Ippon & Sanbon Kumite

Last night my training focused on Ippon & Sanbon Kumite. These are one-step and three-step sparring forms. I really enjoyed the lesson on these, as Sensei Jon and Sensei Michael not only gave a breakdown and walk-through, but a demonstration to practice these techniques both with and without a training partner. We are also shown how to perform these from the perspective of both the attacker and the defender. Practicing these moves over and over will prepare all students for these kumite either during a solo test, or test demonstration with a partner. I'd like to wish you all a happy and safe 4th of July holiday weekend, and thank you for following me on this journey.

Taikyoku & Heian Shodan Kata

This weeks focus in my training started this past weekend with a focus Taikyocu & Heian Shodan Kata. Learning kata for me has always been an important part of my karate training. Before becoming a student, I always found it enjoying to watch karate students perform different kata techniques for demonstrations and competitions. It is also great to learn each and every step and to visualize performing these techniques against an attacker. There is no such thing as too much practice when it comes to kata, and I look forward to continuing my long journey.

Stress & Anxiety Relief Through Martial Arts

This weekend, while continuing my training, I also focused on the spiritual aspects of the martial arts. Suffering from anxiety issues for many years, I am always looking for ways to achieve inner peace, and to feel stress relief physically. I added in several breathing techniques, as well as started an introduction to Tai Chi, with help from Sensei Jon. I will keep you updated on how all of this works out for me as I continue my training.

New Podcast Available Now! Weeks 3 & 4

New Podcast Tonight

I will be posting a new podcast episode tonight discussing weeks 3 & 4 of my training. I will also talk about Sensei Jon's "Extra Information On Belt Testing" video, as well as other areas of my training and progress.  Hope you will check it out! @RobertKnight_ on twitter for the podcast. It will also be posted here on the blog tomorrow.

Weekend Update

This past weekend was a great one! Father's Day is always very special to me, and my wife and son definitely made it a great one for me. I trained on both Friday and Saturday and continued to study the lessons. One of the newly added lessons that I recommend every check out regardless of their belt level, is Sensei John's Extra Information on Belt Testing. I really found this helpful and informative, and I really hope to see more videos posted like this one. Sensei Jon speaks to us directly about what he has seen so far as far as tests being submitted, and some of the mistakes that he has seen. Some of these really surprise me, as I have always taken my training very seriously. One of the main ones is that some are submitting their tests without wearing a uniform! I'll go into more detail in my next podcast and I'll be sure to post it here. In the meantime, good luck with your training, and thank you for continuing to follow me on my journey!

How Do You Prepare For Belt Rank Testing

As I learn and train each day with GMAU, I also continue to focus on my upcoming belt rank testing. Aside from working on reviewing Sensei John's Sample Test, I also continue to practice and review on my own. My past testing experience in martial arts was a bit different. When I trained in Chuong Nhu, the school and instructors put heavy enfaces on a written exam, so there was a lot of book study and memorization. What I like about Shotokan Karate with GMAU is that the enfaces is on your progress, and how well you learn and apply the forms physically and mentally.

I'm curious to know what your study and practice methods for testing are. Especially if you have tested or are planning to test in Shotokan with GMAU. You can comment here, or reach me on twitter at @RobertKnight_ .

Week 3 Update

This week has been a positive one for me as well. I have gotten to train in both class form, as well as on my own. I'm also continuing my lesson study and review each night, so I can see Sensei explain new moves and drills that I have not yet done, as well as to review and study ones that I have. I make it a point to again review the sample test as well. I am doing this to prepare for my test which is not to far off in the future for me.

Starting Week # 3

I am excited to start my 3rd week of training this time around. Everything has been going great so far, and I find myself looking forward to each class, as well as studying lessons when I am not training physically. Besides growing as a martial arts student, I am also getting in better shape, as well as finding an inner peace and calmness which helps me a great deal with anxiety issues that I have battled for quite some time. I will be posting another podcast updating my training this week.

Always Study The Lessons

One thing that I find extremely helpful, and that I would recommend to any and all Global Martial Arts University students, is to watch and study a selections of lessons everyday. I know everyone has a different schedule, and there are just some days that we don't even have 30 minutes to train. But, we all have access to a smart phone, tablet, or computer, and during lunch, or before bed, we can always make the time to watch a lesson or 2. Whether it is a new lesson for us, or a review, every bit of studying will help to further our training. This has been extremely helpful to me in my training.

Week 2 Podcast Available Now!

If you have a few minutes, please check out my latest podcast on week 2 of my Shotokan at home training.

Training Week 2

My weekend and initial week 2 training has been focusing a lot of repetition of stances such as Renoji-Dachi, Fudo-Dachi, Kokutsu-Dachi, & Zenkutsu Dachi. I have also been practicing my punching and striking techniques, and look forward to continuing to build on everything that I am learning with each lesson and class. I will be posting updated podcasts over the next few days as well.

Week 1 Podcast Available Now

Please check out my podcast review of week 1 training in Shotokan with Global Martial Arts University! Also, please follow me on my journey as I train and practice, and move up the ranks and fulfill my dream.