Master Daher, 8^th Degree Black Belt, commenced the day by explaining the difference between performing techniques within our patterns compared to using these techniques whilst sparring. Probably the most important  factors to keep in mind would be that with Patterns we look at and concentrate on the preparation of the kick before delivering it, whereas in sparring the importance is on the speed of the delivery and reaction time.

Master Daher also demonstrated the importance of using defensive techniques to your advantage. The simplicity of moving sideways and using a dodging technique or jumping forward with a punching technique enables the competitor to achieve optimum results.

In performing this exercise the students needed to develop the skill of reading their opponent. Competitors were to look their opponent in the eye without the use of any facial expressions. By performing this you are signalling to your opponent that you are ready and that you are not scared. Master Daher’s goal here was to pair students against each other to see who would be the first to cave in.

The students then paired up. The attacker would come forward with a turning kick to their opponent’s midriff. The defender then jumps forward defensively and slightly to the side of the attacker, landing a double punch while in flight. By leading with the front fist the aim was to ensure that when landing they didn’t turn to face the attacker but rather continue in the same direction to avoid a counter attack by the attacker.

Master Daher then demonstrated a variation to this by the use of the back kick. The secret to the success of this technique, as in the previous technique, is that the counter-attack needs to be performed before the attacker’s front leg touches the ground, avoiding the attacker’s follow-on. When comparing the first two techniques they both have their advantages. With the jumping double punch, you are able to leave yourself in a position where you can continue with the counter-attack, whereas with the back kick as the counter-attack you remove your opponent’s scoring opportunity by legally turning your back.

Students were then given the opportunity to add to these techniques in free sparing. It was good to see that some of the younger students were modifying techniques to suit themselves and optimise their scoring opportunities, for example adding the jump to the back kick (for increased points) or adding further punches (to avoid a second counter-attack).

Students then were split into two teams where they were matched against each other for a taste of sparring. It was interesting to see how they reacted when put up against someone other than their training partner, especially when it came to mother and son/daughter competing against each other. For the newer students, it was even more daunting to be in a ring with everyone watching compared to training with a training partner.

Master Daher finished the day off with some fundamental training. It was pleasing to hear students and parents comment on how much they enjoyed the seminar. With this grounding I look forward to seeing these students develop their skills and compete well at future Tournaments.

Sunday saw the 2^nd grading for 2010 take place. This grading was mainly attended by the junior grade belts, with approx 20 students grading. Once grading proceedings were complete, Master Daher took the opportunity to take the students through their new patterns. It was quite interesting to see how quickly Master Daher was able to teach the pattern while still being thorough in technique. Once again the use of repetition to build muscle memory was proven to be a key factor.

With the current changes that have occurred in the Bundaberg club, the increase in students from simple promotions, and the new structure that Master Daher is implementing across the organisation, 2010 I feel is shaping up to be a very successful year.