Last night training, I was reminded how important leg power and mobility is for hand-to-hand combat.  Personally, I’m not much of an aerialist.  I mean jumping kicks are not my favorites.  Particlularly the skipping inside-outside crescent kick I find difficult.  But I still do them.  My partner last night has very long legs and the slightest application of force by his legs provides a substantial blow.

I may not be the strongest kicker, but my root is legendary.  If I can transfer some of that rooting energy into my kicks, they will improve.  Master Steenrod pointed out that emotion is the way to do that.  Therefore, my next task is to project emotion and intent into my advanced kicks, particularly the jumping-spinning back kick. 

For a warm-down, the entire class played step-and-toss with hopping to and from pad-islands instead of simply stepping.  It’s a great way to improve leg strength and range judgement.