Tonight’s workout was another great basic workout. During the first class, the focus was on deep, correct stance and it is very clear to me that I need more work on that. We ended the first class with some basic sparring drills using common attacks and blocks.
The second class consisted of gyaku kihon, or reverse basics, which were basically the same as standard basics only they are done with the opposite hand. For example, usually downward block should be done with the same hand and the leg that is bent into stance, but in gyaku kihon the block would happen with the opposite hand from the knee that is bent.
There are some things that I noticed when doing techniques in this way. One, the rear knee doesn’t bend as it usually does when doing blocks. This is a different body mechanic compared to the way we usually do block/punch combinations. Secondly, it becomes more difficult to not “pole vault” over your leg when moving forward in stance. I tried to focus on folding my front hip, which seemed to help my mobility, depth of stance, and power with the reverse punch and it seemed to help.
We finished the night with some basic sparring designed to condition the limbs. The idea was to commit strongly to the attack such that the partner had to block and block strongly. My arms are already a little bruised and sore, but I like that type of conditioning. We did this a few years ago and it really helped, I hope we keep it up throughout the month so that the limb pain goes away.
Kata: 5 Tekki Nidan (Total: 10)
Sparring: Basic 5-time attack
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