2006 Workout #76: Getting back after it…

Between the pre-class workout time and the first class, I was able to crank out 13 Sochin tonight. I’m happy to be resuming my efforts toward my 2000 Sochin goal… tonight I made an explicit effort to put some stank on it. My technique wasn’t the best, but I’m working on the intent now. If I can see myself laying waste to my enemies in my head when I do the kata, I can do many in succession without realizing it.

The kata is feeling somewhat smoother the past few workouts… I don’t know whether it my just a false positive that I’m getting because I want to be doing the kata again, or if my body has healed in such a fashion that my legs can support me through an entire Sochin kata without strange failures. Whatever the cause, the result is a kata that feels much more natural.

explained that we must feel like we “fill up all the space available” for the kata tonight. I like the notion of that… making myself so substantial, strong, and rooted that I control the space I’m in. Being 154 pounds, this idea is more of a challenge for me than it is for some of my more ample dojomates, but I will do my best.

The rest of the first class was a quick burn basics workout… the Sochin on top of the kicking drills and some good old fashion front stance training had me suffering pretty badly by the end. I really need to work on stance some more, it was quite embarassing to need to straighten up often to keep from falling over. I can’t make that many Will saves in a row, apparently.

Unfortunately, I opted to assist during the second class when gave us an additional taste of what he will be teaching over the weekend. With my stitches freshly out and my steri-strips sweated off, I did not want to risk catching that knuckle on something and splitting it open. The doctor seemed somewhat concerned that I avoid much stress on the skin over the next week and grabbing and pulling hand techniques are not a good way to protect my finger. I went out after the workout and picked up some butterfly stitches to put on while I’m working out so I don’t accidentally blow a gasket.

I did enjoy seeing everyone trying out the new ideas on blocking and grappling. For some it was working, for others… well… they need to work on it. I will always need to work on it, because the act of grabbing has tended to get me stomped in the past so I need to figure out how to do it right and use it to augment my strong points instead of expose my bad ones. More time and more training will help.