I have attached a utube link to Shihan Peter Keogh’s Iron Horse flow drill. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIdismI5We8

I will also load this into our video section.

After training with Kyoshi Patrick McCarthy and being influenced by Kyoshi Steve Nedelkos quite a few years ago, I started to put together flow drills for Tensho, Seinchin, Saifa and the rest of the higher rank kata. These were futher influenced by Taira Sensei from Okinawa and my martial arts history study.

I showed Kyoshi Billy Manne’ my Tensho flow drill a few years back and have only taught it to a select few. All Zen Do Kai Brotherhood students should learn the Iron Horse flow drill and I will post my Tensho one soon.

Kyoshi brad

The next grading is to be held on August the 16th on the Sunshine Coast at the Lake Kawana Community Centre. Registration is @ 9am with gradings starting at 9.30am sharp. All black belts are asked to be there by 8.30am. I am expecting all students to attend in full gi ready to help out.

The grading procedure will be slightly different this time. Included on the day will be tag gradings and probationary black belt ranks “Ho” gradings. In addition to this clubs will be performing demonstrations for the public. 

There will be a cover charge of $2.00 for adults, children free.

Kyoshi Brad

I spent the weekend in Toowoomba at their grading and presentation dinner along with Soke Bob Jones. During the festivities Soke Bob promoted me through to 6th degree black belt, kyoshi. It was a complete suprise to me and I am truly humbled by this promotion. Thanks to all that have supported me over the last 22 years especially my lovely wife Dee and the kids. A special thank you to my new found Zen Do Kai family in Kyoshi Jim and his loyal followers, you are truly special people.

Kyoshi Brad 

Start saving for this years Senjo and Presentation dinner to be held on the Sunshine Coast in November. Renshi Kyl and Bruce are organising the whole weekend so look out for the information pack.

Brad

I wrote this two years ago and whilst it is still relevent there are more pieces to the puzzle.

Here are some tips for achieving great kata.

1. Perfect practice makes perfect performance. Start slow to achieve a high standard in each area before moving on.

2. Attention to detail. Do not say we can fix that later be critical when learning a new kata and you may save yourself time in the future

3. Stances – execute proper stances as they are the key to good kata.

4. Focus – keep your eyes looking straight ahead or in the direction of the oncoming attacker.

5. Peripheral vision – be aware of your surroundings without looking around. 

6. Purpose – know the purpose for the kata.

7. Do it slow, get it right, practice.

8. More practice.

The secret to kata is in understanding its applications. Whether these are singular responses or advanced flow drills it is important to stay true to yourself when applying the technique. When applying the techniques practice them slowly to ensure safety. As you get better have your assistant attack you with increased vigor ensuring you maintain a high standard. This is to test not only your ability but the effectiveness of the techniques. To improve cardiovascular endurance, try doing your entire kata one after the other.

ENJOY

Back in 2004 I did some work on sparring concepts and wrote this program. For one reason or another it didn’t get much further than my computer so he it is for everyone to try, then let me know how it went.

The purpose of this document is to outline possible teaching episodes for the development of sparring concepts.

 

Techniques performed in isolation (shadow sparring or line type techniques) are good for speed, technique development (proprioception, posture etc), muscle memory development and for providing a safe and supportive environment. They do however not allow for a smooth transition into sparring.

 

Teaching sparring episodes (i.e. two man drills) where both partners engage in meaningful attacking and defensive themes in a controlled environment allow the students to gain skills necessary for sparring such as:- timing, distancing, ways to defend and attack, coping mechanisms for dealing with the close proximity of another person throwing techniques.

 

Phase 1 – 3* 30min sessions

·          Teach technique performed in isolation (i.e. standing still throw a jab)

·          Add foot movements forward and backwards to it.

·          Add speed in technique

·          Use pads to increase power and speed to technique

·          Once the student has 3 or more techniques in their arsenal then begin Phase 2

 

Phase 2 – 3* 30min sessions

·          Teach techniques in groups of 3 in isolation.

·          Use pad work for strength, speed and coordination development.

 

Phase 3 – 3 * 30min sessions

·          Teach hand defensive themes (high cover, front cover etc.)

·          Teach leg defensive themes (checking, trapping etc.)

 

Phase 4 – 3 * 30min sessions

·          Begin Sparring episodes (i.e. trainer throws cross, fighter evades and high cover, fighter then throws front hook onto trainers hand followed by a rear cross and a rear thigh kick. Trainer checks and throws front jab onto fighters hand followed by a rear high roundhouse. Fighter steps back to evade.

 

What This Means

These sparring episodes should start with 2 or 3 techniques from both fighter and trainer and progress over the 3 sessions to around 5 or 6 technique exchanges. This would then be followed by 1 min half speed sparring rounds where the techniques thrown are dictated by the instructor i.e. only hands, only feet, only upper body shots etc. These sparring rounds would then be progressively moving to 3min rounds using all eight weapons as the students become more proficient. Be aware of your student’s abilities both in technique and in maturity before allowing them to progress to the next stage.

 

Next Steps

Go back to your Dojo and trial these ideas for the next three months.

Then we can all come back together to discuss our findings.

Brad

Had to make an email change to help with messenger issues. New one is evolutionmmaacademy@hotmail.com

Brad

The next black belt training day will be held from 1pm to 4pm on the 16th of August 2008 at the Lake Kawana community centre following the grading. There will be a cost of $20 for each black belt and ALL black belts are expected to attend especially those expecting to grade in November at the Senjo. Those expecting to grade will need to have ALL of their grading requirements ready to perform on the day similar to a mini grading.

Brad

From the first page you may have noticed that our next two gradings will be held on the Sunshine Coast. The first is on the 16th of August 2008 at the Lake Kawana community centre, with people coming from all around it should be a great event. Not to mention a few demonstrations from each club.

Brad 

The QLD State BJJ Titles will be held on the 26th July 2008 at the Churchie School Gymnasium, Hilton Street East Brisbane. Best of luck to Brian, Eddie and Wade who will be heading down to compete along with Renshi Kyl and his team.

Brad