Tinkering with traditional technique.

Folks,

Do you remember when I talked about working on traditional techniques? Well, let me give you an example. Well I have been working out the technique Alternating Maces with another Kenpo Black Belt. In essence we are just doing what I have been preaching for a long time now: Making the classical techniques fit modern fighting reality. It is not as hard as you would think. It is actually a lot of fun. He and I have different body types, so we approach the moves differently.

I think that as true students of the martial arts we owe it to ourselves and students to do this kind of research. Not only does it give you the repetitions that you need to improve your technique, it helps you to be able to explain the movements better. Sometimes we do things by rote because we know them so well. Taking a fresh approach allows you to think differently so that you can remember how to explain them to beginners.

So your homework for today kiddos is to take your favorite classical technique, and make it as practical as possible. Adios!