Hi all,
Great thanks to all who came. The training was long, but the collective energy pushed us thru right to the end.
It was a pleasure to deal with a large group of a single minded determination to master everything in a single weekend.
" He also taught everyone “strike four gates”. "
This was taught to me by Mantis 108. IMHO, one of the simplest and yet most important aspects of mantis.
"This SFG is a very good tool for improving footwork and the ability to strike with power from an angle you normally think would not contain power. I learned alot about this subject from this little exercise. "
It is more than a tool. This type of footwork shows up repeatedly in the mantis that I teach. It is an essential aspect of how to move the body within the Mantis style. I regret not having the time and chance to go into details of how it is used to apply various methods of deceptive striking.
"Kevin mentioned that we were probably only going to be able to learn 9 out of the 18, I can see why now. "
On the bright side, learning the last nine should be easier than the first nine.
" Each technique was first taught as a “line drill”, then after doing these many times over a very long distance, we paired off with a partner. "
This is my own addition. Normally, the student would be well acquanted with all these techniques in the forms and no line drills would be taught.
But, this method of training individual techniues is valid. Many times I would see my elder, alone under the Banyon tree, working a technique over and over.
"We also repeated the line drills with Kevin calling out, we had to respond to the name of the essential. "
I started this, but realizing that 2 days is too short to learn moves and chinese words or their abstract english equivelents is too much I stopped. Later you must call out the terms and have the students do the moves for the partner practice.
“I see the importance and necessity of “knowing” the types of strikes needed in the initial engagement.”
Yes, I agree. In my own observations I have noticed that the winner of fights is usually the guy who got the good strike right off the bat.(Not as often in tourny though).
" These really helped me with my entering the engagement aswell. Maybe with Osos help and Kevins permission we could put up some clips."
Send me some stuff, I’ll edit and post.
“Also, the gathering took place on top of a civil war fort where many battles were fought. It was a very cool place, up high, secluded and beautiful. Kind of added to the ambiance… thanks Justin for finding this spot.”
Now, my wife wants to move to Tenn.
Kevin
