I cant believe how quick the weeks are flying by. I have so much going on my head is spinning and it feels like my life is on hold. Work has been crazy for me of late with a new project and added responsibilities, I haven't enjoyed the freedom of having the time to do all the training sessions I would like to be doing. I've been working on the China project, a SCADA/ PLC system for a 3 new refrigeration plants in China. The most exciting thing about this is I will get to go to China to commission it and then intend on spending a few weeks sight seeing. Outside of Taekwondo, I think traveling would be my favorite past time, yet I hardly get the opportunity, so I'm looking forward to this. The long hours at work will pay off soon!
Today we had a State training camp held in Reservoir. It was to simulate the feel of a competition and we were lucky to have many Victorian referees volunteer there time. Thanks referees we appreciate it!
Put aside the lack of mats and the fact there was only one scoring judge per court (6 courts in total), the day itself was really beneficial. It gave us an opportunity to try a few techniques, experiment and get a feel for the competition environment.
We were broken up into groups of 5 or 6 depending on weight class and had a kick around. Initially for me I was aiming on maintaining ring pressure and position while taking an easier approach to the sparring to reduce the injuries I have. Three of the guys in my division were around the age of 15, pretty good for there age and showing plenty of potential. Sparring the boys, its easy to forget there age and ability when my focus is completed centered on my opponents chest guard. I hope that I wasn't to physical on them, though I think not.
I noticed during my time in the center, when I was working on relaxing or my thoughts were on trying a new unfamiliar technique that they took advantage of my lapse in concentration and scored on me. On the other hand when I was totally focused and acting on instinct my attacks and counters were sharp and on the mark.
I managed to try a number of things which worked and Im really pleased with. A jam up punch, by reading my opponents attack I knew he was coming in with a back foot round house. The moment he moves I slide in and punch to the soleplexus. Apparently judges are scoring this occasionally and by my opponent reactions of being winded I think its something I will continue to use. The second technique happened purely by chance and I was happy to of pulled it out of nowhere. Its a Carlo specialty which I've been trying from time to time.
In the clinche I noticed my opponent was very relaxed and just waiting for the ref to separate us. On this occasion I jumped up at the same time gently punching (more of a push) back my opponents chest to create the space to do a short axe to the face. He was surprised by it and I think the only thing that saved him from the kick was he is half a head taller than me. But for the first time I managed to get my foot up there and that has built my confidence a bit.
Around 30 + state team members showed up today and as the coaches mentioned after wards, its up to the athletes to promote our state training for our own benefit. With more athletes attending we all benefit by getting a wider range of fighters from different clubs and hence learning how to handle varying fighting styles.
I look forward to seeing you there at the next one.
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