Karate training in the Middle East

[BigAl]

Been super busy guys just popping in to say all is well.

[vapor]

Glad to hear that!

vapor

[BigAl]

So just to give a little info on what I've been up to.....

I've been consistent with my morning warm-up routine and Sanchin but my kihon and kata days have been a bit lacking due to low morale. Fortunately they've been building back up. Did some brainstorming and training with "Sensei DVD" but that's all I really have out here.

I did get to try out a Shaolin Chuan Fa class which was being offered yesterday. I'm the type of person who's always looking for something new to help better myself and get some new experiences. The instructor was a friendly guy but tough. One of those people who will have you grunting in pain yet laughing at the same time. A lot of the stances were very challenging (even the one similar to neko ashi which shows I've been slacking a bit in my stance training :P) and it was pretty fun.

I managed to pick up a few things from that short class. One of the things he showed me which I thought was useful was a great way of using tettsui in kumite. You use the tettsui to pound on your opponent's forearms to simultaneously lower their guard as well as give them a little something to think about. There was also some interesting exercises I can use (i.e. monkey jacks and shadowboxing while sitting in a wall chair). Hopefully I can make the next class. He also offers Tai Chi in the mornings but that can be tough to attend depending on the schedule.

[meguro]

Osu! I guess there will always be up days and down days. Hang in there.

Glad to hear that you've been cross training in Chinese MA. I've been thinking a long time about doing the same, but haven't gotten past leafing through the phone book and reading books.

Isometrics, like the wall chair, are a killer.

[seienchin]

Glad to hear you are still well. Can completely understand the fluctuating morale. How long till you are homeward bound?

[BigAl]

Thanks meguro and seienchin. Can't really say when exactly but soon. Not soon enough though it seems!

[MilkManX]

Hang in there man!

[BigAl]

Back at home! Got in yesterday evening. Some friends of mine and I drove from NC back home. Would've been faster if we didn't witness a big accident right in front of us and had to assist but I'm finally home. Thanks for the well wishes everyone!

[meguro]

Home for the holidays! Welcome back!

[vapor]

Great to have you back home~!
How long will it be?

vapor

[MilkManX]

Good to hear!

Now eat some good Turkey!!

[BigAl]

Thanks everyone! I finished my deployment so I'm going to be home for quite a bit. Wife and I have a vacation planned here then it's back to work as usual. Should be a while before I get called up again if it happens. In the meantime I'm just going to enjoy it while I can and keep training.

[BigAl]

Did some kettlebell training yesterday while the wife did her squat workout.

1) 2-Arm Swings with 20kg - x20 (warm-up)
2) 1-Arm Snatch with 24kg - 3x10 each arm
3) 1-Arm C&P: 20kg x 10 for each arm, then 16kg x10/10 for each arm.
4) Hip Tosses - 3x20 with 16kg
5) Walking - 100ft with two 16kg in rack position, then 50ft with two 16kg in jerk position.
6) Zenkutsu Dachi stepping and turning with two 16kg in rack - 3x10
7) Cross lunges with two 16kg in rack - 3x10
8) Pull-ups on gymnastic rings - 3x5

[Dent]

Osu!

Welcome back, BigAl! Good to know you're home safe and sound. (I guess that accident was a reminder that the US of A can be dangerous too...)

Osu!

[BigAl]

Thanks Dent!

[meguro]

Originally Posted by BigAl

Did some kettlebell training yesterday while the wife did her squat workout.

Good one! The family that trains together!

I was thinking of getting my wife a kettlebell for X-Mas or b-day, but I think I'd get the stink-eye as a thankyou.

[vapor]

Originally Posted by meguro

Good one! The family that trains together!

I was thinking of getting my wife a kettlebell for X-Mas or b-day, but I think I'd get the stink-eye as a thankyou.

If the second present she opens is a frying pan...you better have your running shoes on!!

vapor

[meguro]

^

[BigAl]

It definitely helps when your wife is as active into fitness as you are. To her credit she was a dancer and cheerleader up through college and got into figure and later bodybuilding. Now she's a fast-rising powerlifter.

Yesterday the wife and I did a yoga tape (hers this time: hate to say it but I think mine's tougher ) and I did a light kihon and kata workout.

Today was another kettlebell-type day.

(1) 1-Arm Snatches with 20kg: 20 per arm, 15 per arm, 10 per arm, 5 per arm. 30 sec rest between sets.
(2) KB Floor Press: 3x8 with a pair of 20kg. Not sure if I liked these or not.
(3) KB Front Squats: 3x10 with a pair of 20kg.
(4) Windmills: 3x5 with a 12kg, just feeling out the form.
(5) Rolling Thunder: Did 25, 50, 75, and 100 all for a single with each hand. Failed 125 for both and got 110 with the right hand. Disappointing as I almost had 135 before I left home.
(6) Dips: BW x15/12/10.
(7) Hanging Leg Raises on Gymnastic Rings: x8/5/5.
(8) Heavy Grippers: Did just 5 reps per hand with the HG200 before the wife was ready. Did a lot grip-wise so wasn't too worried about it.

[kyofighter]

Good to see that you made it back safe.
I guess now you can change the thread title
I'm in the same setup, my fiance is a brown belt , so training comes much easyer for us together.
Osu.