Willie Thomas - Regional Karate Squad Session

Wednesday 19th August

The session started with a bang, all participants completed the circuit known as the Super 7. The Super 7 develops anaerobic fitness specific to our needs. Some exercises develop explosive power, whilst others develop core strength. Without boring you with the details it comprises of traditional exercises such as, press ups, sit up, tuck jumps etc at high intensity levels. Bodies flaying, red faces and the gasping for breath meant all was working hard, (some working harder than others!! lol). I am not a strict believer in getting fit in class rather, getting fit for class, but there are advantages to group fitness sessions both physical and psychological.

Five minutes recovery then the Karate starts with some timing drills and pregressing to working on 'line of attack'. The aim of the session was to develop timing, line and distance. Kicking techniques work on in conjunction with line work were Maewashi, Uro Maewashi and Ushiro Geri.

Photos to follow

Thanks to Glen Middleton for his assistance in the class.

Weight Training

Tuesday 18 August 2009

Today I felt good and decided to push the boundaries a little.
Start with bench press and progressed to 90kg for a few reps. Power cleans, done some warm up sets, repped 60kg. Normally progressed to 80kg but today I put 90kg on the bar. Got myself ready, took the strain.......BBBBBBBang, cleaned it. I am actually going for 100kg so I'm happy with my new '1 rep max'. finished off with 120kg dead lifts.

Carla lifted well today, She was down on her bench but much improved on her power cleans. She cleans 80% of her bodyweight and pulls to shrug position at body weight. CV tomorrow!!

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.