Tag Archives: yoko-geri

karate

Wednesday for a change

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Needed to get out of the house for a bit and karate has become a positive outlet for me.

Sempai led this class and the focus was on fitness and sparring.

Sempai complemented my front punch.  While sparring with Sensai Edelen he suggested coming straight in with a front/screw punch to the face.  He is very good at sparring  – fast with good vision and focus. I don’t get a change to train much with him but today has definitely helped me. He has also started home-brewing.

While sparring with Lara, I caught a side kick in the left chest. It didn’t bother me much at the time, but later one spot in particular hurts when I put pressure on it. I’m wondering if I cracked a rib.

karate

A Frozen January Monday

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Sempai lead the class and worked on applying techniques in street situations.

With partner, worked on double blocks while stepping forward at an angle or sideways and preferrably to the outside of the attack. Works especially well when the opponent fully commits. Allows you to use his momentum against him. Also leaves you in close and takes away an opponents second attack. Sempai stressed counter-attacking immediately from a block (without chambering).

An alternative is stepping to either side and pivoting on the same foot to attack. Never retreat more than 2 steps – think yakusoku kumite #2.

Worked on kicks – Mae geri and yoko geri. When executing the side kick, fully turn supporting foot in order to rotate hip. Allows you to strike with power using your heel.

Can step behind supporting foot when performing mae geri from front leg. Actually makes it easier to get the proper rotation, but creates the tendency to end up with your back to the opponent after the kick.

karate

Monday, kumite week

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Kumite

Lots of free sparring. Sempai Wands emphasized moving right and left and attacking at the same time. Harder to see and defend than attacking from the front.

Yakusoku kumite

Practiced 1-7. I need a lot of work here. I appreciate Laura and John’s forbearance. Sensai was critical of our effort and focus. Need to make sure this is not lifeless kumite and that techniques are delivered and defended against as if it was a real fight. Referenced O Sensai’s book.

Technique

Practiced punches on the makiwara and kicks to the bag. Sensai pointed out that I need to use the outside of my foot more on the yoko geri. I was either using my heel or not turning my ankle enough. My right-hand punches were generally correct, but some of the ones on the left were not landing on the index and middle knucles.

Kata

Sensai went over the counts in Naihanchi Nidan and Sandan. Mostly, each count has 1 technique in Nidan however several in Sandan have 2-3.

Reviewed Kihon Kama Ichi/Ni. I have the basic pattern down. Sensai emphasized jigotai to zenkutsu-dachi transitions in the strikes.