2006 Workout #4: The Flying Chihuahua…

Tonight was an interesting one. We had a returning student from a few years back (I think while I was at college, not sure) and a few new beginners. The first class was kept pretty basic, despite the fact that Oedewaldt took the new students into the other room. We did a lot of blocking and reverse punch drills, and that grew into some partner training. I got to be across from Garls, which is always a good time. I always enjoy getting to train with him… it seems I always learn something new.

The second class was a buffet of kata. We did all the Heians, Tekki Shodan, Bassai Dai (a few times), and Kanku Dai (a few times). After Kanku Dai, Rush-san posed a question about the jumping front kick, and that grew into a partner drill. made a wish under his breath that I forget about that part of tonights class, which got me laughing.

We moved on to doing Nijyushiho (sp?) which is another kata that I really enjoy. We did it a few times… its really starting to grow on me. Then, after that, Sensei decided to continue the trend of often neglected kata and we did Unsu.

Unsu messes with me. I like the kata a lot, but there are moves in there that just make my brain (and body) do backflips. We went through it the first time and I still felt a little lost, as I’ve done this kata a half a dozen times in the last 6 years. Sensei Brewer surprised me by praising my attempt at the giant 360 degree jump in this kata, but then he wanted me to demonstrate it.

I had no idea what I did right or wrong at this juncture, so I just gave it a shot. Apparently, I was overthinking it and I wasn’t able to replicate my success after two tries. It was probably pretty painful to watch. I’m a little thrilled that I got one jump that was worthy enough to bear a second look.

I may have to pay a little more attention to Unsu as I start the trek to learn more advanced kata.

There was a part of me that wanted to spar tonight and a part of me that didn’t… I was having a hard time getting motivated to train this evening, so I wasn’t too keen to spar before class. There wasn’t much time in between or after class, so I suppose it will have to wait until Thursday or Saturday.

I enjoy studying and researching kata because it is interesting, intellectual, and keeps me mostly intact. Sparring is a visceral rush and is challenging, but at the same time tends to degrade my body faster which hinders my frequency of working out. I don’t know which is the preferred state at the moment, but I’ve not been too good at balancing my efforts.