After what seems like years we are finally having some semblance of Summer weather. This usually has a negative impact on class size because you literally don’t know when you’re going to get a chance to get outside. So the hardcore (read dumb) come to class no matter what. In our case Teacher, Trucker me, Beard and the new girl got started kind of late.
Near the end of warm-ups the Wonder Twins, Robot, and Tall New Guy showed up to fill out the class to it’s normal 8 folks.
Teacher kept things pretty basic because of the new gal and had us really focus on some very beginner items – most specifically the chamber (the fists ready position previous to a punch). After a lot of practice we did the first kata/hyung to check ourselves. Nice exercise.
Afterword we did the basic locks and grabs I partnered with Beard. Normally I’m a bit trepidatious of his heavy handed approach to locks, but we actually had a very informative session. His blackbelt in Judo turned out to a very good thing as supportive piece of knowledge.
When we do a few of the locks (especially as a lead into throws) I often run into the problem of getting someone moving if they have a solid stance. Struggling to take someone towards you doesn’t work out when you get all rigid. So Beard taught me a little trick of “dropping the hips.” I took this to mean that I needed to bend my knees quickly and fractionally and it worked like a charm. The balance was disturbed at a low level and I was able to move him.
I wish I had more of me to have the time to learn Judo. Sure looks fun.
2 comments:
It is fun. and a very good comple..ment? to any martial art.
It's almost as wrestling.
I remember reading something from Patrick Parker's Blog about Judo. Something along the line about learning Judo first then striking second. To make you a well rounded artist. I feel like I'm missing a lot by not knowing anything about wrestling or groundwork.
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