Hello AMAI Family!
In this blog series, we will post reminders of what the students worked on during the previous week. This gives you or your child ideas for how to practice at home between classes. If you need extra help on any movements or sections of the form, talk to your instructor about adding a Virtual Membership onto your current membership to unlock videos that break down every section of your form and every technique!
Last week was the 8th week of our Fall 2021 Quarter. That means we held Stripe Testing for Lil' Dragons, Kids BASIC, and Kids BBC!
Lil' Dragons: The Lil' Dragons were tested on their knowledge of the Nan Quan form by performing as much as they can of their form on their own. Bronze stripes were awarded for performances with more than half of the words, Silver stripes were awarded for performances with less than half of the words, and Gold stripes were awarded only to Lil' Dragons who could perform the entire form with no cues! Great job everyone. Aside from Stripe Testing, Lil' Dragons worked on their Butterfly Palms and their Nan Quan Chamber. To help your Lil' Dragon practice at home, this big chamber can be used to escape from a double wrist grab. If both of their wrists are grabbed, they can use the circling motion to rip both hands up and out of the grip. Keep up the great work and don't forget to practice this week!
BASIC Program: Kids Basic students also had the opportunity to earn stripes for performing the Five Stances Form. Students who could perform their form were awarded a Black Stripe. We also awarded bonus stripes for extra challenges: Students who could tie their belts correctly were awarded Bronze stripes. Students who could demonstrate a proper drop stance were awarded Silver stripes, and students who could hold a horse stance for 60 seconds were awarded Gold stripes. A few of the techniques we focused on are Snap Kick, Thread Palm, and High Block Punch. Congrats everyone and keep up the good work!
Teen and Adult BASIC students continued practicing their Five Stances Form. This week most students got an opportunity to perform their forms in class for their classmates. The focus was on stances and section 2. Keep practicing those stances at home!
Kids BBC Program: This week, the Kids BBC students also earned their stripes in Stripe Testing. To earn a Black stripe, students performed sections 3 and 4 of their Golden Crested Crane form. Bonus stripes were awarded for students who could perform additional skills proficiently. Bronze stripes were awarded to students who demonstrated a proper Crane stance. Silver stripes were awarded for students who could use a Crane's beak hand tool to catch a falling bean-bag 3 times in a row. We also worked on the section 4 self defense. Students used their wing block to defend against a punch to the stomach and retaliated with a crane neck. Great job, everyone!
Adult/Teen BBC Program: This week, the Adult and Teen BBC students focused on section 4 of the Golden Crested Crane form. We spent time working on the Self Defense applications from the form this week; defending against a punch to the stomach by using a wing block, then the downward crane neck to counter. If you get the chance, practice them on the air or a classmate this week. In addition, work on your Crane Stance; try to hold it for 30 seconds on each side, every day.
Foundation Weapons: In Foundation Weapons class this week, students reviewed sections 1 and 2 of the 16-Step Straight Sword Form. They also worked on a partner drill with the attacker thrusting to their partner's leg, and the defender flowering to block, then thrusting towards their partner's head. If you don't have a partner to practice with, work on flowers at home!
Advanced Weapons: In Advanced Weapons class this week, students reviewed section 3 and 4 of the Yin Shao Staff Form. Performance of the form was the main focus. During your practice, remember to keep your eyes up and keep your stances low. Continue to add Shadowboxing into your practicing, starting with a short combo and working your way up to a 5-movement combo.
