2024-08-28

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

Tonight’s class looked much like Monday’s class: Same skills … same drills. Then we spent some time talking about how blocking works in terms of intercepting and redirecting an incoming attack. Sometimes you find yourself needing to block with the “wrong” hand, with an elbow, with a knee, … whatever … so it’s important to understand the mechanics as well as just the “traditional” blocking techniques.

After class, I ended up having a “come to Sensei” talk with a student (and the parents) just to make sure everyone has the same expectations. My job is to help students understand what they’re supposed to do, but it’s the students’ job to actually do those things and then practice them to reinforce their skills. I provide the opportunity and guidance, but students need to commit the time and effort.

A reminder for any students reading this: There’s no class on Monday (Labor Day)