Way of a Swede (from 8 kyu to...)

[sensei8]

Nuggets of knowledge after todays training:

1) First move in Emppi Roppo kata is forward with raised left hand

2) The front hand should often be steady and ready to push forward, almost like a punch in bunkai/kumite

3) Back foot should often be left with heel down, when punching, to retain power through the motion (starting with the hips)

4) The side of the hand and arm leads the motion in Emppi Roppo

5) Remember to exhale when getting punched to receive the impact better

Finally a session where the stubborn cold felt all gone and I could train really hard again. Osu!

Good list of nuggets of knowledge there, and in that, let me add...

At the right time...not to soon...not to late...only at the exact time; timing is everything. Too soon...power apex is lost; wasted before target is reached...too late...power apex is unattainable; not achieved by the time one reaches said target!!

How is this solved? PRACTICE...PRACTICE...PRACTICE...PRACTICE...and then some!!

[Wayofaswede]

So true, Sensei!

To find that exact timing of the technique, always establishing and maintaining a connection with/control of the partner, that is of utter importance.

[Wayofaswede]

Have been doing some progress with my kumite practice the last sessions (although one of the green belts does strike much too hard when sensei says "soft contact" imo )

Sensei told me my katas are improving and that it "may be time for grading" (for 7th kyu in that case) in May. Want to feel much more secure with the Pinan Shodan moves though, we''ll see...

Really valuable to "keep in touch" with the art by following my daily "Not a day without a kata"-routine

Osu!

Edited August 26, 2018 by Wayofaswede

[Wayofaswede]

Was introduced to an entirely new kata yesterday:

Gekisaida (believe it's for 5th kyu)

Always interesting and inspiring to get a taste of the more demanding and complex things that will come later on.

Many completely new combinations and stances. New discoveries waiting to eventually be made...

Osu!

[Wayofaswede]

Our dojo was closed during easter holiday this Sunday, so I did a longer solo session focusing on katas for 7th kyu instead.

Finally starting to find the flow and pattern in the longer combination from the Pinan Shodan kata:

- block right

- kick right

- punch left moving on to the same, but mirrored:

- block left

- kick left

- punch right and on to double hand block

Found it a good exercise to go through the combination as a stand-alone kihon exercise, starting from the regular left/right kamae. Osu!

[The Pred]

Awesome job !

[Wayofaswede]

Thank you very much

[sensei8]

Awesome job !

I agree with The Pred; awesome job!! You could've decided to just chill, seeing that the dojo was closed, but instead, you decided to train; that's called dedication!!

[Masumbet1]

I, too, look forward to read your thoughts while your MA journey slowly, however certain, rolls always forward. Your MA journey is yours alone, and no one can take it away from you. Sure, those will try to rob you of your joy anyway that they can!!

As the old idiom says..."7 times down, 8 times up", and that right there is the exclamation point of anyone's MA journey, and what one does is everything. All proof, without any ambiguity and/or reservation, is on the floor...you...your training...your MA journey...everything...is out there for all to see. MA character is a fragile thing to harness and protect, albeit, the easiest to do so because one does what's right!!

Train hard...train well!!

nice

[Wayofaswede]

Awesome job !

I agree with The Pred; awesome job!! You could've decided to just chill, seeing that the dojo was closed, but instead, you decided to train; that's called dedication!!

Thanks a lot for those encouraging words. Since I train two times a week in the dojo, I feel that a third solo session is necessary - and really enjoyable of course

Yesterday we practiced Shuto Roppo. Really interesting resemblance to sword and fascinating applications as well. Osu!