Sensei Krista and Trevor were at class tonight. After breakfalls, I ran through the principles of balance and breaking balance. I explained that in order to perform technique properly and most effectively that uke's balance must be broken first. I used the batons to illustrate the direction that tori needs to take uke to break their balance and we worked on breaking balance in the 8 different directions. Emphasized the line between the ears and hips and when the ears are off the hips balance is compromised. Also showed how getting uke onto the balls or heels of their feet is an indication that balance has been compromised.

We then reviewed some yellow belt hold escapes, but emphasized finishing with a hip throw and after throw. Trevor seemed to be a little bit discouraged/frustrated as he really had the movements down last week but was struggling a bit this week. I told him not to worry; perfecting the hip throw takes a LONG time and that I was being overly fussy about his technique to make sure that he doesn't develop any bad habits now that he will have to unlearn down the road.

Sensei Mariedke finished off with the double knee pickup (sidewalk slam). This was the perfect takedown to illustrate the principles of breaking balance as you want to make sure that uke is on his heels and leaning forward so his ears are off the hips.

First class back after the holidays.

I worked about 10-15 minutes on the defensive stance: getting into the defensive stance, foot/hand/body positioning, and walking. Illustrated the stability of the defensive stance vs a horse stance and the arm bending demo of a punch with the fist sideways vs at a 45 degree angle.

Tied two skipping ropes together end-to-end and had the students work on walking and ducking under the rope while keeping posture and looking forward and keeping the hands up. After we worked on the jab and cross. some shadow boxing to work coordination with the hands and feet and then some punches to the focus mitts.

Techniques: Thumb lock from a lapel grab, thumb lock from a lapel grab turning it into an inner wrist-lock takedown and a control (student's choice).

I then reviewed bear hugs lifting off the ground from the front & rear, over & under arms and full nelson before fully applied, fully applied, and fully applied while pushing head down. We did a few basic escapes from each and then started working on variations.