… we need be vulnerable to our own self
Martial arts is, or should be about constant polishing and reflection. In doing so we must make ourselves vulnerable, and if there is one person we must make ourselves vulnerable to, we need be vulnerable to our own self. I will do that just now with you.
Let’s take a look at my side kicks in 2017 vs 2021.
In 2017 I was kicking at a high height but there were some mechanical issues with my kick. Kicking high and kicking well are two different things! If you look I did not extend my kicking leg all of the way. This is a major issue that we see when people over kick, kicking way higher than they need to. If you look again, I have my back arched which means my core is lacking and I need to recruit back muscles for stability. For an almost 19 year old, we can get away with this but as we get older this is less forgiving. If you look at my lead hand, it is counter compensating, but it is compensating in the wrong direction. My hand is dropped to the hip and I am not protecting my face. I am dropping my back hand to get better balance which is compensating my guard as well.
2017
In 2021, you can see by the still shot that I have adjusted all of these mechanical issues, but there is one thing that has not changed from the other photo that I seem to do only when there is a camera on me. I bite my lip. I think this is because I get self conscious when taking photos!
2021
Do a technique reflection of your own. What are some things that you would change or adjust in your technique? Never stop polishing your own technique even if you think it is already at an acceptable level.
