Training Alone

mfanyafujo

I practice kung fu, and have for about 4 years now. Right now I'm not near any school (of any kind), so I train alone. I've been doing a lot of strength training and basics (punches, kicks, forms, etc). Not having a partner is a bit of a setback sometimes.

Anyone have any suggestions for how I can change up my routine? I've got minimal equipment here, and am getting a little tired of forms, over and over and over. Anyone have any experience training alone? Ideas?

bushidowoman

I try to get together with other martial artists once a week or so, and occasionally I can talk hubby into being my uke. But mainly, I train alone.
The only knowledge I have of kung fu is what I've seen in the movies or read in books (I have an old acquaintance who teaches wing chun, and I'd love to pay him a visit!) But here are some things I practice on my own, and maybe these will give you some ideas...

Can you effectively throw your kicks and punches from your back if you were to get knocked to the ground? How about from a sitting position? What if you were on your knees? Are you equally as strong on both sides?
Practice throwing your techniques from a close range, medium range, and long range. Slow them down and examine the movements and how they change when you throw them from a different distance. Which muscles are being used?
Are your katas equally as powerful from both directions (for instance, if you normally start on your left, can you just as easily start on your right)? Have you practiced mentally placing your "enemy" in different positions? How would your movements change if your target is slightly higher or lower or to the left a little or to the right or closer to you?

I hope others will weigh in with more ideas.

mfanyafujo

Thanks bushidomama. Those are actually some really great ideas. Mostly I've just been trying to do things I would do at the school, only by myself. I think I should try to train with more introspection.

Out of curiosity, how much do you train each day?

bushidowoman

Thanks bushidomama. Those are actually some really great ideas. Mostly I've just been trying to do things I would do at the school, only by myself. I think I should try to train with more introspection.

Out of curiosity, how much do you train each day?

You are selcome.
It's hard to say. I try to devote some amount of time every day to working katas and techniques, but as a homeschooling mom of 6, how much "alone time" I have varies. I do incorporate training into my daily routine, working on conditioning or balance or mental exercises at different moments. If I'm brushing my teeth or standing in line at the store, I'm in a cat stance balanced on one leg. Or beating my knuckles against walls. Or thinking through kata moves and applications.
These things help keep me calm and focused during the insanity that is my life.

mfanyafujo

You are selcome.
It's hard to say. I try to devote some amount of time every day to working katas and techniques, but as a homeschooling mom of 6, how much "alone time" I have varies. I do incorporate training into my daily routine, working on conditioning or balance or mental exercises at different moments. If I'm brushing my teeth or standing in line at the store, I'm in a cat stance balanced on one leg. Or beating my knuckles against walls. Or thinking through kata moves and applications.
These things help keep me calm and focused during the insanity that is my life.

That's some pretty serious dedication. Very admirable. I will try to incorporate some of your suggestions into my day. Thanks so much!