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Special Training 2001: Awakening the Peaceful Warrior Within

July 12-15, 2001

By Melanie


While I was at Special Training in July, I was able to take several really interesting classes. One of the ones which I found most enjoyable, however, was a kickboxing class taught by a woman named Fitz who was from the International Kick Boxing Association. I thought that it was so good and so challenging that I would adapt it and teach it to the women in my club. I think that it went over really well! The workout was laid out in stations--10 in all. At each station, each pair of women spent three minutes, which, believe me, is a long time when it is something hard. In between each station we all came together in the centre of the room and did floor work--sit-ups, push-ups, etc. The object of the workout was not to stop until you had finished all the stations. The stations, and in between work, were as follows:


Station #1: Punching while holding 2 pound weights. Hands should always be up and in the ready position protecting the face and the neck should always be sunk into the shoulder for protection. Punches should come from the shoulder.

In Between Stations: 50 crunches.

Station #2: Front kicking the target. Rotate between legs and let each partner have a turn.

In Between Stations: 10 push-ups.

Station #3: Uppercuts. Make sure never to drop your hands when doing an uppercut, you could be punched yourself otherwise!

In Between Stations: 50 crunches with legs dropped to the right (works oblique muscles).

Station #4: Jump rope. (yuck!:)

In Between Stations: Leg lifts with toes pointed down, 25 each side.

Station #5: Bob and punch under water noodle. One person holds the water noodle, swinging it at their partner. The other person bobs under the noodle, throwing punches.

In Between Stations: 50 crunches with legs dropped to the left (can't forget the other side!).

Station #6: Sparring Footwork. Use slide step, switch step, etc., and work on your technique.

In Between Stations: 25 jumping jacks.

Station #7: Blocking against water noodle. One person has the water noodle and tries to hit (gently, that is:) their partner. The other person blocks. Remember to rotate between people.

In Between Stations: 25 heel lifts. Flat on back with legs lifted straight in air, push heels towards ceiling. Good for lower tummy.

Station #8: Roundhouse kick against target. Rotate between legs and let each partner have a turn.

In Between Stations: Leg lifts from hands and knees position, 25 each side. Remember to keep back straight and hips parallel to floor, lift bent leg straight up until leg is in line with back. Let's work those butts! :)

Station #9: NO CONTACT sparring. Here's a chance to work on sparring with your partner without equipment and/or injury.

In Between Stations: 25 wall push-ups. A good way to work your chest muscles, especially for those who cannot support their own body weight.

Station #10: Punching the heavy bag.

In Between Stations: Stretching. (Yay!:)

And that's it! It was a great workout and we all seemed pretty tired afterwards, but all the more powerful:)

On a personal note, I have been with this club for 2.5 years and now I am leaving OSU and the US to go back to Canada and to law school. The best part of living here has been the people I have met, especially the women in this club. Each one is so very special to me, so very strong and powerful. It is going to be the hardest for me to say good bye to you. Thank you for everything . . . and I shall see you at Special Training next year!

Melanie Boulé

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Updated: 2001, Sep 17.
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