Tai Chi Yang Stlye Video

I found this video of a lady going through the 48 steps/form of Yang style Tai Chi, just watch the fluidity of movement and the way she goes through the entire 7-8 minutes without pausing to think of which step is next – Shes obviously had plenty of practice!

First Kick Boxing Competition

On Sunday I entered my first kick boxing competition. Having traveled the 35 or so miles to the event location, I parked up and walked on in. The competition was the national for the martial art club I attend, and I can honestly say I was shocked at how many people were there. I met quite a few new people and they were all really cool, most of which seemed as nervous about the comp’ as I was! Through out the say there was kick boxing sparring, kung-fu and tai chi along with some cool live music. One of the highlights for me was the tai chi demo, done by at a guess 200 people – This was quite a something to see!

I entered the kick boxing semi-contact continuous. I expected the fights to be 2 x 2 minute rounds, this was changed without notice to 1 x 1.5 minute round per fight. I guess this was due to the large number of entrants. There was a lot of waiting around following registration, during which I took the opportunity to watch some other fights going on, and have a chat with people from my class and to our instructor who gave me some last minute tips.

My name was called and before I knew it I was padded up and waiting in line, this is when the nerves really hit me – This is the only time in my life when I have felt physically sick due to nerves, which I luckily was able to bring under control with some breathing and concentration. I tried to keep warm by bouncing around and shadow boxing – Not sure if this just gave away the fact that I was rather nervous!

When I was actually called to the mat, I realized the guy I was fighting was one of the people I was talking to in the registration line – A yellow belt with 3 months experience. I am not going to detail my grade or experience, but lets just say its a little more than that.

The fight started with us bowing, followed by the referee’s call to ‘FIGHT!’ and off we went. I jumped in and threw a double jab followed by a straight, at which point I heard ‘STOP!’. Being semi-contact, you are not allowed any direct strikes to the face (They must ‘glance off’ the side of the face – Basically, aim for the head guard, not the unprotected area!). I was warned, and the fight restarted, from which point on it was dominated by low turn kicks and hooks – from both myself and my opponent.

I was quite surprised that I didn’t remain calmer – I’ve done some sparring in class, and found that much more easy going, but as my instructor told me, its very different in a competition, due to the need to win, and the crowds watching. The main pressure I felt was being watched by people who know and do the same sport, so there is a defiant pressure to perform. A friend told me that the nerves actually help performance. Whilst I do agree with this to a point, there must also be a level when the nervous energy turns you into an adrenalin soaked mess, unable to function beyond a basic level! I am not saying that I was any where near that point, just that I felt some what sluggish and uncoordinated during the fight, even though recently I had been sleeping, eating and training well.

Unfortunately I lost the fight on points. Being a knock out tournament, that was that – My 90 seconds of glory over and done with. Although I was very disappointed with this, I still walked away satisfied with my efforts. I had entered a martial arts competition, lost, and enjoyed every minute of it!

Tai Chi – Week 2

Last night I completed the second weeks lesson in the twelve week course I am completing. Again, a very enjoyable session, during which we repeated the first weeks part of the sequence, then added on 4-5 more moves, including ‘Mirror Hands’ and ‘Double Hand Push’. I came away feeling a little lost, but I’m told thats to be expected!

Even though I faound some parts difficult to take in last night, I was able to complete the sequence to the point we are at this morning. I had to think each move but the flow felt quite natural. I was pleased to see one of the moves was in fact a block followed by a back fist, giving a direct link to my kick boxing training. I was really hoping for such cross over – Its seems the two will work quite well together!

As with anything, its only practise that will get me to the point of being able to complete the whole 7-8 minute sequence from beginning to end correctly, and without really thinking about it too much. Once I am at this point, running through this daily will hopefully become habit, this is when I expect the benefits to become clearer.

Tai Chi Lessons

I recently started a Tai Chi class. This is something I have wanted to do for a while now, having read a few articles about the many benefits. The class was for 1 hour, I really enjoyed it learning the first part of the sequence we will be learning over the next 12 weeks, and some other ‘moves’ (If thats the right term?) including ‘Monkey looking at the moon’ and the ‘ward off’ position. I managed to remember the bit of the sequence we learnt, although I am un-sure of a couple of bits. I’ll be posting updates each week.

First Kick Boxing Session since Op

Last Thursday I attended my first kick boxing class since my hernia op, which put me out of action for around 8 weeks. I had a great session and was pleased to hear that the annual competition is next Sunday, which I thought I had missed!

Bit nervous about the competition, its my first comp, and I don’t feel I’ve put in the training. I will be entering anyway, should be a good day either way as there is plenty going on including semi-contact point based kick boxing (1 minute rounds, 10% power – This is the one I will be entering), ‘Fit Fighter’ kick boxing (Longer rounds and 50% power) along with some Tai Chi and Kung Fu.

I’m hoping the atmosphere will be as positive as the class I attend usually is. Will post after the comp – Hopefully to say that I got through to at least round 3!

Todays Running

More wind and rain today! (With more on the way!) Even so, I set out on a lunch time run, the usual 5km – No timing today, as this was a gentle one following yesterdays new PB! Ran the 5km with a friend who has only recently started running, he was ‘finished’ after the 5km, after which I continued on my own for another 2.5km round the lake, so a total of 7.5km running today, which I am happy with.

No running tommorow as its kick boxing in the evening, plus we have 70-80mph winds expected across south-west england, so should be fun! Will be resting Friday ready for 10km training on Saturday. May even try to push it to a slow 15km depending on how I feel.

Flash Kick Video

I found this today, some guy demonstrating a ‘Flash Kick’. It is pretty flash, as its a back flip with a kick. He says…”Its a back flip with a kick, whats the big deal”. Yup, easy init!?