[GMAU]

Hi,

So, you actually need to keep your time log post(s) as private. This means that only you, the instructors, and the admin of the site can see it. This is what you want. If you were to set it as public, anyone in the world could read it, and it would be added to our actual blog. So, please keep them set as private. If you would like to have an instructor take a look or if you have a specific question, it is easiest to ask these on the Forum, or to send a message via the Contact Us form on our site. Of course, once you do submit a rank exam, your grading instructor will work closely with you and this gives you an opportunity to interact and develop more rapport.

Thanks for training! Michael

[GMAU]

Hi Ryan,

Good to see that you are working on setting up your own routines and classes. Let me address your questions:

– “inside out” block – This is found in the yellow to green belt level, and is actually “chudan uchi uke.”
– basic 3 – This is taught in the yellow to green belt level, and is actually called “Taikyoku Sandan.”
– 5 one-steps (only 2 in the videos)… or does this mean do the one-steps 5 times? – It just means to practice 5 one-steps. So, you can do one step #1 five times; or you could alternate between 1 and 2 for five times, for example.
– A Kmart exercise – I don’t think this is the common name for this, it is usually called stride punching, or alternating punches with leg switching. It is where you have your left leg in front and right leg back (like a left front stance), and throw a reverse punch, you then hop/switch legs to right front stance left arm reverse punch, you keep hopping/switching back and forth. It is a cardio warm up exercise, kind of like doing jumping jacks.

Hope that helps!

[GMAU]

Yeah, they’re some really nice focus mitts. I also pretty much exclusively used century gear since I was a kid. Revgear also makes very high quality and perhaps, even more durable training targets. I appreciate the kind respect, but you can call me Michael, or “Sensei” Michael. Happy training.

[GMAU]

Hi Don,

Those focus mitts are made by Century. I don’t think the manufacture that exact style anymore, they have been replaced by their “Brave” line of training gear, such as these focus mitts: https://www.centurymartialarts.com/targets/century-brave-curved-punch-mitts-blkgry

Century makes very good gear. You could order some online, or try a local sporting goods store to get a pair. For at home krav training a good pair of focus mitts, boxing gloves, and a tombstone (uppercut shield) gives you a great range of training. A tombstone is more costly, but is extremely versatile and durable, Century offers this: https://www.centurymartialarts.com/shields/century-powerline-tombstone-shield-black

[GMAU]

Hi Gianluca,

Welcome to our shotokan program. Having some experience in tai chi can always be a boon to a more successful study of shotokan. There is a great underlying importance in the area of breathing, direction, and transfer of energy (power/striking/blocking/control), which translates well.

If you have any questions let us know, we look forward to seeing you go far with us!

Michael

[GMAU]

Hi Dennis,

Sorry for the late response! I had a crazy weekend of construction and various things that was very busy. So glad to have you on board with us in the Ultimate Bo course! You clearly have a great deal of martial arts experience, and are a lifetime warrior it sounds like.

2.5 months is a good goal for you to stay on track for, to submit the yellow chevron exam. It is best that the patch be sewed on rather than ironed. I believe it can be ironed. But, iron-ons tend to lose their hold over a period of time, and I always prefer to sew the patch.

If you have questions about your training, need some guidance, or motivation along the way, let me know!

Michael Hodge

[GMAU]

Hi Michael,

I would like to welcome you and your wife to the course. I am glad that you were able to find us. It sounds like your previous martial arts training, coupled with your self-discipline in doing an online college program in the past will most definitely help you here.

Having some to train with and go through the ranks with, is also a major bonus. Even better, it will be a unique way for you and your wife to bond, as you are both learning and going through trial and error in the route of progress and improvement.

I know that y’all will do great with us, just stay consistent and always be self-aware. Someone can do 1,000 kicks the exact same way and not get that much benefit. But, if you do 1,000 kicks, and each and every kick find some way to make it a little bit better, that is is the path to mastery. Most people are not willing to work on constant and never ending improvement, and rather think that repetition = progress; so keep that in mind.

Train hard and have fun!

Michael

[GMAU]

Hi Joshua,

Nice to have you with as a Krav Maga, and Shotokan student. It can be hard to maintain a consistent martial arts training routine when you have nomadic lifestyle, and changing instructors and training partners really puts a damper on progress.

At least now, regardless of where you go or what you are doing, you will have the same instructor and same training path. That is great that you have earned two black belts already, so you clearly know what it takes to reach that level of excellence already.

My best advice for high quality krav maga practice and progress is to find a friend to workout with. Even if they are not enrolled with us as a student, just having that actual contact is really necessary for this combat art. You can practice solo with bags, and mirrors, but it is much harder to gain proficiency with some of the hands on techniques.

We look forward to seeing you grow and earn rank with us as you go. Have a great time training!

Michael

[GMAU]

Hi Patrick,

Welcome to the course, we are glad to have you on board! It sounds like a home study program can work for you, as you work from home. I recommend a few things:

-Set an exact schedule for training. Probably 3, 45 minute sessions or so. Be flexible. But, make it a personal commitment to never do less than 2 sessions a week.
-Set a date for the day you want to take your yellow belt test. This will give you a timeline to work towards.
-About a month from now, make a short video of yourself demonstrating the yellow belt techniques, and send it to Sensei Jon for review. This will give you some preliminary review, and make sure you are on the right track, before you ever take the first test.

If you train hard, and constantly look for little ways to improve, you will create your own motivation through results.

Have fun and let us know how we can help out!
Michael Hodge

[GMAU]

Hi John,

This is an awesome journey that we are going to take together. You can do anything that truly matters, you create your own reality. It is time to get in the most vital, centered, and confident shape of your life, not just physically, but mentally as well.

Welcome to the course, Sensei Michael

[GMAU]

Nancy,

We are very happy to have you, your husband, and your son on board with us as students. It is obvious that you have a passion for your son’s excellence, and also for bo training. I know that your family will grow together in new ways through our training program.

Thanks for the introduction and have a great time training! Sensei Michael

[GMAU]

Hi John,

Thanks for joining Ultimate Bo! It sounds like you have an unique background in the martial arts, as well as in music. It sounds like you’ve had a crazy schedule, but it has been well worth it for all of the great experiences with various musicians, fans, and creating music.

I am glad that you love the training program. I am working very hard on new material as we speak, to create the richest and most dimensional bojutsu program on the planet. For now, continue to focus on the yellow chevron techniques and kata, and have fun each time you pick up the staff.

Thanks! Sensei Michael

[GMAU]

Yes, we can set up a private training session at the Global Martial Arts University HQ Dojo/Studio, which is located in Scurry, Texas. Our studio was purpose built for our global/distance training students, and (we think) may be the only one of its kind in the world. Rather than being open for public classes and seminars to the local population, we designed the facility, lighting, and acoustics for filming purposes.

We are about to send an email out to all Black Belt at Home University students soon, as we are inviting students to come and spend the day with us. If you are interested and coming to meet and train with Sensei Michael Hodge and Sensei Jon Hodge, here is what we have in mind:

-You will get to be in a real filmed Global Martial Arts University class (Bo or Shotokan). You will actually get to do the class with your Sensei, and also represent for the entire student body, which will be a cool experience.
-After that, we will do a private lesson with you in the dojo, focusing on the area of your choice.
-We will take you to out to lunch so we can chat and have a good time.

There will be a limited number of openings and dates for us to meet with students. If you want to schedule a date, send Sensei Michael of Sensei Jon an email! We really do look forward to meeting you.

Otherwise, we are hosting a public Ultimate Bo/Shotokan Karate Instructor Certification and Student Seminar in May 2016 in the Dallas area, a Krav Maga Certification in OKC in March 2016, and the massive Global Martial Arts Gathering event in October 2016 in OKC.

• This reply was modified 8 years, 5 months ago by GMAU.

[GMAU]

Hi Rachelle,

Thanks for sharing that with us. That sounds like it was very, very difficult, to lose someone so close to you – who was a teacher and leader in your life.

I admire your conviction in taking action and making today the day. It is time we go after what is most important in our life with full focus and intent! I know that Sensei Jon will be there for you every step of the way, if you need something or have a question, simply email him. And, once you test, he will be giving you some very detailed and helpful video feedback. We hope that you are able to join the GMAU Shotokan program as well once it launches, to keep you even more consistent. Thanks for sharing.

[GMAU]

Thanks for the update BlackChucks! It sounds like you have created a good way to learn, memorize, and master kata. I have another student who uses shortcode. Some students draw out diagrams, some use mirrors, there are lots of ways to properly learn a kata.

You made me laugh out loud with your last sentence there! It is cool to know that we have students in France, Texas, Saudi Arabia, Iceland, Russia, Antarctica, and more places doing ultimate bo.

Ok….so no one in Antarctica yet, but I am sending a free streaming edition to a penguin tomorrow.

[Author]

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