Hands Up, Hands Down

Today's class spent some time focused on hand positioning during your techniques. In Fut Gar we are always pulling to generate power on our strikes, so as we punch with one hand, we are pulling back with the other hand. One thing to keep in mind as you are engaged in a fight is that you need to properly position your hands. A few notes on this:

1. If you block high with one hand, the other hand should automatically drift lower to protect your ribs and if you block low with one hand, your other hand should automatically drift higher to protect your head. I have often been asked how to block faster but the reality is that you just need to get your hands to locations that make them more effective and cut down the amount of time to get to the block.
2. As you face off with your opponent, keeping one hand directly between you and your opponent forces them to go around it before they can get to you. This also minimizes your required movement to execute a block because a slight move of the hand to one side or the other allows you to deflect the attack.
3. Don't forget that you can block more than once with the same hand. If you have executed a block and that hand is the fasted block for the following attack, use it. There is no rule that you have to alternate hands :)
4. Get yourself back to a set position as soon as possible. This just gets you into the habit of getting your hands ready for an attack whenever there is no activity.

Happy training.

Fun Reminder Slideshow

I was digging through old pictures and was reminded of a slideshow from one of my old posts. Some of the newer students may not have seen this - October 2008

The 21st Annual Canadian Kung Fu Championship 2010

October 16th will be the date for this year's CCKSF tournament. Information can be viewed at www.wushu.ca

A Few More Pictures from Grandmaster Chen's 88th Birthday

Respect Your Weapons

Kung fu practitioners will learn weapons at some point in their training. This is always an exciting and fun time in a student's training, especially the first weapon. Something to keep in mind is the respect for your weapon. This is something that has become forgotten in some schools. A few hints when you are training:

• Always be aware of your surroundings - this helps avoid hitting your weapon on something (or someone)
• Don't throw your weapon around - when not using your weapon, put it down slowly
• A lesser known one for you that only more traditional Sifus would know - when standing holding your staff, don't place it on the ground but instead you should be resting it on your foot
• Respect also goes to other students' weapons - do not touch someone's weapon without asking for permission

It is important to have your own weapon because each weapon will feel a little bit different. Getting used to your weapon and the feel of it will improve your performance. For this reason, it is even more important to take care of your weapon.

Slow Kicking

When practicing kicks, it is good to occasionally practice kicking slowly. Break down the kicks and make sure that you are executing the kick properly including proper foot position, hip position, body position, etc. Repeating your kicks slowly over and over will help you develop the proper positioning by getting your body used to the feel of the kick when in the proper position. Kicking slowly will also help with your balance. You need to practice at full speed and full power as well but I believe it is good to switch it up.

Long Overdue Blue Sash Pics.

It has taken me a while to get these up but here are a couple of shots from Megan's grading. She is our newest Blue Sash.