Training Session

Each training session will be broken up into different sections starting with a warm up section and finishing with a flexibility section. Not all parts of these sections will be used every week so that each training session is different.

The details of these sections are as follows:

Warm Up: This will consist of mobility exercises to lubricate the joints, followed by a pulse raiser to increase cardiovascular fitness and prepare the body for physical activity. This is done using various martial arts drills and exercises.

Stretching: This will consist of various flexibility methods which target all areas of the body. The aim of this is to prevent injury and increase range of motion for techniques such as high kicks.

Fighting Drills and Applications: Techniques from many different systems and styles of martial arts will be taught and applied to give a greater range of knowledge. They will include (basic to advanced), punching, kicking, throwing, grappling, self defence and weapons (sticks, nunchuckas, bo staff). These techniques are applied in combinations of the different strikes learned. Some of these techniques are done with a partner or without a partner like shadow boxing.

Sticks
Nunchuckas
Bo staff

Sparring/Pad Work/Physical Conditioning:

Sparring: This involves two students applying various techniques freestyle using light contact. Both students will be wearing protective padding in a controlled environment. The aim of sparring is to develop timing and reactions utilizing the skills taught. Although sparring is a form of fighting, it is not the opportunity or excuse to display excessive force or hostile aggression. For these reasons, sparring will not be introduced until at least three weeks into the academic year. Students who do not wish to participate in sparring will have the option of practicing their pad work or physical conditioning.

Pad Work: Pad work an essential component for developing speed, power, co-ordination and reactions. It is also extremely beneficial for toning muscles, increasing aerobic and anaerobic fitness through interval and/or continuous training.
 

Physical Conditioning: The inclusion of physical conditioning is to help students develop an all round level of fitness for example: speed, agility, quickness, explosive power, muscular strength and endurance. A good level of physical conditioning will enable students to perform martial art skills to the best of their ability.

Cool Down: A cool down phase using gentle exercises will assist with recovery and help to prevent muscular soreness. It will also aid the removal of waste products that have built up in the body such as lactic acid.

Flexibility: This has the same benefits as the Stretching phase because it uses the same techniques. The difference is that stretches will be held for longer and this will prevent muscle shortening as a result of exercise. It is also scientifically proven that stretching at the end of training is the most effective way of increasing flexibility.