Karate Tools Pt2 Ude Kitae

 The Ude Kitae...Ude (arm) Kitae (to forge, temper or condition)

This brute really does reveal the true nature of the self. 

It takes a very long time to be remotely comfortable training with this tool. The forging or conditioning process of the arms and shins needs to be approached with care, not over done but at the same time with consistency.  And that is the key to improving bone density and desensitising the nerves around the areas that are trained.  Bruising is certain, pain is certain as is the mental trauma of what it is you are doing. Its very uncomfortable,  the brain says stop, and this is where you 'meet yourself'.  Do you or dont you, or do you go harder. Its a choice. 

Typically I train the inside, outside and back of the forearm.  Then knife hand and the centre of the back of the hand for i am blessed not having any veins at the striking point. You must stay away from veins, damage could be irreparable. 

The top of the Ude Kitae has about a 25 to 35 degree slope. This allows for a hammer fist strike or palm strike to be trained. Also drilled around the top inside edge i have, on mine, 5 circular dimples slightly wider than a finger tip. This is to simulate striking, or driving the fingers into the soft areas around the neck. Not only does it gradually strengthen the finger tips but also helps with consistent accuracy...

I generally do 150 strikes of each exercise  2 to 3 times a week. Allow a good hour of traing for this many. Incidentally,  once you start an exercise you do not break from it until the number is done. Start with a small number to complete and then go from there. Patience is needed. Remember, training with tools like this is a marathon not a sprint, you cant have it all straight away... good luck.

Jony.

Karate tools Pt 1 Sagi Machiwara

 I was working with the Sagi Machiwara  (Hanging Striking Post) today. What a brute of karate tool it is. Difficult to manipulate and direct, and the closer to it you are and the further you push it away the more difficult and demanding it becomes. With shoulders and forearms burning, 30 minutes went quickly. The Sagi Machiwara has multiple ways it can be trained with, but in this context I used it for Kakie ( push hands ).  Other uses include swinging it and moving out of its way as late as possible (evasion). Striking it with palms, finger knuckles, back of the hand and elbows or simply using it to block. 

A couple of weeks ago I was asked by a friend and fellow martial artist ( primarily Jiu Jitsu ) which tool i favoured or liked the most. I didnt really have an answer for him.... After training today I sat for a while contemplating what he had asked. I came to the conclusion that I didn't have an answer about liking any one in particular because I dont particularly like any of them. They are all Savage and brutal. They hurt, they fatigue they bruise and they show you flaws in yourself, so what's to like really.... not much.

So why keep going back to them? Endorphin release, the need to improve, to develope tenacity, to hone the weapons we use in karate, hands, shins, elbows, fingers etc...or simply because it becomes an integral part of training? 

Whatever the reason, Karate training, physically and mentally and indeed life in general is better for it...not easy but then nothing ever worthwhile is... 

After using the tools I always feel more           ' mellow ' chilled and satisfied. And in a better place to put up with Fkwits that I seem to be encountering on an almost daily basis.  

The Sagi Machiwara, basically a log on a rope. Cheap to make and a great training partner when you dont have a training partner.  Hang it like a punching bag. 

Jony

D. F. Q.

 Although im now fit enough to return to work im not fit enough for Karate...to say im a bit annoyed is an understatement.  The 2 hip revisions i had in 3 days means I cant kick, and I won't be kicking for a while. 12 to 18 months is what im told whilst everything knits back together.  

Of course it isn't to say i cant still be active in junbi undo or keep working with Makiwara, I can. But kicking and stances are a real issue. 

I can fully appreciate now what people have told me about deep tissue infections, they're not nice to put it politely.  When karate has been a part of your life for so long its a bitter pill to swallow not being able to train properly or to the fullest. 

The whole journey this time around has been one of anxiety and at times depression. The system has been draining. Lack of information, the unknown, and then there's the mental and physical fight of rehabilitation. 

    Though your boots might be heavy, D. F. Q

In the past, when faced with the 'Black Dog' once before, turning to training was a form of therapy. Helping with mental stability it was possible to claw a path out of the darkness and into the light. Taking negative thoughts and putting things into perspective.  This time however, i physically cant do that, but thankfully the mental training that Karate ( or any martial art affords)  is a big help. Rehab is long and slow. Being back at work a blessing, albeit with a couple of restrictions in the short term.

For any of you reading this, who have faced the 'black dog' just remember,  though your boots might be heavy, D. F. Q. (Don't Fucking Quit). It does get better... you are enough and it will pass.....

Jony.  

Karate in the Hospital.

 Im not surprised at human nature much these days. Hostile and abrupt behaviour towards people dedicating their life to helping others can seem almost normal. But definitely not acceptable.  

Yes im back in hospital with a few Hip issues.

An under funded over stretched under staffed system, my heart goes out to the front line carers that are a part of it. I think in general, they do a fantastic job.

So where does Karate fit inside of a Hospital? Well, first off, respect for everyone around you. Being honest the same, no frills, just facts. Looking inward at yourself to see what you can do to make everyone's day/night easier. Helping yourself to help the staff. By this i mean the physical stuff. Rehabilitation isn't easy, but the hard work has to be put in to make progress so that the rehabilitation becomes easier...

Sharing a room with other orthopaedic patients is an eye opener. Not one person out of 4 wants to put the work in to help fix themselves. As each day goes by, that first step becomes harder, and recovery, further out of reach. 

Talking to a guy who had had a tibia reconstruction, I explained the above. To his credit he tried, and then tried again. He saw me walking with a frame and setting an example. At this he kept trying, then after 3 days came over and thanked me. I'd had a Tibia and knee reconstruction myself decade's ago and fully appreciated what the poor guy was going through.  

Anyway, Karate. Helping others, setting an example, trying to make the lives of people around us simpler, happier and less troublesome.  Perfecting character ( that old karate cliche ) if you will. Or to put it another way,  doing the right thing, simply because its the right thing to do.  The physical act of Karate is one thing, giving it depth and meaning,  thats something else entirely.  

Scratching the Itch...

 If you have read the last few posts then you will know i haven't been training for a while. 

Today that ended and I well and truly scratched the itch...

Kettle Bells for Hojo Undo and training in Sanchin and plenty of work with the various Makiwaras that adorn the Dojo...it felt great.

The plan now is to get myself work ready. I will be signed off to teturn to full duties in a couple of weeks. The plan is to train every day. 

The real positive to come out of returning is the mental health side of the training.

Im sure if you're reading this and train in whatever it is you do, then you will agree. The benefits in my opinion for mental health are insurmountable.  Something I'm realising more now than ever before. 

When you do something all the time, you can often become comfortable in the things it has to offer. Not always appreciating it to its fullest. I do now. 

Jony...

An itch you cant scratch...

 My rehabilitation recovery journey continues. 

The last 3 weeks have been tough, both Physically and mentally. The Gasshuku's I have been a privilege to be a part of standing me in good stead with the challenges I have had to face. 

I'm now at a point just 3 weeks post op where I am walking normally and unassisted.  Zero pain and generally feeling stronger every day.  

Ever had an itch you can't scratch, that's me with Karate at the moment. 

Now im fully mobile again and continuing with the rehab, I will use the time to refurbish the Dojo. Fresh paint, a deep clean and service the tools....

Sounds like a plan.

Thanks for stopping by....Jony

Challenges

 Like many I've had some big challenges over the years. Challenges that mould you in to the person you become. 

Being bullied, (ha, try that now) both physical and emotional. A knee reconstruction, 3rd degree burns, losing family and Facing the Black Dog. 

Martial arts however, in my case Karate-do and Judo, have kept me grounded. A staple diet of challenges and being uncomfortable to help forge Integrity, Will and Spirit. A place of both familiarity and the unknown. 

For nearly 2 years the debilitating pain of hip necrosis was taking its toll. Opioids to help me keep working for my family, along with a tenacity of to not give up, despite how difficult a 12 hour shift was. The D.F.Q attitude, tried and tested over and over, Shift after shift, day after day, month after month.  Forged in the Dojo, an internal spirit i didn't really know i had. It's not until real hardship sets in that you realise just what it is that you're capable of. A Gasshuku would now be a piece of piss by any comparison.  And I have done some hard ones of those.

Coming through the other side of such a massive challenge, staying positive and having hope prepares one for any thing. 

The rehabilitation process is so much easier too. Taking hardships and lessons of the kind away from Karate-do, ensures steady and positive attitude, a can do attitude. Fighting pain and hardship, but of a different kind.  

Karate-do is a beautiful thing when you can use it to win the battles life throws at you. More than a bunch of moves in a gym, school hall or bonafied Dojo. When you can use its very essence, its core teachings and practical approach to problems, you really are blessed in life. 

Jony...