Oh no.. not me doing this class, this is one that my daughter takes part in. I'm way too old... these young kids would run ring round me if I tried this... and kick my butt into the bargain.
As for all classes warm up is essential. So the students are instructed to run up and down the hall then stop, do 10 sit ups then back running then 9 sit ups, 8 etc... then some stretching. How can some of these kids can get a stretch down so low??
Mr McMillan's first lesson has the students working on multiple kicks. Two side kicks off the same leg, second kick is on a hop in to chase your opponent down. It's not easy to master this as if you lean back on the first kick you don't have the momentum or balance to execute the second kick. Next technique is side kick, pull the leg back and execute a turning kick, again this is difficult to master but most of the students can pull this off with ease, some have minor difficulties but Mr McMillan quickly points out how they can improve.
Hands work, and an exercise I'm familiar with, back fist and reverse punch going forward with momentum. With this technique you need to ensure you are indeed going forward and closing the distance between you and your opponent on the reverse punch. As Mr McMillan reiterates at every sparring training session - you control the distance, you control the spar.
After running through these exercises its all sparring gear on and more drills. One person on attack and one on defence. From this Mr McMillan pointed out that most of the students on defence were moving back in a straight line rather than moving to the side at an angle on order to open up the attacker for counter attack. This is something that is again hard to master as natural instinct is to move back. Mr McMillan wasn't happy with the students movement so had them doing a additional drills round their sparring mitts, every two steps change direction in order to teach how not to become predictable and hence an easy target. This helped to re-enforce the point to the students on the importance of movement when sparring.
After running through these exercises its all sparring gear on and more drills. One person on attack and one on defence. From this Mr McMillan pointed out that most of the students on defence were moving back in a straight line rather than moving to the side at an angle on order to open up the attacker for counter attack. This is something that is again hard to master as natural instinct is to move back. Mr McMillan wasn't happy with the students movement so had them doing a additional drills round their sparring mitts, every two steps change direction in order to teach how not to become predictable and hence an easy target. This helped to re-enforce the point to the students on the importance of movement when sparring.
Now, free spar! This is a great way for the students to show off what they've been working on in the drills. Mr McMillan can then see which additional areas of their technique they need to improve on. It's good to see how everyone is progressing. In the short time I've been bringing Teagan along to this class I can see the improvement in her and the other students which is a testament to the instruction being given to them.
It was pretty warm in the hall today and while most people had water with them, more was possibly needed. Its already been suggested (thanks Mr McM) that a blog post on hydration/nutrition might be an good idea.... filed and noted for the near future sir! :)
It was pretty warm in the hall today and while most people had water with them, more was possibly needed. Its already been suggested (thanks Mr McM) that a blog post on hydration/nutrition might be an good idea.... filed and noted for the near future sir! :)
During the free spar Mr McMillan pointed out is how important movement is. This is especially important if you are sparring with someone who is taller than you. I've seen smaller people out manoeuvre taller opponents, tire them out and win the points... so those of small stature don't despair!
After the final spar, it back onto drills. Up and down the hall then 20 punches on partners mitts..... 5 times. Finished? No way! Same up and down the hall with turning kicks 10 each leg. Last drills a run, sit down stand up and axe kick.... up to 20 kicks. After all the energy these guys have thrown into this session I'm surprised they have anything left but these are super fit Phoenix students who are used to going the extra mile.
As always a great session guys, big improvements all round. Cant wait to see you back at it next Sunday!
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