I'd Rather be Wearing a Dobak

Grandchampion round-hyung

2011-09-25T23:15:00.000-04:00

Pittsburgh TSD Championship Chodan Hyung

2011-09-25T23:14:00.000-04:00

More practice

2011-09-05T00:19:00.004-04:00

Stances are too high!!!

These are the 3 forms for my dan rank for Grandmaster Ho Sik Pak's organization.

I think I'm turning Korean...

2011-09-04T14:58:00.000-04:00

Trying to learn the Hwa Rang World Tang Soo Do versions of the hyung up to my belt rank. Naihanchi Ee Dan is a fun one that I like much better than the TKA version. I'll be posting some Wanduan and Chil Sun Sam Ro soon as well.

Untitled by jwluiza at Garmin Connect - Details

2010-09-11T10:07:00.000-04:00

Untitled by jwluiza at Garmin Connect - Details

ERKC 2010 Wanduan

2010-04-26T01:17:00.000-04:00

SORRY! Real Life Happened

2010-04-04T14:09:00.000-04:00

So for this week:

In many areas Spring has arrived! So get outside!
Step 1: Get a friend with a camera and take snap shots of each move in the form as best as you can finish that form. Also take a photo of what the transition step should look like for each move. You can also use video camera and hold each position for reference.

You'll basically finish with your own photo reference for your form. Also by looking at the photos/video you'll be able to make sure you are performing the moves correctly.

Step 2: Starting at moving through the form very slowly, but hitting the transitions and end points perfectly. As the week progresses increase the speed with which you complete the form. Use video feedback to gauge your progress.

Good luck!

Evaluation of 3 Reps for Wanduan

2010-03-05T12:52:00.000-05:00

Jake asked us to evaluate our reps for:
1. Precision
2. Consistency
3. Timing

I performed the reps within a 15 minute window. I recorded each rep, watched the video, thought through issues, recorded next rep, watched video, caught breath, recorded third video.

Precision

I find this set to be a bad baseline for precision. I'm still on an upward performance curve based on single repeats. I think the simple act of just watching my performance immediately after was a boon to my performance. I felt a really good progression with the individual techniques from each repetition.

That being said, I'm still not happy with the crispness of the down block, punch, punch, kick, elbow, down block sequences. There is a fine line between speed and complete techniques that I am still working on.

The leg breaks towards the end also look "muddy". I am working on having the Open Hand High Blocks landing with the stance, and felt I was relatively close on the third rep.

Consistency

I don't think I have reached a plateau of fitness and technique to gauge consistency yet. This means I just need to practice more.

Timing

I have a great reference for the timing I want. Other than my own physical limitations, the sequences have come along nicely in terms of grouping. I would like to slow down between sections though and bring up the performance aspect.

Chil Sun Il Ro Day 2

2010-03-03T14:28:00.001-05:00

Still figuring some of the moves out. But find it an interesting change of pace.

Wanduan for Week 2 Drills

2010-03-02T14:56:00.001-05:00

Here are my three reps of Wanduan. Will evaluate in a future post.

2008 Soo Bahk Do Forms- A really good SBD performance.

2010-03-02T10:21:00.001-05:00

Always good to find good performances.

This Week's Drill:

2010-03-01T11:55:00.001-05:00

This week we are going to use video as a diagnostic tool. There is often a gap between how your mind imagines your forms and what you're doing in reality. Despite the feedback you may get from others, even instructors, sometimes the only way to really understand the gap between how you perform and how you want to perform is to see it yourself.

Video tape yourself doing your form 3 times and then watch it, paying specific attention to the following things:

1) Precision: Find the moves that are not being executed properly. Specifically, look at the preparation, execution, positioning, and "impact" of each technique. We're especially looking for techniques that "feel" right but clearly look wrong on the video. You will want to take these techniques and give them special attention. You need to ignore that "comfortable" feeling that coincides with the way you typically execute the moves and find the "uncomfortable" feeling coincides with the correct execution. Moving forward, make sure you use that uncomfortable feeling as your guide, aiming to "find" it whenever you execute these techniques until it becomes comfortable and automatic.

2) Consistency: Identify the techniques or series in the form that are different across the three times you did the form. These are going to require special attention. If you cannot perform a series consistently, it is extremely difficult to improve on it. Typically this is due to a lack of understanding of the techniques/series or just the need for more practice. If it is the former, consult a reference such as your instructor, a quality video, or book and make sure you understand the technique. Either way, make sure to spend extra time on these sections in every practice session until that consistency comes.

3) Timing: Ask yourself whether the timing you see in on tape matches the timing you see in your mind. Much like precision, timing changes will have to be extremely (sometimes painfully) deliberate at first and, with practice, will become more automatic.

Repeat the above process 3 times, spread out during the week, working on these three areas, applying your insight from the video each time. If you're up for it, post your videos so you can share your progress.

This week's drill is from Jake Rosenhaft, an instructor from TKA, my home school. Jake is a past forms Grand-champion of the Eastern Regional Karate Championship, but more importantly is a top notch instructor and has an amazing knack of helping others achieve their potential.

Really, I do TSD...really I do. I just don't move like a KMA practitioner.

2010-02-24T01:33:00.000-05:00

Guest Instructors!!!!

2010-02-23T09:54:00.000-05:00

I've got a great list of instructors providing drills in the next few weeks, from Moo Sa Do (KJN Dan Segarra), Hwa Rang Tang Soo Do (SBN Pistella), an old Emperor (SBN John Hancock), and Karate-jutsu and Bunkai expert Jay Penfil Sensei.

Addendum: You can do a current form as well! and PRIVACY

2010-02-23T09:51:00.000-05:00

I've gotten a whole bunch of "I can't learn a new form" or "I need to pass my next test..."

Well, use your current form then!

For those who don't want to share with the world and value their privacy:
If you only want to share your form with your instructor and/or me during the challenge you can make youtube videos private. You'll be given a URL for the video which will allow only 25 views before the video goes dead.

This week's drill...

2010-02-21T23:18:00.000-05:00

Oh crap. It's Sunday.

What's in for us this week?

Step #1: Break your form down into "grammatical units". Sections that flow together from a performance and application stand point. This will help as you break down the drills throughout the next 8 weeks. I'll use Pyung Ahn Ee Dan/Heian Nidan/Pinan Shodan as an example later tomorrow hopefully.

Step #2: Create someway to mark down the number of times you practice each sequence as a solo performance during the week. Goal by next Sunday is to practice each sequence at least 30 times by itself, spread over at least three days of training.

Since we're drilling a new form it's still time to ingrain the movements into muscle memory.

Phillip Rhee - Golden Ring Awards 1999 (13-18)

2010-02-17T14:44:00.001-05:00

A persons worth is shown by how little they refer to themselves during an award. Touching speech from Phillip Rhee.

Hmm. I wonder if a remake of Best of the Best is in the works....

Practice More! Two Months to a worthy form

2010-02-16T18:59:00.001-05:00

I don't think I have any ACTUAL readers, but in the off chance that I do... I propose a challenge:

Pick up an old form (got to be a rusty, old form that you have neglected) or a new one and record your Day 1. Put it on youtube.

Yeah, that's right. PUT IT UP. It's gonna suck. So remove ratings and comments (unless you are a glutton for punishment). The goal here is to motivate you to do BETTER. Your beginning stage is documented.

Between now and the end of April, practice as much as you can. Every Sunday I'll post some drilling ideas for your form/kata/hyung. Feel free to document those by commenting on a post or posting a video response.

During the third week of April, participants will post an "after" video showing all their hard work. I'll keep mine open for comments at that point.

Who is interested?

Your "Comfort Kata"

2010-02-15T19:31:00.000-05:00

Do you have a form/hyeong/kata that comforts you? My personal favorite kata is Nijushiho. I've been practicing the form for over 8 years and am still working on it. What's your go to?

Gojushiho Practice

2010-02-14T21:20:00.001-05:00

More from my Saturday night practice. Stances are high.. and the cat stances tired me out. Must practice more.

Wanduan Day 1

2010-02-14T21:16:00.001-05:00

I'm tasked with a "behavioral change" project for med school. My change will be my activity level. I wasn't working out much at all during the first semester. So now I will be recording my practices to show a before and after during our presentations at the end of the course. Also I have picked up a new form: Wanduan. Slightly altered from the version McCarthy Sensei showed in his book Classical Kata of Okinawan Karate. Here's practice day #1!

2010-01-24T11:39:00.000-05:00

Struggling to come back

2010-01-24T11:37:00.001-05:00

Difficult to find a school that I jive with here in PA and maybe I am not mature enough to empty my cup....

I'm finding some small amounts of free time to review some kata and trying to build a network of practitioners to train with.

I'm in Medical School.

2009-08-21T13:18:00.000-04:00

And the 4th years are scaring me a bit. Meta-message: Anatomy Sucks.

I'll find out on Monday.

11 Year Old doing Bassai Dai (JKA Shotokan)

2009-01-26T11:14:00.000-05:00

Sweet Mary and Joseph.

Embedding is disabled, but worth the click!

Being a bad paterner Part Deux

2009-01-19T00:34:00.000-05:00

Ok. So after I bitched and moaned about getting my rib broken...

I broke two ribs of a brown belt.

At 6'7" 235ish (down from 250!) I can actually throw a nasty jump spin side kick. I fight mostly as a right leg kicker and a typical response is for my opponent to block/eat a round kick and fade away in a CCW direction. Generally, that will put them in the prime position for the jump spin side. However, if they rush in trying to get past my kicking range, and don't know I have that kick as an option, they'll eat it in the ribs. Bill moved in quick, so thankfully, I wasn't fully extended, but it was still enough to mess up 2 ribs. Complete unintentional mistake on my part and a tactical error on his.

So what makes this situation different than when my rib was broke?

NOTHING.

As the upperbelt, I have the responsibility to respond at the speed and pressure of the underbelt. I am also responsible to lead by example, throw controlled techniques. If I push myself, I should do so in a manner which is safe for both me and my partner. Good brownbelts are hard to find.

Don't break em.

This Guy Broke My Rib

2009-01-17T10:56:00.000-05:00

Just to clarify. This is the guy who broke my rib. He hits like a freight train. He's a very nice guy too. I just think he forgot what half-speed means.

Doesn't he look happy he is going to hit someone?

Why I haven't been Posting....

2009-01-13T19:58:00.001-05:00

Bando or Bandon't there is no try.

2008-10-27T14:38:00.000-04:00

Getting an alternative view on any martial topic can be mind blowing.

My school has been friends with a Bando practitioner for many years. He just ran a sparring seminar for us focusing on their approach to continuous sparring.

Point sparring deals with the very first exchange of what will be an extended exchange (on average). Continuous sparring is judged on positioning, scores, and fight control. It's a good way to get rid of the bad habits found in point-stop fighting.

The seminar was eye opening and included new concepts on blocking and striking and provided a good lesson in how to be a good partner. The Japanese talk about the social contract between martial arts practitioners, an agreement to adhere to certain rules and approaches to fighting. Without this unstated agreement, there would be no safety. My partner during one portion of the seminar didn't adhere to the goal of a "half-speed" drill.

He broke my rib.

It took me about half-an-hour to realize I was injured, but it prevented me from finishing the seminar and makes it less likely I'll trust this guy to not injure me in the future. When you are partnering someone it is imperative that you pay attention to instructions and adhere to both sides of the social contract. If you do that you'll learn more, be injured less frequently and have more fun with your practice.

Serious Training?

2008-08-15T10:19:00.000-04:00

Andre Bertel is a nutjob. Seriously, just read his blog here.

But us mortals can in fact learn from the obsessive among us.
At friday night workouts, I tend to be unfocused and have trouble sticking to my game plan.
Andre does it right. He has planned workouts. He does his thinking BEFORE the training. He's like a walking Nike ad. Just do it. My homework for myself is to create a menu of workouts that I can pick from. I've got my material, so now I need repetitions.

Man that guy knows hot to train.

Oh and a favorite saying of mine:

Talk does not cook rice - Johnny S.

I'm baack.

2008-08-13T23:58:00.000-04:00

Things have been horrible in my life till recently. I got to go away to our training camp. No videos or pictures yet, but I hope to be able to post shortly.

ERKC

2008-04-30T17:32:00.000-04:00

Here is Some Bling from the ERKC.

3rd in Black Belt Weapons

1st in Heavy/Lt. Heavy Black Belt Fighting

I was .1 away from 3rd in Black Belt Forms

Fighting Dirty

2008-04-29T00:07:00.000-04:00

One of the Most Interesting Things (tm) about Tournament Karate Sparring is that it isn't Karate.

I'm not saying it isn't fun, skillful, or martial, I am just saying it isn't true martial art. And let me tell you why...

Well first, let me tell you a story.

The Naval Academy Karate Team came to our ERKC this year and did an amazing job. If you were to imagine the type of group that would be welcome at any tournament, they would be it. Athletic, talented, humble, and intelligent. To give you an example, a yellow belt won the Kata and Fighting in the Women's White to Blue division. (Neglecting that she supposedly had dan rank in another art, she still was competing in the correct division based on my observation of her skills.)

Now here is where I come in. I fought one of their Yudanja in the Heavyweight division. He was a good fighter and tall like me. I'm not used to kicking against someone who is just as tall as me, so it was an interesting experience. He was up in points, 2-0, after he head kicked me. I wasn't getting my distances right, so I decided to use my hands. I scored with two 1 point hand techniques in two exchanges.

It was 2-2 when I fought dirty. I was getting anxious. I hadn't planned to lose in the sparring division, it has been a few years since that happened... So maybe my hubris was getting to me. Interestingly, when I switched my style to "hands", I was fighting a very different style than I normally compete with. In fact, I don't really drill my hands in sparring much; I am much more of a Kata exponent than a fighter. So the main information I pick up for hand techniques is from my Kata.

It seems you CAN actually learn to spar from Kata :)

So HOW did I fight dirty?

Now, this wasn't a conscious thought or intended action, but I used my right hand to grab onto his Dobak and punched him with my left.

That's not very sportsmanlike is it? (No Fezzik, it isn't...) In fact, that may not match your view of Karate at all.

While the legality of the move is questionable (according to one Kodanja, one hit while holding the Gi/Dobak is fine...) the intent is obviously outside the realm of Sport Karate.

But I am pretty sure it was awesome traditional karate. Real karate isn't about sport, but about putting the smackdown on anyone who would intrude on your individual safety. The Japanese call the grabbing/holding hand action "Hikite" in Kata. Every time we do a basic move, our non-striking hand is pulled back to the hip. Why? Shouldn't we be guarding against the next strike? Well yes, you should.... UNLESS: you are gripping a soft, fleshy spot on their body, pull them off balance and beat the living crap out of them. Then you don't have to worry about blocking.

For example look at the 4th and 5th sequences of Gojushiho:

During those sequences, the artists sweeps the hand in front with a clearing motion, a GREAT chance to cling on to something. Pull them into you, punch them a few times, kick them, and then punch them again (This version, while labled Dai, is the JKA Sho version). In the JKA Dai version, the kick is retracted backwards, in the JKA sho version, the kick extends forward with the body weight. In the Dai version, the kick would be lower on the leg while holding the attacker, destroying their base, while the hikite hand pulls them towards you as you punch in the head. The Sho version has you smashing their knee while driving through them.

Establishing control of your opponent is the first step in dominating a confrontation. Sport karate establishes that control as distancing and timing. Adding drills to practice physical controls can build strength, tactical awareness, and conflict based confidence and bring you closer to the true nature of Karate.

Still no Kata to Kill Cancer

2008-03-25T20:01:00.000-04:00

At the hospital, watching over my mom's recovery......

The Evolution of a Nidan

2008-03-08T00:37:00.000-05:00

In TKA Nidan/Eedan is the last true test and Sandan/Samdan tests are the equivalent of being made in the mob. Third for us is probably the equivalent of 4th in other schools.. One of the markers of approaching this track is being able to teach other black belts. Also, the informal hieararchy sort of clues you into who is approaching the level. I'm sometimes hesitant to take the role of teacher at our workouts, but other times this comic shows how I feel about what people are doing or teaching. It's also very interesting when I have ideas that are at odds with some of the upper ranks in the school.

I think the interesting aspect of this process is when your martial knowledge outgrows your martial skill. Just knowing how good you want to be and knowing that you understand HOW to get there, but not yet being there... Man.

Must.
Train.
Harder.

The Benefits of Increased Fitness

2008-03-04T22:16:00.000-05:00

Monday night was an intersting night for training. Some good things, some bad things. They relate, so I'll start with the good things.

Even with a cold I was feeling pretty fit throughout the whole class. I'm still having trouble maintaining structure in some of the Kihon, especially hugal jaseh soo do mahkee, but overall I was able to push my techniques pretty hard. My leg strength has let me introduce some more dynamic kicks to my reproitoire. Namely, I've got my jump side and jump spin side kicks back with some decent accuracy.

Decent accuracy, but not much control on the jump spin kick. I ended up blasting one at just the right range to have a technically perfect kick but a pretty damaging kick at that range. I'm not very proud of that contact I made, so I'll have some drills I need to hit for the control. It also makes the problems we've been having with some of the brown belts, especially because some of the issues are dealing with posturing, contact, and overall attitude... So I just lost some credibility.

Watching Underbelts and the Unruly Brown Belt

2008-03-01T00:49:00.000-05:00

Tonight was the county adult test for underbelts. Small group, plethora of white belts, paucity of higher belts... and some really bad jujutsu.

Watching the white belts and some of the yellow belts, I was striken by how varied basic skill levels were. Some people just start [i]better[/i] than others. Age, genetics, and lifestyle all impact your ability to acquire, develop, and execute physical skills. It is true. Life really isn't fair. Thank god I am tall and semi-athletic. And we can only control certain things.

Sloughing away the outside....

2008-02-26T18:58:00.000-05:00

I feel like my outer protective covering is sloughing away.

One of the things that has astounded me while training for my blackbelt back in 1996 and again now as I prepare for another test, is the emotional impact of training. The training can be pretty tough and sometimes strips me of the normal defense mechanisms I use to make it through the day.

I am just starting to train for my Nidan and I feel this emotional exhaustion and I've yet to really begin the most intense part of the process. I think this new "naked" self is a generally positive thing. With my mom's cancer, my stress over medical school waitlists, and Steph's hope for a new job, there are very few things I can control the outcome of. The quality of my performance at the test in August feels like the only locus of control I have. So there is a sense of purpose to my training, only if to escape the tortures of the waiting game that is the rest of my life.

But there are other benefits too. I am very...proud of karate. Not "my karate" but the tradition I carry on, this living antique I carry with me. Reivigorating my training is like polishing the antique. I am taking care of my posession so it can be passed onto others, shared and disseminated, continuing the chain of knowledge that stretches back to those unknown and forward to those unthoguht of.

I am also excited to see my own personal growth. I am coming into my own identity. Second degree in my school is really the first step to cementing your martial identity. It is the last true test we face in our school. So in this case, the stakes are higher than ever. The outcome of this test impacts my self-perception, my ability to establish further links in the chain as I move to Philly, and my lasting impact on my martial family.

The first layers of protection, my 10 years of floating in the school and my inconsisteny in training are being beaten off of me. I am raw. I am obsessed. Excited. Scared. And it's going to get worse. Six months of hard work ahead.

Beatings will continue until morale improves.

It'll be a bumpy ride till August... let's see what happens.

Black Belt Exam

2008-02-24T01:44:00.000-05:00

Two Provisional Nidans tested. April passed and is now a full Nidan; while Nick didn't pass, he DID kick Brad in the head, which was awesome.

The Junior Black Belt Candidates: They were awesome. ALL of them. Even though not all of them passed, it was great to see their passion for their training. I was very impressed with some of their techniques as well.

I got to actually fight one of the Senior Black Belt candidates. I had a good time. He did get in one shot to my left eye. I think I kicked him in the head a few times and controlled the fight. So I looked good. Andy fought well enough to pass as well. Wins all around.

One of the older gents passed as well and received his provisional Shodan the same night his daughter cleared her provisional off. Great job Bullens! Maybe photos or videos to come.

Karate Gear Distribution

2008-02-23T02:02:00.000-05:00

In keeping with my sometime-career of Private Karate Instruction, I've acquired access to wholesale karate merchandise. While I don't plan on running a brick & mortar store, I'm more than glad to help out any friends who might need help acquiring training equipment.

Plus I can get Tokaido uniforms for cheaper now!!! Wish AWMA would carry Shureido too.

A week with very little training...

2008-02-23T01:47:00.000-05:00

So, this week is slow due to testing and school schedules. I was scheduled to attend a Monday and a Wednesday class. Monday happened to be President's Day.... No class there. Wednesday, the county closed afternoon activities, so I ended up with no classes. Thankfully, Jake took me to his house and we worked on kata/hyung/forms for about 90 minutes. We spent a good amount of time on my sidekick in Bassai Dai. Did a bit of work on Kanku Sho and Nijushiho as well.

The interesting thing about the training with Jake was the video. (Sorry no Youtube videos this time... I'll explain why.) I was both entirely satisfied and totally disgusted by the videos. The kata were boring. Fundamental technique was strong, but they were inherently boring forms. Jake said I obviously looked like I was a 1st Dan looking to move to 2nd and that the foundation was strong... BUT it's obvious my armchair karate-ka nature had taken some of the vim and vigor away.

To quote Vaughn:

Must.
Work.
Harder.

The Youtube Forms Project

2008-02-18T16:33:00.000-05:00

Hopefully, you'll be hearing (maybe seeing) more about my training in the months to come.

As you can see, I've posted a video of my Nijushiho. Now' I'm looking to catalog videos of me doing forms at an acceptable level. I'd like to catalog all 1st and 2nd dan forms I know without looking (more) like an idiot.

Some Nijushiho Practice

2007-10-22T22:39:00.001-04:00

My Summer Plans

2006-10-30T16:15:00.000-05:00

Hello soon-to-be loyal readers. This blog will track the development of my summer plans. In the span of one month or less, I am planning on cycling the eastern seaboard visiting as many Tang Soo Do, Soo Bahk Do, or Moo Duk Kwan related dojangs as possible. This venture is still in the planning phase.

First I would like to detail some parameters of the trip:

1. Maximum 100 miles per day on the bicycle.
2. Coastal routes will be preferable.
3. At most I would like to spend two days in any one location.
4. I would like my trip to finish in late July, early August at my schools martial art camp in the blue ridge mountains of VA. (So from Ct to Florida then Florida to VA).

I have recently developed some acquaintances in the Mi Guk Kwan and Moo Sa Do organizations and am looking forward to meeting these individuals.