Topic: something new...then forgotten!!

[dogberry]

Recently I have been attending the second session of training which seems to be a lot more technical.The focus has been on aspects of combinations of kihon and kumite and the whole hour has included demonstrations of the combinations from the dan grades as well as broken down and 'timed ' practice in order to 'perfect 'it. Whether I am a slow learner(more than likely!) I find that I get to grips with the combination by the end of the lesson then never use the combination again appart from practice at home.
For persons like myself am I missing out on not staying on for the third session whereby the combinations are further practiced or is it a case that we've done that we'll do it again in three months time. If the latter is the case then wouldn't it be perhaps better to go over old ground during the next lesson to make sure we have all got to grips with what we have been taught.

[Lloydie]

Doggy, as your partner on that night, I must say that you got the hang of the combination just slightly behind me, so it was difficult for everyone.

On your other point,  I stayed for the 3rd, which was a really great session.

I think what these 3rd sessions teach me is that the practice of karate cannot be confined to 2 or 3 sessions a week.  But also , rather than thinking more training (quantity) is the answer, quality of training should be in our minds.  The 3rd session on Thurs really emphasised that quality issue for me, and big thanks to the patience of the dan grades for that.  Is the 3rd session necessary?  I think so, but not everyone can make it , all the time.  Be interesting to hear the opinions of kyu grades who stop for the 3rd, what do others get out of it ?

lloydie

[Jewels]

I was always a bit suspicous of what went on in the 3rd class...but as Lloydie says its more of that quality stuff. I don,t in join because its not my time and it is their time.

But i stay watch sometimes... which is great because i can sit  and absorb it...  

[Mole Bach]

A lot of the Kyu grades seem to think that the third class is always a 'blood bath', a time to go mad during kumite and unleash horrible techniques on un-suspecting lower grades.  

Not any more.

The third class, although at times can be very physically demanding, is now dedicated to advanced kata and evolving/refining different attitudes during kumite and kihon.

It's dishartening to see everyone leave at the end of the second class, leaving three or four yudansha to train, however, it is at these times that I learn and/or re-learn things just by 'brain-stroming' ideas about different aspects of Karate.

A typical example is with distance during kumite, I have a slight (but athletic\adonis) physique where Moley has long reach and is very strong.  Paul on the otherhand has phenomenal power and speed to match, where-by Eryl moves like lightning; through analysing the different body mechanics of these instructors, I learn to develop power, ma-ai and speed.

I know that some Kyu grades do go away from these sessions with some 'new' technique or even just a polish on their Kihon, BUT,  I personally think that for those considering going for their dan grade, that these sessions are vital.

At no other time would the dan grade candidate be fortunate enough to have four dan grades helping them with their Kihon and Kata un-interupted, giving possitive feedback and 'tips and tricks'.

To be continued...

Mole Bach

[Huw]

Because of my low fitness level I can only train 'properly' for 2 hours, after that I'm too tired and dehydrated to be of much use.

This gives me a choice - 7 till 9 or 8 till 10. I still feel that I'm learning lots in the 7 till 8 class but then I'm only a green belt. Seems obvious to me that 1st Kyu should be there in the 9 till 10, and probably brown belts as well. At which grade do you suggest that students really should attend the third lesson ?

[Mole Bach]

Huw,

It depends on the individual, some might feel that an extra hour or attending the third class may confuse them because of the introduction to advanced Kata.  Others I believe would get a lot out of it just by performing oi-zuki a couple more times, just to ingrain a feeling or something.

I think that if possible (work commitments, bringing kids to train etc), anyone over 7th Kyu can attend these sessions.  
I totally agree with you Huw, that EVERY 1st Kyu should attend these sessions on a REGULAR basis (not two or three before the grading).

Other aspects of the third class are things like, Hente, Haito, Go-no sen and things like Kata bunkai for Bassiai and above.

A lot of the combinations used at these classes are not strictly from the U.K.T.K.F grading programme, rather, they are from the notes of the instructor who has trained with such notables as Sensei's Kase, Ochi, Osaka, Aragane etc, etc (it's a good game to try and guess who the combination \technique etc belongs to, tip, Eryl always uses Osaka Sensei).

There we have it, the myth of the third class explained (well, some of it     ).

Mole Bach

[Lloydie]

Just as a contribution to the value of the 3rd session:

Last night Azzy, Shari and I stayed on along with the dan grades.  I was bitterly disappointed to find that I had forgotten the 1st kyu combination - something I have been practicing for over a year!!  Azzy, being the gentleman he is, helped me out by pretending he had forgotten it as well.  

The dan grades were patient, and took us through the combinations again and again until we got it right, and stopped thinking too much!!!

I can't over emphasis the point that Mole Bach made about having a 2 or even 3 to one ratio of dan grades to help you out.  That alone is worth getting to the 3rd, and remember, it is a free bonus if you have trained earlier!  The kumite training that I did with one of the yondans last night was in itself,  worth its weight in gold

I know that having younger karateka with us often means that some of us can't make the 3rd, but I think it is vital to advancement of any kyu grade.


lloydie

[Moley]

Lloydey !

HIKITE !

Also don't worry about Gizmo's Mawashigeri. I don't think anybody can block Gizmo's bloody attacks anyway.

 

[Lloydie]

Moley wrote:

Lloydey !

HIKITE !

Sorry about the 100 lines for tomorrow - I  only have 56 lines for you.....the dog ate the rest  

 

Also don't worry about Gizmo's Mawashigeri. I don't think anybody can block Gizmo's bloody attacks anyway.

What Mawashigeri??? I didn't SEE any mawashigeri!!!    


lloydie