Written by I teach LesMills BodyCombat every Monday and Wednesday morning. This 55-minute high intensity cardio class is one reason I started training in karate in 2017. I became certified in BodyCombat in 2015. It pulls moves from various martial arts (karate, tae kwon do, kickboxing, kung fu, capoeira, and Muay Thai). Here in Nashville I have found an amazing group of students that really embrace me. They love when I talk about the bunkai — why we are doing certain moves. I do my best to execute every strike with precision and try to ensure that if any of my three sensei’s ever observed me, they would be proud to see the work I do as a group fitness instructor. Today we added on 52 sprawls to celebrate my 52nd birthday just before the core & cooldown tracks. For my shodan test, one element was 50 sprawls in 2 minutes. I couldn’t believe how many of my students joined me in this, even if they had to modify (I encourage modification to minimize risk of injury and sport longevity). I cut the 2-minute down to about 20 seconds so you can see the last 4 sprawls.
I’m so grateful I got to do things I love with people I care about on my birthday. And I’m so glad I get to teach & encourage my students to get 1% better every day, as we would say at Delaware Bushido Academy.
Happy birthday! Wow 52 sprawls. That body combat exercise class will definitely help you in this black belt challenge. That’s awesome you teach what you love to do. It is great that you teach modified versions so anyone at different ages and fitness levels can join in. The year of the tiger is a fantastic year!
Thank you! Teaching BodyCombat was one reason I started taking karate. And I agree about the year of the Tiger!