A message from Sensei Milcarek about the Zimmerman case

There is one important aspect to the Zimmerman case directly relevant to the school. Evidence was given that he trained in a martial arts (MMA) therefore has some predisposition to violence. What a laugh. Do you think that anyone has watched a football game or hockey game recently? That is combat masquerading as "sport". At the last baseball game I saw on TV with a Detroit friend, one pitch got thrown at the head and the accepted reaction from the batter was to spend the rest of the inning marching around in the dug out, spitting, and yelling threats that could easily be lip-read. And the the camera keeps following that. Yeah, America's past time, good for building character.(bunch of guys mostly standing around). Do you think that the parents who send their young kid to get bashed on the pee wee football field would be called violent?? There is better care for safety and injury in most martial arts schools, especially yours, than the average out of shape coach provides in any school or college...then add in the huge money involved in professional sports.

Adult Karate class notes - Monday 6/3/13 - Sensei Ron Milcarek

There were seven of us in total. Great for a nice day in June. We warmed up with shadow boxing moved on to stretching and conditioning. Worked on forms and footwork. Then tried to incorporate that into sparring. Ended the class with avoiding and countering the haymaker punch.

Adult Karate class notes - Monday 5/13/13 - Sensei Milcarek

Scott, Thomas, Angus, Hannah, Colleen, Jack, and Cherie were present. We started with the ten, with stretching and strength mixed in. Next we did some basic foot work/ stance review, especially movement, step versus shuffle. We did basic hands then kicks. Angus did his special brand of leg/pelvis/hip stretching with great explanations. A few times up and down the floor with partners, mixing up kicks for some cardio. After a break we came back and did open hand strikes to bags, elbows to bags then same with care to a partner. I explained why I think the basic hands up guard, or "high guard" or "kick boxing guard" or "modern guard" or "boxing guard", is so good for real self defense. It should not be confused with the hands up "passive position" or what some people call "post position" where we still are trying to avoid or de escalate a bad encounter. Guard up means we think we have gone past that point. Of course it is not the only "fighting position." I mentioned some others, especially from Arnis.  We tried a couple things, one a push from behind, and reacting to go into the guard. These "scenario type" drills, which by their nature are so much looser than technique drills, only work because of the effort, mutual respect, and willingness of participants to try something new. On those things, the crew in class was just outstanding. And Thomas, Scott, Jack and I really amped it up to generate some self defense emotional content. You can only do that dangerous stuff with the best of people, with great attitude, otherwise someone would have been hurt. Lastly I was very impressed with Hannah's ability to hang with us, keep herself solid.

Adult Karate - Thursday May 2 - Sensei Ron Milcarek

There were eleven of us for class. After a short warm up with shadow boxing, we did the ten exercises with stretching and conditioning mixed in. Next we moved to the bar for kick up dynamic stretching and tension kicks for form and strength. We did some line work with kicking, then kicking to the pads for power. After a break we ran through all forms, once for detail all together, then independently. Just enough time left for self defense against haymaker punch, and stick/bat attack. Great class. Lots of sweat too.

Adult Karate class notes Monday 4.22.13 - Sensei Milcarek

Review of Monday Karate Class. April 22.

There were eight of us for class. We started with dynamic stretching on the bar, then slow kicking drills. After a shadow boxing warm up, we went through the ten with auxiliary stretching. Three of the four folks were there who are testing on Thursday, so class was structured help them prepare. First with basics, then the class did forms together. Following that I gave opportunity to do forms at presentation level, with the rest of us watching. Went well. We ended with free style defense against attacks called out by Jeff and me. Great energy, everyone got a work out. Looking forward to Thursday.

Adult Karate class notes - Thursday Jan. 3, 2013 - Sensei Ron Milcarek

Thursday Karate January 3, 2012

Large class, great quality and quantity. We warmed up with shadow boxing and shadow sparring. I did a few repetitions of forward, rear, lateral shuffles. (I always think that foot work could be better. Sometimes we do too much from stationary position). Then onto trapping hands, to continue the mental and physical warm up. Ten exercises with some stretching. After a short break we came back for twice through the forms. Seemed like a great group to push the limits a little. So, we started with tai chi style off Balancing, and moved up through a range of intensity. Actually grabbing the gi, (careful on tears)  integrating locks, discussing possible throws from stand up grappling position, and I showed the double underhooks. I was able to see where everyone was thinking about it as I watched. If I take this theme up again, my instruction will improve, and I will find a more useful range of drills. As it was, there was great intensity, some laughs, everyone tried to make the drills work. And, no injuries, no anger, no bullying. Just wonderful to be there.

Adult Karate class notes - Monday 7.16.12 - Sensei Milcarek

July 16. Evening Karate.
Collen and I worked with Scott and Lily on evaluation material. First, Lily led the ten exercises, then led light stretching. We spent time on the forms, detail questions and performance level repetition. We four spent time on the Single Broad Sword Form/Bagua Knife. Really great. Finally some time on the knife disarms and self defense. I personally, had a wonderful class. There two folks are a great combination of fun and serious. Both are tough and thoughtful, and also have humility about their skill. I told them that none of us can know everything "perfectly"...not really the point. However, it is true that I think the black belt test is a special focus for preparation, and of course has great tradition... a very significant mental test.

Adult Karate class notes - Monday 6.25.12 - Sensei Ron Milcarek

June 25 Class
With seven souls, we started with one on one form work. Went for about 20 minutes. I think everyone got some new moves. Then to the ten exercises with some stances and other warm ups. We held a low horse stance for a while, trying to hang in with Thomas. He was low and strong. Chelsea got really frustrated. I tried to be encouraging. From that did some floor stretching. Then moved to the bar and ran through all of the kicks slowly, again for posture and strength, assisted by Thomas and Lily. Again Chelsea very frustrated and giggly. I was glad she was next to Lily on the bar, I suggested it was a great time to watch Lily's kicking form. Hmmm...that didn't work either. After a water break, did all the kata once through. Everyone came together for Sanchin. Time seemed to fly. Chelsea left while we were doing the advanced kata. . Too bad. She requested some SD at the start of class. We broke up into three pairs, great mix. First did a target drill. One partner just stands, the other repetitively strike at what they consider the best real targets. Of course the "best " target is situational...I mentioned that. Then went on to the "Four count" drill against free style strikes and grabs. I like this because it does teach multiple strikes, and the counting is to teach breathing. Some breathing /meditation at the end. Gi was soaked.

Adult Karate class notes - Thursday 5.31.12 - Ron

May 31. Adult Karate 
Ten of us in total. We started with warm up, the stretch/kickup drill on the bars, then the tension/slow kicks. We continued the warm up with shadow boxing. I lead the further stretching and some was lead by Lily. Following requests, we did all of the forms, once slowly, once at "your own speed". A little time for comments on detail. Everyone came together for sanchin kata. We followed with (a request) hand combination drills with partners (jab, cross, extended to ...hook, upper cut), then put on gear for last twenty five minutes free sparring. I coached. Really nice balance between the competitive scoring urge and helping everyone's skill to improve. As usual, I also mention that it is good to not confuse point sparring  with real self defense. Just a great class.... relaxed but focused. 

Adult Karate class notes - Monday 4.2.12 - Ron

On last night's class:

Eight students total. Jack, Angus, Chelsea, Colleen, Dylan, Simon, Thomas, and me. We began with working on forms for detail and warm up. We three black belts watched folks do their rank form and a couple do their "favorite form". The black belts, and Thomas,  did a "improv form" "seeing what comes out form". We moved to stretching and some conditioning exercises. Then did some forms together. Made sure to do the weapons forms also. After a break, I wanted to pass on the need for explosiveness, in point sparring, and often, for real self defense. We first practiced off a line, on my count, everyone facing in the same direction, exploding forward (most pushed off one side forward, there are off course other ways do this: do a blitz, or do a leading kick combination. However, I did not want to complicate stuff just then). This worked shockingly well. We put on gear, and lined up with partners, on my command, one set side would explode off the line....worked amazingly well. Then as final preview to free sparring I showed the "turning the corner" or "opening the gate" as a response to a straight line attack.Worked surprisingly well. Then did, I think, four or five, 2 minute rounds. Great intensity. I could have talked more here, given more systematic instruction, but I spent time with everyone one on one, which is possible with a small class. Lastly, we did holding the moon position standing meditation. Really great moment. Everyone had big mental and physical extension! And with a full strong feeling, seemed that there was real letting go of the frantic, churned up emotions and energy. I thought this was real organic to the class. Nice.

Ron

Adult Karate class notes - Monday March 19, 2012 - Ron

On Monday March 19 6:30 class:

We warmed up with shadow boxing, then on to the ten exercises and stretching and strengthening. Class was about nine total. We then did standing basics, punching, kicking, and blocking, going slow on some for new student Simon. After a break we did all forms through Sunsu, once at medium speed, trying to follow the person leading, and second time at our "own speed". Several of the young guys seemed tired or distracted, really low energy, that affected somewhat that I decided to go to the bags to do rounds of open hand strikes, then elbows, then knees, then putting together combinations. Second preparation for the free style self defense that I was heading for was what many Judo classes do on the first day, some light pushing and moving holding on to the partner's gi...no ripped clothing here! Seemed to work really well. I think this is good preparation. Then the last 30 minutes was free style self defense, first against grabs, then slaps and punches. I was able to monitor... sometimes it is good to have an odd number in class... because this can easily lead to injuries, but the intensity level, without exaggeration, in all cases was great, not too low or high. I counsel my usual advice, don't punch to the head, don't stop with one or two techniques, and "it will never work like it did in practice". We finished with short meditation/relaxation. My gi was soaked and once again I appreciated the school and the training partners immensely, especially after being away for two weeks.

Monday 11.17.11 Adult Karate class notes - Ron

I led the karate class last night. About ten in attendance. We warmed up with the forms then did basics, especially directed to the white belt, then to stretching and slow kicking drills. After a break everyone put sparring gear on for protection during self defense, minus hands/gloves of course. We did quick review on non sparring strikes that are good real fighting techniques...face/eye strike, elbows, low kicks, hammer fist. Did a simple drill on that and then to free style self defense. My main coaching is to encourage people to raise the level of intensity, (with safety), raise the level of reality, (such as not leaving the punch out there when attacking, and pulling or pushing during grabs), responding with multiple strikes, and simplifying our self defense responses. Usually I spend more time discussing the preliminaries to the actual need to use physical response to violence, this class we just went to the actual attack...that also is not so realistic. While I have been, like most of us, in hundreds of self defense/potentially violent situations, only once I have hit anyone full out. We finished with five 2 minute rounds of free sparring, being careful to distinguish that we use only sporting techniques. Everyone was sweating...there was no blood drawn. Ron

Adult Karate class notes - Monday 2.7.11 - Ron

Monday night Karate class was Jeff, Angus, Teryn, Scott, Thomas, Jack, Ian, and Josh. Looking at the folks there, I suggested a sparring oriented class and Angus and Jeff agreed. There was also enthusiastic response from the rest of class members. So, we warmed up with shadow boxing. Went to half an hour of stretching lead by Angus. With gear on, we went on to 3 minute timed rounds. A few open rounds of free sparring. Then with instruction on "turning the corner", some on "closing the distance", some thoughts from Jeff on body punching. There was a lot of coaching back and forth and really exceptional energy. There was good interest in doing some judged point sparring. We formed two "rings", did that for about 45 minutes. I think some of the younger guys started to think more strategically about what they are doing, rather than just throwing out their favorite techniques. Josh got right into the mix, which was only possible with the fantastic guidance from everyone who went with him. Teryn, Scott, and Angus stayed after 8:30 to work more on their own!! High quality crew, great vibe.

Thursday 9/2 Adult Karate class - Ron Milcarek

Regarding last night...At 6:25 the temperature read 91 degrees in the school and was crazy humid, I was ready to leave for an iced tea in air conditioning, however.. braving the tropical conditions were Lily, Scott, Ian, Dennis, Andrew, Thomas, and Teryn..amazing! So, we did the dynamic kicking stretches on the bar, followed by some further stretching and strengthening. For something different, we went on to five two minute rounds of "shadow sparring" with NO contact, however with LOTS of movement. Worked on some simple things like, moving to side out of the way of the incoming attack, rather than straight back, keeping up a good guard, and tongue position at the roof of mouth and relaxed jaw (especially important when not wearing a mouth piece.) Good energy, everyone was adjusting to their own feelings in the heat, and...no injuries. I saw people trying out unusual techniques for fun. I think, while not as intense as bag work or free sparring, it got our heart rates up. (Scott, as usual, was a real low energy slug and barely trying...he said he had run fifteen miles(!) that day.)...Folks worked on their rank forms for about 25 minutes, nice cooperation, Dennis kept that section organized and flowing along. Lastly we did some free style self defense, discussing when do you know that a belligerent person is actually going to be physical. What is the right attitude to take to that..what are the right things to say to try to de-escalate the situation. Class ended at 8:05.

Adult Karate class on Monday 8/30/10 - Sensei Ron Milcarek

Class on Monday night had nine karateka smiling faces. We did the ten, then did some assisted stretches. Stopped then for a few minutes to work on the standing meditation posture, specifically ...lifting from the heart, and rolling the shoulders down and back...all the while keeping the structure aligned and weight through the middle of the foot. (well that sounds easy doesn't it). Mr. Jason worked with the beginner some on explaining the "dropping the tailbone". Thanks. Onto some locking, then a stretching section led really well by Mr. Angus (he is trying to incorporate strengthening of inner thigh), then for cardio I offered some suggestions and sparring won the class's approval. The first drill before free sparring was to just follow the lead, one fighter moving... the other trying to keep at that "critical distance", next drill was one fighter taking the punches and kicks with a cover block rather than a long, over extended reaching block. This was great drill I think. I will do this again. Last 30 minutes was two minute free sparring rounds, with rest and coaching in between. Really worked well. Newest folks have VERY good composure, Angus and Dennis amped it way up and did some point sparring with each other, while everyone judged and watched..Very exciting and both showed a huge variety of techniques and great spirit. We ended at 8:10. ron

Last nights adult Karate-do class - Sensei Ron Milarek leading

Notes from Sensei Ron Milcarek 8.24.10    Thanks Ron!

Good Morning, I led last night's Karate class. Very good attendance, I have been amazed during the summer, and especially the hot steamy weather, the number of us in there for a work out! Angus, colleen, thomas, jack, andrew, lana, scott, and jenn were there, I led the ten exercises, with only a couple individual suggestions. Did supplemental stretching and oblique and ab work on the floor. Asked others to each lead the group through a form, and do one time all together and once at our own speed. As usual, everyone worked in the back after going up to their rank form.

I always want a cardio section to the class, (keep the blood chemistry in order, sweep away those toxins, keep up the aerobic conditioning, broom out some stress, and go physically and mentally to the place just a little past what is "comfortable...) Last night rather than sparring, we did five two minute timed rounds on the water bags. My suggestions to the group were in the different ways to use the bag, and adjustments on what techniques to throw and how to throw them, especially with injuries. (I am still protecting this finger fracture, one other was having a shoulder problem.) Everyone looked sweaty afterward, some even red faced, (no one puked). I think next time I will have us do a pulse rate check...just for fun.

We finished up with self defense stuff. Did a little bit of "free style" with the knives, focusing on testing the one or two handed grabs against fast stabs or slashes from random angles, from an uncooperative aggressor. Would have done a little standing to relax, and ask Angus to finish with cool down stretching, but it was already ten after eight.

Best, Ron