Fighting against this hidden enemy COVID-19.
To my fellow IKGA Members ... Greetings from Sydney Australia.
During the past few days, I have received and read very inspirational messages from our IKGA President Saiko Shihan Goshi Yamaguchi and also another from IKGA Vice President Ingo De Jong Hanshi, with regards to these troubling times of Coronavirus.
Although restrictions vary from Country to Country and seem to be gradually easing up, we must all still remain on the alert to safeguard ourselves and our families from this dreadful Pandemic.
SELF DEFENSE is not only guarding against a human attacker or aggressor, but how we all face life and the daily challenges around us.
Self Defence is actually looking after our bodies, our health (both physical and mental), and anything that can be of danger to our well being.
Self Defense begins with AWARENESS.
We alone are responsible for our own well being, and we must be prepared to face any challenge that comes our way, and to be on the alert at all times.
With regards to COVID-19, of course part of our Self Defense routine should be keeping a safe distance from others, washing our hands regularly, wearing a face mask as required in many Countries, not shaking hands or hugging, not touching hard surfaces if we can help it in public places such as door handles, railings, lift buttons, keypads etc., and the list goes on. I am sure that you have all heard this advice many times by now.
This may well be the biggest challenge that many of us have faced in our lifetime.
I sincerely hope that your Karate training and spirit has better prepared you to face these challenges and push through to the other side of the Pandemic to come out stronger once that we can all resume training and to return to the Dojo.
You are all in my thoughts and in my prayers.
Below are a few words of encouragement, and perhaps a few ideas to help to motivate you to continue your Karate training at home or by yourself.
None of us know when we will be able to resume class training again, so in the meanwhile I have some suggestions for you.
Try to keep fit if you can, and also stay flexible.
Such exercises as pushups, situps, chinups, squats etc. will help.
Walking or jogging may be an option, but make sure that you stay a safe distance from other people. Keep an eye out for any changes in Government regulations in this regard.
If you have any weights or gym equipment, for the amount of time that you spend on strength building exercises, you should try to spend an equal amount of time on flexibility training and stretching, so that you don't tighten up.
Of course if you have a punching bag or a Makiwara (striking post) then this is good training, but if not, you can practise your speed and focus on a curtain or a towel or anything that you can hang up as a target (as long as there is nothing behind it that you can injure yourself on). You can also try focusing your strikes on sheets of newspaper and trying to split them.
Resistance training is also beneficial, such as using the rubber extensions for punching and kicking, or otherwise tying the rubbers to your Karate Obi (Belt) whilst you perform your movements etc.
So that you don't forget your patterns or sequences, you should just run through your Kata, your Bunkai (Kata Application) and your Yakusoku Kumite (Pre-Arranged Kumite) on your own, just so that when you eventually resume class training, you won't have forgotten it. You don't even need to do it hard and fast ... just any speed that you feel comfortable with.
Don't forget the 4 speeds of Kata Training - Go Ho, Ju Ho, Seido Ho, and Go Ju Ho. All are good and beneficial.
If your training space is restricted, try doing stationary Kata and also Sanchin and Tensho as often as you can. Also performing the Kata in your mind, is very good training.
If you have access to a full length mirror, it is good to perform your standing still basics in front of it, so that you can correct your own form. Or if you have enough room, you could also perform your basic movements.
There are plenty of training videos on the Internet if you can access YouTube and/or Facebook ... even from IKGA sources.
I have heard that there are many online Karate classes via ZOOM, and other social media forums. If you are an Instructor, just make sure before broadcasting such activities, that you have the approval and permission from your Dojo Head Instructor, your IKGA Country Branch Chief, and your IKGA Bloc Director.
Your own SELF TRAINING will help to keep you fit and healthy, and more able to ward off less serious forms of illness.
It is also good for your mind, and helps to prevent boredom from setting in if you are confined to home.
Try to set yourself an exercise program and stick to it.
It will help with self discipline and maintain a general feeling of well being.
Good luck with your home activities, stay safe and take care.
We all hope to see each other back in the Dojo when the various authorities give the all clear.
Best Wishes,
Paul Starling,
Club Patron - Goju Kai Karate Do Sydney Incorporated (Yamaguchi Goju Kai - Sydney Goju Kan),
IKGA Vice President,
Member of the IKGA Presidents Council (PC).
