It is good to be back home. Missed the training with these fine men. Most of the training group were out of town, so once again Motorboat received the brunt of YHC overexuberance. Bruises were kept to a minimum while we started with the basics. It is important to revisit the basics to remind the mind and body where we started. We need our minds to be clear of any thought of technique, they should flow out of necessity and not out of thought. The hands, feet, legs, elbows knees all must learn to feel the correct position and moves without the conscious effort of the mind. The mind has enough to think about without being concerned about basic techniques and tactics. So yes, we start over from time to time to reassure the mind that the body can handle itself while it oversees the battle. It may seem strange to speak of the mind and body having different functions in a fight,, but it is just another way of explaining how many things need to become natural,,, just like walking. we dont think about what our hands, feet, knees elbows need to do,(or the entire body for that matter). the "mind" requests a certain action and the body performs the tasks without much input from the mind. This is what is needed to become a good fighter.
The hand drills hold a special importance, for it is with the hands that most people will try to attack us. The concept of defending and attacking at the same time starts with the use of the hands. These drills that were once slow and physically easy are now becoming faster and much more of a workout. Blocking and throwing strikes requires intense conditioning for the arms not to tire. Once the arms become tired, striking is just about useless. Learning to relax during a conflict is not easy but training will help get the body prepared.
Then the legs,, legs are used for more than just moving and striking. Balance, rotation and movement is what wins a fight. If we maintain our own while disrupting that of the attacker we will have a far greater chance of success. These drills train the legs to move faster and in the right manner to control these three components of battle. yes, it hurts a bit. but the hard part is yet to come,,, the combining of the hand and legs techniques is just about upon us. And we will see a few more bumps and bruises until the mind can convince the body that both of these can be performed at the same time.
Motorboat has been exposed to a variety of painful conditions and has come through easily. The pracitce has been evident in his increasing abilities and YHC looks forward to more active combat days.
The morning went quicker thanYHC expected and so we will extend this review next week.
Thank you for the chance to train with you fine men. It is an honor and a privilege.