Focus mitts was the weapon of choice for Sensei Noia today.

Hit the focus mitt not our partner….

We started out with our focus mitts and Sensei Noia has work on some kicks.  Our partner would hold the mitt in certain spots, next to the head, by the ribs or in front of the abs, and we would have to kick it.  If it was by the head or ribs, we could use a roundhouse kick, if it was by the front of the abs, we did a front snap kick or reverse punch.  When Sensei would count, our partner would put the pad in one of those positions above.  Luckily, my partner would kind enough to hold the pad lower than head height so that I had a chance to hit the pad.

Hit the big pad now….

Next, Sensei had us get a big rectangular pad.  Once we get those pads, we normally pull out the powerful movements.  Along with jabs and reverse punches, we we able to pull out hammer fists, back fists, elbow strikes and knife hand movements.  I really need to spend some time working on my knife hand strike, it feels really weak and my finger hurt like crazy whenever I hit the pad.

Big pads, punches, hammer fist, back fist and elbows.

Since testing is all done, Sensei Cieplik shared some new Karate “stuff” with us.

Basic thinking movements…

We started with reverse punch, front leg front snap kick and then jab.  From a stationary front stance we did a reverse punch, from there we did a front leg front snap kick and as we set out foot down after the kick, we threw a jab.

Next, we did front snap kick to the front and side thrust kick to the front but Sensei had us move in such a way to create a block with our kicking leg between the front snap kick and side thrust kick.   This keeps me from dropping my knee between the kicks.

Next came shift jab, shift  jab, shift angle to the side with reverse punch, then shift forward with a backfist.  This a more of a kumite drill than a self defense drill in my opinion but effective none the less.  The key is to prepare for the backfist right after the reverse punch.  Instead of pulling my draw hand to me side during the reverse punch, I kept it in front of my stomach as a blocking move.  From that point, that hand could just fly into the backfist as I shifted forward.

Next came stationary jab, then reverse punch followed with a rear leg  front snap kick.

Get a partner and a pad…

Sensei had us get a partner and a pad for some hitting.  We started with a simple drill where we jabbed to pad to stop out partner as soon as they moved in to attack.  This was a timing drill to help us learn when our partner was going to move before they moved.

Next came elbow strikes to the pad.  Sensei told me to hit the pad on a downward angle with my elbow to “dig in” so to speak.  This feels like a really strong movement.

Kata is always fun to me….

We finished up class doing kata from Heian Shodan all the way to Kanku Dai.

Sensei Noia had us hitting stuff and it was good.

Simple moves but strong….

We had out partner hold a foam pad and we went to work.  We did front punch, reverse punch, back fist, hammer fist, knife hand and elbow strikes between 10 and 20 times with each side.

Not too much to talk about here but I feel that this class was really effective.  I feel that we do not hit things enough and when we, we often get hurt.  For example, when I do not punch the makiwara or the heavy bag for a while, I end up bending my wrist when I punch really hard.  Punching the air is great for muscle memory but I feel that hitting things is required in case it is ever needed in real life situations.