tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68520913891261469712024-03-13T17:58:28.721+00:00My Karate JourneySensei Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06567803566888733185noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852091389126146971.post-60471878354969151682011-08-28T18:26:00.000+01:002011-08-28T18:27:13.371+01:00Invictus<span style="font-weight:bold;">Invictus</span>
<br />by William Ernest Henley; 1849-1903
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<br />Out of the night that covers me,
<br />Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
<br />I thank whatever gods may be
<br />For my unconquerable soul.
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<br />In the fell clutch of circumstance
<br />I have not winced nor cried aloud.
<br />Under the bludgeonings of chance
<br />My head is bloody, but unbowed.
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<br />Beyond this place of wrath and tears
<br />Looms but the horror of the shade,
<br />And yet the menace of the years
<br />Finds, and shall find me, unafraid.
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<br />It matters not how strait the gate,
<br />How charged with punishments the scroll,
<br />I am the master of my fate;
<br />I am the captain of my soul.
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<br />Sensei Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06567803566888733185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852091389126146971.post-2006304886358834492011-08-26T11:11:00.000+01:002011-08-26T11:14:13.164+01:00Training with my new SenseiIn my post from the other day, I mentioned about how my original Sensei taught details.
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<br />This made me more observant of my current Sensei and how he teaches.
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<br />Interestingly he also teaches in detail - just a different set of details. This is probably the details that their Sensei's drilled in to each of them.
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<br />So I consider myself to be in a lcuky position of having my details "broadened" - not replaced!!! I now think it's so important to have multiple Sensei's from different associations.
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<br />That's good because my job takes me to different places so I can make the most of this in the future :-)
<br />Sensei Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06567803566888733185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852091389126146971.post-8753707181007071792011-08-20T15:52:00.000+01:002011-08-20T15:53:09.639+01:00<strong style="font-weight: normal;">Lift up the self by the Self
<br />And don't let the self droop down,
<br />For the Self is the self's only friend
<br />And the self is the Self's only foe.</strong>Sensei Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06567803566888733185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852091389126146971.post-1038291813057821452011-08-20T15:35:00.000+01:002011-08-20T15:48:04.137+01:00Training with my original SenseiToday I had the opportunity to train with my original Sensei - Sensei Gareth Richards (and Sensei Phil Culley). I have trained with Sensei Gareth since white belt in 2003. Before today, I haven't trained with him for over a year.
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<br />What struck me most was that I was missing detail from my current training. For example, we went through 1 kata in the main class, Tekki Shodan. There was plentiful supply of detailed information about the kata and about the individual techniques. We also covered Bunkai. I found this much more interesting than just going over the Heian katas (over and over again). I also found it a stark reminder of how lazy I have become - to not know the bunkai for the lower grade katas.
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<br />Similarly in doing basics, there would be lots of reminders about the detail of different techniques.
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<br />However, one thing inspired me more than that. Watching Sensei demonstrating the bunkai, I could really see how it would work, effectively. This is different to my own implementation of karate, probably because I don't fully believe that my karate would be very effective in a real situation. I think I need to believe more in my own karate. I think that when I'm training, I should aim more for perfection of each technique and believe that it would be effective. I also think that I should do more tournaments in order to prove to myself that my karate can be effective.
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<br />Sensei Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06567803566888733185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852091389126146971.post-25220184023463860462011-07-01T13:58:00.000+01:002011-07-01T14:00:45.559+01:00FeelingsAnother aspect that I have been working on this week is "feeling" my techniques. Empty my mind, be present, and feel my body as it is moving through the techniques. Thereby removing any time wasting conscious thought processes. It's still work in progress.Sensei Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06567803566888733185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852091389126146971.post-40217282322406087692011-07-01T09:27:00.000+01:002011-07-01T13:57:05.835+01:00Just RelaxI am currently re-reading "Waking Dragons" by Goran Powell. It's an excellent book, I find it very inspiring.<br /><br />There was a part of the book where he talks about relaxing during your technique. This is something that I thought I already understood. However, he explained it in a way that made me wonder if I was getting the most out of it. Goran says that your technique should be like a bullet being fired from a gun. If the barrel of the gun was too tight for the bullet, it would slow it down and make it less powerful and less effective.<br /><br />Likewise, if you tense your muscles to get your fist from the hip to your target, then that muscle tension is in itself a resistance to the full force of the technique.<br /><br />This stuff I knew already but I also applied my understanding of Ki energy - as the gunpowder starting from the hara - and let the technique do its work with as much relaxation as I could give it after the initial blast.<br /><br />I took this principle to my class on Wednesday and I got a big step change in my techniques! I really focused on being relaxed doing an oi-zuki or mae-geri. Not only were my techniques faster but my Sensei even commented on how good the techniques looked.<br /><br />I was really looking forward to taking this in to my kata training but, my knee took a knock and I had to take it easy for the rest of the lesson :-( I can't wait until it's better to try this out some more within the kata.<br /><br />Last night I read some more of Waking Dragons. Goran was talking about doing a kata "soft"- and how it had helped him refine his techniques and he felt it moved him on. Looking back on my blog, that's exactly what I was doing in my previous blog post! Although the next time I get an opportunity to practice a kata softly, I will be more focused on making it absolutely perfect in every minor detail.Sensei Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06567803566888733185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852091389126146971.post-20850209318359496962011-06-01T21:17:00.000+01:002011-06-01T21:24:05.244+01:00Back to basicsTonight we had 2 new adult beginners at the club so, Sensei went over the basics.<br /><br />What a great lesson for a Black Belt, going back over the basic moves and refining them. <br /><ul><li>Ensuring that I am using the ball of my feet when moving;<br /></li><li>ensuring my hips are turning correctly and delivering power; </li><li>feeling the harmony of one arm moving forward as the other is moving back;<br /></li><li>getting into good low stances (although the carpet floor was a bit slippery); </li><li>using my hara to lead my moves; and, most of all, </li><li>allowing myself to be in the moment, become conscious and set my mind free!</li></ul>A very good lesson for me.Sensei Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06567803566888733185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852091389126146971.post-90495579877994418412011-05-19T07:36:00.000+01:002011-05-19T07:41:32.489+01:00More Kenji UshiroI am currently reading <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kata: Essence of Bujutsu Karate </span>by Kenji Ushiro. This is more personal research in to Ki and utilising it in martial arts. Of particular interest to me is the concept of "penetrating your opponents mind".<br /><br />Unfortunately, the book falls a bit short of really explaining how to do this and says that you need to have a teacher who knows how to do it, to show you and pass it on to you. Is this a trick to make me buy a Ushiro seminar ticket? Hmmm, I don't know.<br /><br />I can certainly say that I am working on using a unified mind+body with consciousness during my kata - and it feels good.<br /><br />This is my journey towards being in the moment during kumite and letting the techniques happen rather than thinking about them.Sensei Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06567803566888733185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852091389126146971.post-90181023687686506432011-04-27T21:12:00.000+01:002011-04-27T21:16:29.223+01:00New training clubNow that I am working away from home during the week, I have joined a karate club in Bracknell - The Funakoshi Shotokan Karate Association. It's a great club. It is quite small but the teaching and training is very high quality.<br /><br />I have learnt quite a few new basics, particularly ones which include a half step - something I never used to train in but I am glad I picked this up!!! Also, Sensei has helped me with my Ushiro Geri - it's coming along nicely since he told me to step in to the reverse position with my standing leg. Rather than twist my foot on the spot whilst doing the kick. Obviously a good opponent would spot this but, it makes me feel good doing an ushiro geri - feels much better (& looks it too).Sensei Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06567803566888733185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852091389126146971.post-10195581663538584702011-04-27T21:10:00.001+01:002011-04-27T21:12:01.955+01:00Musashi bookFinished it.<br /><br />It was a very good read. It gave a very good insight in to the possible life and culture of a samurai.<br /><br />However, I really liked it because it talked about Takuan as well. Takuan is the Zen Master who wrote the letters in the book "The Unfettered Mind" (I think - my mind is a bit fettered).Sensei Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06567803566888733185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852091389126146971.post-83125149447079478322010-04-20T13:43:00.001+01:002010-04-20T13:43:50.510+01:00MusashiI am currently reading the book "Musashi" about the life & times of Miyamoto Mushashi - the greatest Samurai that ever lived.Sensei Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06567803566888733185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852091389126146971.post-43203009527681938342010-03-16T10:59:00.000+00:002010-03-16T11:03:16.153+00:00Resting injuriesAbout 3 weeks ago, I felt a strain in my left calf muscle. Did I rest it? No. I was so happy to be in the groove with my running and training that I ignored it. 1 week later and I felt the strain again. In fact it stopped me from going for my run - I had only jogged 100 metres when the pain was too much and I had to turn-around and walk home.<br /><br />So, for the past 2 weeks I've rested it. No running and very limited running during karate training sessions. Yesterday morning and this morning I was back to my daily 1.5 mile run! Excellent. I'm really pleased that I rested it. I'm also very pleased that I was able to get back to running 1.5 miles without any stopping. Now, back to building this up to 2.5 miles, then 3.3 miles, etc.... until I'm up to 5 miles.<br /><br />Curse those injuries!Sensei Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06567803566888733185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852091389126146971.post-17282588984400671382010-03-05T13:08:00.000+00:002010-03-05T13:10:28.911+00:00Training updateI currently have a pulled muscle in my calf. It went during the warm up last Friday (but, it had gone previously to that). So, as it's been recurring I haven't done any training for a week. I'll go back tonight but, I won't do any jogging.<br /><br />This has put a big hole in my training! Grrr!<br /><br />Anyway, it's the 2nd grading of my students this Sunday - so I need to focus my attention on that.Sensei Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06567803566888733185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852091389126146971.post-66776853862406317782010-03-05T13:03:00.000+00:002010-03-05T13:07:28.944+00:00Karate & Ki by Kenji Ushiro Sensei cont'dThe book arrived on Wednesday and I have almost read through it.<br /><br />I really like his use of riding a bike as a metaphor - did you ever know anyone who knew how to ride a bike as a result of reading about it? No - <span style="font-weight: bold;">you have to do it</span> (and fall off a few times probably). But, then it is ingrained, intuitive, automatic, subconscious.<br /><br />(A bit ironic writing a book about that subject :-)<br /><br />His book has helped me make sense of a number of concepts that I have read about in classic martial arts books like "the unfettered mind", "book of five rings", "the life giving sword".Sensei Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06567803566888733185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852091389126146971.post-19886905159855842032010-02-26T15:24:00.001+00:002010-02-26T15:28:22.561+00:00Karate & Ki by Kenji Ushiro SenseiI have always been interested in Ki energy - particularly from the point of view of penetrating your opponents mind and making them fear you - so that you don't have to fight.<br /><br />Last night, I found some articles by Tenji Ushiro Sensei on the Internet. Absolutely brilliant! I practiced applying what he was talking about and I believe I made a breakthrough.<br /><br />Looking forward to testing it in tonight's training session.<br /><br />I have ordered his book & I can't wait for it to arrive.Sensei Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06567803566888733185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852091389126146971.post-53661490553727517602010-02-23T12:58:00.000+00:002010-02-23T13:23:14.418+00:00There is no growth in comfortDo you feel that your fitness level has slipped? And, you find yourself putting off getting back to that level. Because you want to go straight back to that level but, you know that just going straight back to that level won't work!?!<br /><br />This was me about a month ago. Here's how I fixed this problem.<br /><br />I tell people, and tell myself that <span style="font-weight: bold;">the way is to take small baby steps</span>. Build up the confidence level in what you're doing slowly - this confidence helps you progress to the next level. Be patient.<br /><br />So, I decided to go for a short run every morning. Luckily, there is a 20 minute window in my morning routine. I get up & immediately put my running kit on. I then go and wake everyone else up and make the breakfasts. Once everyone is out of the house, I go for a short run (1.5 miles). It takes me about 15 minutes.<br /><br />After 2 weeks of doing this Monday - Friday, I decided to take on my 2.5 mile route. It felt great! The regular 2 weeks of doing the short run had re-invograted my fitness. Not only did I complete the 2.5 mile route without stopping, it actually felt great doing it!<br /><br />Just last weekend, after 3 weeks, I had a go at pushing myself to do a 3.3 mile route. It was hard, I had to push myself through it. Kept saying to myself "<span style="font-weight: bold;">there's no growth in comfort</span>". But I made it and felt fantastic.<br /><br />Being patient and building my fitness up slowly has really paid off.Sensei Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06567803566888733185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852091389126146971.post-21848115652218667972010-01-24T22:21:00.001+00:002010-01-24T22:27:30.379+00:00Mixed Sport TrainingToday, my sons football teams were playing. I like to run the line for their teams. There are several reasons for this:-<br /><br />1, the top most reason is because I can't shout at them if I'm running the line. I have to keep my mouth shut and this lets them get on and do their sport without their Dad interfering. I'm guarding against impetuous courage.<br /><br />2, I get a work out. Those 16 year olds can run fast - very, very fast. Keeping up with them, or attempting to keep up with them is an excellent sprint based work out (perfect for martial arts training).<br /><br />3, I get to be "involved" with my kids sports. I get to feel what they're going through, to a certain degree. And we have lots to chat about as a result.<br /><br />We had 2 matches today - one in the morning, one in the afternoon. I ran the line for my youngest son's team in the morning; but, not for the game in the afternoon. Therefore, I went for a 2.5 mile run in the evening, just before I made tea.<br /><br />Did the usual situps & pushups afterwards.Sensei Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06567803566888733185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852091389126146971.post-24165085139897400012010-01-21T22:00:00.000+00:002010-02-23T13:21:21.551+00:00TrainingRun, Karate, Run.<br /><br />1st run went very well. No problem jogging out to the open air dojo.<br />Karate - Heian Sandan 3 times over. The first run through I was not properly engaged. It was just like doing Aerobics. The second run through had more spirit felt better but, the spirit was not in my hara. <span style="font-weight: bold;">The third run through was spot on. My fighting spirit was generated from my hara. The kata felt really good</span>. Then, I went through my tokui kata and that felt good too.<br />2nd run back was full of stops & starts. :-(<br /><br />I was pleased with the training, particularly as the kata training went well. I find that training in the open air is not the same as training in a dojo hall but, you have to let that go. You have to ignore those differences, which it is possible to do, if you remember that the training is all about you and your inner self.Sensei Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06567803566888733185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852091389126146971.post-25938971528684032852010-01-07T10:52:00.000+00:002010-01-07T10:56:25.152+00:00Training at homeThere has been a big snow fall in the UK. All the schools in Milton Keynes were shut yesterday & today. I didn't go in to work, instead I logged in from home & worked.<br /><br />Yesterday evening I managed to do some training in the hall way (it has a wooden floor but is very small) of my house.<br />All kihon basics (except the kicks).<br />Nijushiho - broke it down in to smaller chunks to fit the space. Worked on executing the techniques faster and cleaner. Did 3 sets of the kekomi kicks, with ankle weights on.Sensei Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06567803566888733185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852091389126146971.post-35262723608690086112010-01-05T13:59:00.000+00:002010-01-05T14:06:30.241+00:00TrainingRun + Karate + Run<br />Run - good, didn't stop, added some determination to make it.<br />Karate - 5 x Kihon (not enough & didn't put enough spirit into each move); Heian <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nidan</span>; <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nijushiho</span>.<br />Run - poor, lots of walking. <br /><br />On the run back I had mixed feelings. My knee was hurting from a slip in the karate training; I was telling myself I wasn't yet fit enough to get all the way back; I was not as determined to run all the way back as I was to run all the way out; etc... Lots of sabotaging thoughts. So, I set myself mini goals & tried to exceed them. E.g. "Just keep going until the next lamp-post" and when I got to the next lamp-post I asked myself if I could just keep going until the "next lamp-post"?<br /><br />Using this technique I was able to push myself more and do more running on the way back.<br /><br />I remember being told at a Karate club I visited in Basel, Switzerland, that the meaning of training is to "<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">do as much as you think you can do - and then do just a little bit more</span><span style="font-style: italic;">.</span>"Sensei Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06567803566888733185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852091389126146971.post-23589274183084506852010-01-05T11:01:00.000+00:002010-01-05T11:17:13.050+00:00First club gradingJust before Christmas, December 13th 2009 to be precise, 11 of my students went for their first grading and they all passed. A few days before that grading, I caught myself feeling nervous for them when I was thinking about their grading. You really find yourself getting emotionally attached to the students.<br /><br />Last night we started back at the Cold Harbour Karate Club after the Christmas break and it was open for 2 hours (before then it was only open for 1 hour). Another milestone in the history of the club reached. I was very pleased that almost all of the students turned up to train for the full 2 hours. That additional time really helps because I feel I have more time to go in to more depth with the students on subjects like "kime".<br /><br />I have been doing my own training over Christmas. I have got back in to jogging and sit ups/press ups. Also a bit of kihon training. My training has been on and off quite a bit for the past 2 months. Now is the time to focus on a tighter training schedule and get myself fit for the February tournament.Sensei Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06567803566888733185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852091389126146971.post-11596224980369962692009-10-14T11:08:00.000+01:002009-10-14T11:15:39.692+01:00New DojoOn Monday September 21st 2009, I opened my own dojo club at Cold Harbour school. This is an amazing milestone in my karate journey.<br /><br />To be honest with you, my main motivation for opening the club was to be able to raise enough money to fund my own training. I'm living on a tight budget and I could not justify spending money on my training when there are other priorities to take care of within a family of 6!<br /><br />However, something unexpected happened. After the first night at my club, I was absolutely buzzing. I never expected to get such a feeling of happiness and excitement. It was totally unexpected - but, a major bonus. I have had this buzz after every single lesson. When I told my own Sensei about it, he smiled and was really happy for me. I could tell he still gets the buzz himself.<br /><br />I often feel really happy after a good hard training session. I feel better for having gone. Refreshed. But, the feeling of running your own club - well, <span style="font-style: italic;">it's just something else</span>!!!Sensei Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06567803566888733185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852091389126146971.post-3543590129006107572009-08-19T14:25:00.000+01:002009-08-19T15:15:02.331+01:00Improving yoko-geri kekomi kickWhilst practicing Nijushiho kata, I have been disappointed with my kekomi kicks. The fundamental issue can be traced back to my knee injury 2.5 years ago. However, I'm not going to use this as an excuse. I am determined to overcome this and make my kekomi kicks awesome (again - because they once were)!<br /><br />I have gone back to the beginning. Practicing from Kiba Dachi moving sideways. I video'd this to try to isolate what was going wrong. By running the video's back on my digital camera in slow motion I realised that the first part of the kick, raising the knee into position, was OK. The problem was in the kick out.<br /><br />I was not thrusting with the hips.<br />I was not kicking from the hips.<br />I was stopping my leg from extending fully.<br /><br />All of the above 3 points were caused by an internal psychological barrier which didn't want me to thrust and extend my leg. Probably because my knee injury was caused by stamping down into fumikomi (Jion).<br /><br />As a result of not practicing the kick properly, I have lost quite a bit of flexibility in my legs too.<br /><br />So, going back to basics, I am training by doing gedan kekomi kicks. But, by doing this, I force myself to thrust the hips in; to kick from the hips; and, make sure my leg is fully extended!<br /><br />I have also started using my old ankle weights. I put both weights on 1 leg (= ~2.2 kg) and do 3 sets of 20 knee raises. Then switch legs and do the same. I also do 3 sets of 10 leg extensions from a chair (because I can't afford a Gym membership and my wife won't let me put a home multi-gym in the house :-O).<br /><br />I have been doing this training for 1 week and today I noticed an improvement in my kekomi kick during Nijushiho kata practice. Fantastic!<br /><br />However, I must maintain the discipline to keep this practice up because it's not perfect. Just because I have seen a slight improvement does not mean I should slacken off this training programme.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Today, I am better than I was yesterday. Tomorrow I will be better than I am today.</span>Sensei Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06567803566888733185noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852091389126146971.post-72806912028483217112009-08-19T14:17:00.000+01:002009-08-19T14:25:26.000+01:00Determination MattersDuring my 2 weeks break I kept up my running.<br /><br />But, towards the end of the 2 weeks I had a really bad run. I started walking much earlier than usual. And from that first walk, it was stop/start all the way home. This poor run made me feel a bit despondent.<br /><br />So, the next day I set my mind to do the run again but, do it better. I also had karate training for 2 hours beforehand. However, by setting my determination, I was able to go for a good run. It wasn't 100% all the way home but, it was much better than the previous day! The determination in my mind made all the difference.<br /><br />Today, I went for my run-karate-run routine and was able to complete both run sections without walking! Yes! Interesting, the feeling of determination was still there today. The determination to try a bit harder.<br /><br />Mantra: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Today I will be better than yesterday.</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Spoken with determination.</span>Sensei Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06567803566888733185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852091389126146971.post-67300726648479277162009-08-08T22:58:00.000+01:002009-08-08T23:04:06.359+01:00Run Martin, RunDid 2 hours karate training at the dojo today. Then went for a 2.5 mile run - which I completed without walking any of it. Even the evil school hill towards the end. Good progress - twice this week despite a crap diet.<br /><br />I watched my son going through some katas during the training today. I thought, "Hmmm, he needs a few pointers.". Then, towards the end of the lesson, he did Heian Sandan in his own time & speed - and it was very good.<br /><br />The other night I worked on some of the problems I noticed with Nijushiho on the video. I wish I could fit more sessions in - but it's a bit of a domestic rollercoaster at the moment.Sensei Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06567803566888733185noreply@blogger.com0