Cinder Blocks

[scottnshelly]

When I used to give private lessons, I always made sure to bring along a pair of cinder blocks; our dojo also always had a bunch. I love to train with them.

 

These are my two favorite exercises with them:

 

Put two blocks on their side about shoulder width apart. Stand on them, one foot on each block. The blocks should be at the right distance so that standing on them you are in a comfortable fighting stance. From here, we would practice kicking with the front and rear legs. This helps one to return the kicking leg to the proper place, as well as improving balance. As you advance, you can stand the blocks upright; this is more difficult to balance and gives a smaller foot space.

 

The other was using the cinder blocks like weights. We would often stand in horse stance, while holding a block – the stronger adults would hold two. You can slide one arm through each of the two holes in the block and hold your arms out in front of you. This works the legs and arms.

 

Anyone else try any of these, or any others using cinder blocks?

[yamesu]

The standing on the blocks sounds like a basic version of Mui Fa Jong.

 

My (previously) favorite exersize w/ cinder blocks involves my heel and tameshiwari.

 

Now i have a yard full of broken cement.

 

Hehe.

[yamesu]

Plum flower dummy, or, Mui fa jong,

 

is essentially six blocks arranged in the pattern of a five-petal-flower,

 

So along with promoting balance and muscle control back to the point where technique started, the mui-fa-jong also allows its user to practise moving while striking, and builds balance/coordination for dynamic techniques with the whole body, while moving in essentially all directions, as opposed to remaining stationary.

[Red J]

We use a standard brick lengthwise to do basics on. To make it harder we 1/4 turn them so that you have less of your foot making contact. Good exercise especially for kicks and balance.