Offense/Defense...timing. Yin and Yang.

When we begin learning techniques, we tend to think of them as offensive or defensive, in strict categories. Strikes are offensive, blocks are defensive, this movement is this or that.

However, martial arts in motion is more complex than a strict offensive/defensive dichotomy. There is no single "ball" or "puck" in possession.

Offense and defense are two sides of the same coin. With patience and timing, any movement can become more versatile than we initially believe.

A timed high kick allows Buakaw to avoid this punch, and strike his opponent at the same time 

The way we look at conflict and problem solving gets deeper all of the sudden.

Sometimes it pays off to be single minded and just offensive, and sometimes it pays off to be just defensive. But at any moment, there is an opportunity to use both in a much more potent way.

 And now, a video of the master of timing:

Good Form Running with Grant Robison

Yes, it is indeed getting colder! However, it's never too late to pick up some running tips...especially since running is a staple in a Muay Thai fighter's training regime. 

There are many different things you'll hear about running form, and I would never say that one style should fit all. This particular style has helped me a lot though. I'm not a great runner, but I've found that I'm more efficient and my times improved when adopting this style.

More Thai pads, less Pad Thai

Hey all,
One thing I think is important is to understand WHY you do what you do in training. Every school has their own reasons for doing or not doing something.

Here is a little insight into the pad work we do in class, for those of you that don't know.



Pads is technical training. It's the best technical training because you've got an interactive human target and you can hit as hard as you can.

It's because of this, you need to start at about 60% max power (get a feel for your partner and your own technique), but then you need to be going full power once you are in the zone.

Muay Thai weapons are designed to be thrown with intent, and in a real situation that is how your technique would come out anyway. So, pad work is the most important part of your class in terms of working technique. If you don't use the proper power, you won't be learning the extent of your technique.

Imagine getting in the ring having never hit the pads properly. How will your technique come out? You'll probably be both messy and tired, since you aren't used to going full tilt.

* a side note: proper full power doesn't mean being tense. It means being relaxed and letting your strikes go. Think about letting a rubber band fly, as opposed to throwing it in frustration (you can use all the muscle you want, it's less efficient to throw the band than it is to pull and fling it).



If you are making mistakes during pads: it's your partner's job to remind you about a hand dropping or anything else. It's also your instructor's job to come and feed you tips in increments while you hit pads. Keep hitting the pads with proper power and fix your technique according to the advice being given to you as you go along. Avoid wasting too much time. Work and correct as you go.

If there are glaring issues that can be fixed right away, your instructor will slow you down and go over them.

This will translate into partner-cross fighting drills. When you can hit the pads with proper technique and power, you'll be able to throw controlled techniques on your partner without compromising proper form. Many people don't want to hurt their partner in drills and end up using bad form when they do so. This is usually because they haven't properly worked the technique enough on pads/bags to control it yet.

Bag work is similar. The bag allows you to go as hard as you can and is a great tool in the absence of a pad holder for many different drills and exercises.

Watch your seniors or even videos of Thai's hitting pads/bags. They let their technique go and breathe out deeply with each strike.

Aaaand that's it. Keep in mind other schools may have different philosophies for their training, but this is ours.

Home (gym) work!

If you are looking to take your technique to the next level and build some extra skills, you should come early and do some bag work or drills.

Some of the students showed up today really early (before the 5pm class) and wanted to work on their kicks. I saw that they had a common goal and gave them some sets they could do together on the bag before class...and they each made some small improvements they took with them into class.



You'll see the fighter's do this often; they'll come in, warmup and do some work together

So come on in, grab a buddy and get working. If you are on your own or you aren't sure what you should be working on, just ask any of the instructors and we can steer you in the right direction :)

PS. A lot of students stay back after a class to work too. Feel free to ask someone if they are up for some post-class pads or drills! It's good for both of you

A Message from PC Nick Bautista

"Sawadee Khrap,

Just wanted to take some time out to thank you all for your support and hospitality at the club. York MT is truly a special place, and that is a rare culture for any Martial Arts club--the mark of a good club is the way they treat it's visitors/newcomers, and you guys have treated me like family from day one. Thank you for the warm greets, conversations, and curiosity in my classes!

Also, I wanted to clear up some confusion about some footwork technique.

On Tuesday, I had advocated a 'non pivot' during the cross punch and accidentally confused some of the yellow shorts.

I'd like to clarify this a little further so we're all on the same page...

Not pivoting on the foot when the cross is thrown is the goal, not necessarily the starting point. For beginners and yellow shorts, pivoting and turning over is fine, because it allows one to rotate the body easily.

However, as you progress, you'll find that Muay Thai power is generated when LESS is done.

That being said, as you progress to higher levels in Muay Thai, you'll find that your power is to be refined to it's most efficient state. The Pivot, becomes less of a pivot and more of a subtle turn, and over time, no turn is required at all, because the body and the hip suffices.

Again, apologies for the confusion, I meant to express a process of power generation defined by phases, as opposed to a hard rule.

Thank you for your genuine effort in training, you guys bring the best out of me!!"

Some Diet tips

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WE ARE BACK! Come out on Tuesday (January 27th!)

Sawadeekha YUMT Members,

FINALLY!
Due to countless efforts from the Team at YUMT and Natalie Yip, I am pleased to announce that York has decided to allow the Muay Thai classes to start.

We start THIS Tuesday (January 27!!)

I am very happy to announce our return as many of you were dying to train again.
Your enthusiasm, patience and loyalty throughout this matter was appreciated and will not soon be forgotten.

The cost has changed and it\'s in our favour!
Please check with Customer Services for more information.

Now with all that being said.. WE HAVE WORK TO DO!

Mark these dates down on your calendar cause we are back in the game!

Mid February, 2009 - Siam No.1\'s famous Blue Shorts Test with Ajahn Suchart.
February 28th, 2009 - Sparfest at The Kombat Arts Training Academy.
March 1st, 2009 - a tentative date for Sparfest with another gym.

You will need YUMT t-shirts to represent at these events so click here to see pictures of them, and grab some off of me in class! $20 each.

Let\'s start with a nasty, snowy group run before class at 5:30pm in front of Tait.

Another great YUMT event coming soon.. stay tuned!!



PLEASE NOTE: There is a mandatory meeting for all fighters and senior students Sunday at 6pm at Kru\'s house. This will be to discuss fight opportunities, training and upcoming events.

125 George Appleton Way, unit 2021
Keele and the 401 behind the Canadian Tire gas station
People can take the subway to Wilson station and we can pick people up.
416-571-6137

If you cannot make it please stay after class on Tuesday and I will update you on what was discussed.

Khap Khun Kha,

Kru Jenypher.

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Pricing:
They will run for 14 weeks at no extra cost to the students. Students registering for 8 weeks will also have an additional 2 weeks bonus. If once academic classes resume we will add the other MA classes, Students will have an option to buy into the drop in portion at an additional cost.

At the moment we will run Muay Thai, Tue/Thr 6:30-8:30pm , Sat 2-4pm and Sun 12-1:30pm, Studio 4, as per our regular schedule.

Fee:
Jan 27-April 5 (10 weeks)
Student/Member $170, Non-Member $190

Jan 27- May 3rd (14 weeks)
Student/Member $255, Non-Member $275

Online Gallery added

Having figured this blog thing out, I've uploaded more of our pictures which can be accessed by clicking "Online Gallery" on the Navigation bar to your upper right ----->

It will take you away from this page to the Picasa website, where all the other pictures that have been uploaded are (Training, events, parties, etc....I'm still working on getting the Blue Shorts grading photos up though)

Hopefully that bar will make it easier to browse posts if this blog get fully functional and running.

A 2007 YUMT Gallery

Here are some picture's from YUMT's 2007 : the earlier days

To keep the page clean, you can view the galleries here:

Training 2007

Group Outings 2007

Other photo galleries will be posted similarly for convenient viewing

Welcome to York Muay Thai

The one and only York Muay Thai blog is NOW intergrated into www.yorkmuaythai.com !
You can now visit the website and see all the blog updates there!

The YMT blog is your one stop for not only YMT news, but links and updates on Muay Thai fights/events world wide. 

153-155 Limestone Crescent, North York Ontario
M3J 2R1

Why train? What if I'm out of shape? Click: http://www.yorkmuaythai.com/faqs.html
About YMT:

Whether you are trying to get fit and lose weight, get into the ring or simply learn about Muay Thai and Thai culture. YMT is a great place to start this never ending journey.

This blog is here to keep you up to date with not only YMT news, but Muay Thai news all around the world. Check back for videos and articles every week related to this awesome martial art and sport. 



Love, Respect and Believe.

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