---HKD MADNESS!!!--->

<----when in doubt . . . KIHAP!!!--

---Monday, May 08, 2006-------------------------->

Well, the test came and went, and I had to give 3 different White belt tests of 20, 16, and 20 total students. With such huge numbers, it makes the difficulty of giving a test increases exponentially as i'm not dealing with people management, time, and space issues as i'm trying to find ways to allow each student to showcase their skills as well as provide an adequate amount of time and visibility for the blackbelts to grade them.

All in all, i'm a little disappointed overall in my students actual performance on the day of the test. But this is only because i had such high expectations of them, as they've continued to impress me thoughout the semester. They are more than adequate, and i hope that this new influx of white belts will help raise the overall skill level of the lower ranks and push the club to a higher level.


As for me, i'm still hesitant about testing for 2nd dan this summer. I'm a bit burned out, and 2 solid months of training may be a little too much. but we'll see...especially if i can continue with sanshou and wushu...i might be able to co-teach a summer morning class with lisa too!

---> Comments-[ comments.]
posted by ken at 3:10 PM [+]

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Morning club class: today we had some fun, and instead of giving them another mock test (i figure 5 or 6 is plenty which is what they'll have from all the other days) I decided to try to teach them non-traditional stuff.
We went over cartwheel, aeriel (mostly demonstration), jumpking kicks, and spin kicks.
Even though theese are not directly applicable to most fights, I believe that the body control needed to perform these movements aids in the overall understanding of body mechanics. Maybe it's just me rationalizing this...but a lot of the movements I learned in wushu, while not directly helping me with tkd and hkd movements, have given me control of my body and an understanding of how to move it, and that is what has helped me pick up other martial arts at a much quicker pace.


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One of the best things about TAing class is that you get to see some incredible improvement in some of the students. Being in the world of martial arts and training with others who are committed to whatever style/art makes you see the world from a different perspective. You get used to people being able to do jawdropping physical feats with ease and you expect your superiors to do what others would consider to be superhuman tricks.

So whenever i TA a beginners class, I am usually surprised at how uncoordinated some people are. Some people really can't chew gum and walk in a straight line. With the recent state of public education and the lack of funding for anything that doesn't directly help with basic math and reading scores, this isn't that surprising. A child can grow up and enter college with hardly ever having to run a mile or climb a rope.

So you get these students who are completely unfamiliar with basic body mechanics, and you try to mold them. Not only am i trying to teach them the basic fundamental movements, but i try to teach them how to carry themselves; I try to make them self-aware of their own body language, which of course has many non-martial arts uses.

One student in particular has always looked and moved awkwardly. The one time I saw him in public outside the rsf, even then, his gait was stiff, and his bow to me was jerky. But since that time at the beginning of the semester, he's improved at an incredible pace. And today, he did the most PERFECT textbook hipthrow that i've seen anyone in my white belt class do. and that's not to put down the PE classes because i feel the two PE classes I've been ta-ing at times look as good as green and blue belts in the club. I was in such awe at having watched my formerly cumbersome student perform such a smooth and well executed throw that my jaw was literally hanging wide open. Even Dr. Lee gave a good "VERY good throw" in his loudest soft congratulatory voice i've ever heard.

oh, as for the progress of the class as a whole, they're continuing to improve slowly. Now it's only one or two people from each class that still looks/feels uncomfortable with certain techniques. the rest of the class is moving at a good pace, and i'm very tempted to teach them more.

---> Comments-[ comments.]
posted by ken at 2:08 PM [+]

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Two full weeks left till the test. I believe all of my students would be ready if the test was this weekend. All that is left is to go over spirit, and confidence/composure!
I'm trying to find a balance in the class of teaching what Dr. Lee feels is important, and of throwing in what i think might be fun and encourage further training on the students part. unfortunately, because of my newer injuries, i've been unable to implement a lot of the stuff i wanted to do in class. There seems to be some difficulty in retaining the PE students and convincing them to join club the following semester. Hopefully, if they are able to see what the other things club has to offer, they might feel more motivated.

Anyone have any ideas on how i can do this?

---> Comments-[ comments.]
posted by ken at 11:58 AM [+]

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as the semester is winding down, there's not much new to write here
the classes have learned a lot, and we've just been concentrating on reviewing and improving the techniques that they've already learned.
It's at this time that i'm focusing on style and confidence to help get these group of white belts above and beyond the rest of the club.

Dr. Lee is interesting. only in interacting with him for more than one class a day and from talking to him outside of class can you really see how he cares and does what he does. In one class, he might seem overly critical and negative, but in the other, he'll explain and talk about the importance of safety and that he doesn't want to get hurt. unfortunately, the latter part of the message doesn't reach the first class, and so they just get all the insults and feel like crap. I try as much as i can to explain the reasons, but sometimes I have to hold back a bit because i don't want to undermine Dr. Lee.

Also, there WILL BE NO SUMMER YONGMUDO PE CLASSES! that SUCKS! and Dr. Lee is starting to have gripes with Dr. Link about the curriculum. I won't write too much about that here, but it basically involves what we teach and emphasize in club and in pe classes.

I really hope most of my students will stick to the club after this semester. I'm not sure how many i've actually inspired to join, or how many would have actually just joined on their own. I do know that almost NONE of the 60 or so white belts from PE last semester joined club. At least 3 of my students will be part of club, hopefully more though.

As for my own martial arts escapades...i'm leaning towards NOT testing this summer...i'm starting to get a bit burned out, and i think i might want to enjoy some much needed traveling.
But i'll probably train some with perry or anyone else who might want to test.

---> Comments-[ comments.]
posted by ken at 10:37 AM [+]

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TKD sparring is so different from any sparring that i've been doing lately.
In Kickboxing, I'm very square, and I am for power and to hit through my opponent

I didnt' realyl think about it till recently, but in HKD i also have a lot of habits that i'll need to stop doing when i spar in UCOpen. I'm used to fighting with 100% complete control, and stopping my own movements so that my partner (if aware) can notice and see what the next best course of action. I get into a "teaching" mode and i dont' even think about how i can best dominate my partner. instead, i only attack an open spot, and i let the partner take the initiative so that i can best see what they need to work on.

In TKD, since my level of skill isn't really that much higher than my competition, i'll have to remember that. it's a lot trickier than i thought it'd be. I need to keep moving, and to create my own openings through combinations. I also need to focus solely on speed. lastly, i think i should stop caring so much about my partner and i should stop pulling my kicks and strikes (i don't want to have to think about that when i actually spar in the tournament, and if i fight like i practice, i'll be too soft)

---> Comments-[ comments.]
posted by ken at 11:22 PM [+]

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TKD
The biggest thing i need to do to prepare for UCOpen is just drill the common tkd moves into me.
Of course, my biggest weakness is my tightness...i need to train my body to relax at all times. Even Master Ahn noticed this in me after just one set of drills.

Sparring class
Today i worked a lot with Ray. He scares me too. When i work with someone as quick and skilled as him, i really have to convince myself to keep my eyes open as i'm getting pummelled. This just goes back to basics, of always trying to keep myself balanced, and my elbows in a good position to defend myself. because at those times when i'm in tight and getting canned, closing my eyes in fear and giving up is the worst thing i can do.

---> Comments-[ comments.]
posted by ken at 10:02 PM [+]

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Sunday 3/19 Groundwork

Remember that a lot of the standing techniques (throws, wrist defense, etc) are also applicable during groundwork
In the forward, offbalance takedown where you end up in the scarfold, you can do a variety of things to the arm that is trapped. if opponent is holding it, distract him by playing with his face

Throws
Step in more, to get under (or even past) partners CG

Tae Kwon Do basic sparring strategy
Opponent is at momentary disadvantage if he EVER steps with one leg at a time (to cross or side step). Use this!
Cut Kick -constantly jam opponent, when he starts to expect this and side steps it, ax/crescent kick. also good counter to back kick

Monday club -throws
Same concepts, drill drill drill! attendance for morning classes is getting lower..still at 5 people, so ok
PE classes -the 8-9 class throws very well. generally they are more attentative and into it (maybe the presence of TA's has helped their growth and confidence?). Both classes however are almost at the pace I want them to be at. They should be more than ready by the time the test comes around =)
Concepts covered: groundwork
1) stable base
2) get assymetrical when on bottom
3) get elbows and knees btwn you and partner

---> Comments-[ comments.]
posted by ken at 10:19 AM [+]

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