The Elite Team...Day Three and Four

I just typed a LONG blog on what we did and lost it all.  I will now write the short version.

Day Three

1000 kicks each leg (2000 total kicks)
130 push ups
330 Jump-n-Jacks
108 Sit ups

The team graduated to 200 kicks each leg before they can switch with their partner.  Previously they were doing 100 each leg.  They didn't complain....I only saw smiles.

I added the middle splits and the front splits to the workout.

We did 1000 kicks to create discomfort so that they would be open to the deal I was going to make them.  I told them that whoever can perform the middle splits can get out of kicks for the night.  If they can do the front splits, they can get out of the kicks on the wall.  They can get up to 3 nights of no kicks on the wall if they can perform all three splits.

I have reminded them constantly about getting their hips in a certain position and making sure they pivot.  I have let them slide until tonight.  I explained the 'why' behind it.  First of all, doing it the way I am explaining it, develops the muscles that are required to perform the techniques that I will be teaching.  Secondly, using my method increases power significanlty.

Then I proved it to them.  I told them I would let them aout of kicks if they could knock over a bag with a round kick.  I KNOW that no one can do it unless they perform the kick correctly.  Of course, they struggled with.  Then I explained the them again how to kick correctly.  Several of the kids instantly knocked over the smaller bag and moved to the bigger one.  

DAY FOUR

1000 Kicks each leg (200 at a time)
134 Push ups
60 sit ups
171 Jump-n-Jacks

We talked about struggle and how it makes them stronger.  Without struggle, it's difficult to improve on anything.  

We finally got to put on our pads!

The foundation has been laid.  Their minds are ready for material.

My method so far has worked like this:  Create discomfort to get them in an emotional state then make a suggestion on how to overcome the obstacle (in this case...discomfort in the form of kicks on the wall).  This method works almost every time.  The suggestion almost always requires that they practice on their own...without prodding....or threatening...or encouraging.  It's natural and the improvment is noticable by the student.  It makes them feel good and they want to do it more often.  (My last blog...that I lost....went into detail on how I actually do it)

Next week..the kids have now graduated to 300-400 kicks per leg before they can switch to their parnter.  They don't know that yet.  It's a surprise.....hehehe.

They are awesome.  Thank you for allowing me to work with your children...it is MY HONOR.

See you Monday!!

Scott Wilkinson