OK here is some information about the

UPCOMING

QLK Seminar

on 24 and 25 July 2010

LAST update 7/8/10

TRAINING Notes

for the July 24-25 Seminar Ok here is a collection of random thoughts and information that I hope will help you to be ready and enjoy the up coming QLK seminar

And here is some information you should probably know ...

These are just thoughts so things may change

Suggestions are welcome

• First off it WILL be hot … so please plan on it … there is no OFFICIAL uniform … however I personally will be wearing the summer training uniform which is a gray tea shirt and black pants… (officially it is black gi pants but in this heat shorts are probably even better) … just wear something that If you get some grass stains it won’t be a problem ... but I will switch into shorts as soon as it gets warm! I would encourage you to do the same

• NOTE: it is FAR more important to be comfortable and appropriately dressed for the weather than be “official” so dress in what will make you the most comfortable I will have plenty of water available in coolers but …

• Also wear sun screen ... a sunburn can ruin your day(s) QUICKLY …

• There will be NO live blades or metal or real edged weapons allowed (even if they are training ... metal is not allowed please) ... it is pure safety … the idea is that everyone that comes gets to go home safely … so let leave the real stuff at home please

• As far as weapons I have a small amount of practice weapons that I will make available … if you want to bring any ones that you have it would be definitely helpful … again please follow the rules above

  • Some things we hope to TRY to train on are

    • The short stick (best length is from your armpit to the bend in your wrist)

    • The Staff (best length is from your armpit to the ground with a diameter between a quarter and a half dollar)

    • RUBBER training knives Wooden Sword (bokken)

    • And my favorite weapon the Cane - this is the normal curved cane …not a flat top one and definitely NOT an animal cane …

    • • You can make any of these training weapons from wood or PVC pipe but I would recommend that IF you do then you tape them with nylon or electrical tape for safety in case they break – less chance of splinters or shapr piences ... DEFINITLY tape the PVC as it sometimes breaks with sharp edges

    • Again I have some training weapons that I will share and imagine that other will share also but it is always best to have your own if you can bring such …

  • Pads - you are welcome you bring them but seriously doubt that you will need them …

• There will be plenty of COLD water and some pop available (free) in coolers ... Please use it ... water helps keep you cool and keep you energy up ...

• There will be MANY classes ... some going on at the same time ... many will be repeated so expect to try different things

• Hopefully there will be people from many styles there ... so ask for their opinions and ideas

• This is NOT going to be about which style is best .. this is about having fun LEARNING and having fun ... which means meeting new people so try new things, ask people to show you their variations and enjoy

OK I had some VERY GOOD questions on weapons so I thought I would share my answers:

ALL the commercial staffs are CRAP! .... they are one size fits all and are way too light ... so they are toys and show pieces not actual usable weapons ...

the BEST staffs are ones that you cut yourself ... Staffs should actually be of a hard wood ... any hard wood will do ... just strip off the bark to make it easier on you hands ... you can even tape them if you want to make it smoother ...

Staffs should be cut to the length of the person from the ground (at the side of their feet) to their wrist ... holding their arm upward (not standing on tiptoes but instead flat footed) you should be able to bend your wrist over the end of the staff when it is touching the ground and held upright by your side

sticks ... the best length is from your armpit to your wrist (again you should be able to bend your wrist over the end of the stick)

the best stick material is bamboo ... simply because it doesn't break apart easily ... ( I can try to order some if you want .. they are about 8-10 dollars each (plus shipping) .. yes a rip off but they do last ...

again you can cut your own but if you do I DO suggest you tape them (electrical or nylon tape) for safety ....

And here is a map to our house ...

you can print out if you need

I will try to post some of the classes we will have but as of this point they will be on (changable!!)

PRACTICLE weapons

punching/ Ji strikes

Fa Jing

KATAS (empi, Poen, Ni hanchi)

Self defence (more FART techniches)

Closing the gap

4 hands (sword/heavy/sticky/ push hands)

Animal substyles

ANd there will be some games with some good prizes and of course the BBQ ... and who knows

Please let me know if you have suggestions ... or are willing to teach or help with any aspect of the seminar .. I think this is going to be a great fun weekend .... let all work to make it so and keep it safe

Please let me know if you have suggestions ... or are willing to teach or help with any aspect of the seminar .. I think this is going to be a great fun weekend .... let all work to make it so and keep it safe