Club: Interesting night with the kids

Like I said, it's holiday season. Only six kids!!

We took the occasion to do some detail work with them and to get them motivated. They are all excellent kids, but some of them could apply themselves better.

We worked basic techniques. I explained the 4x4 principles to them in simple language then got them to pair up. They worked the principles on a couple of simple wrist escapes using soto uke (outer receive) and jodan uke (upper receive).

It turned into a great session - the energy was distinctly up at the end of the class and the kids caught on to the ideas very well.

We discussed "feet" (you have to move your feet!) "stance" (good posture is strong - the experienced it in the pairs work too - we did a little exercise the wrong way and the correct way to feel the difference).

Then I stressed the importance of "concentrate" (mental focus) - we worked this into our basics. The difference between the first techniques and the last was dramatic.

Finally I said they had to "breathe" - very funny, but not very good if you forget to breathe. Breathing keeps you relaxed and fluid and healthy!

A fun and "different" evening. Some of the kids in that group do struggle (they ain't natural athletes) but they had great fun with the escapes and other grappling techniques as well as a noticeable improvement in basics.

Well done all!