Samarai of New Paltz
I posted this in tangsoodo, but I thought some one else might be interested in what I'm up to. And I will probably talk about this school more, as I suspect it will be a big part of my life. Sorry it's a little on the technical side...
Today I took my first class in over two years. It's the same Master that I used to go to, but it's a new school, and he has added Chanbara classes as well as Soo Bahk Do. Chanbara is a sword art - we spar with foam swords (and protective gear). I took one Chanbara class and one Soo Bahk Do class (with a break in between). So exciting!! It's weird being a beginner in one style and a Cho Dan in the other. Most noticable differences in sparring: 1.The Chanbara stance is really weird. You put all your weight on the front foot with your feet close together, and your front foot pointed inward. You kind of limp around. 2.I had to keep remembering to keep my non-sword hand on my hip. In Soo Bahk Do, your hand is up to defend your body. In Chanbara, it is out of the way so that it doesn't get chopped off. 3. The instructor reminded me that the swords are longer than arms, even a bit longer than most kicks, so the appropriate sparring distance is greater. Also my opponent knew alot of techniques, and I only had two. I think I did rather well though.
Soo Bahk do was great. We started with forms. I couldn't really remember mine. I can't even remember what it is called now. (It starts with a double high block, stepping back into a front stance, pull arms back, chop, reverse punch. Spinning outside inside kick, low block). But we started doing it and its funny when your body knows what the next move is, and your head has no idea. I can't say it went smoothely, but I felt fairly good about my technique, if not my memory. Of course, my stances could be lower. Seems like I have some muscles to rebuild.
Normally forms is my favourite part, but today I have to say it was sparring. Mostly 'cause I thought I couldn't do it. That I would run out of steam and double over gasping. But I made it. Once in Chanbara and later in Soo bahk Do. I did alright. My energy held out. I was breathing hard, but still felt like I could keep going - putting real energy into my techniques. And I didn't do to shabby either.
Soo Bahk!
Today I took my first class in over two years. It's the same Master that I used to go to, but it's a new school, and he has added Chanbara classes as well as Soo Bahk Do. Chanbara is a sword art - we spar with foam swords (and protective gear). I took one Chanbara class and one Soo Bahk Do class (with a break in between). So exciting!! It's weird being a beginner in one style and a Cho Dan in the other. Most noticable differences in sparring: 1.The Chanbara stance is really weird. You put all your weight on the front foot with your feet close together, and your front foot pointed inward. You kind of limp around. 2.I had to keep remembering to keep my non-sword hand on my hip. In Soo Bahk Do, your hand is up to defend your body. In Chanbara, it is out of the way so that it doesn't get chopped off. 3. The instructor reminded me that the swords are longer than arms, even a bit longer than most kicks, so the appropriate sparring distance is greater. Also my opponent knew alot of techniques, and I only had two. I think I did rather well though.
Soo Bahk do was great. We started with forms. I couldn't really remember mine. I can't even remember what it is called now. (It starts with a double high block, stepping back into a front stance, pull arms back, chop, reverse punch. Spinning outside inside kick, low block). But we started doing it and its funny when your body knows what the next move is, and your head has no idea. I can't say it went smoothely, but I felt fairly good about my technique, if not my memory. Of course, my stances could be lower. Seems like I have some muscles to rebuild.
Normally forms is my favourite part, but today I have to say it was sparring. Mostly 'cause I thought I couldn't do it. That I would run out of steam and double over gasping. But I made it. Once in Chanbara and later in Soo bahk Do. I did alright. My energy held out. I was breathing hard, but still felt like I could keep going - putting real energy into my techniques. And I didn't do to shabby either.
Soo Bahk!