Training Report

I’ve taken it easy this weekend by skipping my usual calisthenics/weight training workout. Instead, I’ve stretched and did a light TKD warm-up with fundamentals. Then I reviewed all 11 forms, 22 one-steps, and 22 self-defense steps. Past that I practiced my breaks on my heavy bag. That is, with the exception of one…

At the school test I’m going to try tossing one board in the air and breaking it with the same hand. It’s a combination of TKD focus, a boxing jab, and Wing Chun hip shifting. I’ve done it before but not under pressure. My other two breaks are as follows: A jump side kick (lead leg @ chest level) from standing position on two solid boards and an inside crescent kick (head level) on two solid boards. We’ll see how it goes. My instructor knows I can do power breaks (i.e., stacks of wood on the stand). So, these are more a test of accuracy, technique, and play to my other strengths.

I’ve also upped the meditation at night. I’m hoping that the light routine and rest will help me to get my focus back. I’m coming off a rough semester and some nights at practice I just don’t seem to have it. At least not consistently. Semester break starts Dec. 22. However, I plan to take a few days off the week of the 16th. I’ve noticed that on the weekend after a good night’s rest I can nail everything TKD-related. However, coming into practice after 8-10 hours at work and some nights the focus is gone.

Oh and yes, I’ve decided to test for Cho Dan this Wednesday, Dec. 19th. I really want to get the school test out of the way. This way I can relax over break and prepare for the Board of Masters’ test.

Past that I’m looking forward to a seminar on the Korean short stick. This happens on Dec. 28. So, I hope to have a new weapons form or two to blog about along with some new techniques.

When I was with the Army National Guard we regularly drilled with the Army’s riot baton. The training was pretty much “Hulk smash!” and fairly crude. On the opposite end of the continuum would be G.M. C. He’s a 4th ban master in Kali and Silat on top of his TKD prowess. Too bad his school is over an hour away or I could probably train in stick fighting along with TKD. Anyhow, the Korean approach to a single stick is somewhere in the middle and should prove useful, regardless.

Since I’m talking about sticks I’ll close with some footage of Dan Inosanto swinging the Kali sticks. The video is good because it also alludes to the physics behind sticks as weapons.

~BCP