Saturdays Nunchaku training session was a great afternoons work. We started off with a very simple figure 8 movement just to get into the swing of things then before we knew it this simple pattern had been layered up to include cross overs, changes of direction and spins.
The main thrust of the session throughout was the underpinning concept of applied motion. Learning just the spins, as cool as they are, is all worthwhile and great practice but for someone new to Nunchaku it can be daunting and frustrating.
Motion is the one element that brings the practice of all weapons to life. Besides, just standing still and flailing the Nunchaku about is hardly a great combative strategy!! So right from the outset we were moving with the Nunchaku, going forward, backward, turning and dropping to the floor.
The whole idea for the session was that by encouraging movement we forced the creativity of the spins and flails. This idea was reflected in the last section of the afternoon by the students developing their own spontaneous sequences. It really was amazing to witness students relatively new to Nunchaku dreaming up spins, turns and crossovers that fitted their foot falls perfectly, a great way to finish off the afternoon.
As mentioned recently, we will be asking you what kind of training sessions and workshops you would be interested in doing next year so please send your ideas along via our Facebook page: Wisewarrior Cheltenham
1 Comment
Tor S · 27 November 2011 at 3:15 pm
Warming up for the nunchaku training session I managed to drop my nunchaku several times and almost smack myself in the face twice. I blamed it totally on the fact that my central heating is broken again and my muscles were cold, but in truth I had my fingers very firmly crossed that I would be a student for the session and not helping to teach.
In addition to this when I arrived at a very nice room at our YMCA venue, I noticed straight away a very nice (and possibly expensive) mirror covering one wall. I thought it best, and indeed it was recommended, we all stay well clear of it!!
So we had Sensei Tim taking the session with a good cross section of students, including my brother, who had travelled down all the way from Leicester after reading about the event on Facebook and our blog. We were then treated to a great two hour insight into this amazing weapon by somebody clearly proficient, experienced and passionate about nunchaku.
Personally I was shocked at how much I learnt in such a short period of time. Looking back, it started so simply but got more complex as the afternoon progressed.
Following the session I was treated not only to a Chinese meal, but also to listening to my brothers comments on what a great time he had and how much he had enjoyed the experience.
I’m looking forward to our “vote off” and finding out what theme we will all choose for our next workshop. And I’ve already had my brother say that if it’s sword, he will be coming down to join us again.
Thanks once again to Sensei Tim for running such a great session.
Sensei Tor