New Summer Class

Welcome everyone to the summer Muay Thai class! Over the next few months (and more if you keep signing up) we will work hard, train hard, and make huge gains in ability and confidence. Please check in on this blog often (this is the bulletin board for the class).

Starting this next week 7/13, I will be available during the intermediate class to start working with those interested in training toward self-defense application versus sport/competitive focus. While the training styles, methods, and intensity are very similar, the psychology, the targets, and the outcomes are very different.

Please feel free to talk to me about your particular needs and interests and good luck, train hard, and NEVER give-in. E-mail, blog, or call me (951-445-2993).

Opera-NON-Verba (deeds not words)

DJ

The return of Kru DJ

For those of you still checking this blog...hope all is going well.

I AM COMING BACK! See you all for the next classes (Summer) and hopefully in the new offerings in the fall (CQC Muay Thai/self defense and Nelson's class for Muay Thai Ringfighters).

Train hard!

DJ

You guys KICK ass!

Great effort everyone, you have really shown incredible improvement...now don't let it all slip away! I will post some workout routines to do over the next few weeks before classes start again (DO NOT SIT AROUND AND SLACK OFF FOR A MONTH!). You should also get together with Nelson and train and spar (start to apply what you are learning...this is a whole different thing when you try using it on someone who doesn't let you hit them...and Nelson probably won't let you hit him without earning it).

I will see you on the 6th...however...I am leaving for the next 2 years to finish grad school, so you will be training under Nelson after that (you are in good hands). I have enjoyed training with all of you and hope to see you still training in Muay Thai when I return (but please keep in touch)

Kru DJ Phalen
Certified Muay Thai Instructor (USMTA.com)
State Representative - California & South Dakota (USMTA.com)
State Representative - South Dakota (ICSDA.org)
www.socalselfdefense.com
www.UCSDMuayThai.blogspot.com

Spring classes will start 4/6/09

Great JOB

Just wanted to let you know that I was impressed with the effort you put into training last night. It was 2 hours of non-stop training and you hung in there. I have noticed a lot of improvement in endurance, technique, and power. Let's spend our last 4 (3/11/09 is it) classes fine tuning technique and developing the speed and power (and talk about ways to train in the few weeks that there will not be classes scheduled.
OPERA NON VERBA. dp

NO Class on Monday 2-16

Running on Wednesday

We WILL run on Wednesday RAIN or shine. Bring running shoes and be ready to go. dp

Monday 2-9-09

BRING some running shoes (and plan to run outdoors--and maybe get wet!). If you did not see this, sucks for you...you can run barefoot. See you tonight. DJ

I want to stress the importance of running for conditioning, core strength, and endurance. This is what Thai training camps will tell you (and what you WILL do).

• Up at 6, run 6-9 miles, 2 hours of training (bags, pads, sparring, neck wrestling) eat. About 3pm, run another 6 miles, and 2 more hours of training. Eat. Sleep. Repeat (6-7 days per week).
• Running is best to start your training session.
• After your run upon returning to the gym grab a skipping rope and skip for 10 - 20 minutes, skipping is also an important exercise for boxers and Muay Thai fighters.

What should I work on at home?

• Shadowbox with moderate intensity...this is not "going through the motions"...visualize your offense/defense and strike with intention (and watch yourselrf in a mirror if possible so you do not reinforce bad habits! Practice does not make perfect. Practice makes HABIT.
• RUN. If you were doing this as a professional (or training in Thailand) you would be running 10-15 miles PER DAY! This should tell you the importance of running for cardio, strength, endurance.
• Skip rope. It's easy, builds cardio and leg muscles, timing, and can burn nearly as many calories per hour as running.
• Crunches. Try to do 200 per day. Break them into manageable chunks of 25-50 at a time throughout the day.
• Push-ups. Same as above.
• Stretch. Without flexibility your training will not be complete.
• Find partners to train with or hit the heavy bags. If/when you train on the heavy bags...hit them with 110%.

Good luck! dp

Even more gear!

I just received word from the Recreation Director(s)...more gear has arrived! Train on!

A message from DJ

Hope you all had a good time on Wednesday! Continue practicing (in a mirror) and with anyone you know from class. If you don't know anyone from class...meet someone!

Just wanted to let you know that we are going to be getting more equipment! It comes from Thailand...so it will probably take about 2 weeks.

Also, I am planning the next set of classes...so if you have STRONG preferences for hours, comment to this e-mail! I will most likely be trying to do the following: Beginner/Intermediate classes, a CQSD (close-quarter self defense) class, and a Ring-fighter class.

You are all putting in a great amount of effort...and the progress you see in yourself will make the pain and suffering worth it.

OPERA NON VERBA

DJ

Handwraps

Get your handwraps! I added two videos toward the bottom so you can see how to put on the wraps. There are MANY different ways (and thoughts about how) to wrap your hands. The idea is to protect your wrist and knuckles...

From DJ

Great class everyone! Keep working on your techniques, exercises, and stamina

1. Get handwraps. I went by Sports Authority and they have the 180 (extra long) wraps, or simple bag gloves, etc - this will protect your hands!
2. If you want to pursue fighting amateur fights, check out the link on this page and get yourself a pair of 16oz gloves...you will need to train with them (and make contact with Nelson at the next class!)

HOMEWORK -
1. Try doing Thai squats (50 or so) several times a day
2. Try doing 100-200 pushups a day. Break it up into 25 at a time at first.
3. Situps...well...just do them until you can't do anymore! You will need it.
4. Practice what you learned (and practice in a mirror so you can see yourself!)

See you Wednesday!

DJ