Spring Training

Spring is here! And among other things it means that it is time to wake up and push forward with our training. Spring is that special time of year where you naturally feel more energized as the days become longer and warmer, but the hot and humid days of summer are still months away.  We have some fun events coming up at the dojo:

Sensei Phil is testing for his second degree black belt on March 31 at 10:00 AM. Make sure you are there and prepared to participate.

The Outdoor Seigan continues! With things like sunlight and above freezing temperatures, training outside this time of year is enjoyable. Come to practice Thursdays ready to venture out onto the hill.

Advanced Breaking Seminar for brown and black belts is on Friday the 23rd. Sign up for an opportunity to break boards, bricks, and ice!

Think about any possible seminars you would be interested in having. Contact any of the black belts about ideas or interests you have.

Along with all this, take some time to look over your testing requirements. Work on conquering your goals in the martial arts. That might mean achieving your next belt rank, attending more classes, or getting better at a specific facet of your training. Whatever your goals are, focus and use this time to train hard and experience the necessary mental and physical growth required to achieve them.

Photo By: Dan Hucko

But What If...

Post By: Sensei Lee

I think one of the most common questions I hear as a Sensei is "But what if...?"

"But what if someone grabs you this way?"
"But what if the have a knife?"
"But what if they are on drugs and don't feel it when you hit them?"
"But what if they hit you with the other hand while you're escaping the grab?"

There are countless "But what if's...?" in life in general, and certainly these questions are bound to come up during training. In fact, it is good to be questioning. It shows that you are thinking about your martial art techniques and not simply following through the motions blindly.

Training in any martial art does not guarantee that you will conquer a gang of goons like Bruce Lee by delivering one perfectly executed technique to each bad guy. It means that should a threatening situation arise, that you are better prepared to handle it than the average person who has no training.

Lets say you are leaving a crowded theater when a fight breaks out. Suddenly an angry, violent, and out of control individual comes hurtling at you and your loved one. Your training can do a few different things for you. Perhaps because of your training, you heard the sounds of a fight and recognized it for what it was ahead of time. Martial arts training could allow you to get yourself and your loved one out of the situation before you inadvertently become stuck in the middle of it. Maybe you were able to get your loved one out of the way and divert most of the blow from this attacker while managing to subdue them with a couple of well timed strikes. Or maybe you heard the attacker coming and had enough time to meet their blow and throw them to the ground with an imperfect but effective Koshi Nage. Or maybe as they were coming at you...

There are thousands of scenarios you can work through. This is in part because of your training, you understand all the different ways a situation like this could play out. In contrast, someone with no martial arts experience would likely not even recognize what was going on until it was too late.

In real life, a self defense situation is never going to work the way it does in the dojo. An attacker will not grab you the same way, react the way you are used to, or necessarily respond to a foot stomp. However, after training for a number of years you start to develop a kind of martial arts 6th sense. You recognize what way joints move and what ways they do not. As openings present themselves you strike without really thinking about it. Awareness is what prepares you to react to an attack accordingly, even if it is not exactly like the way we practice in circle attacks.

This awareness comes from practice and time. One of my favorite Sensei told me something back when I was a green belt that I still think about today: "Cry in the dojo, laugh on the battlefield." I love that saying, and think about it often.

Photo By: Dan Hucko 

Getting Hit Too Hard in Sparring

Post By: S Lee

You're in the middle of a sparring match and your partner starts striking you harder than you are comfortable with. Maybe a punch penetrated your guard and got you hard in the gut, or even gave you a black eye. Or maybe the strike didn't get in, but you are afraid of getting hurt if it does. Either way, you are concerned and in the middle of a very uncomfortable situation.

There are a few ways of dealing with this. First, remember where you are. Karate and sparring in particular are combative. Striking and getting hit are major components, and they are not always a bad thing. Surviving a hard sparring match relatively unscathed shows that you can handle the ordeal. It also teaches you that bloody noses, black eyes, and rough throws to the ground while painful do heal. They are survivable. You learn how much punishment a body can take without being incapacitated. This is extremely important when applied in self defense.

That being said, we do not want our students to all end up in the hospital. If you feel like your sparring match is out of control, then you should say something. Politely ask your sparring partner to ease up or slow down. Stop the match if you have to. Make sure he or she knows that you are serious and not joking around. Also check yourself. I have found over the years that most people return the amount of speed and power they feel that they themselves are receiving. It could be that you don't realize how strong or fast you are going, and that your partner is simply returning that pace. Once both of you are aware and have reset the match, see if things improve. If they do not and you still feel threatened, get the attention of a Sensei. Sensei can intervene and make sure the situation is handled. However, make sure you flag us down and actually have our attention. While we are very aware of our surroundings we are not omnipotent, and we may not realize what is going on right away unless you tell us.

Another option is to wear sparring gear. Gear protects you as well as your sparring partner, and if you want to hit harder without the lasting damage this is a great option. If your partner is punching or kicking too hard bare-knuckle, ask them to put gear on. Those inches of foam padding make a difference, and that might be all you need to make the sparring match civil. This is often a double-edged sword. If you are wearing gear, your partner may take that as a green light to hit you harder. I will often request gear if I want to have an intense match, but I'm concerned that my partner may do lasting damage without it.

Lastly, access what it is that you are specifically worried about. If you have an old injury that could be made worse, such as a bad knee, there are ways to protect it. You can request that your sparring partner avoid take-downs. If you were hit in the temple too hard once and are fearful of experiencing that again, talk to a Sensei. We can help you adjust your guard and give you other strategies to better protect yourself.  

The worst thing you can do is avoid sparring altogether or to avoid specific people. It is perfectly fine to take a break in order to recover, but you must get back to it. Overcoming fear is a huge learning experience in the martial arts. By avoiding you are not learning anything. When I think of the people I used to be afraid of I realize that these are the individuals who have taught me the most. If I had avoided them the first time they had hit me too hard, I would have missed out on some truly valuable lessons. In fact, some of the people I used to be afraid of as a yellow belt eventually turned into my favorite instructors.

If your sparring match is out of control, stand up for yourself. You can also ask an instructor for assistance. Try suggesting sparring gear as well. Never avoid the situation, and instead look for learning opportunities. Get the most out of sparring by being assertive and by working at your own pace.

Photo By: S Ken Smith 

Warming-Up Before Practice Starts

Post by: S Lee

You bow in, enter the dojo, bow to the shrine, and see that you have a good ten minutes before practice starts. Now what? Lately we have been going over some good ways to warm-up on your own when you get to the dojo a little bit early.

Range of motion exercises are a good way to start, but they shouldn't be done for more than a couple minutes. Muscles are like taffy, when they are warm they are stretchy and flexible. However, when they are cold they are susceptible to injury. Therefore, it is best to start warming up those muscles before you start stretching or doing strenuous activity like punching and kicking the bags. Here are some ideas:

-Knees to chest
-Jumping jacks
-Light jog, incorporating upper body movement
-Light shadow boxing
-Jump rope
-Kata
-Tai Sabaki

After a few minutes of warming up with one of these activities, your muscles should start feeling warm and loose. Depending on how warmed up you are, you may feel like stretching at this point. Another option is to start practicing techniques. Bag work, push-ups, sit-ups, weapons kata, rolls, and other techniques can be practiced for the last few minutes before class starts.

There are some things you should NOT be doing:

-Talking about non-martial arts stuff
-Sitting down to stretch
-Staring into oblivion

It is important to get the most out of every class you attend. This is true for everyone, but even more so for people looking to test. One of the things black belts look for in potential testers is their readiness and enthusiasm. This is also your chance to work that new part of your kata or to go over your offensive sparring combinations without a Sensei scrutinizing your techniques.

Keep these things in mind when arriving to practice early. Have any other ideas for warm-ups? Add them in the comments!

Photo By: Ken Smith

Interview with Sensei Terry

1. How long have you been training?

In January of 2012, I will have been training for 20 years … I wish I had started sooner!

2. What martial arts have you studied?

I began my martial arts training at Harp Karate, studying Sensei Harp’s interpretation of Isshin Ryu Karate. I took a stab at Aiki Ju Do, but it didn’t work for me … I love the concept and principles of Aiki, but I have physical limitations that prevent me from pursuing the art. No worries though … Aiki Ken Jutsu and Ken Ai Do provide me with many opportunities to expand my horizons. These sword arts add depth to my training.

3. What do you love most about the martial arts?

So hard to say … there is always room for improvement and growth … there is the feeling of confidence … there is the satisfaction in helping others learn … I have never found a negative aspect to martial arts training …

4. What do you think is special about Harp Karate compared to other schools? 

 I have never trained at another school, but I have visited some … at Harp Karate each student is an individual, valued for their individuality and trained with that individuality in mind. Each student is encouraged to work and progress at the pace that suits them best, and each student is backed by the support of all members of the dojo.

5. How did you first become involved in the martial arts? 

My sons joined Harp Karate while I was undergoing radiation and chemotherapy in a battle against breast cancer. When I finished my chemotherapy, I decided I would “take karate” to regain my strength. My four year old son taught me to tie my belt! I soon discovered that one doesn’t “take karate” … okay … some do … but not me …I was hooked after the first few classes … after that I didn’t “take karate” …. I was on the road to becoming a martial artist.

6. What is your proudest moment in the dojo? 

I don’t think I can identify a proudest moment … there have been so many and there are so many more to come. The proudest moments so far have been when I have watched someone I have helped to train overcome all odds and attain their goals …

7. Who in the martial arts has inspired you? 

My brother was my first inspiration … then I joined Harp Karate and was inspired by many … Sensei Margot, Sensei Jennifer, and of course, Sensei Harp.

8. Where do you see your training going in the next five years?

As one of the senior members of the dojo (I’m old), I see my training continuing along the path I have been following … I work on making more of less

9. What is your favorite technique, kata, or other activity in the dojo?

When I enter the dojo whatever I practice is my favorite for that day … if I am the sensei I get to choose my favorite ,,, if I am not the Sensei, whatever I am assigned is my favorite for that time.

10. How have the martial arts changed who you are? 

The martial arts have made me an entirely different person …I am more confident (ok … confident at all) … I’m in the best physical condition I’ve ever been….I am happy and proud every day when I train and know that I have improved my life (and had fun doing it!) 

Interview with Sensei Kris Green

      How long have you been training?

I started in 1991, but had to take time off for knee problems for a few years, then got back into it and had to take time off after getting hit by an SUV while riding my bike in a perfectly legal and responsible fashion. But I’ve been back solidly for almost 5 years now.

What martial arts have you studied?

I’ve studied karate primarily, with Ken Jutsu (art of the boken) coming second. But I’ve also learned and taught some Tai Chi (Yang short form). I’ve been exposed to techniques from Aiki, Jujitsu, and other styles, but only at a very surface level.

What do you love most about the martial arts?

It’s a lot of fun, it’s challenging and it keeps me fit. I’m in better overall shape now than in my 20’s. In fact, martial arts was the first activity that I both liked and had to work hard to improve. I liked that challenge. And the breaks I took for injuries really helped me see how much I was missing. Another benefit is providing me an outlet emotionally and spiritually; the self-discipline and self-awareness have been VITAL to getting where I am today.

How did you first become involved in the martial arts?

My first college roommate wanted to check out the karate club at school. It was Isshinryu-based and a lot of his high school friends had done Isshinryu. I stuck with it; he didn’t.

What is your proudest moment in the dojo?

I think that would have to be seeing and hearing the reactions to what Sensei Lee and I prepared for our second degree test. We really worked hard on those interpretations of the kata, and having everyone react the way they did was extremely gratifying.

Where do you see your training going in the next five years?

I hope to still be on my seigan, first of all. Second, I hope to be more patient and aware; right now, I get very impatient in sparring. I don’t like to wait for my opponent, even though that is extremely important, and always backfires when I don’t wait. I also hope to have helped a few students progress to their next level of training. I’m thinking about some of the green belts, in particular.

What is your favorite technique, kata, or other activity in the dojo?

I love Kusanku. I think that kata is really complex and has a lot of layers to it, as evidenced by the “strange applications” Sensei Lee and I demonstrated a our second degree test. I also like sparring a lot.

How have the martial arts changed who you are?

Believe it or not, I’m a calmer person when I practice regularly. My mental focus is better. I’m happier. In high school, I had a lot of nicknames that were related to my dour personality. Now I’m much more pleasant to be around.

Photo by: Kathleen Vona

Working Hard and Being Tough

Post By: Lee Phelan

Recently we all received a letter from Sensei Harp explaining a concept of "old school" training. I have also noticed during my time as a sensei that upper belts often have questions concerning the requirements for black belt, especially once everything in the back of their book is checked off. Often the response to these inquiries is vague and abstract, since it is difficult to put these higher level requirements into words.

However, I believe things can be made much simpler, especially in light of Sensei Harp's letter. Students in the martial arts need to work hard and be tough. I don't necessarily mean cranking out a hundred handstand push-ups or walking on broken glass. There are many other things students and teachers can do to meet these two concepts.

As soon as you enter the floor, get to work. Do not talk about that jerk at work, how much homework you have, or your annoying relatives. I realize this can be difficult, especially when friendships develop within the dojo. But remember, the only talk should be about martial arts. So unless you have a specific question about a technique or kata, start working.

Come to class with the intention of doing your best. If you have an injury or condition you think will hamper you, either stay home or readjust what you are doing the best you can. Complaining to a Sensei or other students will only give you an excuse to take it easy, which negates both concepts.

Think about your uniform. If you only have a lightweight gi, consider switching to a heavy weight. The heavy weight gis will help with your training. It makes performing strong techniques irresistible, since hearing that nice SNAP becomes addicting. It also helps get you in the right mindset, just like wearing formal dress for an important event.

Keep the smiling and giggling down to a minimum. Some humor and being friendly is fine, but be careful not to take it too far. If you are laughing or talking with your partner more than you are working, you may have a problem.

Face your fears. If sparring is scary for you, do it anyway, but without showing your fear. Acting afraid of your opponent will only give them power. I think it is important to continually challenge your fears. For me facing my fears through sparring is a huge affirmation to my martial arts training. Yes, you read that right. There are people I spar with who scare me.  

Everyone struggles with these concepts, and no one is perfect. It takes effort and a strong sense of character to start practicing while others are talking, or to put on the heavy weight gi when it is eighty degrees outside. However, your training both physically and mentally will greatly improve, and your goals will become even closer to your grasp. 

Photo by: Teerapun

The Importance of Open Sparring Classes at Harp Karate

Post By: Lee Phelan

One of the things that makes our dojo truly unique is our open sparring class. This is something that many of us have grown accustomed to and may not fully appreciate. A couple of years ago I asked permission from Sensei to check out some sparring classes offered at other schools, which he seemed to happily encourage. Allow me to again express my appreciation for our sparring class.

First of all, very few dojos have open sparring classes. The ones that were willing to let a foreigner in were, well, unique. Some were more open than others. There was one dojo that had to first gain permission from their head Sensei, who required my name, age, rank, number of years training, tournament history, and gender. After two weeks I was allowed into their inner sanctum. The atmosphere at this particular dojo was very competitive. Despite the full gear I was required to wear, I still left bruised and battered. Another observation I made were the lack of female students who were actually participating in the sparring. There was only one, and she was serving water from a cooler to the guys. (Lee takes a deep breath and calms down, repressing the urge to jump into a feminist rant.)

Another dojo I ventured to was very laid back during their sparring class. Uniforms it seemed, were optional. Which made it difficult to tell who was a beginner and who was advanced. After a brutal warm-up we went back and fourth between sparring and bag work, with Limp Bizkit blasting from a stereo the entire time. Students were allowed at any time to stop and partake in energy drinks which were in a mini fridge on the dojo floor. While I was curious about what 288 mg of caffeine would do to my sparring, I ultimately decided to pass.

One of the strangest dojos I went to was actually a Kung Fu school. Everyone was very respectful there, and I enjoyed the group meditation before we started. Off in one corner of their training floor was a guy with a giant drum. Drum guy would provide a tempo which we had to correspond our techniques with. The result was a bunch of mechanical and robotic movements. This actually could have been a fun training exercise if the beat had changed at any point during the hour of sparring.

Our school has an excellent atmosphere for sparring. We have the freedom to go at our own pace, to advocate for ourselves, and to learn. If you want to work on slow sparring, you can! If you want to throw on gear and train with stronger techniques, you can do that as well!  

Appreciate our open sparring class, participate and learn from the experience.

Photo By: Ken Smith

Your Favorite Way to Train

Post By: Lee Phelan

This week's blog post is about you!

What is your favorite training activity during practice? You know, the activity you get the most excited about when practice starts up. Maybe you have a particular technique you feel confident with, or maybe there is a certain kata you love practicing, or a weapon that just feels right in your hands.

I'll start.

No big surprise here, my favorite training is sparring. In my opinion, sparring is the culmination of everything we do in the martial arts. Techniques, balance, reaction time, and state of mind are all being used at once. Granted, we use all these things in everything we do, but in sparring the stakes are a lot higher. Being slightly unbalanced in kata will likely result in a shaky technique that makes Sensei give you That Look. But being slightly off balance in sparring will likely result in you getting hit and then thrown to the ground, where you will probably be choked, mangled, or hit again. Because of sparring, I feel confident in life both in and out of the dojo. I know I can handle pressure, that I can take a hit, and that I can keep going despite adversity.

What about you? Leave a comment!

  

Photo By Ken Smith