Training Tips
Add Pep to Workout
In a study at Wheeling Jesuit University in West Virginia, 40 athletes ran faster and did more pushups when exposed to the scent of peppermint than with other, or no, scents. So dabbing some peppermint oil on your collar may boost your mood and help you perform better.
One-Step Sparring
When practicing one-step sparring, ensure you are doing all techniques correctly. According to primacy of learning theory, the first way you learn to do something is the way you will do it when under stress. So, do not practice the wrong way at home and hope to perform one-steps correctly during class or at a test. Vary your practice order: perform the one-steps in order, reverse order, and randomly. While performing one-steps, concentrate on the purpose of each technique, visualize your attacker, and perform the technique with power and focus against the imaginary opponent. Always chamber a technique before execution. This makes the one-steps easier to remember, gives the technique more power, and make the technique more artistically pleasing. When first learning one-steps, keep a positive attitude, everyone makes mistakes while learning.
Target Training
- To perfect your target training, remember to:
- Concentrate and focus on the center of the target.
- When spinning, acquire the target with your eyes (get your head around first) and then complete your technique.
- Follow through with your technique, continuing the hand or foot past the target.
- Practice with a partner on your own time, not just in class.