Sport Karate

Monday 17 August 09

Today was a technical session where once again we break down the rudiments of gyakuzuki. A couple of students in particular have problems with distancing which in turn affects their timing. Each participant donned the body armours and started to drill the technique. With feedback we chipped away and systematically ironed out the difficulties. We then progressed the technique by the opponent adding pressure and trying to pull the counter puncher. The counter punchers aim is to keep cool under pressure and only go when they are sure to strike effectively. Like a sniper, one shot in the barrel, one kill and deadly accurate.

Whilst I was giving feedback I run away with myself and went into commentry mode. The participant kindly reminded to 'shut up' lol as they could not concentrate with my constant ramble. As a coach I have to be mindful to shut up and recognise when understanding has been demonstrated.

Killer Hill

Hi all, 7.15am on the hill and not looking forward to it!!! last week I was completing 4 reps and found it very hard going, but Carla reminded me that I'd said I would complete five this week. THANKS!!! My 'Rate of Percieved Exertion (RPE) on a scale of 1 - 20 for todays session is 100.

We re-assessed Jordans injury niggle and 'RICE' over the weekend did the trick, he's good to go. He and Carla completed 2 x 3 sets (6 in total) both driving hard today as always, Jordan actually complained it was not enough so next time he'll get less recovery and higher intensity. Burn baby burn!!

Jordan was complaining (again lol) that his buttox is aching like crazy, I think he needs his Piriformis muscle worked on when we massage later on in the week.

Sports Therapy

Willie Thomas holds an advanced diploma in sports therapy and is a sports therapy tutor seen here treating a professional football player

Sports massage plays and entirely different role than traditional body massage and getting into the muscle can be painful in key areas of stress. Just to rub the top surfice simple soothes the nervous system and feels very nice!! but does not reach the core of the muscle to have the effectiveness athletes need.

Sports masage plays an inportant role in the prevetion of injury and performance. The benfits include:

• Reduced muscle tension
• Aids recovery
• Re-aligns muscle fibres
• Promotes wellbeing / Relaxation
  
• prepares muscles for exercise
• Breaks down fibrous adhesions (knots)

The inclusion of Muscle Energy Techniques (MET), maintainance stretching helps to maintain the limbs full range of movement (ROM) avoiding becoming muscle bound from the demands of stength training. Proprioceptive Neurofacilitation Facilitation (PNF) is developmental stretching designed to develop flexibility and should only be done post exercise as it involves a maximal resisted contraction.

If executed correctly and safely the athlete will experience direct benefits such as, greater ease through movement, increased speed and reduced risk of injury.

Optaining a professional sports massage on a regular basis can seem expensive at a cost of approximately £20 per session but this long term investment is worth the cost to maintain the body when undergoing rigourous training regimes.

Other skills of a therapist include:

• Body alignment assessment
• Identification muscle imbalances
• Tape and strapping techniques
• Referals to specialists

Mid week I'll be advising athletes with injury niggles and treating where appropriate. Phew!! is my job never done lol.