Another great class was had today, but it was very small at only 6 people including Sensei Juan Molina. Ever since Juan began teaching us this summer we have been shown many varied techniques for training and practice that is tending to move us from a more static “just stand there and practice your basics” format to one that is much more dynamic and is starting to give me a feel for how one actually integrates multiple techniques in practice. It’s hard to explain, and I am sure that students who have been there longer than me are aware of these practice techniques. One of the things Juan has shown us is to do three kicks with the same leg without setting that leg down until you are finished. So we would do a front thrust kick, then a side kick, then a back kick one after the other without setting the leg down between kicks. Then we would repeat on the other leg. We are being shown advanced kata which is great for maintaining interest and will serve as an introduction for the day when we are really required to learn these kata.
I have learned more in this short summer season than in all the previous lessons before. Maybe that is just because I am now at a level where I feel I can begin to learn, but also I think it is Juan expanding our awareness of what things we can do to practice. We have learned some self defense techniques as well.
I feel really good about these summer classes. I’m really beginning to appreciate what I need to learn and have a better sense of purpose and direction than ever. It puts me in quite a philosophical mood. I feel like part of a family now. I’ll never be very good at karate compared to most people, but I can be the best I can be.
It’s a zen thing.
