All Wado Karate Forum

I just started Wado Ryu and take it at a local community centre once a week. Obviously to really digest this material, one must go through this stuff at least 3 times a week. So my question is, what types of things should I be going through to tide me through to next class (aside from practicing what I learned at my last class).

Are there any conditioning exercises that might help keep me limber and actually improve my flexibility?

As you have only just started you can run the risk of simply practicing bad technique in some areas, without the instructor there to correct any glaring errors you may simply turn an error into a habit. When I started I simply practiced the shell of the kata I was learning, but slowly so as to just get the general shape of it. This is what I'd suggest to you, until you get to the stage of being able to train in confidence by yourself.

If you are looking to increase your performance, remember that a martial art simply teaches you to get the best out of what you have. I would suggest light weights, resistance training, cardio and a lot of core exercise. If you can improve general fitness this will play into your Wado improving. Better base to work from, better end product.

Otherwise, practice the bare basics. Get in front of a mirror and practice junzuki over and over slowly. Make sure the arm isn't flicking, the elbow isn't coming out, that you are keeping your shoulders in and that the punch is coming straight. Just remember; break it down, keep it slow and keep checking for obvious mistakes. Save full effort for when you have someone to point out where you are going wrong for you.

I agree with Wado heretic that there is a danger of learning a bad habit to the level that it can't be changed. Some people seem to be that way. :)
However, I think it is an attitude thing. If one wants to constantly improve the understanding of the training methods and seeks guidance, then learning bad habits is not a real threat to the point that one should think about it too much. One must simply change the way he has done previously, once he has heard of or seen a better way. Better means that it's in line with the other stuff that we do and so it is the stuff you get from your teacher. So if one thinks that "I don't want to do as I'm being told but I'll keep doing it in this better way of mine", one just builds up a barricade somewhere into the future. Anyway, many times learning a "correct" way is not possible without enough experience from ways close to the "correct" way. So it all becomes a timing thing. Trying to find the ideal time to learn more and practice enough in between.

In short, what to do in between the classes: Train in a way so that you can perform better the stuff that is being told and showed. Repeat what is done in the classes and do your individual physical analysis that aims at your personal weak points and makes you more receptive to the teachings.

A good habit I learned from my previous karate training was to take notes after each class. I used to draw a lot so I also make diagrams regarding foot positioning and stick figures. I do agree about practicing things wrong. I did do this with Pinan Nidan only to have my sensei correct my foot positioning subsequently. However, i do take my training seriously and try to absorb as much as my brain can assimilate in each class. Then I practice daily. Sometimes it's just basics because, once again, I agree that kata is best done in front of an instructor since there are so many little elements that go into it.

One thing I marveled at this week was practicing junzuki tsukkomi on my WaveMaster. My previous training with punches never moved that thing (about 200lbs filled with sand) and only my kicks would. After practicing what my instructors in Wado told me to do, I found I'd moved the thing more than a foot after a couple of strikes. I was really amazed at the power one can generate using their core when applying this waza. We actually do a LOT of core working out prior to drills. I think it's really crucial.

Thanks for your insights regarding my initial post. Much appreciated!

I have been trying to kick my wavemaster over with a roundhouse kick for near 2 years now. Still cant do it, but can get it to around 45 degrees. Maybe one day :)

andyb28 wrote:I have been trying to kick my wavemaster over with a roundhouse kick for near 2 years now. Still cant do it, but can get it to around 45 degrees. Maybe one day :)

I guess based on my Tae Kwon Do days, I don't have much issues knocking it over with kicks. To be able to knock it back using Junzuki no Tsukkomi would be amazing for me to do.

Oh, a little sidenote. One of the students I was working with in class this evening for Sanbon sets was worried that we'd actually start hitting each other as we progressed up the ranks. A sensei relieved her anxieties about this though. She asked when we'd ever have to use Sanbon Jodan Uke and the answer was "if you're ever attacked". Too nasty to practice full out on a fellow student.

majin29 wrote:

andyb28 wrote:I have been trying to kick my wavemaster over with a roundhouse kick for near 2 years now. Still cant do it, but can get it to around 45 degrees. Maybe one day :)

I guess based on my Tae Kwon Do days, I don't have much issues knocking it over with kicks. To be able to knock it back using Junzuki no Tsukkomi would be amazing for me to do.

Oh, a little sidenote. One of the students I was working with in class this evening for Sanbon sets was worried that we'd actually start hitting each other as we progressed up the ranks. A sensei relieved her anxieties about this though. She asked when we'd ever have to use Sanbon Jodan Uke and the answer was "if you're ever attacked". Too nasty to practice full out on a fellow student.

Hi Majin,

not sure what you mean. the purpose for torimi is not to get hit, right?

I think my fellow student's cause for anxiety is the atemi that are part of the Sanbon. I think it's my own naïveté being so new to Wado that I may not completely get the primary reason to train these sets. To me they seem like very effective conditioning exercises for defensive purposes. My fellow student believed we'd use these in kumite at higher ranks but was assured that the atemi waza in these techniques wouldn't transfer to a sparring scenario aside from the timing, distancing and Taisabaki we are developing.

I've watched WadoAj's vids on YouTube and it does look like we will speed up the Sanbon but never will follow through with the strikes full force. This was my fellow student's ultimate concern but our sensei assuaged her anxieties.

majin29 wrote:I think my fellow student's cause for anxiety is the atemi that are part of the Sanbon. I think it's my own naïveté being so new to Wado that I may not completely get the primary reason to train these sets. To me they seem like very effective conditioning exercises for defensive purposes. My fellow student believed we'd use these in kumite at higher ranks but was assured that the atemi waza in these techniques wouldn't transfer to a sparring scenario aside from the timing, distancing and Taisabaki we are developing.

I've watched WadoAj's vids on YouTube and it does look like we will speed up the Sanbon but never will follow through with the strikes full force. This was my fellow student's ultimate concern but our sensei assuaged her anxieties.

HI Majin,

I already replied but something has appeared to have gone wrong. I will try to typ the same message.

I'm still not sure what you are talking about. As for videos, there are just videos. I mean the intent sometimes can't be seen properly if at all. It is difficult to jugde what is going on.

as for sanbon gumite, if i'm ukemi I will try to knock torimi down with the first blow. I try again with the second one and finally with the third one. Torimi on the other hand should neutralize what I'm trying to achieve. Hence, torimi will not get hit. If torimi makes a mistake, off course I will not strike with full force. Instead I abort my attack on the surface or just before the surface. As long as torimi learns the lesson it is ok.

Still not sure if this is what you mean though.

AJ

WadoAJ wrote:

majin29 wrote:I think my fellow student's cause for anxiety is the atemi that are part of the Sanbon. I think it's my own naïveté being so new to Wado that I may not completely get the primary reason to train these sets. To me they seem like very effective conditioning exercises for defensive purposes. My fellow student believed we'd use these in kumite at higher ranks but was assured that the atemi waza in these techniques wouldn't transfer to a sparring scenario aside from the timing, distancing and Taisabaki we are developing.

I've watched WadoAj's vids on YouTube and it does look like we will speed up the Sanbon but never will follow through with the strikes full force. This was my fellow student's ultimate concern but our sensei assuaged her anxieties.

HI Majin,

I already replied but something has appeared to have gone wrong. I will try to typ the same message.

I'm still not sure what you are talking about. As for videos, there are just videos. I mean the intent sometimes can't be seen properly if at all. It is difficult to jugde what is going on.

as for sanbon gumite, if i'm ukemi I will try to knock torimi down with the first blow. I try again with the second one and finally with the third one. Torimi on the other hand should neutralize what I'm trying to achieve. Hence, torimi will not get hit. If torimi makes a mistake, off course I will not strike with full force. Instead I abort my attack on the surface or just before the surface. As long as torimi learns the lesson it is ok.

Still not sure if this is what you mean though.

AJ

Thanks for the post WadoAj. I appreciate referencing the videos you put up but of course I use the classes to learn proper instruction as there's no substitute for training in the dojo with one's sensei. Your videos are like a preview of what I can look forward to becoming and some of the techniques I will be learning down the line. I find it inspiring .

My fellow student and I probably perceive these sanbon on a superficial level which is why there is some anxiety associated with it- We're just at a stage of learning it from a body coordination point of view. We're literally going through the steps and concentrating on getting the timing and distancing right. Both of us are in our 40s so learning these things takes a little longer. But I really appreciate the fact that I will be able to see these sanbon on a different level as I progress. IN fact, all the information and opinions from the experienced karateka on this forum is invaluable to me. I take it, and I really think about it as it relates to what I'm learning. It's a wonderful living reference guide.

Getting back to the topic of the thread, I must concur with what was mentioned on an earlier post about practicing too much at home- I do think given my low rank that bad habits can be made easily. I'm stepping up my classes because of this. I prefer to review all of the components in front of an instructor who can help me refine and perfect the techniques so I am doing them properly.