KerwinBenson.com Hidden Gems of Martial Arts

Self Defense Article
Balance Exercise: Now, everyone can practice for martial balance
     by Keith Pascal
 

 

Unique Scenario Practice in Your Garage

If you think you'll fall, you will ....

So, it's just a matter of time before, I slip on the ice in front of our house. My backside will "marry" the slick pavement at some point in this season.

The fact that I am writing about balance means that it will happen when others are watching. I hope my daughter, Quinn, has a good laugh.

I pity the poor souls stuck in a warm climate, who don't have the benefit of martial-practice hazards in front of their houses.

Luckily, my martial-arts student, Mike R., reminded me of a training device that we inadvertently discovered "not long ago." Mike is ... ahem ... off "discovering himself" in New Zealand. Still, he faithfully reads MAM from down under.

Mike reminded me of a time that we practiced on a very slippery surface. It was so slick it was hard to move even six inches.

Covering The Floor

Mike wrote about a time in our garage, when the cement floor was more slippery than normal. He recalls a time when there was flour (regular, white baking flour) spilled all over the garage floor.

Students were having fun walking through the white powder and making trails. As the bottoms of their shoes coated with the stuff, it became impossible to walk.

We used this as an opportunity to practice Sticky Hands (Chi Sao).

Great idea?

Only two things wrong with Mike's memory ....

1. It wasn't flour spilled on the floor. It was some spilled talcum powder (baby powder).

2. We haven't had talcum powder in the garage, (don't ask me why it was in there), since Quinn was in diapers. She's now seven years old. Mike, time flies when you are studying martial arts.

 

So, now anyone, including our Hawaiian subscribers, can practice slick-surface-martial-arts in tropical climates.

Start shoveling sand into your garage.

 

PS I wonder what the weather is like in New Zealand ???


Tiptoeing to Tranquility: The Parable for Finding Safety and Comfort in Dangerous Times (Soft Cover -- $12.95 + postage)

Lessons in a story. A mother and daughter take lessons from a martial arts master -- not in martial arts, but rather awareness.

They learn to be safe and travel with confidence in their city.

Read more about Tiptoeing to Tranquility ...