To extend last week’s golden nugget that “the preparation is as important as the strike”, this week it was highlighted that the return from the strike is just as important: this was achieved with the help of some nursery school sized chairs.
By day, our dojo is a nursery school, so thankfully there’s no shortage of exceedingly small chairs. With one chair per person, the chair exercises were as follows:
Mae Geri with Chair
When standing in Heiko Dachi we placed the chair in front of us (with the seat facing) so that when the kick was fully outstretched we were kicking above and beyond the back of the chair. This illustrated clearly that not only must the preparation be right, but the return must also be high and distinct from the placing of the foot on the floor.
Mawashi Geri with Chair
Having turned the chair through 90 degrees we practiced Mawashi Geri, this time using the top of the back of the chair as a target, rather than an obstacle. The object is to aim for the lip of the chair, but not to make contact; stopping just short of it and controlling the kick at it’s fullest extent. The chair was then reversed so we could practice the other leg.
Yoko Geri with Chair
For Yoko Geri we brought the chair to our side, but facing away from us, then kicked over it. This again was a strong illustration of how to prepare and return from a kick.
Ushiro Geri with Chair
Finally, in an exercise similar to the two-person Ushiro Geri we did with Sensei Simon two weeks ago, we stood in front of the chair, and used the little hole as a heel target. Performing the kick with balanced slow accuracy was more important than a fast kick.