March 9, 2009
Self Defense Advice from a Pioneer
In 1975 I was in college. There was a notice posted about a Women's Self Defense course being taught in the auditorium. At the time I had just started training and was a yellow belt. I went to the program and there was a woman giving a lecture about self defense for women. She was an excellent speaker and I left there feeling empowered by what she said. I knew that someday, when I knew enough karate, that I wanted to teach women's self defense classes also.
Months later I was at a karate tournament. I noticed the only woman judge was the same woman that taught the self defense program at the college. There she was up on the ring with the men wearing a red and white belt. I didn't know what a red and white belt was. I am teaching my 29th Annual Women's Self Defense program this year. I still say the exact words that I heard in 1975 in that program at college.
That woman who taught me so much about women's self defense was Bobbi Snyder. I admire Bobbi Snyder for all she did for women in the art. She is the true Mother of Karate. She opened many doors and plowed the way for us to follow in her footsteps. I am honored to use her words in my classes.
Some of things she said are as follows.
She told us no one is with us 24/7 to protect and take care of us; it is up to us to defend ourselves. If you are confronted, don't expect anyone to run to your aid. No one wants to get involved. Never yell for help; no one will help you. Yell "fire" because everyone will run to see the fire. Don't be a quiet victim; yell and scream. Make a scene.
We must be aware of our surroundings at all times. Trust your gut instinct. That voice is there to protect you. When you meet someone, that first impression is 99.9% of the time correct. If you must strike someone, remember the three main target areas: eyes, knees and groin. Also remember that if they can't see you, they can't find you. If they can't run, they can't catch you. Survive and thrive.
Ms. Bobbi Snyder, age 72, passed away in August of 2008 in Pittsburgh, PA. Ms. Snyder was one of the first black belt women competitors in the United States Karate Organization in the 60's. At a time when all women were forced to compete together in one ring regardless of belt rank, and were not allowed to judge any ring, she fought for equality and stood up for women and men as well in all areas of martial arts.
***Leave a comment (or several) on any of the featured martial artists' posts during the month of March, and you'll be entered to win one of several great prizes. For details on the presented writers this month or for more information about the prizes, go here.
March 5, 2009
Trial by Fire-Back in the Dojo Baby
I decided to take my first night back slowly. I figured I'd skip the early class, roll in a little early for the second class, stretch, and then ease my way back into the dojo with a one hour work-out. I came out of the locker room gi'd up and ready to go. As I climbed the stairs, a karate Mom and friend of mine started cheering for me. The Shodan teaching the kids class downstairs began singing, "We are the Champions." It was a overkill, just a bit, but it sure felt nice.
I made my way upstairs and stretched in the waiting area while I watched the first class wrap up.
People were taking turns doing individual bo kata. I willed myself to be invisible in the waiting area. After a 17 month break, it's not all in there right now, at least not in an area easily tapped. I knew Hanshi wouldn't make me, but still. Invisible I was, just in case.
The beginner class wrapped up and Hanshi came over, shook my hand, and gave me a hug. The advanced class was starting. Instead of the traditional kneeling rei in, Hanshi announced that we would be standing as he nodded in my direction. The class was loaded with black belts and two other brown belts. I was the only girl. A nice and easy start back, or not.
Hanshi told everyone to get a pair of kama. Kama? Kama.
I've worked with the kama maybe twice, once in class a long time ago and once at a training camp. They are super cool to work with, but I was kind of hoping for some non-black belt stuff on my first night back. Hanshi was sure to give me a pair of wooden kama and we got started.
The stances felt fine. I don't know that I had them all as they should be because I was too busy trying not to stab myself, but cat stance felt decent. Nai hanshi stance was mostly ok, and even kosa dachi felt ok. The worst position knee-wise was actually the rei at the beginning of each kata. I thought I had stretched my leg out enough, but I definitely need to keep working on my flexibility in that leg.
At one point in the kama kata, there's a jump. Hanshi looked right at me and said, "no jumping." I told him not to worry, but when we got to that part I thought I'd try a little hop to see what happened. It went fine, so the next jump I went a bit higher (I'm talking about two inches total here people so don't get too excited).
When we were finished with kama, we moved onto tekkos (think old school brass knuckles). I made it through the kata, and even made it through a couple kicks. I may not have had all the moves down but the basic aspects of the kata felt good.
When class was over, we did the final rei out (standing again-Thank you Hanshi!) and Hanshi made a special point of welcoming me back. All the guys clapped and smiled. It was a very nice welcome back.
The best thing about tonight? I didn't think about my knee the whole time like I did the last time I tried to make my comeback. I was concentrating on the new moves I was learning and feeling so fantastic to be back that I wouldn't allow the uncertainty of my knee situation to come onto the dojo floor with me. Plus when you're trying not to impale yourself with kama, you tend to think more about your arms and hands than your bum knee.
It may have been a long wait to get back, but it seems to have done me well mentally. I think I'm much more prepared this time, than I was the last time I tried to come back.
As I write this tonight, my knee is feeling good. We'll see how it feels tomorrow, but I think this comeback is going to stick. It feels SO incredibly good to be back.
Finally. . .
Admired Martial Artists month just got even more exciting! There are now several cool giveaways. All you need to do to be entered to win is leave a comment on one of the Admired Martial Artist posts. The more comments you leave, the more chances you have to win. Check out the main AMA page for details on the prizes, and check back often. More prizes may be added in the days to come!
We also have a cool non-martial arts giveaway coming up on The BBM Review in just a few days. Think spa people. Oh yeah!
March 5, 2009
It’s Admired Martial Artists Month!
For new posts, please scroll down! Thanks for stopping by!
March is an exciting month here on Black Belt Mama. Not only will there be an exciting guest post from admired martial artists each week, but now there are also giveaway prizes from Martial Arts Supplies, Turtle Press, from Kyoshi Hayes, and from Bags of Character (and there may be others too)! For your chance to win, leave a comment on any of the posts featuring one of the Admired Martial Artists. The more comments you leave, the more opportunities for you to win! If you post the Admired Martial Artists button and link back here, you'll automatically get three additional entries! (Shoot me an email with the details.) Just click on one of the featured posts below (look for the banner) and leave a comment for your chance to win! For more details on the prizes, visit the Admired Martial Artists main page.
Admired Martial Artist Posts
The Importance of Control (Less Boring than it Sounds) by Sandan Matthew Apsokardu
Self Defense Advice from a Pioneer by Kyoshi Nancy Caliguri
Why a Kid Needs to Learn to Fail Successfully by Kyoshi Ann-Marie Heilman
There Are No Stances in Kobudo by Hanshi C. Bruce Heilman
Deepening the Way by Kyoshi Bill Hayes
What is Sometimes Hidden, You Oversee by Kyoshi Rick Zondlo
March 4, 2009
The Flu Ate My Muscles
I went to the gym on Friday for the first time in over two weeks. When a flu goes through a family, Mommy doesn't get to go to the gym. Since Lil C is still sporting a bit of a runny nose, I really didn't want to put her in the KidZone and risk another bout of typhoid illness. So, I enlisted my Mom to come watch the girls and I hit the gym in the afternoon.
Normally, upon entering the gym, I feel energized, but not on Friday. I felt tired, still worn down from the flu that turned into a cold that turned into what I think are allergy-related migraines last week (and my allergy testing appointment is still a month away). But I knew I had to get back to it. I'm going back to karate on Thursday.
I anticipated maybe a little set-back. Two weeks isn't that long though, so I didn't think it would be that bad. I was very wrong.
By the time I was finished with wall squats and toe taps on the step with weights, I was sweating like crazy. I moved onto the leg press and had to doublecheck the weight. Just two weeks ago, I was easily doing three sets of 135 without any knee pain. But today, 135 was entirely too much. I had to back off to 120 lbs for the leg press. Even that was exhausting.
I worked my way through all of my leg exercises and each time I moved from one machine to the next it was harder to walk. I felt like each step was being broken down into at least three Pinnochio like pieces. Heel-jerk-toe-jerk-swing the other leg in front. It hasn't felt that awful since I first started working out. When I finally finished torturing my legs and butt, I staggered over to the mats to do my abs workout. It was a special treat for my legs to be horizontal on a mat.
Two weeks ago, I could go through 3-4 sets of four exercises, easily. Today, I could barely make it through two of my sets on the slant board. The mat exercises were killer too. I knew I was moving at the pace of a snail during the last few of each exercise.
When I don't work out on a regular basis, my knee starts cracking and being cranky. Missing two weeks is no longer an option. I have got to find ways to get to the gym even when I'm tired, even when the girls are sick.
I made it to the gym on Sunday night and I also went yesterday. I was able to up the weights a bit and get through the abs part of the program a bit more easily this time. Yesterday, while warming up on the treadmill, I thought I'd give jogging a try.
In the 17 months of hiatus from running, my body has seemingly forgotten how to run. Each time I have tried to do it, I've been met with terrible pain and a gait that is just plain silly. Since the gym wasn't that crowded, I pumped up the speed and went for it.
For the first time in over 17 months, I was able to run. It was a wonderful feeling and I know I was grinning ear to ear the entire time. How many people have you seen on treadmills smiling? None? Well yesterday, I was one of them. That smiling while running business probably won't last.
Getting back to the flu though, I would like to invite the flu to possibly avoid eating my muscles in the future and instead shoot for some of that extra thigh I can't stand or possibly the inch of loose stomach skin from carrying two decent sized babies around for over 18 months of my life.
Back off the muscles, flu bug. I need all of the muscle I can get! This girl is heading back to the dojo tomorrow!
Thank you to Ikigai for putting up a fantastic guest post yesterday. Next week, another great martial artist will be featured here. Be sure to check back!
I also wanted to let everyone here who knew Lisa know that Karl has set up a virtual memorial service for Lisa on Saturday at 4 p.m. EST. If you're interested, head over to Karl's place and get the details.
March 3, 2009
The Importance of Control (Less Boring Than It Sounds)
Hey BBM fans, it's my pleasure to hop over from my normal stomping grounds to kick off this month's guest posting. I have some amazing martial artists coming after me so I''ll try not to drop the baton too early (did that ever happen to anyone in high school during track and field day? Mortifying).
I'd like to talk about control today. It's not the sexy side of karate, but control is utterly critical to becoming a mature and successful martial artist. Sure, brick breaking and board snapping is much more impressive on the surface, but some of the most awe inspiring techniques I've seen in my life are the ones that dance the razor's edge of dispatching a live partner.
Power and Control In the Beginning
When first starting a martial art, everyone wants to learn how to hit powerfully. I know I did. In order to learn how to hit with force, one has to be taught good basic body mechanics and striking technique. Luckily, with the kinds of pads, heavy bags, and impact shields found in almost every dojo, this instruction is possible.
Although the martial arts are a very long term endeavor, the basics of proper hitting can be learned fairly quickly. In fact, a common concern for instructors is that students will learn how to hit hard before learning why. This is also one of the reasons that there are both shallow and deep levels of learning in karate. But more on that later.
A Turning Point For Every Student
After a few years of training, every student comes to a crossroad (one of many) where they have to actively decide to improve their control. Unfortunately, this is a narrow path with steep edges on either side.
On one side, you have individuals who are turned off by the thought of pulling punches. They feel that the only way to develop true power is to throw bangers all session every session.
On the other side, you have people who grow accustom to not hitting anything at all. They are comfortable snapping their punches 3-4 inches away from any target in the name of safety and good practice.
Sadly, both of these mindsets are limited. In actuality, proper control needs to be executed at the right distance at full speed. Consider this graphic:
In the first panel, we see an obvious problem as our wayward attacker makes contact with his partner. A punch to the nose is clearly problematic, but strikes that are too hard to any surface of the body can cause injury and distrust amongst fellow students.
The second panel is less dangerous, but just as concerning. The attacker has completed his technique far away from his partner (which you can tell by the full extension of the arm). Although no one got hurt, the attacker is practicing bad distancing and creating habits within himself that can cause issues when trying to use his techniques for real.
The third panel represents a properly executed practice punch. The fist came extremely close without touching, and the arm still has room to 'complete' the technique through the defender, driving the defender's nose and head backward.
Tips For Developing Control
The bad thing about control is that it takes awhile to develop. One thing I do not advise is going around your dojo and throwing full speed punches at people's faces, getting as close as possible until eventually you mess up. That is a quick way to become a dojo pariah. Instead, there are some drills and strategies you can employ to slowly build up your skill.
The first concept utilizes basic focus bags. When training your strikes, take time to practice your power techniques, but also try some controlled reps. See if you can kick and punch so that you are barely scraping the bag. Since no one can get hurt, don't let up on your speed, power, or proper body mechanics. Strike and commit as best you can while pulling the hit.
The second involves a live partner. Forget about face stuff for awhile and focus on the body. Using a relaxed fist, strike in at your partner's abs or chest (this is for control drilling, not vital target practice). Allow your loosened fist to touch your partner, and then retract. You should hear a slight snap of their gi as your light strike touches it.
You can also take your practice home with you. Get some light string and a balled up piece of paper. Attach the ball of paper to the string and hang it from a doorway or ceiling fan blade. The paper is very light, so you'll get a sense of how close you strike by watching the paper's slight movements (or not so slight if you mess up).
If your ceiling fan has a speed slider, or very slow setting, you can make this a game with your kids who might be involved in karate. Just make the fan spin slowly and take turns striking at the paper. It can be fun once someone messes up and the ball starts squiggling as it spins. As you can imagine, this is actually great practice for live sparring control.
Breaking the Glass Ceiling
Proper control isn't just for good dojo etiquette; it's actually critical for learning the deeper aspects of karate and other martial arts. While a punch to the solar plexus or nose is great, there are a ton of other techniques and targets that martial arts can offer.
Palm heel, ridge hand, ippon nukite, etc. + eye, ear, throat, groin, spine, etc. = very risky business.
If a practitioner's mastery of control is anything less than stellar, they'll be unable to utilize these techniques at full speed with the right distancing and timing. Their arsenal will always be limited in variety and effectiveness; they will always be stuck under a glass ceiling, no matter how hard they strike.
While most people think of sparring as the heavily padded event we see today, kumite without padding has been around for much longer. Without pads, karateka were free to target even subtle vital points on each other's bodies and utilize small joint locking tactics. Of course, the problem with sparring without pads is that there needs to be trust and expertise between both parties involved. If you've ever thrown a spear hand technique toward someone's eyes without them expecting it, you know just how strong a reaction some of karate's more vicious techniques can elicit.
Furthermore, most of what we see of kyusho (vital point striking) is done very statically. By that I mean one person stands quite still or throws a single predicted strike, while the uke performs whatever vital point technique he happens to be demonstrating. The reason behind this is both demonstrative and fear-based. Using kyusho without perfect control in a sparring setting can result in illness, injury, or death. Therefore, most kyusho training is done below the glass ceiling because it's too much of a liability to practice otherwise.
Without being completely comfortable using techniques at any range with any sized opponent, and being able to do so correctly, there will always be limits to what a person can learn and use. In other words (if you'll indulge me in this turn of phrase), it's the lightest strike that breaks the glass.
When Control Seeps Over
One of the true gifts of karate lies in the improvements we don't readily see coming. The control I've talked about today is physical. But, in order to train for control, one has to adopt a mindset of control. By making this psychological change, the focus of karate shifts from that of power and strength to reservation and focus.
Mental adaptation tends to be infectious in a very good way. Where emotional outbursts may once have been a natural reaction in every day life, karate's imposed control begins seep in. Furthermore, a person's spirit begins to exude restraint. When that happens, it becomes much clearer when to use karate and not just how. A body, mind, and spirit of control is one of budo. A person who can embody control is one who can follow the martial way.
* * *
Matthew Apsokardu is a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Okinawa Kenpo Karate/Kobudo and student of Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu. He is also the author of Ikigai | Blogging the Martial Way. To read more from him, visit his website or leave him a message at mapsokardu AT gmail DOT com.
This just in! Admired Martial Arts month just got even more exciting! Anyone who leaves a comment on one of the Admired Martial Artists' posts during the month of March will be entered to win a giveaway prize courtesy of Martial Arts Supplies. Leave a comment on each post, and check back often. The more comments you leave, the more chances you have to win! More giveaways are in the works! For details, go here!
Copyright
© Copyright 2006-2019 blackbeltmama dot com ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Follow Me
Blog Designed By
My Creations
Things You Could Care Less About
