Sparring, to many options

During sparring class last night I realize that I am having problems coming up with technique maybe because of me "free hand hits" training. With free hand hits most of the time striking is not an option because you respond without thinking when a hand is free and it automatically goes to a target of opportunity. I am stuck with to many targets of opportunity during sparring.

Sensei Marston suggested that I find a few combination moves that I like and practice them. Work at home and develop the moves then find someone at the dojo and ask to practice with them for a few minutes. Also during sparring workouts tell my partner that I want to work on these moves for a couple of minutes.

What I heard; develop a vocabulary of Karate strikes and kicks. After you know a few words put them together into three word sentences. Drill a set until it becomes second nature (learn the drill, do the drill, forget the drill). Sen sen no sen; learn to ask the questions that your words (strikes/kicks) can answer. She said you really only have a couple that work well for you and will use them all the time. Ah, master a tool and then find places and situations to use it.

Sensei Marston also suggested putting 1" tape targets on the punching bag and practice accuracy. Work the combinations for accuracy.

Martial Arts TV

Kioshi Dave Joslin has started a web broadcast covering martial arts in general and Isshinryu Karate in particular. Good opportunity to ask questions of Kioshi when the show is going out live. Check out the Archive, start with the March 3rd broadcast.

Here are the feeds from the March 3, 2009 show; Martial Arts Review.

Part 1 of 3

Watch live video from martialartstv's channel on Justin.tv

Part 2 of 3

Attack targets you know the opponent will defend; face, groin, body. People tend not to defend their knees.

Watch live video from martialartstv's channel on Justin.tv

Part 3 of 3

Empower yourself with a well formed fist/weapon. Empower yourself with a combat yell, kiai to remove fear and dought from your mind and place fear and dout into the opponent's mind. Multiple attacker situation discussed.

Watch live video from martialartstv's channel on Justin.tv

Black Belt Candidate Rank Requirements

Two months after Ikkyu yo is eligible to test for white stripe by performing Seisan and Seiuchin Katas.

Two months after white stripe yo is eligible to test for green stripe by performing Naihanchi, Wansu and Sanchin Katas.

Two months after green stripe yo is eligible to test for Black Stripe by performing Chinto and Kushanku Katas. The black stripe denotes Black Belt Candidate status. At this point the candidate spends a year polishing their katas and gets ready for the Black Belt exam.

Ikkyu Rank Requirements

Two months after reaching Nikyu yo is eligible to test on the first third of Kusanku Kata for white Stripe. The third-way point of Kusanku is: Just after 2nd kneeling-Seisan stance/middle area block. Where you stand up and punch.

Two months after receiving white stripe yo is eligible to test on the second third of Kusanku Kata for green stripe. The second third of Kusanku is: After 2nd jumping crescent/back kick. Where you stand up and punch twice.

Two months after receiving green stripe yo is eligible to test for Ikkyu. Performing Kusanku Kata with proficiency. This is an official rank which is denoted by a additional red stripe. When a karate-ka reaches the rank of Ikkyu, yo is a 3rd degree brown belt and wears three red stripes on their obi.

Nikyu Rank Requirements

When a karate-ka reaches the rank of Sankyu, yo is a first degree brown belt and wears one red stripe on their obi. Note, Sankyu translates to third student level below black belt rank/class/grade, it is the first level of brown belt.

Two months after reaching Sankyu yo is eligible to test on the first half of Chinto Kata for white Stripe. The half-way point of Chinto is: Chicken head block/hammer fist strike.

Two months after receiving white stripe yo is eligible to test on the whole Chinto Kata for green stripe.

Two months after receiving green stripe yo is eligible to test for Nikyu. Performing both Chinto and Seisan Katas with proficiency. This is an official rank which is denoted by a additional red stripe. When a karate-ka reaches the rank of Nikyu, yo is a 2nd degree brown belt and wears two red stripes on their obi.

Chinto Kata

Chinto Kata
Background
Chinto with pictures
overview
The principle is pivot.

Sankyu Promotion

After demonstrating Wansu Kata and none stop sparring with Mr. Ripma (sp?) Kyoshi Dave Joslin promoted me to Sankyu, 3rd degree brown belt on January 13th, 2009.