Good Training Session- Grinding and kicks

Had a really good training session led by Iain today, on arm and leg grinding and kicking techniques.

We've recently had a Thai lady Pi Jet start with us and it is fantastic to have someone a bit more my size to train with. Training with the men is all very well and teaches me to really have to use my strength, stance and body to achieve my goals, but having someone my size means that I can concentrate more on technique.

Teaching and pairing off with a beginner is useful for anyone of any level. Not only does it help me practice teaching technique, it makes me really look at myself and how I am performing a move.  Am I leaning instead of twisting into a block, is my stance correct, feet turned in etc?

The session started with the basic grinding exercises that help build up strength as well as conditioning the arms and drilling in the basic blocking techniques. We also did the leg grinding exercises which are good especially as although I often condition my arms, I often forget to do my shins and if they ever make contact with something, it will probably hurt!

We then did some work on the groin kick (my favourite, wonder why?). Iain stressed the importance of holding the focus pad's correctly to prevent injury, which is something I hadn't thought of before.  He also made a valid point that if someone is high on coke and alcohol (most of the people at the waterfront in Bristol then), kicking them in the balls won't work as they will not feel the pain. 

The session told me that I have to do some more leg flexibility work as my legs are embarrassingly stiff and also some cardio. A lot of what we do is tiring but not in a cardiovascular way, and although I am fairly fit, my stamina is not as good as it could be. Skipping for me then...I wonder if I can remember any of those songs from school...