2024-05-15

Teaching my regular classes at the Ross Farnsworth - East Valley YMCA.

Much of tonight’s class was spent discussing the importance of hitting the “halfway” mark in any motion. For example, suppose we’re starting with the left foot forward in zenkutsu-dachi and we’re going to execute gedan-barai. The halfway position of that technique would be with your feet together, having pulled your right foot forward to your left, with your left hand extended and you right fist next to your left ear. Now here’s the thing … many students find turning in the middle of a technique to be challenging, but as long as you hit the halfway point having already pivoted into the direction you intend to move the second half of the technique is the same every time. In other words, complete your pivot by the time you reach the halfway point and then the second half of the technique is always just stepping forward.

On another note, I’ll be on vacation until June 2. During that time, my friend and colleage Sensei Dave Bracklow from ISKF Tempe will be covering my classes for me.