On January 14, 2024, we had our first Wales and Southwest Karate Squad training sessions for the year. Sensei Dave Griths, a 7th Dan expert, led the session, delving into kumite drills and skills tailored for karate competitions.
In our training session, we dedicated time to refining our explosive capabilities through a series of exercises that involved transitioning seamlessly from a lunge position to executing Gyaku-zuki. The purpose was to enhance our speed, power, and overall explosiveness in our martial arts movements. Additionally, to ensure our bodies were properly warmed up, we incorporated paired stretching exercises into our routine, fostering flexibility and joint mobility.
The training continued with a focus on combination techniques. Initially, we practiced these techniques individually, allowing each practitioner to grasp the nuances and mechanics of the sequences. This foundational understanding set the stage for the subsequent partnered activities.
As we paired up, our objective was to apply what we had individually learned, emphasizing eective communication and synchronization with our partners. The primary goal was to make contact during these exercises, creating a realistic and dynamic training environment. From the perspective of the partner receiving the attack, the emphasis shifted to lateral movement rather than shifting backwards in the line of attack. The strategy involved countering the attacks eectively by skillfully evading sideways.
Subsequently, we transitioned into an energetic kumite competition, engaging in fast-paced bouts where the goal was to secure a single point. Through a process of elimination, two triumphant participants emerged as the finalists, earning the coveted opportunity to face o against Sensei Dave Grith in a spirited match.
Following a brief intermission, our focus shifted to refining speed and reaction times through dynamic, game-based activities. In one activity, we executed gyaku-zuki strikes and swiftly sprinted varying distances before seamlessly rejoining the queue for the next round. Another exercise involved leaping over hurdles, after which we sequentially launched attacks against a total of four opponents. These engaging drills not only challenged our physical agility but also honed our ability to think and react swiftly.
Overall, the squad session was great fun and many valuable points were made, making it a great start to the year.
Our next squad session will take place on Sunday 18th February 2024.
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