If you watch the video on building the spinning back kick it will help build the foundation for the first three kicks of this challenge on each side. The key for the fourth position is to slide your lead foot all the way across your rear leg position so that when you initiate your spinning […]
To reinforce what is said in this video, quality technique in the varied heights is far more important than getting really high on the kicks. Of course, the higher you can kick the better, but never at the compromise of good technique. If you are going to kick high, make sure you stretch really well […]
One of the big things we will be evaluating in this challenge is the engagement of the hips in each of the knees and kicks. Also be sure to land consistently in the same spot for your half moon stances.
This challenge blends the knife and flat plane variations of your 8 point blocking. Make sure you do the correct variation for each of the blocks once you add movement.
We strongly recommend warming up your hips before doing this challenge. When pulling the leg backward toward your recovery position, try to lead with the knee. If you try to lead with the foot, it tends to be far more difficult to get to the right position and it breaks the structure of your base […]
Make sure that the straight leg reaches far enough in front of you to come up in a solid base position. We strongly encourage you to watch all of the steps for building a strong forward recovery before giving this challenge a try.
Again there is no footwork here, but we want to see the proper body mechanics to engage power in your strikes. The palm can feel a little weird with the gloves on, but make sure to pull that hand all the way back so you do not hit with your fingers.
The footwork is the same as the last challenge, but the subtle difference in the strikes is what makes this one tricky. Make sure that finger locks into position for the triggers and closes back tightly for the thrust punches each time.
Part of the challenge here is to go from a straight strike (front two knuckle) into a circular strike (backhand) without compromising the integrity of the strikes. The common incorrect tendency is to start flaring the elbows on your front two knuckles so make sure to keep them in line with your fist. It’s also […]