Dave Hooper Sensei
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On the 9th August, the ESKK Honbu Dojo was pleased to welcome Dave Hooper Sensei from the JKA Honbu Dojo in Japan.
The training session was attended by twenty two members of the ESKK Dojo as well as some members of other clubs, and friends of Kevin Sensei.
The first session looked at the basics of stances, fluid and fast movement from Shizentai into zenkutsu dachi and the importance of the jikuashi, supporting leg. Sensei went onto to look at the use of koshi no kaiten hip rotation especially when blocking in hamni. The training then looked at combining all of these principals in fast stepping with oi-zuki and also with mae geri. The session finished with practicing Heian shodan Kata both forwards and backwards, again concentrating on the jikuashi, especially when turning 180 degrees behind you.
After a short break, the session continued with the previous themes, but using Gohon and Sanbon kumite to develop fast and fluid movement both forwards and backwards. This exercise was carried out with numerous variations of slow speed, fast speed, mixed speeds, no power and full power - paying attention to stances, the support legs, hip position and target.
Sensei demonstrated the difference between movement with tension and movement without any tension with one of the groups adults, asking him to block his attacks. When Sensei was attacking with tension (but at very fast speed) his attacks were being blocked, however when he moved 'correctly' with very little tension, nothing could be stopped and very few of us even saw him move, we only hear the impact noise, it was that fast. The session continued this theme of fast movement and moved onto kicking using mae geri, mawashi geri and yoko geri kekomi with a partner. The session ended with looking at Heian nidan Kata again forwards and backwards and then performing the Kata with a partner.
All in all, an excellent Japanese paced session where everyone learned a great deal. Very many thanks to Hooper Sensei for coming to our Dojo.