:00

I've been doing a bit more Advanced Techniques lately. Things that I will be doing at Brown Belt and beyond. Today we did Goshin Ho "Self Defense Techniques". They're a lot of fun. We're learning to think beyond just using punches and kicks but the plethora of Techniques that we already know to avoid a situation.

Goshin Ho is what to do if someone grabs you by the wrist, both wrists, and by the upper outer bicep. I've only done the first three and have been told that there are seven of them.

I find these fun but a tad hard on the wrist and forearms. Time to bring in the forearm guards again. I actually prefer working with the female Karateka with these as the males tend to be slightly rough.

Today's Class was a fun Class. We did new Warm Ups. White Belt Basics. Green Belt Basics, and Goshin Ho.

The Night Of Kushanku: A Funny Moment

2011-09-26T15:53:00.005-04:00

We do have a few moments of fun and laughter in Class. We laugh at each other and at ourselves. All in good fun.

One particular night there was a funny moment. The Night Of Kushanku. The Youth were taken to the back to work on Competition Stuff. Sensei delegated a Black Belt to run through Kata with us. Him and Courtney had a little pow wow. As Sensei went to the back with the Youth and instructed them. Sempai Courtney took over the reigns and started instructing us.

"Who here doesn't know Kushanku?" He asked us. I looked around the room and noticed no hands rising. Slowly I rose mine, pointed to my Obi and said "Me, 5th Kyu, Green Belt, still in Pinan Kata Land"

To which he laughed and said "Only one of you that does not know this Kata I don't believe that, well Fran you are going to learn it tonight and anyone else that didn't raise their hands."

This Kata isn't that bad. I do know a few moves. Maybe about 1/4 of it. Not bad for someone still at 2nd Green Belt. But this is a Brown Belt Kata and I am heading to that soon so I guess I better buckle down and learn the other 3/4 of it.

Karate Competition Grand Prix #3

2011-09-25T20:14:00.005-04:00

Today I attended my Second Karate Competition. This one was at Humber College, which was a tad more easier to get to than the previous one. I found a seat and started watching. The little kids Compete first then the older Groups Compete in the afternoon. Slowly the Competitors from our Club arrived and we sat together in a group before a few of them had to go down to the Floor. It was fun watching the many different Styles.

When one Competes with Kata one does Kata beyond their Level. The Advanced the Kata for the Level the more Points one gets. Many of our Brown Belt Karateka do "Jion" as that is a Black Belt Kata. It has me thinking if I competed what Kata I would do. For me that maybe "Kushanku" or "Naihanchi" and those are Brown Belt Kata and I am at Middle Green Belt.

You pick up things at these Competitions. You watch others do Kata and Techniques and think about your own Techniques and how to improve them. You learn what to do and not do when Sparring.

For instance: Today I saw 1 or 2 Competitors turn away from their opponent in doing a Ushirogeri (Back Kick). I believe it was either my first or second time Sparring that I learned that one. Eyes on your opponent all the time.

One that Sempai Victor told me once Cover your most vulnerable spot...your head/face. You lose the war when you get hit in the face.

I find the Team Kata fascinating. A Group of 3 do Kata together, which is awesome seeing them do these moves in unison. Then they face each other in a triangle and step in Fighting Stance Two would attack simultaneously and the defender defends the attack. I saw a lot of throwing in this "Kumite Kata". They use attacks and defensive moves from the Kata when they do this.

It's interesting watching Kata from other Styles. Some Kata are slightly similar to ours.

I was very impressed by our Competitors today. They did very well. This time we had more Girls from our Club Competing and it was great to see.

Congratulations to:
Devlin, Derick, Amir, Daniel, Samin, Charlotte, Chelsea, Jessica, Patricia, Katrina, and Ava. You all did really well.

NAIHANCHI FOLLIES COLLISION COURSE

2011-09-23T00:59:00.005-04:00

I am calling this Post "The Naihanchi Follies Collision Course" Read on and you'll see what I mean.

Every now and then we Green Belts do give Sensei a good laugh. Tonight was the night. And I am sure there's bound to be more nights where we Green Belts give Sensei a smile. You have to admit we Green Belts do try our best.

After our Warm Ups the Youth were taken to the back of the Gym. That left 4 Green Belts, 6 Brown Belts, and 2 Black Belts. After fixing up our Lines we stood at "Attention Stance" and then went into Yoi as Sensei called "Naihanchi". The Green Belts did what they always do in a situation such as this, "we follow the Front Row" as best as we can. As well as we look to each other for some guidance. Only none of us are much help to each other. There was a lot of stumbling and mass looks of confusion on 4 faces tonight from the second row. Not to mention Wassim and I collided with each other last night during Naihanchi. We were either too close to one another or one of us went the wrong way. I really am not sure of that.

I did see a smile on Sensei's face and I believe I heard a faint chuckle too. As he asked which one of us knew this Kata. He did know the answer to that. Then he put us at ease and had us do Pinan Godan. I was relieved. As were my Green Belt Cohorts. I believe I heard a big sigh of relief from them.

Learning/trying a new Kata is always fun. It's not easy and we do stumble. But over time and after doing them for awhile they do get easier.

KUSHANKU

2011-09-21T00:30:00.004-04:00

Tonight I got to do a new Kata, KUSHANKU. I am slowly being introduced to Advance Kata. It's a nice change from the ordinary stuff I usually do. Not quite sure the number of moves in this Kata I do believe it's around 75 moves. Most Kata have under 30 moves in them. The reason why we don't learn this Kata before the others is due to this particular Kata has moves from several of the Pinan Kata. One needs to have an understanding of the Pinan Kata before they tackle this Advance Kata. I am finding learning Kata a tad easier now as I open up my mind to it and I don't fear it.

The History of Kushanku

This is an old Kata. It was created in 1761. A Military Diplomat named Kushanku traveled to the Island of Okinawa to teach the natives fighting and once there he started to teach this Kata to the native people there. One of the natives named this Kata after the person that brought the Kata over. As a way to honour him.

Favourite Strikes/Hits

2011-09-03T01:16:00.004-04:00

One of my favourite strikes/hit is the Uraken (Back Fist). I talked about this Strike in a previous Blog Entry.

We're slowly being allowed to do other Strikes/Hits when we Spar. As long as it's controlled. As our straight punches (Basic Punch) get stronger and improves. As they become more accurate and on target the other Punches that we do will become as natural as the Basic Punch.

Stand in Yoi
Take Left Fighting Stance
With your back hand bring it up to your left ear
As you snap it out bring your lead hand down to your side quick
Remember to twist your hip

Basics, Brown Belt and Black Belt Stuff Oh My

2011-09-03T00:39:00.005-04:00

Recently on Saturday's we've been focusing a lot on Basics. When one has strong Basics under them the rest falls into place.

During the week we've been doing rather challenging but fun Techniques. We've been doing some Brown Belt and Black Belt Techniques.

I know what you are all going to say. "But Fran aren't you just a 2nd Green Belt"? I am a 2nd Green Belt but like they say "variety is the spice of life" It's great to branch away from the regular Green Belt Grading Material and try new Techniques and moves.

It's fun trying new Techniques and diving deeper into the "Art". And seeing what's coming up for me in the distant future.

Some Of The New Moves:

Age Zuki: Rising Strike

Hiza Geri: Knee Kick

Taisho: Open Palm Strike

Ura Zuki: Upper cut to body

Haito: Ridge Hand

Washing The Gi

2011-08-24T01:16:00.004-04:00

I've had several Karateka come up to me and ask me for tips on how to wash the Gi and what works best. So this posting will be about how I wash my Gi.

Depending on how dirty and dingy my Gi gets I use a variety of products.

"Sunlight Bar Soap" is great and it does work. It works on the sweat marks on the collar and even the grass stains when I made the mistake of sitting on the grass at camp in my Gi. Sunlight is very simple to use. I just wet the stained area and rub the soap on it. Depending the stain I use a scrub brush. Then I just pop the Gi in the washer with regular soap and it does come clean.

As for Bleach I have used it but I've diluted it with water. Fill the washer with water and add the Bleach. I use about a 1/4 Cup. Then I let the Gi soak in the washer for 5-10 minutes then I let the washer do it's cycle.

I sometimes use Borax Laundry Booster I add that to my regular detergent and my Gi comes out pretty good.

Hope these tips helps. Happy Gi Washing.

The Back Fist Strike

2011-08-22T01:22:00.007-04:00

Lately we have been doing a few of my favourite Strikes. The Uraken (Back Fist) Strike is a great one. When done hard and correctly the opponent can be knocked off his/her feet rather easily. In Class when we Spar we're only to use straight kicks and punches. For safety reasons we only do straight punches and kicks when we Spar.

Swimming and Karate

2011-07-25T15:00:00.004-04:00

I have started to do some Swimming after Class. I've always liked swimming and thought why not. I do a bit of Length Swimming and I am also working on my Kicks in the Pool. It is helping a bit. As well as my Punches. Punches and Kicks do work in the water. As for Kata that's a bit tricky. But it's fun trying it.

I was/still am using the weights/machines/ and such but after awhile it gets a tad redundant. So I thought I'd add swimming to the mix. I am considering doing some Water Aerobics or an Aqua Fit Class.

The benefit of Working out in the water is it's less stress on your joints/muscles. And you do get a pretty good workout.

Karate Training In A Pool

2011-07-13T15:09:00.003-04:00

Lately I have been doing a bit of Swimming after Class. With summer here and hot training days in the Dojo it's nice to cool off in the Pool.

I read somewhere once that working on some Karate Techniques in a Pool is useful and helpful. So I thought I would give it a try. And low and behold it does work. I have been working on my kicks in the Pool. Front, Side, and Back Kick. Roundhouse Kick in the pool is posing as a challenge at the moment. I have noticed a slight improvement in my Kicks.

Exercise in a Pool works, as there is less stress on your body. And now I discovered Karate Training in a Pool works too. It works on the Kicks. Have yet to try Kata, and Punches in a pool.

Perhaps that will be tested tomorrow night after Class.

Workout, Running Track, Attendance, Karate, Spectators, Barbecue

2011-06-26T00:47:00.007-04:00

Saturday was the Annual Karate Club Barbecue at the Dojo. The Kids Barbecue was the first and then the Adults had theirs. I arrived at the Y early as I like to do a Workout before I do the Attendance at the 2:15 White Belt Class. I noticed as I was coming in they were setting up for the karate Club Kids Barbecue out front. I proceeded inside to do my usual workout. That was followed by a little jog around the running track. I went around 4 times I was Sans my music as I forgot to pack my Workout Tunes. I workout better with my MP3 Player. After a good workout I went to change into my Karate Gi and headed upstairs to the Dance Studio to take Attendance for the White Belt Class and then decided to do the Class as well. I thought "Why Not" I am already there, and in my Gi. Class started as we did the normal White Belt Material. Drills, and Basics. We all had a nice view of the Kids Barbecue and they had a nice view of watching us do our Karate.

The Dance Studio due to the many Windows is a great place to view the Class going on inside from either outside or out in the hall. I've actually been close to the windows and do see many nose prints on the glass from people watching the goings on inside the dance studio.

Class ended as did the Kids Barbecue as myself and Henrique stayed behind to work on our material. A few onlookers watched the two of us for a bit and soon they got bored and left their Viewing Posts. Then it was time for the Adult Barbecue. I went and changed and went outside to the Barbecue Area. I myself had worked up an appetite. It was a good turnout I thought although some would beg to differ. I did notice a few who had signed up not there. Which is normal in the grand of schemes at most events. It was a lot of fun. I had fun but I always have fun at these Socials.

The burgers and dogs were a plenty. It was a great day all around. I did my Workout, ran around the track (did I mention that I ran around it 4 times), took Attendance, did the White Belt Class, did a bit of extra training on my own, went to a Barbecue and I had a good time.

Nicknames Of Incidences & Techniques At The Dojo

2011-06-24T12:34:00.005-04:00

The Seishan Incident
The Kushanku Follies
The Suicide
The I Have No Clue Whatsoever Applications 1&2 (IHNCWA for short)
The That's It

We have names for things in our Karate Class. From small incidents that happen in class to Names for Techniques. I really do not know who came up with these but their origins are rather humorous.

The Seishan Incident:

I came up with this one all by myself. One Friday Night I went into the Y to work on my Material. I was happily doing my thing when a Brown Belt came in and started doing his Kata near me. I started watching him for a bit, then asked what Kata he was doing. He told me "Seishan". And with that he started teaching me this Kata. It was kind of cool but odd. Sempai Riadh came in and was watching everyone doing their thing. Then he started watching us and came over and told the Brown Belt "it's too soon to teach her that Kata" and he told me "to stick with my Level Material". It was not until my Grading when I went to get the Results that I was given a talk about allowing Brown Belts to teach me. I was pretty much told to "RUN AWAY" if a Brown Belt attempts to teach me. He then told me that they prefer to see and watch who teaches me. And that Sensei and him have the say in who teaches me and what they should teach me. I can only do the Material that's at my Kyu Level. Sensei is the one that approves when I can learn a new Technique or Kata. And from then on I call that "The Seishan Incident".

The Kushanku Follies:

I may have Blogged about this "Incident" a few months back. That was a rather interesting night for us Green Belts. One night Sensei delegated a Senior Belt to take the Junior Belts. The Youth were taken to the back by a Senior, the White Belts had their Senior Instructor and that left the Green Belts alone. We stood there not knowing what to do. Sensei then turned around and called "Kushanku" to which the rest of us said the name of the Kata and started doing this Kata. This Kata is a Brown Belt Kata. The Green Belts did a pretty good job all except for the total confusion. We stumbled along to the best of our ability. We were confused and had no idea what we were doing but we did try our best. We were looking at each other for guidance or something but none of us were help to each other. Then when Sensei turned around he saw the Green Belt Row and stopped the Kata. He delegated a Black Belt to take us and to have us work on something a little less overwhelming. I do have to admit The Green Belts did try our best. We must of looked rather funny to Sensei as I did see a small chuckle coming from him when he turned around and saw his Green Belts attempting this Kata.

Kushanku is a hard Kata and a rather long Kata. The Kata has moves from different Pinan Katas and one needs to know the Pinan Katas before one tackles this Kata. I am one Kata away from learning this one.

The Suicide:

There is a Pair Work we do called "Kyuhonme No 9 (Nagashi Keri Uke)" This is called "Suicide" because the Attacker kicks with a front kick and the defender must go in STRAIGHT and block the kick and then go on the 45 and do a Reverse Punch. If one is not fast enough to Block the Kick and go on the 45 then one gets kicked. A few of us "ME" have even injured our fingers/hands on this one Technique. Good thing we don't wear shoes in Karate.

The IHNCWA

After Pair Works 9/10 we move onto more harder and complex Pair Works. Once when one gets these down then it's smooth sailing but learning these Advance Pair Works is tricky. And at times very confusing. It leaves many of us when we are doing them scratching our heads at times as we really do have "No Idea Whatsoever about these Applications" Brown Belt Pair Works are rather confusing at times. We have Basic Pair Works (Which is what I am still doing now), then we have Kata Pair Works, and Jujitsu Applications Pair Works. Pair Works are getting harder, but it's fun learning them.

The That's It

There is a Pair Work that we do at White Belt that is just two basic moves. Some have dubbed it the "That's it". After you do the two moves you are wondering where is the next move. It's a very short and quick move. And you do say "That's It."

HABITS: The Open Hand And What Sensei Told Me Once

2011-06-22T14:11:00.004-04:00

Habits in Karate

There are several habits people get into while still in the early Kyu Levels that tends to spill over into the Higher Levels. And sometimes these habits are hard to break.

My biggest habit right now is having open hands when I block. And I am not the only one that does this. Is a fairly common habit. During Drills last night I noticed several of my fellow Karateka doing the "Up And Down Drills" that we do with open hands. These habits tend to follow us when we Spar and when we are doing Pair Works. Open Hands when Sparring and when doing Pair Works (especially when Blocking Kicks) if your lucky you may not injure yourself. But if you aren't lucky you'll end up injured.

I foolishly when doing my Pair Works last night Blocked a kick with an open hand and right now am nursing two rather sore fingers.

With doing my 4th Kyu Grading in Sections I am learning a lot. And I even get little tid bits from Sensei.

Sensei told me once that each movement can be broken down into its basic parts. One part is built upon another. If one part is wrong, the next will be wrong too. That is why he is very patient about making me do each part correct. A little defect in one part can lead to a big defect in a later part, or the whole.

And one technique can form the basis for another. If one technique is defective, the next technique will also be wrong.

So one has to make a conscience effort when doing Techniques to do each one has perfect as the last one.

Still Travelling The Path To 4th Kyu

2011-06-19T20:59:00.005-04:00

With Grading Week over many students did advance, some do need to repeat a Section or Two. While others sadly did not advance. As for me I am still on the Trail to 4th Kyu. Just enjoying the view and stopping once in awhile to rest and enjoy the peace and tranquility that surrounds me. I am heading into "Renzoku Waza Territory" these are combinations. Combinations are fun. These will eventually be done with a partner.

We use combinations when we fight. Combinations can be anything. Blocks, Punches, or Kicks. You can slide in, slide back, step back, step to the side.

My Combinations:

#1. Okuri Ashi Jodan Jun No Nido Zuki- Ayumi Chudan Nagashi Gyakuzuki

English: Slide forward Head Punch Head Punch- Step through punch on the 45 Middle with a Reverse Punch

#2. Okuri Ashi Jodan Junzuki- Maegeri Chudan- Jodan Nagashi Junzuki

English: Slide forward Head Punch- Front Kick Middle- Head Punch on the 45 with Lead Hand

#3. Soto Okuri Ashi- Mawashigeri Chudan- Kekaeashi Sokuto Kekomi- Jodan Gyakuzuki

English: Front foot slide sideways and forward- Roundhouse Kick to the Middle- Side thrust kick- Reverse Punch to the Head

Grading Week Ahhhhhhhhhhh

2011-06-13T18:44:00.006-04:00

Grading Week

Here it is June and that means "Grading". I have found that many Karateka throughout the world have one thing in common. And that is having their "Gradings" around the same time as everyone else. Give or take a week or two. But we all pretty much have it around the same time. And we all do Classes on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Which I find is pretty cool. I do know many of my Wado On line Buddies have their Classes on the same day as I do. Give or take a few hours due to time changes.

At our Dojo the White Belts can grade ever 3 Months. It's only when you get into the Greens and Browns that the wait is every 6 months.

Yes I am still doing the 4th Kyu Grading in Sections. Next up for me is Kicks. I have worked on them at home and during Class. I think I am ready. We'll see how ready I am come Thursday.

Grading Week is upon us again as we see an influx in Karateka coming in and Training. The odd thing about that is we don't see them for months and it seems when Grading Time rolls around then that's when they are serious about Karate and their Training.

It actually is frustrating. Especially it must be for Sensei. I guess it happens in every Dojo in every Style. There are many of us who are committed to Martial Arts, we Train like mad at/away from the Dojo, we have near perfect Attendance. And these folks just waltz in two weeks before, cram for the Level and then Grade it, and they Advance to the Next Level. And then they vanish until it's time for Grading again.

Granted we are keeping better track of the Attendance but still there is always room for improvement.

As I said before Martial Arts cannot be learned in a day, a week, a month, nor can it be learned in a year. It is a long journey. Cramming for the Next Belt Level is suicide. One will find out that doing it that way will only end in failure. As you advance higher The Levels get harder and the expectations of Karateka are much greater. One can get away with it for only so long and then someone will drop the hammer and put an end to that.

Another Grading Cometh and Duties

2011-06-05T00:22:00.004-04:00

Funny around every Grading we see an influx of Karateka that have not been around much lately. Boy we had many Green Belts in class Saturday. Three Rows of Green Belts. And that's what I call a First. That's how you can tell we are entering a Grading Period. We've been doing our Grading Material in Class.

I have spent sometime during Class working on my "Kicks". That's my next Section that I'll be Grading on. Not as much as I would like to, good thing I've been doing a bit at home. And no I do not do enough practicing at home. I should do more, a lot more. I really want into 4th Kyu.

Brown Belt is quickly approaching me. I can really see myself at that Level.

One of my Duties besides selling the "Blue Syllabus Books" (Did I mention that they sell for $5.00 and have been recently re-printed)? I've sold a few to Senior Belts but not too many to the Junior/Youth Belts? Another Duty of mine is "Attendance Taker". I think I am doing a pretty good job. Have not heard any complaints......yet. I recently Calculated Class Average and Percent of each Karateka. For some they've managed to keep up a good attendance. Others need a slight improvement. But it's not up to me to decide that.

The Duties kick in at Green Belt. That is when Karateka can expect to do "Club Volunteering". Changes are coming as they "The Club" likes to form "Committees". Sempai Domenic does and I wonder what ideas he has coming up? There is a lot of Duties required to run a Club such as this. And I believe the most "Senior Belts" are finding it rather challenging at times. Which is why I believe that they are looking at ways to ease the load and to distribute the load evenly among the "Club Volunteers". It does make common sense.

MY BLOGGING STORY

2011-06-03T19:38:00.008-04:00

While at Karate Camp I was asked a question, actually quite a few of my fellow Karateka have asked a question as they have found "My Blog". This entry will shed some light onto a few things.

I first started "Blogging" back in May 2007. Back then I "blogged" about anything and everything. Back then it was called "Fran's World: A Little Bit Of Everything". I wrote about my daily life, cooking, hobbies, pretty much anything that caught my eye I wrote about.

Then a few months later "Wado Ryu" entered my life in Feb 2008 and then I had something else to talk about. Every Blog Entry was about Karate and My Journey.

Then a year later March 2009 came and I decided to create a separate "Blog" and just talk about Wado Ryu. I played around with the "Title" and found one that suited " Fran's Karate World And Life At The Dojo" was born. I was having a hard time trying to keep up with the Two Blogs and I eventually stopped posting on the other one all together. I then decided to close and delete the other Blog and just do "Fran's Karate World".

I wanted to share my experience as I go down the path. And share with the Blogging Community "My Wado Ryu World". Share with them where I train, who I train under and with. Let you all get another perspective of it. To see it through my eyes and to see what I see. Introduce you all to the wonderful world of "martial arts". And maybe inspire someone to try an "Art". Any Martial Art.

My Advice: Try a Martial Art, try them all until you find one that suits you. They are all challenging but if you have drive, dedication, determination and a passion for it then you will experience what I have and am experiencing.

Every Martial Art is different. But they all are good in their own right. Give it a try. I love "Wado Ryu". It's a fun Style. It does have it's challenges but that just adds more fun to learning it.

Karate Camp 2011

2011-06-01T00:52:00.007-04:00

From May 27-29 The Karate Club went to Jackson's Point for the Annual Karate Camp Weekend.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Karateka began to arrive around 7:00PM as we settled into our Cabins and prepared for the Training Session. The Campers made their way to the Training Place. Promptly at 8:00PM Sensei called the Class to order as we bowed in. We did a little warm up and then we got down to business. We started off with Punching Drills. That was followed by two Katas, Pinan Nidan and Pinan Shodan. We spent a lot of time on these Katas and did them one handed on both sides. It is not as easy as it sounds, believe me. We were then shown the Pair Works for Pinan Nidan. The Pair Works for Kata are borderline Easy and Hard. The Session lasted until 9:30 when we all proceeded to the Dining Hall for Snacks. After the long drive up and the Training Session all were quite tired as the Group disappeared to their Cabins for some sleep.

SATURDAY

5:30AM arrived as we all dressed into our Running Gear to meet by the Dining Hall for our 6:00AM Run. It was a cool/foggy morning as we ran along the Lake. It was so quiet. I did do my best with Running. Let's just say I did a combination of running/speed walking. I actually only could do to the 1/2 way mark. Those that cannot do the Full Run can do 1/2 Way. Arriving back we all changed into our Gi for the Early Morning Training Session. We did Drills again and Pair Works. Then around 8:30 we headed to the Dining Hall for Breakfast. Many Trained up an appetite. We had another Training Session around 9:30/10:00 and this time we did Pad Work and Sparring. My two favourite things to do. We did some Punching and Kicks with the Pads. Hitting a target is a lot easier than hitting air. We did some Chudan and Jodan Punching. And also some Maegeri, Mawashigeri, and Ushirogeri Kicks. We put the Pads away and Geared up for Sparring. I Sparred with my fellow Kyus with the exception of a Brown Belt too. I am feeling a lot more confident with sparring and am able to hang in and stay in the fight. When you are right smack up with your opponent they have a harder time at getting in any hits. This was the first time I got to Spar for a whole 5 minutes with one person. I was surprised that I kept that up. But it did wear me out for Sparring with the next two. We were pretty much left alone this time. I fought Arash who is larger and taller than me and I was able to defend what he gave me and keep him at bay. Usually we have someone Monitoring us. I found it fun doing it without a Monitor as we did not have someone telling us what to do. We all worked up an Appetite as we broke for Lunch. We had a bit of a Break after lunch as many either had a Nap or went for a walk. I went for a walk with a few. We walked along the Lake. The sun was bright and warm. We came back and changed into our Gi again for the last Session of the Day. The afternoon Session we did Jujitsu Applications as well as the Advance Pair Works to 1-10. Both of these are hard. Each time I do these I understand them better. We did the Group Photo thing. We broke for dinner around 5:00. Dinner was at 5:30. After dinner some either showered or had a nap. I did a little of both. Around 7:00 I along with Elly, Laden, Sunny, and Alan headed into Town to "The Simcoe Arms" and had a Beer. Alan drove. We sat on the Patio and had a great time talking and laughing. It was a lot of fun. Then we headed back for 8:00 Social Time. We sat in the Social Hall chatted and waited for the others to arrive. We did the Charades Game again. Youth against The Adults. Not sure who won. I think it was a tie game. Then we sang Happy Birthday and had cake as it was Sensei Alex Birthday. After Cake we shared Funny Karate Stories. A few told stories. I did and I will post the Funny Story below this "post". The Social began to fade as tired Karateka made their way back to their Cabins for some well deserved sleep. I slept better that night.

Sunday

6:00 Am Run again. I did better this time again with the Run as I went beyond the half way mark. I pushed myself. The weather was raining but not too heavily. We made our way back to the Training Hall after the run for the 1st of 2 Sessions. We did Drills again. As well as Pair Works. Then we broke for Breakfast and came back for the Final Training Session. The Final Training Session we did Pinan Yondan and Pinan Godan, Pair Works for Pinan Yondan, and our Grading Stuff.

Our Meals are included with our Stay. The Meals are very good. They accommodate those with "Special Dietary Needs". A few in our Club are Vegetarians, have food allergies, or have issues with Dairy and Gluten Products.

Friday Snack- Muffins
Saturday Breakfast- Cereal, Scrambled Eggs and Bacon
Saturday Lunch - Cream of Potato Soup, Buns, Cold Meat. Dessert- Fruit
Saturday Dinner- Pasta, Salad, Garlic Bread. Dessert- Apple Turnovers
Saturday Snack- Brownies
Sunday Breakfast- Cereal, Pancakes and Sausages
Sunday Lunch- Turkey, Green Beans, Salad, Gravy, Potatoes. Dessert- Watermelon

Camp was a lot of fun again this year. I really enjoyed myself. I did Train hard and I feel that I am a little better. My fighting as improved as I am getting better at having confidence and getting right in there. When your right in on the opponent then they have a hard time countering what you are giving them. A few have complimented me on my Sparring. I contribute that to the Pair Works, Kata Applications that we do. As those really do come into play during Sparring.

My Funny Karate Story

The one story I told was when I was just new to Green Belt and had started Sparring. I sparred with a few in my Kyu then I was faced with Sparring with Sempai Riadh. Sempai Riadh likes to make "points" He kept hitting my head and telling me "cover your head", "protect your head". He kept this up for awhile as I was trying very hard to protect my head. After getting annoyed I saw an opening and went in for the kill. I got him dead center with a Gyakuzuki. To which I smugly said "Protect your center, cover your center". We had a good chuckle with that one. I think it was Karma. What goes around comes around.

I have another story that I did not share so I will share here.

I was still just new with Sparring when Sensei called the Black/Brown Belts to line up in a row. He then called the rest of the Karateka to line up opposite a Senior Belt. He then gave the call "Hajime" and we started. I was faced with Devlin first. He allowed me to hit him and he did not lay a hand on me. I thought "Cool this is easy". Then Sensei called "Yame" and we moved down one and faced another Senior Belt. Next up was Sempai Harvey. Sensei called us to begin and Harvey kept telling me "To hit like I mean it". I did obliged as he gave me a few tips and pointers. Sensei stopped us again as I moved down and was faced this time with Sempai Andy. It was so easy I thought to myself as none of them were doing any hitting. I did all the hitting while they all blocked. Whatever I threw at them. We were stopped again and I moved down one and had nobody to Spar with. Then I was thrown into "panic mode" as Imjimbrae took up position across from me. Imjimbrae is a rather tall person and is of colour. He's the tallest one in our Karate Club. That night was my first night meeting him. I was what would you say "afraid" of him. I got set and waited for Sensei to give the call. The call went and Imjimbrae came at me with arms flying and screaming. I went white as a ghost and nearly bolted. Imjimbrae saw "my fear". Came up to me and began laughing and said "kidding let's spar". I found out later that he does that to all new Karateka that he Spars against. And some of the older one's too. Imjimbrae is a gentle giant and very nice and friendly. I guess I passed the "initiation" As I have Sparred with him since then and he hasn't done that to me. He's actually very helpful at coaching me and telling me what to do.

Life So Far At Middle Green Belt

2011-05-25T15:32:00.005-04:00

Life here at middle Green Belt is pretty good.

We've been doing a lot of Advanced Stuff in Class lately. Now that I am at the Middle Green Belt stage Sensei is teaching us the Jujitsu Applications to the Pair Works. There are Basic Pair Works and now we are doing Advanced Pair Works. The Jujitsu Applications that we do is where knowing how to break fall is very important. Also we are doing Kata Pair Works.

It's interesting Kata is not just a Routine/Forms that we do. It's much more than that. Now we think about an attack coming our way and what we should do to avoid the attack and to counter it. You are actually trying to get the upper hand.

With these Techniques that we do that involve Break falling, these are harder than one thinks. In the beginning I was not a fan of getting up close and personal with the floor, who is. But I am getting a bit more comfortable with going down now. The side break fall is my better falls. As for the back fall, I always worry that I am going to crack my head open on the floor. I've already smacked my head on the gym floor once, not fond of doing that again.

I do admit I was scared of doing something last week and could not bring myself to do it. I would kick Maegeri (Front Kick) my partner would then grab my leg and hold it and with his/her other arm place it across my chest and throw me down. For some reason I could not do it. Nor have someone do it to me. That's the only time I had every been afraid of something in Class. But I look at fear in Wado as something good. It's building the Karateka.

Our Saturday Class has gone from being too repetitive to extremely stimulating. Sometimes we do "Street Scenarios" and how to handle those types of situations. We also do the Jujitsu Applications, as well as Pad Work. Lately we've also been doing a hard anaerobic workout.

Life here at Middle Green Belt is pretty good. And getting interesting.

First Competition: Observer

2011-04-25T21:20:00.003-04:00

Last weekend (Sunday April 17, 2011) I headed up to Richmond Hill for the #1 Grand Prix. It took me awhile to get up there, over an hour. But it was worth seeing a few of our Club Members Compete and win Medals. The arena was full of Participants, Coaches, Parents, and Spectators. I stood by the boards (it was in a hockey rink) and watched the little kids compete first. I was impressed by these wee little kids. Over time the Kids Portion ended and it was time to watch the Older Kids/Adults Compete. That is where I saw the most action. Especially in the Sparring. That was impressive.

I was surprised to see Sensei Alex, and a few of our Club Members at the Competition as Observers. It was nice that they came out to cheer on 4 of our Club Members.

To my disappointment there were only one other Wado Ryu Karate Club competing. There was a lot of Go-Ju Ryu and Shotokan Clubs Competing. It was interesting to see these other Styles and to see the difference compared with our Style. Shotokan is a smidge similar to ours. Go-Ju Ryu is nothing like ours.

Our Members of our Club did quite well and won medals. It was fun cheering them on. Would I ever compete. No, it's fun just going and Observing and Cheering our Club Members on. next Competition is in June in Etobicoke I may go to that one too.

Observations and Wondering

2011-04-13T13:59:00.005-04:00

I often wonder if this happens in many Dojos around the World? I find myself thinking, I know many of my On line Karateka Friends train the same days and the same time as we do. I often wonder how similar their Training Regiment, Training Days, are to ours.

I've made one observation in Karate Class lately. We have great decorum in class. But it always seems to disappear when Sensei either is absent or attends meetings. Usually when Sensei goes to meetings he takes the most Senior Black Belts with him. Therefore Karate Class becomes a free for all for the chatter and standing around doing nothing. While I was busy Training alongside my fellow Green Belts last night (we Green Belts do keep busy) I took note of not only how much space there was in the Dojo, but of how very few were actually Training.

As I am the "Attendance Taker" in Class I notice the same people are always late for Class. And two of these latecomers are always the first to bow out before Class ends.

Very few seem to know the "Bowing Procedure" when one needs to leave early for Class. White Belts I can understand that as they are still new, especially some of the newest Juniors that have joined our Class recently. But Senior Green Belt Adults really should know the Bowing Procedure by now.

Bowing Procedure (When one is late)

On the Sideline
Kneel in Seiza
Bow 3 Times
Wait for Sensei or Senior Class Lead to allow you in
Stand up and Bow

Bowing Procedure (When one leaves early)

On the Sideline
Kneel in Seiza
Bow 3 times
Stand up and Bow
Bow again at the Door

Doing And Learning Kata

2011-03-31T15:18:00.004-04:00

I find Kata really interesting and fun to do. A new Kata is fun to learn and figure out. To be honest at times Kata can be frustrating. But once the missing puzzle pieces are put into the proper place then you have a fantastic looking picture. When done right Kata is a very graceful thing to watch.

I have been searching and asking from the Senior Belts in my Karate Class the proper way of doing Kata and Learning them and I notice that they all advise the same thing. And they all do it so it must work.

1. The first thing they all stressed upon is "Learn the Pattern". And the rest of it will all follow.

2. Second thing is to do it over and over until it is perfect. "Perfect the Form"

3. Understand the Bunkai of it.

4. And the last being "Practice". Practice, Practice, and more Practice. The more you do it the better it becomes.

Kata takes time to learn and perfect.

Tough Love: No Gear No Spar

2011-03-27T01:51:00.003-04:00

They have started cracking down on us in regards to "The Gear". Many of us still have not purchased the proper Gear for Sparring. Sempai Victor was quite adamant about it too. And I agree with him. There's a new Rule "No Gear No Spar".

I have taken a few hits without the Gear on and it does hurt. Lucky for me I have not been badly hurt. I've received a few banged toes, an injured finger, a few scratches. But nothing to serious. We're really not suppose to hit each other hard but a few times we do "by accident". We're only should light tap.

As we advance in Rank we are doing a lot more Sparring, a lot more serious Sparring. So wearing the Gear is necessary. It just makes common sense to wear the required equipment.

Safety first at our Dojo.

One Very Odd Week At The Dojo

2011-03-20T17:25:00.006-04:00

This week has been a rather odd week at our Dojo.

Tuesday we had Sensei but no Black Belts. We did "Goshin Ho". A Brown Belt Pair Works. These ones are very hard on the forearms. You trap, hit, and manipulate the forearm. I am now carrying my forearm guards with me to class.

Thursday we had no Sensei and no lower Belts (Just Green, Brown, and Black Belts) We did some Sparring and I kicked a Shin Bone again. But not too badly. We only had a total of three Green Belt Girls in Class and every three minutes I would be called into Spar. It was a very tiring night for me.

As for Saturday I arrived at the Y on Saturday around 2:15PM. Changed quickly, filled my water bottle and raced upstairs to the Dance Studio with the Class List in hand. I was quite surprised to see no White Belts but Green Belts there. From 2:15-3:00 that is the White Belts Class. I sat on the Floor and took Attendance which was easy as there were only 6 Karateka. Time went fast as it came to be time for the Green Belt Class. This time the Class grew to 8. We did a bit of Kata and we did a bit of non contact Sparring which is always fun. Yesterdays Class flew by so fast.

I have started to carry a bit more Equipment now. The Forearms take a beating now and my Shins also take a beating. The Shin Guards not only protect me but they also protect others.

As for the Helmet, I've not used that one yet. Never know when that will come in handy. Besides it was $5.00/used. Normally they are $60.00+.

My Forearm Guards

My Shin Guards/Foot Protection and New Helmet

BREAK FALLING 101

2011-03-13T13:46:00.006-04:00

Friday March 11 Sempai Harvey conducted his first "Break fall Session" with those of us that wanted to learn how to fall correctly in Karate. More Sessions will be held at later dates. Sempai Harvey is a master at the "Break fall" When he does it it looks so easy.

I had booked the "Kid Mat Zone" earlier in the week through the Y. The participants arrived at 7:30 as we met in the Dance Studio to do some warm ups/stretching. We taped a few mats together and we were shown a few Basics. Then we moved our operation to the "Mat Zone". We had about 18 Karateka in the room.

We were also shown proper breathing. When you fall you are supposed to breath out. Many of us hold our breath in. When holding the breath in you'll get winded easily and may pass out. Also the impact hurts less when you are relaxed and when you breath out.

We started the session by doing some backward falling from a squatted position (those new at it did it from a sitting position). We weren't 5 minutes into the Session where yours truly smacked her head on the mats. Good thing we were not on the Hardwood Floor. The idea is when you go back you kick your legs out and slap the mats with your hands. We did this for awhile then we did side break falls from the squat position. This one is a tad hard as you kick a leg out. It's a lot harder than it sounds. With this one I tend to fall on the wrong side. Now this one you go on your side and the side you go down on you kick that leg out.

Next on the Agenda was getting up with no hands. We laid on our backs and peddled our feet in the air and tucked a leg under ourselves and got up. Another thing that's not so easy to do. This is preparing us for when we go down in a fight or in a pair work we must get up quickly and be ready to continue the fight.

Another thing we did was rolling over someone. Sempai Harvey and Sempai Andy laid on the mats and we side rolled over them. That was fun.

There was a good turnout for this first Session. It looks like there'll be more of these Sessions. Going down on the mats is a lot better than going down on the hardwood floors of the Dance Studio and The Gym.

Dojo Happenings

2011-03-04T14:10:00.004-05:00

What's Happening

Volunteer Service

We're seeing a lot more of us taking on Volunteer Roles within the Karate Club. It used to be once when you reach Green Belt some would be asked to help out. But now everyone is being asked to do something. And not just Green Belts. My duty is besides "Selling" the Blue Syllabus Book. I am also the "Attendance Taker". We're getting serious on The Attendance. Attendance and Grading have been an issue within our Club. Doing the attendance is ensuring that those with exceptional Attendance will be able to Grade and those with Poor Attendance will not be allowed. We're trying to break the cycle of people just showing up a bit before Grading time and doing a few Classes then Grading and then we don't see them again until the next Grading Blocks.

Class Changes

Last night Class was interesting. We did the "Work On Your Own". We spent part of the Class doing our Katas on our own. And Sensei and the Black Belts would walk around and coach us when we needed it. I am still doing Pinan Sandan and Pinan Yondan. Then after doing that for awhile Sensei asked us to work on Pair Works. Class is more fun when you mix things up and allow us to do different things instead of falling into the same routine.

Break fall

Sensei has given the okay for Sempai Harvey to teach "Break fall Sessions". Through the Y I managed to book the "Kids Mat Zone". When this was mentioned last week we had a good show of hands from those being interested. I just hope theres a good turnout.

That's pretty much it for this weeks "Dojo Happenings"

LEARNING THE STYLE

2011-02-28T19:00:00.005-05:00

As I stated before I think it's worth repeating. Wado Ryu Karate cannot be learned in a day, a month, nor can it be learned in a year. It's a "JOURNEY" that one embarks on at a slow stroll. Enjoy the scenery, stop to smell the wildflowers, take your time. It's not a "brisk walk".

If you rush to learn everything all at once then you risk losing the stuff you have already learned.

So many Karateka are anxious to learn the Advance Katas. They are eager to do Knife Defense, Advance Kumite. Which is great to have the eagerness. But too much information coming at you at once can lead to disaster IE: TOTAL CONFUSION AND FRUSTRATION. Been there done that.

With regards to Kata "Forms". In our Style we have 5 Pinan Katas that we must learn before we even step foot into "Advance Kata Land". As the moves we learn from the Pinan Katas will appear later on in the Advance Katas. Which will make learning the "Advanced Katas" that much easier on us to learn the rest of the 10 Katas.

Kushanku
Naihanchi
Seishan
Chinto
Wanshu
Bassai
Jitte
Jion
Niseishi
Roahai

Pinan Katas so far learned/learning

Kihon Kata (Basic Kata)
Pinan Nidan
Pinan Shodan
Pinan Sandan
Pinan Yondan
Pinan Godan

A Typical Night At Our Dojo

2011-02-10T16:31:00.005-05:00

An average night our Class goes as follows

Warm Ups led by a youth. Which consists of:
Running back and forth
Running then Jumping Up raising our feet to our rear and then to our chest
Suicides
Pair Up Leg Stretches
Pair Up Triceps Dips
Pair Up Sit Ups
Pair Up Groin Stretches
Cool down

Class is called to order. Sensei then allocates different Senior Belts to take the Lower Ranks. The Youth are usually separated from us. The White Belts as well. As for us Green Belts we are either taken by a Senior Belt to work on Drills, Kata, Pair Works. Or we are put through Drills and Kata with the Black and Brown Belts. Lately after we've done a bit of Sparring Drills we are asked to Gear Up and we do some Sparring

What are Suicides you ask?

Suicides (also called Blood and Guts or Ladders) focus on fast-twitch muscle fibers and explosive movements. Speed is a big part of a suicide-agility training exercise. You can undertake suicides alone (you against the stopwatch) or with a partner

We partner up and the first person runs to the first line, then comes back, tags partner and the partner runs to the next line, then back, then tags, and so on and so on.

Instructions

Stand at one end of a basketball court, soccer field or volleyball court behind the out-of-bounds line. Terminology referenced here is specific to a basketball court.

Listen for the whistle or other signal to begin running the suicides. Sprint as fast as you can to the free throw line on your side of the court.

Touch the free throw line with your hand. Abruptly switch directions and return to the out-of-bounds line where you started, making sure to bend down and touch the line.

Sprint toward the half court line. Touch this line, switch directions and return to the out of bounds line, again bending down to touch the line.

Run toward the free throw line on the opposite side of the court. Touch that line with your hand and return to and touch the out-of-bounds line.

Finish the suicide by running as fast as you can to the out-of-bounds line on the opposite side of the court. Touch the line and run back to your original starting point.

Lessons I've Learned When Sparring

2011-02-06T00:28:00.008-05:00

Sparring Lessons Learned Thursday Night:

NEVER TAKE YOUR EYES OFF YOUR OPPONENT

I have been at Green Belt for quite sometime now. It's only here at 5th Kyu where we have really begun to Spar for real. I love Sparring. I like the fast action, and I like the rush I get. Some have called me "wild" on the Dojo Sparring Floor. I just go in there bow to my partner try to block/counter and attack. And not get creamed.

A few Lessons that I have learned so far in Sparring are.

Cover your center
Protect your most vulnerable part (your face)
Block and Counter at once
Attack and get out
Don't set up a rhythm
Never take your eyes off the attacker

Now on Thursday when we did Sparring I learned another Lesson. When we Spar we are always supervised/monitored by a Senior Belt. They correct us when needed and when we take a good hit that knocks the wind out of us or causes us a bit of pain they stop the fight and make sure that we are okay and they allow us a chance to breath. During Thursday's Class Sempai Riadh was playing "Referee". I was Sparring with Vivian and Riadh started talking to me and I without thinking looked away from my opponent and got hit on the jaw. Now it was not a hard hit, and I did have the mouth guard in. I know dumb move Fran.

Lesson Learned is: When I am Sparring if a Higher Belt is talking to me to not take my eyes off my opponent. Good thing Vivian is not a hard hitter. Sparring is a lot of fun. I really enjoy it.

It's Not Easy Being Green

2011-02-04T17:19:00.005-05:00

Sometimes it's not easy at Green Belt. We're the middle Belt stuck between White Belt and Brown Belt trying hard to get to Brown Belt is no easy task. It can be rather confusing at times with the techniques that we are doing

We're still immature and need to mature. This Level is where we begin to grow and flourish. It's also where some of us stumble. But there is always someone around to pick you up, help you dust yourself off and put you back on track.

The desire to move onto Brown Belt is great here at 4th Kyu. Some even dream of achieving Black Belt.

At Green Belt :

The things we did at White Belt is not acceptable now. More is expected from us.

We're expected to become leaders/roll models for the Lower Levels

The Levels get harder and more advance.

Until we understand the Pinan Katas we cannot learn the Advance Katas.

Weapons Defense is still out for us until we learn the Basics of Defense with our hands.

I am not complaining I love being a Green Belt. It's a fun Level. I am happy in this Level. We do some interesting things in this Level. We do a lot more fighting and we do Drills that will help us in our fighting when we mature. With patience we all will get there in our own time.

Wado Ryu cannot be learned in an hour, a day, a week, a month, not even in a year. Wado Ryu is a "Journey". It cannot be learned through On line Sources not even Books. It's a Journey that takes a lot of time and there's bound to be a bit of stumbling as you travel the path. But hang in there and you will get there. We all will get there. In our own time.

Sometimes it's not easy being Green but it sure is a fun and exciting Belt Level. And there is a satisfaction knowing that one day everything in this Belt Colour will make sense.

Funny Karate Moment #1 Green Belts Vs Seishan

2011-02-04T12:13:00.007-05:00

There are a few funny Karate moments in Class that I would like to share here. Our Class is serious but we do have our funny moments.

One night a few weeks ago the Juniors were taken to the back of the Dojo to do their separate thing from us Adults. And that left us Green Belts standing there not sure what to do "we were forgotten about". Some Senior Belts in Class would disagree but we do tend to get forgotten, being the middle Belt Group it's sometimes hard to find something for us to do. We're too old to join the Youth and still too young in the Kyu to do Advance Brown/Black Belt Stuff. Sensei allocates various Senior Belts to take different Belt Levels. There may have been some confusion as to which Senior would take the Green Belts. Sensei turned around with his back to us and started the Brown/Black Belts with Seishan Kata. Like the Trooper us Green Belts are we just started following the Front Line. I must admit we did pretty good for a Belt Level that has never tried this Kata before. But then again I am pretty Bias. We were managing quite well, there was lots of confused/puzzled looks coming from us. As Sensei turned around he saw the Green Belts and started to chuckle at the site of the whole Green Belt Row doing "trying" their best with this Kata and our expressions on our faces said it all. It must have been funny. I was totally lost and confused. If I was so was the rest of the Row.

In the end Sensei put the kibosh on us right then and there. Telling us that it's too soon for us to try that Kata and he sent us with a Senior Black Belt to work on the final Pinan Kata. Green Belts before they can do Advance Kata must get the Pinan Katas down first as the moves from each Pinan Kata come into play at the Advance Kata Levels.

I have to admit that we did try our best with that Kata. But I am much happier doing the Pinan Katas for now. The final Pinan Kata "Pinan Godan" I still do not have that one down yet. So it will be awhile before I tackle the Advance Katas. I don't mind actually. You have to learn to float before you can swim.

One Down and Four More To Go

2011-01-29T19:06:00.003-05:00

Rather than have me do the full Grading all at once again, Sensei and I agreed that I will do it one Section at a time. First up Basics. I feel less stress and less anxious. For many of us Grading is not easy. Being stressed at Grading does not help you. Besides that there should be no stress in Karate, one should be relaxed and calm.

I've been working really hard on the Material for my Grading that will be going on for a bit. I Graded the first bit today. Did my Basics. And I passed that Section.

So one Section down and four more Sections to go. Kicks are next up.

Kihon Keri (Kekaeshi)

Maegeri Chudan Sokuto Kekomi
Maegeri Chudan Mawashigeri Chudan
Mawashigeri Chudan Sokuto Kekomi
Sokuto Kebanashi Sokuto Kekomi

Hello 4th Kyu my name is Fran and you will see me at full 4th Kyu Status very soon so get used to it.

Another Observation: Advance Kata

2011-01-19T12:45:00.004-05:00

Lately I have been catching a glimpse over at the New Brown Belts and seeing what they're up to and I have noticed the New Katas that they are doing. What strikes it interesting is that yes these Katas are new but these "New Katas" contain some moves that have been done in the Pinan Kata Levels. So when one does reach those last three remaining Kyu Levels and do these Advance Katas it will not be a big shock to oneself. So one really does not need to worry as much as I am finding out. I am actually looking forward to the Advanced Katas now. But for now I am quite content with my Pinan Katas. So far I have 6 under my Belt.

Kihon Kata
Pinan Nidan
Pinan Shodan
Pinan Sandan
Pinan Yondan
Pinan Godan

And 10 more to learn

Kushanku
Naihanchi
Seishan
Chinto
Bassai
Jion
Jitte
Rohai
Niseishi
Wanshu

The ABC's Of Karate

2011-01-14T22:32:00.001-05:00

The ABC's Of Karate

Always try your best
Believe in yourself
Consider things from every angle
Dedication and discipline always have it
Enjoy your Karate as a Practice and not a Product
Failure at a Grading is not the end of the world
Grading is not and should not be the main focus
Hang in there
Ignore all self doubt and outside negative influences
Just do it
Keep on trying
Learn from those higher than you
Make time for a bit of Training each and everyday
Need help ask for it
Open your eyes and see things as they really are
Practice makes perfect
Quitters never win and winners never quit
Read and Study what is important to you
Stop procrastinating
Train hard
Utilize your free time and train
Visualize it
Want it
Xccelerate yourself
Zero in on your target and go for it

Workout To The Beat

2011-01-12T17:14:00.007-05:00

Recently I discovered a cool new Music Genre and a must have for my MP3 Player. So now I am scouring the Library and other places for Dance/Club/Trance/ Music. I like to have a good beat going while I am doing my Workouts at the Y. Maybe I will look into finding a docking station for my MP3 Player. Wonder if Sansa has one.

I see lots of people with these tiny I Pods and I like my little Sansa. Sure it would be nice to have the latest thing but why get the latest if what you already have works. It does what I want it to do and does what I need it to do. I will stick with my Sansa.

My Workout Routine varies. I do a bit of Arm and Leg Weights, some Cardio on Ellipticals/Rowing/Bike. Before doing this I do a good Stretch before and after I hit the Gym.

There are quite a few new Additions to the Gym. Some new and fancy equipment. No wonder they are putting in more Security Gates at all Entrances. I find some of these machines rather odd. They look like some sort of torture device. One arm machine has a "seatbelt". Yes you heard me a seatbelt. There is this one Multi Purpose Machine that has all these Pulley Cables and close to the top of this contraption there is a chin up bar. Now in order for me to try this Chin Up Bar I would actually need to stand on a box in order to reach this device. Some of these machines were designed with tall people in mind. Not for short people. I stick to the machines that I like anyway.

KAGAMI BIRAKI 2011

2011-01-09T18:34:00.004-05:00

At the beginning of every year, many Dojos celebrate a ceremony to start the year with a new spirit and intense energy. This is usually a ceremony to introduce the year with a spirit of camaraderie and unity. The class is usually very difficult and full of Kiais (shouts) with many basic techniques. In most traditional dojos, preparation for the new year's season begins as in most households. Toward the end of the year dojos are cleaned, repairs made, mirrors shined and everything made tidy. In Japan many dojos retain the tradition of a purification ceremony. Salt is thrown throughout the dojo, as salt is a traditional symbol of purity (goodness and virtue), and then brushed away with pine boughs.

For martial arts students today, however, the New Year's celebration of Kagami Biraki does not carry religious significance. It does, however, continue the old samurai tradition of kicking off the new year. It is also a time when the participants join together and rededicate their spirit, effort and discipline toward goals, such as training.

Many of us start off the new year with a slew of resolutions, only to have forgotten them in a month's time. Because of the nature of training, meaning that the journey is what is paramount not the destination, the significance of Kagami Biraki lies in the fact that we take each year as a another part of our personal journey towards perfection of self. For us as practitioners of a martial art it is a time to renovate, reflect, and recommit ourselves to the training we have dedicated ourselves to.

It is not just a physical act of intense training, but also one of profound contemplation. It is the desire to strive and surpass the goals that one sets for themselves.

Yesterday we did our annual KAGAMI BIRAKI. We hold it every year. Literally, Kagami Biraki means “opening the mirror.” It is usually celebrated on January 11, or the first practice day on your martial arts calendar for the new year closest to that traditional date.

It marks the end of the year and the starting of a new one. where new commitments are made as we throw away the old ones. Commitments to our Training that is.

Our Session yesterday was no ordinary class. We did an intense warm up lead my Sensei followed by intense Drills. Relax Punches then we sped them up while going down into Shiko Dachi Stance. That was followed by some Kicking Drills. We then did some Pair Works after that. And that was followed by some Sparring. The Black and Brown Belts were separated from the rest of us as Sensei gave the order to the White Belts to find a Black/Brown Belt to Spar with. The Green Belts were on the Sidelines waiting for their turn. Then we were called. and all the Brown/Black Belts were taken so Sensei called me over to Spar with him. I quickly got into my mindset as I bowed and began to Spar. Sensei had me work out my distances before we went at it. And no he did not hit me, he allowed me to hit while he defended. Sparring is still a learning thing with me, as I need to not actually hit hard. I am actually supposed to hit and pull back and not make contact. He still has me doing the Mawashi Kicks and is quite impressed by how they are progressing with me. It's still a slow progression with me. But they will come in due time and I have started working on my Karate everyday on my own. After about two hours we moved to the Dance Studio where we continued with Sparring. I Sparred with Carol, Ali, and Devlin. Sparring with Black Belts they do a lot of teaching It was intense, but great as none of them hit me hard. Some don't hit at all.

Around 5:00 we broke off for a break and I ate some nuts and an apple for a little energy boost. I also had some celery with peanut butter on it. Refreshed and hydrated we went back 30 minutes later and did some relax drills and then some Kata. By then end of it I was getting tired.

New Years Training is a great intense Training Session as we go hard and we push ourselves. And we do enjoy it. It's over for another year. I really do like these intense Training Sessions. Now I must Train myself up for next years Kagami Biraki.

Fran Vs Brown Belts, Black Belts And Sensei

2010-12-29T11:13:00.007-05:00

This time of year our Karate Class is rather small. Due to Christmas and the fact that Grading is over. In Class lately we've been doing lots of Drills and Sparring. I really do enjoy Sparring. The Drills are fun too.

Last night we did some Sparring against Brown and Black Belts. Sensei even joined in on the action. The Lower Ranks (Green Belts and White Belts) would line up facing a Brown/Black Belt and Spar with them. It lasted roughly three minutes. Then we would stop and line up again facing our Sparring Partner and move down one and Spar with the next one. I had the pleasure of Sparring with Sempai Victor, Steven, and even Sensei. Sparring with a Black Belt and Sensei is fun. Depending on who The Black/Brown Belt and Sensei Spar against they adjust their Sparring to that person. Someone with little experience with Sparring the other person tones their attacks down. They do hit but lightly and with control. It's also based on Gender as well. When the guys Spar with the Girls there is lots of respect and light tapping going on.

I've had this small fear after seeing Sensei Spar with other Karateka and dreaded the day that I might be faced with that. That day finally came last night as I moved down one and had Sensei standing right opposite me. My mind was going with "don't hurt him", "watch his knee", and "try and not get yourself creamed". Sparring with Sensei was not that bad. He defended and allowed me to do the attacking. He also made me do lots of "Mawashigeri" my worse kick of them all. He knows that and pushes me to do them.

Sparring with Sensei was not bad. In fact it was a lot of fun.

Chalk this one up as another experience for me. And another fear conquered.

THE BIG PLAN

2010-12-13T17:25:00.002-05:00

I am calling this Post "THE BIG PLAN"

It was during the little "pow wow" between Sensei Alex and Sempai Domenic that the plan for me and involving me began to materialize. Our Gradings are rather long with several elements, and components in each section. It can get rather overwhelming at times.

Kihon Tsuki (Basic Punches)
Kihon Keri (Basic Kicks)
Renraku Waza (Combination Techniques)
Kata (Forms)
Ippon Gumite (Pair Works)
Ji Yu Kumite (Sparring)

The Big Plan

Rather than have me do the full Grading again in one I will be doing it in Parts. I will focus and Train hard on the first part (Basic Punches) and when I am comfortable with the Section then I can approach Sensei and we then arrange a day when I can do this one Section. Then when that Section is Graded I will work on the next Section (Basic Kicks) and repeat the process. I will eventually reach the end of the Grading and either be promoted or not.

Before doing a Section in front of Sensei I will seek out a Black Belt and do the Techniques for him before I do it for real in front of Sensei. Just to be sure I have a handle on it.

If this works and is better for me then I think I will continue to do all my Gradings this way.

What I've Learned

2010-12-10T17:22:00.004-05:00

This past failed Grading attempt taught me a few things.

Grading is not important and should not be our main focus.

Never Grade when you are not feeling well.

Books and On line Videos should not replace the Instructors and should not be our main focus.

Trust in yourself that you know the material even when Training in the Level for a year.

Never mimic others make Karate your own Karate.

Kick as high as you can and are physically able to and perfect it to that point.

A good solid and proper stance goes a long way and helps in so many other techniques.

Trying to keep up and racing to get to the next Level is not the "karate Way"

Never attempt to learn something too Advanced for your Level

Trust that you will get there in your own time and at your own speed

Don't do for the sake of doing it do it for the sake of learning the Art

Enjoy Karate as a Practice not a Product

Karate is an Art

Still At 5th Kyu

2010-12-10T13:36:00.005-05:00

I am still at 5th Kyu.

I knew something was amidst last night at the Grading. I was far too calm and that did worry me. I would not say that I am a nervous wreck. But on the border of it. I had no butterflies or anything. That is very unusual for me. With any test I do have a bit of anxiety. Even when I have to have a blood test my anxiety is always there. But last night she was not. Where it went I don't know.

I was just going through the motions and really not there. Why I don't know. I still have this cold and cough and am really not at my game level. That could be one of the contributing factors in my downfall. Sensei said something to me that now it makes a lot of sense. At White Belt I had trust in myself that I knew the material and did not need to look at others to see what they were doing and mimic them. But now I seem to have lost that. And I rely too much on following and mimicking others and I need to stop that now. It's a habit that I picked up that I need to stop. I need to find that trust in myself again. Wonder where she went. I had it at White Belt but now I don't. Need to stop that and just do my Karate and make it my own.

Also I need to trust in the Instructor and not the outside material that's out there. For an example our "Syllabus Picture Books". They should not be our crutch. Sensei would prefer we leave the books at home and not bring them to Class. I believe Sempai Riadh is thinking of a punishment for us if we are caught with the books. His punishment usually involves Push Ups/Jumping Jacks/Burpees. And none of us Adults are a fan of burpees.

BURPEES

I am still learning this. But I really need to step it up and work hard at it.

Another Grading Day Cometh

2010-12-08T12:42:00.005-05:00

Grading Day Cometh

It's that time of Year again. Grading Time. They began last week and end next week. They are doing the Gradings in order. From 9th straight down to 1st Kyu. White Belts had their turn last week and this week it's Green Belts. My day is tomorrow.

One would think I would be all panicked and freaked out but surprisingly I am quite calm. Maybe the key is to take a year and work on the Material then Grade. That's how I did it this time around and it seems to have kept my calmness in check. It helps to have Higher Belts tell you about their experiences and how they keep their anxiety at bay too. Taking a year off from Grading was a good idea I think. I may do that again.

I am creeping my way slowly to Brown Belt. But I am not thinking about that too much. I have to get through one more Level first then I can think about that. I am focusing just on the task at hand right now.

Been a busy time for some of us in Karate Class. Besides doing the Grading there are some Karateka that do Volunteer Work within the Club. When you enter Green Belt you are required to put in some time to help the Club out.

My duty for the Club is Selling the Blue Syllabus Books, and signing people up and collecting Money for our Socials. I also around Karate Camp time collect names of people that need a lift up to Camp and who can give a lift up to Camp. Others have the task of Collecting Yearly Dues, Signing people up/collecting Grading Fees, etcetera. We all must do our part.

Kata Kata and More Kata

2010-11-27T20:40:00.003-05:00

Today was Kata Day. We did a solid straight hour of Kata with some Pair Works thrown into the mix. Both of these are getting better. It's not perfect, I doubt if any of us can do Kata perfectly. Sensei and Shiomitsu Sensei must be able to do Kata perfectly, although I have not seen them do it so I really do not know. Kata is a lot of fun, but a lot of work too.

Any move in Kata can be used as an attack or a defensive move. We even apply it to moves when we do some Sparring.

Different Ways of Doing Kata

2010-11-19T14:23:00.005-05:00

There are a few ways to practice Kata. It's fun to do and very challenging at times. Makes Kata a little more enjoyable when you try different ways of doing it.

One Handed, then doing it with the other hand
Just feet
Doing it on an angle
Going the opposite direction by going right instead of the normal Left

We did a new way last night. We did Kata with eyes closed. It was rather odd and strange. But fun too. One tends to rely on the other Karateka when eyes are open and one tends to get lazy and follow the others therefore you are not learning the Kata just mimicking the other Karateka. With eyes closed it's just you and the Kata giving your Brain a good workout.

Doing Kata one handed helps you in remembering the hand movements.
When you do Kata with just feet you are actually working and focusing on the proper Stances.
In doing it on an angle you help your mind get used to not always doing it facing in the same direction
And starting off going in the other direction gives the other side of the brain a good workout. In karate we use the Left Side the most and this way the Right Side gets a workout too.

TICK TICK TICK

2010-11-16T23:46:00.004-05:00

Countdown 4th Kyu. Wow time is coming quickly for this. First time I've Graded during the week. Actually second time, when I was going for 8th Kyu I graded during the week for that, and on a Thursday as well. I feel ready.....sort of. I know the material and have a handle on Kata. And my attendance has been good. All that is left to do is Sign up, hand in the fee and I am good to go.

After this Grading I will then be working towards the elusive Brown Belt. But I am a long way off from attempting that. Some have been working at that Belt for a long time. I can wait, what's the hurry.

Lights On Lights Off Karate Class Canceled

2010-11-16T23:11:00.007-05:00

Toronto right now is being pelted by heavy wind and rain. It started around 6PM and hasn't stopped. I made my way to the Y and arrived soaked but on time. After changing I dashed up to the Gym, bowed and entered. After pulling my Obi from my bag I toss my bag to the side and make my way to my usual spot. I have a spot in the Gym on the sidelines with my name on it......Kidding. I sit over by the Parents Class and watch that Class in action. While waiting for the Kids Class to finish, I do some stretching. Finally the kids are let go and its our turn. Sensei was a tad late as Sempai Harvey took the lead in Warm Ups. By that time the lights began to flicker on and off. The Y must have a generator as the "secondary lights" kicked in. It was strange to train in the dimly lit gym. By about 8:30 Y Staff came up to tell us that they maybe closing the Y due to the storm. We packed up and made our way down the stairs. By the time we all got downstairs the Y Staff told us for sure the Y was closing. So we all headed to change and head home. I left the Y at 8:30 and made it home by 9:30. Let's hope the next Class will not be canceled because of rain.

KATA

2010-10-30T12:23:00.008-04:00

Kata is something a little more than just something we do in Class.

Kata is forms. A detailed choreographed routine of movements. It's done either Solo or with a partner. In Wado there are 5 Pinan Katas and an additional 10 Katas that we learn. Everyone starts off learning KIHON KATA. Which is BASIC KATA.

We all start learning the Katas and doing them solo. Then once we have a grasp of the Kata then we do them with a partner. Each move in a Kata is either a Block, Strike, Hit, or a Kick. One must be prepared to Block and Counter each move from an opponent.

When doing Kata solo it's easy and flows a lot better. But once a partner is thrown into the mix it's a new way of thinking. Whatever someone throws at you you have to do some quick thinking and not only think about blocking a strike but also countering as well.

I can now see why we spend so much time on Kata and Pair Works. These moves will come into play during Sparring. I have used various Techniques from a Kata and applied it into my Sparring. It actually came as quite a shock to me as I stopped and realized what I had just done.

Kata is a lot of fun and when done correctly and is very pretty to watch .

Lots Of Dojo Happenings

2010-10-24T14:24:00.003-04:00

Dojo Happenings

We recently had "Women's Self Defense". Every few months our Club holds this Event for the Female Members of the Y. Sensei teaches and Female Karateka assists. We had a small turnout, and to my surprise a lot of the Female Karateka took part. It was a lot of fun and a nice change from doing the Regular Class.

We're all gearing up for Grading which is coming up in December. I am seriously working on it at home. I am planning on Grading for my Final Green Belt. I feel ready, "sort of".

This past week we spent a whole Class doing Pad Work. We have not done that since "Karate Camp". Pad Work is fun as it is nice to hit a target. The Pads are hard on the hands though. We did a Drill where a Black Belt held the Pad and each time we hit it he/she would move the Pad. It was a lesson in quick thinking as to whether we should Kick or Strike the Pad.

Ode To My Karate Gi

2010-10-13T21:26:00.002-04:00

Ode To My Karate Gi

Oh how I love my Karate Gi
A suit tailored just for me
At first you were gleeming white
Always ready for any fight
I don it and wear it with pride
As I tie my Obi my feelings cannot hide
How I love my Karate Gi
As my Gi turns gray
It has seen better days
Not yet ready for the rag heap
It's still worth to keep
Well worn
But not yet torn
Oh how I love my Karate Gi
A suit tailored just for me

Gearing Up For Grading

2010-10-11T16:28:00.005-04:00

For some they will be Grading for their first Green Belt, for other's they are heading to Brown Belt Territory. While the rest of us are heading to our last and final Green Belt. I still have it a little easy as I am not heading to Brown Belt just yet. But life at this Level is no easy street. Actually Life at any Martial Art Level is not easy. When one starts to get a tad too cozy and comfortable at the Middle of Green Belt then it's time to move on and advance.

December is quickly approaching as we are preparing for our Grading. In Class we've been focusing on Pair Works and Kata mostly. That is all we ever seem to focus on. We tend to ignore the Basics and the Kicks Section of our Grading.

So here I sit at the Middle of Green Belt Roe ready to head into the final stage of Green Belt. Am I ready? I think I will be? Will I pass? I'll give it my best shot.

Ippon Gumites 1-10

2010-09-09T15:45:00.004-04:00

Ippon Gumite

These are the first "Pair Works" that one learns in our Club. Ippon Gumite means "One Step Sparring". The First 10 are.

Ipponme #1 (Jodan Uke)
Nihonme #2 (Gedan Barai)
Sanbonme #3 (Otoshi Uke)
Yonhonme #4 (Keri Uke)
Gohonme #5 (Gaiwan-Naiwan Uke)
Ropponme #6 (Shuto Uke)
Nanahonme #7 (Chudan-Nagashi Uke)
Happonme #8 (Hiji Uke)
Kyuhonme #9 (Nagashi-Keri Uke)
Jupponme #10 (Hirate-Otoshi Uke)

One side attacks and the other side Defends and Counters. These moves can be and is applied to our Sparring. There have been times when I've done Sparring and I do a Block and Counter and realize that I've just done one of the 10's. These do help when it comes to Sparring. It's hard to learn these at first. But after awhile it becomes much easier.

The Terms

Jodan Uke- Head Block

Gedan Barai- Downward Block

Otoshi Uke- Hammer Fist Block

Keri Uke- Kick Block

Gaiwan-Naiwan Uke- Inside Followed by Outside Block

Shuto Uke- Blocks where you use the "knife hand" (edge of the hand near the pinky). This includes using both hands in a shuto block known as morote shuto uke. These blocks can be done from the outside (soto) or inside (uchi) relative to the attacker's center line

Chudan Nagashi Uke- Blocking the middle on the 45

Hiji Uke- Elbow Block

Nagashi Keri Uke- Block the kick on a 45 Angle

Hirate-Otoshi Uke- Hirate is an open palm and Otoshi is Decending Palm Block

Gone

2010-09-03T20:00:00.001-04:00

Gone

Gone are the fears of being out of place
Gone are the feelings of not belonging
Of awkwardness
Of failing
Gone are the fears of Sensei
Gone are the fears of The Black Belts
Of the Brown Belts
The Green Belt Level too
Here to stay are the feelings of belonging
Of acceptance
Of being able to accomplish anything
Anything I put my mind to

Grading Day Jitters

2010-09-03T19:57:00.001-04:00

Grading Day Jitters

Jump into the shower
All the while going over the Grading inside my head
Trying to remember everything
Grading Day Jitters begin
Out of the shower dressing for the day
Still my mind on the Grading
I open my Blue Syllabus Book
Reviewing the notes, I wrote along the side.
Grading Day Jitters increases
Fixated on the Kyu at hand
Hoping upon hoping I make it
First Class Pass is the Goal
Second Class Pass will do
Eating breakfast still fixated on the Kyu
I've trained hard, practiced late after Class, slept, ate, and breathed for this day
I go about my daily routine
Make my bed
Tidy my room
Watch a bit of TV
The Jitters are still there
I try to take my mind off of it
Read a bit
Time to go
My Karate Notes now are in a bigger binder now
Time to meet my destiny
Reviewing all the while as I travel by Transit
Still reviewing as I step off the bus, the train
As I exit the Bayview Subway Station
Entering the Y my mind is still on The Grading
Going over everything as I change into my Karate Gi
Still reviewing inside my head as I stretch and warm up
I find a quiet spot inside the Dance Studio where I sit
It is here where I center myself
Where I try to calm myself down
I find my peace
The Jitters slowly fade
Open my eyes
Am ready to Grade
“Let's do it” I say to myself
A Grading Day Routine that I will be doing many more times
It's still as nerve racking as my First Grading Day

It's KUSHANKU Time

2010-09-03T00:50:00.008-04:00

Now that the 5 Pinan Katas are tucked away inside my brain it is now time to learn the grand daddy of all Katas KUSHANKU with the 82 moves.

Kata is forms/routine. Filled with Blocks, Hits, Strikes, and Kicks. Each move in Kata can be a defensive move against an attacker in a fight.

The History of Kushanku

This is an old Kata. It was created in 1761. A Military Diplomat named Kushanku traveled to the Island of Okinawa to teach the natives fighting and once there he started to teach this Kata to the native people there. One of the natives named this Kata after the person that brought the Kata over. As a way to honour him.

Before anyone learns this Kata one must have the first 5 Pinan Katas under their Belts first. Before they can even try this Kata. Kushanku contains various moves from the first 5 Pinan Katas. This Kata also has 82 moves and a Double Front Kick.

This Kata is a very interesting Kata. When done correctly like with all the Katas that we do, it is very pretty and graceful to watch.

Karate and Injuries and Preventing Them

2010-08-29T17:12:00.007-04:00

I have been doing a bit of research into Injuries and Karate.

The most common injuries are soft tissue damage, bruises, cuts, sprains, broken bones, muscle pulls, and strains.

No one Martial Arts Practitioner in any Dojo throughout the world is immune to injury. It can happen at any time, on any given day. But there is one key element to preventing an injury. And that is doing a proper stretch before Class. Stretching ever muscle is the key. Stretching after Class is just as important too as it calms the joints, and muscles down therefore preventing cramps, stiffness, and pain one feels after a Class.

Many people make the mistake of coming back too soon, before the Injury is completely healed. And going back at things at full speed Therefore causing a re-injury which will set the person back longer. It will take the injury longer to heal.

My advice seek Doctor Advice before heading back to normal activity. And when you do comeback take it slowly and easy. Slowly build up the strength of the injured area

When I do my Warm Ups I personally start at the top then work my way down. Or I go the opposite and start from the bottom up. I stretch anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes.

During Class to avoid injury

Keep a closed fist
Keep a slight bend in your joints
Never kick the shin bone directly (your toes will thank you) when Sparring
Tap Out during Pair Works at the slightest sign of pain

Below is a Web Site that I found that explains getting the most out of your Sport Performance

CORE PERFORMANCE WEB SITE

My Dojo Happenings

2010-08-25T14:14:00.007-04:00

I dedicate this Blog Entry to all those in my Club that have recently achieved their next Rank. Way to go my fellow Karateka. Am very proud.

We've had a few Karateka Advancing in Rank in our Club recently. A few Achieved Dan Levels while others are now in a whole new Belt Colour. The First Row is filling up fast I hope there'll be room for me when I get up there.

We've recently had Shiomitsu Sensei lead a Clinic in our Club. His Clinics are always great fun. Each Clinic is different than before. We did the same Drills from a relaxed position. We worked on Pair Works and some Kata. Pinan Godan is still a work in progress with me. I am still not trusting myself in knowing the moves. It is coming, slowly and when it does get here it will hit me in Class one night when I least expect it. Like all the others did.

I learn a lot from Shiomitsu Sensei. I am also in awe of him. His movements and techniques are incredible. I even was given a bit of advice from him. He told be to "Be Patient". And he also signed my "Dynamic Kicking Book (a book he wrote many years ago). In the book he wrote "Train with an open, clear mind". In the beginning I felt a tad intimidated by him but not so much now. I did not realize how many bad habits I have in Class, that I need to break.

I am doing new Pair Works. Nihon Gumite, Kumite Gata and some rather odd one's I think they are called "Goshin Ho". So far I have Ippon Gumite 1-10 under my Obi now onto more. Pair Works are always a challenge for me to learn when they are new.

Summer is winding down in our Club and then some Karateka will be heading back to school. But they'll be back, they always comeback.

Congrats go out to the following. Way to go everyone. Thought I would mention them. They really worked hard.

Dan Level Advancement
Sempai C
Sempai H
Sempai J

First Brown Belt
Kohai C
Kohai R
Kohai D

THE BOWING PROCEDURE

2010-08-06T00:13:00.003-04:00

It's all about etiquette at our Dojo and sometimes we tend to be a bit lazy when it comes to proper procedures/etiquette. I myself have slipped.

Tonight Sensei called the Class to order and we ran to our places. I did not see any Higher Belts other than Sempai Harvey so I took up position to his Left. I no longer fear stepping forth on the Front Line as no portals to Hell have opened up nor have they swallowed me. So it is safe.

Tonight after "The Bowing Procedure" Sensei gave a little talk. He only heard two people do the sayings which he was not happy about. And told the Class that we better learn it now and do it when Shiomitsu Sensei is here.

The Higher Ranking Belt says

SEIZA (Kneel in Seiza)
SHOMEN NI REI (Bow to the Dojo)
SENSEI NI REI (Bow to Sensei)
OTAGON NI REI (Bow to each other)

After we go into Seiza we place our hands on our thighs. After each Lead Karateka saying we slide our hands down our thighs and to the floor. Placing the hands in a Triangle Formation we then Bow our Heads. Then bringing our hands back to our Thighs we wait for the next order, then we do the same thing again, We do it three times.

Beginning of Class we say ONAGAI SHIMAS (Teach me I am ready)
End of Class we say ARIGATO GOZIAMUSU (Thank you for teaching me)
KURTZ (Stand and Bow)

The Heavy Bag and Training

2010-08-02T15:23:00.004-04:00

Heavy Bags range in weights from 40-100 Pounds. Some are Leather or Vinyl. Boxers use them to improve on their punching and hitting techniques

Hitting the heavy bag is physically demanding and a true test of strength and stamina.

There are many great benefits with using a Heavy Bag. Whether it be a full-body workout, sharpened self defense skills, the heavy bag is a valuable addition to any home, or commercial gym setting.

The Benefits

Aerobic Workout

It's a great aerobic workout. To get any real benefit from it aerobically one should be moving non stop for two minutes straight and increase that minute by minute. For new starters to the Bag I suggest slowly work your way up five minutes.

Power Builder

The heavy bag was actually designed for boxers to enhance their punching power. It allows for the perfect opportunity to focus on using as many muscles as possible, The main muscles worked on the heavy bag include the shoulders, arms, back, chest and waist. Legs are also used in the process of punching the bag, to generate power through the upper body. will help to develop power through the shoulders and chest, while uppercuts and hooks will utilize the back and arms to a greater extent.

Improves Core and Coordination

Moving around the bag as well as moving from foot to foot helps with the coordination factor. Self Defense Skills are developed as the bag cannot retaliate, therefore making it the ideal way in which to perfect self defense technique. Visualize the bag as an opponent and hit as if being hit. In other words, use lateral movement, and bobbing and weaving, to set up a punch, or series of punches, on the premise that the bag is a living breathing opponent throwing its own combination of punches. Try swinging the bag to make it a moving target. This will make it harder to hit, and improve the workouts real-life application.

Improves Body Shape

It will improve body shape in arms, and legs. When you add other gym equipment to the mix.

Stress Buster

The Heavy bag is a great stress reliever. Any exercise routine reduces stress.

Low Cost

Heavy Bags range in prices and come in various sizes and weights. The only other piece of equipment needed are Good Gloves/Hand wraps

Final Note

If planning on purchasing Heavy Bags for your Training read up on them, shop around, and ask questions. Purchase the right bag for your needs. These bags come in many weights and styles. Some hang from ceilings, some bags have bases that can be filled with either water or sand.

Summer And The Dojo

2010-07-21T15:06:00.005-04:00

Summer time and Karate Class is not that big. Even the kids Class is smaller that normal.
Many people are away, doing summer courses, and so on. Even with the smaller Class it still goes on. Last night the first Row were all Green Belts. Sensei has a better view of us when we are the first row. Smaller Class Sensei can see everyone better.

It was one (I have both good nights and bad nights at Karate, a lot of good one's) of my better nights as Sensei kept a close eye on me during the Kicking Portion of Class and he guided me. He was actually impressed by the height that I am getting with them now. I even was complimented by him a few times. Cool. I do get a tad lazy with the kicks sometimes.

Every Class is different we never do the same thing. Which makes it a lot more interesting. When Sensei does Warm Ups he does them differently each and every time. We did the normal punching and kicking drills, and Kata. Then we did a bit of Partner Work. Always fun. After that we lined up and did some Punching, Ashi, Kicking Combination Drills.

Summer time is always hot in the gym. We do work up a sweat. I'd prefer the Y to crank up the A/C. I go through about two bottles of water a Class. Thinking about getting a bigger metal water bottle. Should have got one at that store that my sister's and I stopped at on our way home from Polaris. Never crossed my mind.

Bring On The New Kicks

2010-07-13T23:42:00.006-04:00

Fran meet Tobi Maegeri and Tobi Mawashigeri. Tobi Maegeri and Tobi Mawashigeri meet Fran. You'll be spending a lot of time with each other so get used to each other.

Just when I think that I have a handle on things. Some more new things to learn are tossed into the fire. Today I was introduced to 2 new kicks. Tobi Maegeri and Tobi Mawashigeri. These are Jumping Kicks. They are not that easy. These Kicks are rather hard on the heels. When I Grade for Brown I will be doing these Kicks.

I still do find the Kicks hard. Which is why I do not practice them like I should. But I am starting to work on doing Training on my own at home.

Our Kicks. Yes there are 8. There maybe more but these are the one's that I've been shown so far. And one's that I know and am still learning.

Maegeri
Mawashigeri
Sokuto
Sokugeri
Ushirogeri
Ura Mawashigeri
Tobi Maegeri
Tobi Mawashigeri

Kaleidescope Of Butterflies

2010-06-29T14:34:00.008-04:00

Kaleidescope Of Butterflies

Slowly I ascend the stairs
With each step the kaleidescope of butterflies grows and grows within my belly
Finally at the top I peek inside
On the sidelines I see a row of people in white pajamas
And me in a ratty t-shirt and blue sweat pants
I don't belong here I say to myself as I turn around and try and make an escape
Too late as a mob of people clad in White Pajamas climb the stairs
Lost in the mob I am carried inside the gym
Seeking refuge in the corner of the gym I try and make myself small
The kaleidescope still fluttering about as I try to gain some control
A man wearing a black belt comes forward
The group follows him
Warm ups begins
I try my best to keep up
He smiles at me
The kaleidescope of butterflies begins to settle slightly
Warm ups ends a little exhausted I take a few breaths
Class is called to order as I follow the lead of others not wearing white pajamas
I do what the others do and follow the bowing procedure
A group of Black Belts cluster together
Speaking to each other
All the while looking at the Class
Their eyes set upon the newest recruits, us as we huddle together for a bit of security
The Kaleidescope of butterflies begins their dance within me again
I look for an escape, too late
The same man that lead the Warm ups approaches the new recruits
He warmly smiles at them
Then takes them to a corner and begins to teach them
He smiles at me as he senses my fear
A calmness takes over
As the Kaleidescope of Butterflies begins to fade slowly within my belly
As they flutter away.

My Karate Life Thus Far

2010-06-25T12:37:00.007-04:00

Karate Life is still pretty good. I still love it. Every day I seem to have a better understanding of it. I really need to start kicking my own behind and work on it on my own daily. Sensei has given me some amazing tips on ways to improve my Techniques as well. So that is a bonus.

I've been through a few Gradings, been promoted a few times (5x's), half passed a Grading, then fully passing a month later (PHEW), backed out of a Grading (wasn't ready), been to Camp twice, been through a few Shiomitsu Sensei Clinics, done a Clinic here and a Clinic there. All in all I've been a busy Karateka. Busy and still learning.

I recently read two books by Dave Lowry that talks about Karate on a deeper level. It also talks about a bit of the History of it, and where it began.

The Karate Way

In The Dojo: A Guide To Rituals, And Etiquette Of The Japanese Martial Arts

This one I have yet to read and find:

Karate Do: My Way Of Life

I recently purchased two new items for my Gear Bag. Pretty soon I may start dragging a Hockey Bag to Karate Class. Good thing we don't use weapons. I now have Protective Eye Ware and Forearm Guards. The eye ware is due to the fact that I wear contacts and they pop out easily. And the arm guards are for Sparring. At Camp my arms took such a pounding they were swollen and sore for a few days after Camp. Kicks to the arms really hurt.

Karate Life is pretty good. I still enjoy it. I learn something new every class. And I still have fun at it.

Unlocking The Door

2010-06-18T13:59:00.002-04:00

I am slowly unlocking the Wado Ryu Door one key at a time. I am amazed by each and every Class. I learn something new, a new Technique, a new Drill, a new Kata, a new way of doing a Technique. Lately we've been doing a lot of Basics. Basic Punches and Kicks. My Kicks are still not that great, so after Class I decided to work on them down in the "Mat Room" at the Y. I shared the space with two Sempai and Sensei. I was working on "struggling with" the Side Kick. When Sensei stopped me and gave me a few pointers.

To hold onto something first, then let go of that, to do it standing still, from different stances, doing different Ashi "Foot Movements" Okuri Ashi, Tsugi Ashi, Ayumi Ashi, Sokto Okuri Ashi, but most of all to do these Kicks while in motion so I get my sense of Balance and to always think of someone attacking or me moving while fighting. I won't be standing still in that situation. I tried his way and eureka it made sense. I should do these Drills both standing still and in motion.

Am curious to see what other mystery I will unlock while on this Journey and what I will discover?

Greens Are Taking Over

2010-06-16T12:39:00.007-04:00

Wow we have so many Karateka at Green Belt Level now. We are slowly taking over the Dojo. We fill in the whole row. And when the other Greens finish School and comeback in the summer we may have to make two Rows.

I know the jump from 4th to 3rd is a big leap as you are going from Green to Brown. That Level is a tough one and nobody dives into that too quickly. You have to be pretty sure that your techniques are better than good and that you understand them when you try for that Level. When I first entered the Green Belt Level (6th Kyu) Sempai H told me to expect a longer stay in this Coloured Level. And now I can see he was not kidding. Hey I am quite content in the 5th Kyu. In fact it's real cozy. I think we are the largest Belt Level now. Watch out White, Brown, and Black Levels the Greens are taking over the Dojo.

I think right now I am the only Highest 5th Kyu now. And I am the only 5th Kyu Adult, the rest are Youth. Cool. I just hope the instructors don't forget about me and start teaching me Brown Belt stuff. Not ready for that....yet.

I maybe stuck in the middle at Green Belt but I truly am not bothered by it. I like being Green. Besides I now have more time to better my techniques and understand them. Then I'll consider moving on to the final stage of Green Belt.

Dive On In

2010-06-15T15:58:00.003-04:00

Dive On In! Viewers of My Blog!

New Addition to My Blog is a "Poll Section". Feel free to answer my Poll. I may do a Poll a week.

Join the party. Kick off your shoes, pull up a chair, grab your favourite beverage and join in on the fun. Have any suggestions on what I should Blog about, I'd love to hear about it.

Feel free to Post a Comment or two.

New Kick Ura Mawashigeri

2010-06-14T16:26:00.009-04:00

Cool I have been shown an interesting but confusing new kick. It's called a Ura-Mawashigeri, in English that's a Reverse/Backward Roundhouse Kick. And this one is not that easy. I wonder at what level I will be doing this one at? I will take Sempai Robyn's advice and work on this kick in the pool at the Y.

I can see how this kick would be useful. To kick someone in the back of the head. But not so much if you have short legs like I do.

Please note that the Videos/Books/On line Communities are good but does not and should not be replaced by an instructor. In regards to the books from your local library it's best to ask your Sensei or a Higher Belt about these and what they recommend. As most of these books are outdated. Moves and Techniques/Methods change in the Karate Environment so it is best to "err on the side of caution".

I find watching my fellow Higher Belted Karateka that can do this kick helps a little. One does not and cannot master this kick in a day. In fact Karate cannot be learned in a day, it takes years and lots of practice.

In the meantime I think I will stick to getting my Roundhouse Kick down before I attempt the Reverse one. Not to mention the Side Kicks.

I wonder who thought up these kicks? Most of all I wonder who came up with Kata and why are they called what they are called?

Karate Training In A Pool? Intrigued

2010-06-10T23:43:00.004-04:00

Karate Pool Training

I've heard about this from the "Karate Web Circle" and tonight Sempai Robyn mentioned this to me when we were doing the Backwards Roundhouse Kick, that doing this in a Pool would help me to learn it and master it. Get the Body Mechanics of it. I am quite intrigued by this. And wonder if it really works? It must work and some must have tried it if it was mentioned to me.

I've seen Kushanku or Naihanchi done in a Swimming Pool.

It has me thinking about that Training Pool that the Y has that the Aqua Fit Class uses. Whenever I've been in the big pool I've looked over to that Training Pool and see it not in use. It has me wondering if Karateka would be allowed to use it. I wonder what Karate Training I could do in the Pool, that would be a help to me?

I know doing Kicks would work? Wonder if doing Punches, Stances, and Kata would work too?

Perhaps I will investigate this. And try it. It seems a shame to have that small Training Pool just sitting there with nobody using it. Wonder if anyone else in my Karate Class has heard about this, or knows about this?

I must inquire about this.

Not Grading Yet

2010-06-10T12:31:00.003-04:00

After thinking long and hard. And having conversations with two Higher Ranking Black Belts in my Class. I decided NOT to Grade for 4th Kyu yet. I am just not that ready to do it, and I need more time with the material. I need to step up my Forms and Techniques and start doing them at the Green Belt Level. And practicing at home.

Sensei does Drills, and Basics for 20 minutes Daily. I could do that. In fact I will do that.

4th Kyu will be there when I am ready to be there. It's not going anywhere.

The Gradings are getting a lot harder now. Our Sensei is not tolerating White Belt performance at Green Belt Level now from any of us. And I most certainly don't want to be showing him White Belt Level errors when I Grade.

Some are anxious for their next Belt, and some are racing for Brown Belt. Which is a lot closer now. But I stand by my beliefs in what Wado is really all about. Wado Ryu is a journey one embarks on. It's not a race. You should stop now and then and enjoy the scenery, take a few pictures, if you go through the journey quickly then you'll miss something. Then you are really not truly learning the "Art".

Doubting Karateka

2010-06-09T14:17:00.005-04:00

As "Grading Day" approaches I am beginning to have a lot of doubts and worry. And am beginning to have second thoughts about going through with it. Actually am getting "cold feet". But then again I do feel ready.

I am looking at it from all sides. And am questioning myself.

1. Am I Grading just to keep up with my pals?

2. Do I know the material well enough?

3. Do I know the two Katas well enough to Sensei's satisfaction?

4. Do I have a fear in Grading itself?

5. Am I comfortable in the material?

6. Should I take more time to perfect it?

Grading is never easy. There is pressure. And I can assume that it will be getting a lot harder from here on out. In fact I know it will be getting tougher. Sensei will be expecting a lot more from us in the future. I look around at my fellow 5ths and all I can see is Sensei not being impressed by some of their forms/techniques on Saturday.

I do feel ready to some degree. But am I ready enough to go up their and do it in front of Sensei?

If I hold off then I have about 80+ Classes until the next Grading rolls around again to get it right and perfect. And to Sensei's satisfaction.

So here I am at a "fork in the road". Unsure what road to take.

I do believe that "Wado Ryu Karate" is a "Journey". One that should not be taken at a fast pace but a slow one. To enjoy the scenery. A true Karateka knows and believes that it's not all about "getting to the next level" or "getting the next Belt". And I do believe that.

So I think I will step away from this Grading. Take more time to get my techniques and forms down. To show Sensei that I am ready. But above all to show myself.

And 3 out of 6 Questions I answered No. So I have my answer. Maybe the next one, or the one after that. We'll see.

Going For 4th Kyu

2010-06-04T11:28:00.005-04:00

I've made the decision to go for 4th Kyu. My last and final Green Belt on June 12. I have been secretly training and working on this Level before Class, after Class, during Class, at Camp, and on my own for quite awhile now. I have the Basics down, Combinations down too. I have a few kinks in Kata to work on but they are only minuscule. My attendance is 95% since my last Grading. I think you loose 1.5% from your attendance each Class you missed. 95% is pretty good.

I did take a blow last Grading. Where I failed the "Kata Section" and that has come onto this Grading. If I can block that out of my mind and just go into the Grading and just do Kata and not worry about the past then I am sure I will be fine.

Sempai Victor and Sempai Harvey have been working with me on the Katas lately and it has helped me, a lot.

Doing Kata in front of people is not an easy task. Especially when you have Black Belts watching you. Sometimes I feel a tad intimidated by them when they watch me. When you do Kata, you are up there alone and feel very exposed during Grading. I am okay with Sensei watching me, but when you add all these other Black Belts into the mix it can and does get a bit nerve racking.

In the beginning at White Belt Level we always did Kata with others during practice. And if I can remember it was not as nerve racking. Then we did Kata with others and you did not feel quite so alone and exposed. But now we do it solo. How I miss those days. Grading is never easy, not at any Level.

Karate Camp 2010- Jackson's Point

2010-05-31T18:16:00.011-04:00

Karate Camp happened this year from May 28-30. We went to the Salvation Army Camp out in Jackson's Point.

Friday

Sempai J came to pick me up at 3:45PM and I was ready. We first drove to the YMCA and I waited for Sempai E (who never showed). Then Sempai J returned with son Sempai J and we went over to Scarborough to pick up Sensei. I met his wife Carol. She is a sweet lady, I like her. Then we headed to "The Point". It was a nice drive as we went in the HOL-Carpool Lane-. The traffic was not that bad at all. We made it to the place in an hour. As for us having to be ready to train by 7:30PM that was a ruse to make us be on time. Training actually started at 8:00PM. We trained from 8-9:30. We did basics, and drills. And a bit of Kata. After our Training Session we went over to a Pavilion and had a bit of a Social and a Snack. There I set up my Keyboard and Charlotte played with it. The gathering dispersed as we all slowly went to our assigned Cabins and went to bed.

Saturday

5:20AM came early for us as we donned our running shoes and did the morning run at 6:00AM. We had to be ready to Train by 7:00PM. I did do the run. I ran and walked it. I did a slow jog/trot. I am not a runner. I am a walker. I think I did better than last year. But I do need to put in more cardio in my Y Workout Routine. Then by 8:30 we bowed and headed to the Dining Hall for Breakfast. Then we had to suit up again and be ready to Train by 10:00. We Trained until noon. We did some Pad Work and Sparring. I really need to get some Sport Goggles. After lunch we had another Training Session where we did some Drills and Basics. After lunch we also did some Sparring again. We did this for nearly 3 hours. Then it was time for us to take a breather. Some went for a walk to the beach while other's rested their aching muscles. First we went to the Dining Hall for our Evening Snack then we all went back to the Pavilion for another Social. There we had a little Celebration for Sensei Alex's 65th Birthday. We had carrot cake. First we were placed into Groups and had to do a Skit about Soccer/Karate. Our Skit won. Then we did our "Annual Party Game". It was Charades where we picked a card and acted out the word. We were all pretty much tired by then so we staggered to our Cabins as 5:20AM came early again. We had to be up, dressed, and ready to Jog by 6:00AM. Again we had to be ready to Train by 7:00AM.

Sunday

Up and ready to run by 6:00AM and ready to Train by 7:00AM. We did Basics, and Drills. Breakfast and then some more Training. We did Pair Works for Grading as well as Renraku Waza up until lunch time. But before we went to Lunch Sensei Alex had us do some Meditation. Then the fun of doing Birthday Push Ups. If Sensei was doing them we all did them. I had to stop and do Women's Style. Then it was time to leave Camp and for us to go home.

Camp was really fun this year. I enjoyed it. Nobody was seriously injured this year. Just a few sore feet, bruises, blisters, and one injured finger. I was battered and bruised but not too badly. I was tired. It was intense training. Sensei gave us some food for thought and gave us some words of wisdom.

This Camp is a great Camp. From the stories of previous Camps I am glad this place was found. It's great that meals and snacks are provided. And that they are accommodating to those with Special Dietary needs.

The Menu

Friday
Snack

Apples
Bananas
Granola Bars

Saturday
Breakfast

Cereal
Eggs and Bacon
Juice

Lunch

Meat
Cheese
Sub Buns

Dinner

Spaghetti
Caesar Salad
Garlic Bread

Dessert

Chocolate Cupcakes

Snack

Rice Krispies Square
Juice
Fruit
Chicken Wings

Sunday
Breakfast

Cereal
French Toast/Suasages

Lunch

Roast Beef
Herb Potatoes
Vegetables
Gravy
Dinner Rolls

Dessert

Butter Tarts

A Karate Camping We Go

2010-05-26T19:03:00.004-04:00

It's that time of year again for the Karate Club to head to Jackson's Point to the Annual Karate Camp. We're going to the same place which is nice. I am looking forward to this Weekend. Karate all weekend long. In fact I am excited. It will be a weekend of intense training and fine turning our Techniques. Now that I am Higher in Belt Rank I will probably be doing more Sparring this time around. With who I don't know yet.

I am mostly all packed except for my other Gi, Obi and a few other things that I will not be packing until the day off. All in all I am ready to KICK IT at CAMP.

Kata Clinic-Running-Walking-Charity

2010-05-10T00:47:00.004-04:00

On Friday May 7, 2010 Sensei held a Kata Clinic for all those that participated in the Y Fun Run on April 24. It was for "Sprott House" A YMCA Housing Unit for Homeless Youth.

Did I do the Fun Run? Yes and No. No I did not join the other Participants for the Run but I did do 5K on the Y Running Track. Running and Walking the Track. I really did go around the Track several times. Actually 9 times around the Track walking is 1K. How many times did I go around is anyone's guess. Once I turn on my MP 3 Player and strap it to my arm I am gone. So I did do something on my own for the Charity Event.

Maybe next year I'll actually do 5K. You never know.

The Kata Clinic was a small group. Only 7 came out. But it was worth it. I now have a better understanding of Pinan Shodan and Pinan Yondan. Actually I would not mind participating in more of these Clinics. It was a lot of fun. I am just glad that some did show up. People have a tendency to say "They'll show" and they never do.

Bring On More Ippons And Thinking

2010-04-30T21:59:00.003-04:00

Ippon Kumite is basically ONE STEP SPARRING. Pair Works. One side Attacks and the other side Blocks and Counters the attack. The Higher you get in Rank the more complex the Ippons becomes. In the beginning we were taught to do each move slowly and by showing Sensei in our Grading each move. But now things are changing. We are now speeding up the moves. Not so easy.

I am beginning to think a lot more now. Think about "situations" and how to get out of one. In doing Ippons we are told to think about "a wall being behind us" and to think about how to "get out of that situation" when an attack is coming.

We were also reminded that when we do fight each other to mix things up and change the way we fight each and every time. This way the "opponent" does not and cannot learn the way you fight.

Ippons are fun. They are hard at times. It's fun to try new things in fighting. It's all controlled. More safer that way.

Preparing For Any Level Grading

2010-04-23T19:15:00.003-04:00

Hello Readers!

Here are a few tips on How To Prepare For Grading.

1. Enjoy it. This time in your karate journey should be special. Enjoy the training and keep working at it. You'll get there all in due time.

2. Have confidence in your training. Remember that you have been practicing for this test for several months and years. Ask questions and don't be afraid to ask for help from a Higher Belt. They are more than willing and able to help you. They too want to see YOU ACHIEVE to the NEXT LEVEL

3. Basics Basics Basics. Keep practicing Basics. Keep going over the things that are giving you the most trouble. Keep going over Kata. Even the one's that are not on your Grading.

4. You will make mistakes. It happens to everyone. You will be judged on how well you handle it. Work through your mistakes. Don't beat yourself up. Just get back up again, dust yourself off and continue.

5. Avoid the "deal breakers" - Improper Stances, Sloppy moves, Speed. These all play a role in whether you Pass or Fail.

6. You cannot cram for a martial arts test the night before. This is Martial Arts and it is a long study. None of it can be learned in one night.

7. You are what you train. You will reap the reward of your effort during testing.

8. Expect the unexpected. Be prepared for a change. Sensei could call out Migi instead of Hidari. So watch for it.

9. Try to stay calm. Easier said than done. What I find a help is finding a quiet spot and Meditating. Do some deep breathing, clear your mind, and just breath and relax.

10. Be prepared for long hours.

Good Luck. And remember one thing.

TO HAVE FUN

Challenging Days

2010-04-07T14:24:00.004-04:00

Challenging Days await me in the coming Days/Weeks/Months/Years. And I can't wait.

I am embarking on a new Challenge. The Mysterious Brown Belt Level. It is similar to the previous Green Belt Levels but now we are diving deeper into Self Defense. We worked on Goshin Ho last night. Goshin Ho is Self Defense Techniques. We were doing the getting out of a wrist grab. This is where I can see my "Gorilla Hands" coming in useful.

As for the kicking Department and getting out of the way of them. I still am directionally challenged here. I end up going the wrong way and getting clobbered.

We are slowly getting used to doing "Block" and "Countering" at the same time. And increasing our reaction time.

We worked on some of it last night in Class. There is a lot for me to learn and master. And new Techniques, Combinations, and Words. The higher I get the words are becoming like a tongue twister.

But hey I am up for this Challenge. Bring It On. Can't wait. This is after all Martial Arts. It would not be Martial Arts without some Challenges.

Story Series: The Dojo and The Student

2010-04-02T16:39:00.012-04:00

This is my first of what is hoped to be many stories about my Journey in Wado Ryu as I travel down the path.

The Dojo And The Student
The Beginning Of The Journey

I have always been shy and timid. New things scare me a little. Due to this minor set back I had missed out on several opportunities in my life. All because I was too scared to take a risk and try new things. No matter how hard anyone pushed me to try new things and to take risks, I always managed to push back harder. Then one fall day I saw that Notice on the Bulletin Board at the YMCA that started it all.

One evening I, a new member of the local YMCA decided to try out a Women's Self Defense Course being offered by the resident Karate Club. I had seen the notice on the Bulletin Board.I arrived promptly at 7:45 PM and stood waiting for the Course to begin with other Women. Being the shy and quiet person that I am I stood slightly away from the crowd. Just then I saw a man enter wearing a White Gi with a well worn Black Obi. He looked important and a bit on the intimidating side. I then realized that he was Sensei Alex. I had goggled him by looking him up on line and looked at the Club Website to better prepare myself. The Class started as the Women were shown various Self Defense moves. And we were then allowed to practice on each other. I found the course rather helpful. I also found the women of the Karate Club helpful in answering all my questions about Wado Ryu Karate, and about the Club. It was here that I met Heather and we became instant friends.

It took me awhile to gain the courage to walk into the gym to try Wado Ryu Karate. In fact it took me four months from the time I did the Women's Self Defense Class. It took me about two weeks to gain the courage to actually walk into the Class. In the two weeks leading up to taking the plunge I would stand outside in the hall where the stairs lead up to the gym and watch the Karate Class in action through the small window of the door. I did this a few times. Each time I watched, it was drawing me in closer and closer. It took me two tries to gain up the courage to walk inside. Finally one night (February 28, 2008) I decided to swallow my fears and give it my best shot. As I stood waiting in the hall those fears began to take a hold of me, again. I was about to descend the steps leading down from the gym, yet again when I was stopped by a swarm of Adults in White Gi ascending the stairs therefore preventing me from escaping. And alas here is where my journey begins.

I had walked into the Dojo with the others and followed the crowd and found a corner. I always feel safer in the corner. I could feel the shyness kicking in as well as a feeling of nervousness. It was the unknown and meeting new people that frightened me. But I was bound and determined not to chicken out and give Karate Class a try. As I stood waiting for class to begin I did not see the girl in the Green Belt approach.

“Hi my name is Charlotte, is this your first time here?” She said in a bubbly voice.

“Hi, my name is Fran and yes it is my first time.” I replied back to her in a timid voice.

“Just try and follow along and do what the others do, you'll get the hang of it.” Charlotte said with a smile.

It was then that a tall slender Asian Man dressed in a Karate Gi and wearing a Black Obi approached the group and ordered the group to the center of the Dojo to do Warm Ups. Dutifully the group walked over to the center of the room. It was then that the Asian man noticed me and cautiously approached. He noticed how shy and frightened I was so he must of thought it would be best to approach me gently.

“Hello, my name is Sempai H, is this your first class?” He asked me to which I timidly nodded. “Just follow along as best you can, I'll go easy on you.” He said with a small chuckle. I just smiled.

I took up position among the others who were not in Karate Uniforms and like the trooper that I am I followed along as best as I could. Then after the warm ups everyone lined up in Rank and did the Bowing Procedure. I just did what everyone else did. Each Rank were then separated from each other and taken to different areas of the Gym to work on their things. There I stood with the other nervous Beginners and watched as Higher Black Belts seemed to be looking at the Beginners and talking. The one person I did not see was Sensei Alex. It was later mentioned that he was out due to surgery. I wondered if the others standing beside me were feeling the same thing. Feelings of awkwardness, out of place, feelings of not belonging there. I kept looking towards the door and began planning an escape. I slowly started to make a move towards the door marked “EXIT” when something made me stop. Was it her courage? Or was it something else that prevented my feet from moving towards the door? Whatever it was it made me stay put.

Sempai H began moving towards the Beginners, as he approached all of my fears and strange feelings had left. A calmness began to envelop me, as I began to relax. Sempai Harvey then took his charges to a little corner of the Gym and started to teach the new Kohai. It was right then and there that my passion for Wado Ryu began to emerge.

And so here is where my Journey begins

First Karate Class Feelings

2010-04-01T14:42:00.002-04:00

First Karate Class Feelings

Feelings of nervousness
Feelings of awkwardness
Feelings of being out of place
Of not belonging
Feelings of intrusion
Terrified of Sensei
Scared of Black Belts
Afraid of Brown Belts
Scared of failing
Feelings of happiness to know that I am not the only one

Mokuso-Empty Mind

2010-03-31T12:27:00.001-04:00

Mokuso (Empty Mind)

Mokuso is part of the training of the mind called 'Mushin', which comes from Zen Buddhism. Where it should come into play is when one is doing Sparring and is attacked.

If one sees a beautiful flower, normally the mind concentrates on it, but with an empty mind (Mokuso) the mind is aware of everything else as well as the flower.

So when one fights an enemy, attacking and defending, if only concentrating on blocking techniques, the mind is restricted to that movement, but if the mind is empty (and blocking practiced enough) the body is able to do the next movement automatically and movements will always be natural.

If the body is tense it is wasting energy and restricting speed, it is essential to move without being conscious of it. That feeling is called Mushin.

How to practice Mokuso

Sit in seiza position.

Back straight, chin pulled in, eyes half closed.

Look at a spot in the floor 2 metres in front of you.

In the beginning it is difficult to empty your mind so the first step is to practice Susosu-Kan, that is control of the mind.

To do this count from 1 to 10 slowly, repeatedly.

Breathe in as you count 1 and out as you count 2 etc. Do not concentrate on anything but counting.

If you can do this for 30 minutes then you can control your mind.

The next step is to empty your mind. If you have to think about emptying your mind, it is not empty, there should be no effort involved.

When you can do that you will find a great difference in your free fighting.

Take a moment out for yourself to stop, and empty your mind. It does wonders.

Life At 5 th Kyu

2010-03-28T19:15:00.003-04:00

Life at 5th Kyu is going pretty good. Now we are getting into the more Advance Stuff. WOOHOO. It's going great.

Lately we've been doing the Basics and Reviewing Ippon Kumite 1-10. While the rest of the Class are preparing for their Gradings which took place yesterday. But last week we did do some things from the Brown Belt Level (Ippon Gumite #1). These are different as they are from Fighting Stance. It may look easy but it is not. You need to be quick in Reaction. Which I am not. And there are I believe 10 of these as well as other Ippons that I will be learning.

Ippon Kumite/Gumite is One Step Sparring and routine of moves. The Attacker attacks with a Punch or a Kick and the Defender Blocks and Counters at the same time. Which is where the Sens come into Play. Each Ippon is a Sen. Basically

Sen Sen No Sen -

In this situation both you and your opponent are ready and willing to attack. Your attack must be made first in a spilt second between the time your opponent mentally commits to the attack and the moment he begins his actual movement. His commitment to attack will prevent him responding with a defense.

Sen -

In Sen you and your opponent begin to move simultaneously. Your awareness of his intention to attack allows you to attack just slightly faster, making your strike just before his.

Go No Sen -

You must remain calm and watch your opponent very carefully. Your block should be an automatic response to his attack and you should attack him before he is able to recover from his initial moveme

Challenging Days

2010-03-17T20:48:00.003-04:00

Every Karate Class I find there is a new Challenge for me to tackle. Whether it be a new Pair Work Technique, New Drill, New Kick, etcetera. Tuesday's Class was definitely a challenge. After a great Warm Up it was time to do Drills. I seem to be getting better at remembering the Drills. I like the days when we do a good solid Workout on The Drills.

Then it came Kata time. We did Pinan Nidan and Pinan Shodan. It went well. Then came the Challenge.

THE CHALLENGE

To do Kata in the Opposite Direction.

With all of our Kata we always start "Left". This time Sensei wanted us to start Right. It's a lot harder than you think. Especially when you are used to doing it one way and one way only. Sensei saw amusement with this as we "ALL" ran into some difficulty. But it did give our Brains a good workout. It was hard but fun.

In Karate it's good to have a Challenge. And to do something in a different way. It makes it more enjoyable.

Saturday My Curiousity Day

2010-03-14T13:58:00.004-04:00

Saturday arrived as I woke to a cold and rainy miserable day. Even with the weather it did not put a damper on my mood. Karate Day always has me in a good mood. I can't wait to get to the Y on those days. I arrived at the Y a tad cold, and wet. I changed into my workout clothes and headed into the Gym. I did my usual stretch. *Always stretch before and after you workout*. And then I did my Cardio Routine, and added a bit of Rowing Machine to the Mix. The Y has these new Elliptical Machines that I've fallen in love with. These things give a good workout. I was curious about these new machines and tried out my first one on Thursday and tried it out and really liked it. I wonder how I can sneak one of these things home? Pretty big to fit in my Gym Bag. Anyway, back to Saturday. I did the Cross Trainer, did some Rowing, and a bit of Biking. Then I decided to go for a walk about at the Y. Off to the side of the Gym/Workout Room there are stairs that lead up to somewhere. I decided to see where these stairs lead to. I know the next Floor up is the door to the other side of the Gym but there are more stairs that lead to somewhere. I ventured on as I climbed to the third floor and let's just say it was not "that" interesting. For I found the running track. I entered and looked around. And stepped forward onto the Walking Lane and took a walk around the Track. Then I decided why stop there why not "Jog". So I picked up the pace and Jogged around the track twice. I could have done more but it was nearing Karate Time so I headed back down the stairs to change into my Gi.

There are other areas of the Y that I am curious about, with more stairs that lead to someplace that need to be investigated by me. Mmmm I wonder where the stairs lead to that are right outside of the Dance Studio? Perhaps on Tuesday I will go sleuthing again.

Up in the Running Track area I see an open space in the middle with doors that lead to an outside area. In fact there are two open air areas that lead to the outside at the Y upstairs in the Running Track area. I see a lot of wasted space at the Y, open areas, places that if designed and re done properly could mean better usage for all.

A New Experience For Me

2010-03-05T00:29:00.006-05:00

WOW I had a new experience in Class tonight. I find that every Karate Class I either do something new, or I learn something new. Every Class is a little different than before. I like that. It makes it fun and more enjoyable. Of course when we are broken off into our Grading Groups/Levels we do our stuff over and over. Even that is fun.

Tonight's Class was a little unexpected for me at least. Lately once the Kids clear out of their Class Sensei immediately calls Class to Order and we all run to our Lines and line up according to Rank. I looked around and did not see any Black Belts around. So I took up position over on the far side and the rest of the Ranks filled in beside and behind me. Sensei gave me the Order to do "Bowing Procedure".

This is what the Lead Karateka says

SEIZA (Kneel in Seiza)
SHOMEN NI REI (Bow to the Dojo)
SENSEI NI REI (Bow to Sensei)
OTAGON NI REI (Bow to each other)
Beginning we say ONAGAI SHIMAS (Teach me I am ready)
End we say ARIGATO GOZIAMUSU (Thank you for teaching me)
KURTZ (Stand and Bow)

I felt very honoured and proud. It was a new experience for me. It was a proud moment for me. I must have done it correctly as Sensei smiled at me when we were done. I never know what to expect at Karate. It's always a mystery.

Mysteries of The Dojo

2010-02-19T00:19:00.007-05:00

I had this image in my head as we stood in our Ranks when Sensei called the Class to order, Harvey took up his position in the first Row and the rest took up Position in their Designated Rows. The whole time during "Bowing" and Warm Ups I wondered why none of the Green Belts took up position in the First Row along side Harvey. Many of times I've seen the Front Row empty all except for maybe two or three Black/Brown Belts. I often wondered what is the proper etiquette for that. Do we leave the Lines as is or do we fill in the Rows. I often wanted to step into the "unknown" just to see what would happen.

Funny how there are moments when you are just standing there and then poof an image from a Movie enters your mind.

I had all these thoughts going through my head and wondered what would happen if "I" set foot in the "First Row". I imagined a portal to Hell opening up and swallowing me whole. I often wondered about that, not the Portal to Hell but about "Do the Rest of Us fill in the blanks in the row" or do we "remain in our designated lines"?

There's a lot of Mysteries about Our Dojo that I am curious about. Perhaps the next Class I will do some Sleuthing. Or I'll just go ask Harvey.

FINAL DAY SHIOMITSU SENSEI CLINIC

2010-02-13T23:02:00.004-05:00

The 3rd and final day of Shiomitsu Sensei Clinic is over until September. Lucky Black Belts have one more day. Not really sure what they'll be doing. Probably Grappling and some Advance Stuff. I can wait for that, am in no hurry to do any of that.

We started the afternoon session with Warm Ups by Sensei Alex. It was extremely crowded in that Dance Studio today. There were a lot of Green Belts. Normally I know where to Line up but today I hadn't a clue. We had some Members from the Rochester Wado Ryu Club with us today. It was great seeing them. As they are such a small Club they are partnered with us. When there is a Clinic or when Grading needs to be done they come up here to be Graded by Sensei Alex. I really am not sure how big their Club is.

Drills were on the menu first today. We did some new one's that had me a tad confused. We also did the Ashi (Okuri, Ayumi, Tsugi). A few Nagashi as well. We also did some punches being relaxed. We did them slow then fast. We did some Partner work doing some Ashi. I was confused by one of the Pair Works.

Punch comes step in and spin around then take out the leg. Sempai Harvey saw me struggling and came over and gave me a hand. This was a strange technique. One I've never seen or done before.

I did get to work with Heather which was nice. I also worked with Henry again.

Then the end arrived too soon. But I was getting a tad tired and hungry, as I needed to refuel. We sat and Shiomitsu Sensei gave us a period of Q/A. The he spoke about the way he warms up and gave us a demo. Then he spoke about Meditation (Mousok). On Harvey's way out he explained it better. Now I have a better understanding of it.

We did some stretches and some unusual "Sumo" squat and did a long Kiai. Then we posed for a picture and that was the end.

By the time Heather and I came upstairs the "Social" started. We stood around and chatted for a while, and we sat and ate. And then it was over.

All and all it was a great Clinic. Learned a lot. Now if only I can remember it all.

This Karateka is pretty tired so I bid you all a GOOD NIGHT.

OYASUMINASAI