Karate

Been slacking off on the training updates. Here’s the summary for the last 3 nights.

Taught all 3 classes tonight. Nothing but stance training. Lots of sweat and shaking legs. Not much else to say about it.

Tuesday nights class was all partner training with the bo. Really focusing on getting down the 1st 3 drills and learning what it feels like to make solid contact with the bo.

Last Thursday night I taught all 3 classes as well. 1st class was basics with partners. The whole second class was dedicated to partner training with the bo, and the 3rd class was black belt kata.

Last week I focused on punching. I still haven’t reconstructed my makiwara, and I really feel the effects of not using one. So, I decided to try and find a substitute in the meantime. I discovered that we have some mats at the dojo that, when positioned correctly, make a pretty decent makiwara. I still don’t get the feedback that a true makiwara gives me, but that actual punching pressure is very reminiscent.

Since I discovered this makeshift makiwara, I’ve been using it regularly. It’s been so long since I used a makiwara, I decided to start slowly; no more than 100 punches each side per night. Even at that small number I ended up deskinning some of my knuckles. The positive side is that I’ve introduced some of my students and fellow black belts to makiwara training. So far the feedback has been good, and they seem to really enjoy it.