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_ .