The first of the now familiar Clicker and Cadet training sessions for 2011 took part in Mullingar dojo on the thirtieth of January. Representatives from Galway, Letterfrack, Dublin and of course Mullingar were all there with the hopes of improving technique, practicing skills, or perhaps learning something new. The class started with a ten minute skipping warm up. Then Sensei Ken and Senpai Shane Mulhall took the

clicker squad through a light stretch and then covered footwork and flexibility (assisted partner kicks), followed by reaction and speed training. Then on to restricted training ie blocking with one hand only, leading into a general spar with the coaches providing feedback and making sugestions.

Mean while the three all new trial cadets worked with Senpai Nigel looking at, and beginning to experience the differences and similarities between clicker and knock down. Beginning with some pad work a short stint of hands only 20% sparing, a brief look at viable targets on the torso and then a short low kick drill concentrating on technique and focus. After a quick break to rehydrate the Senpais swapped stations with Senpai Shane working the cadets through some more leg drills and gave them their first steps on the long road of conditioning. Senpai Nigel meanwhile assisted Sensei Ken with the clicker squad continuing with the stretching and kicking and some pad work to sharpen reflexes and tighten focus.

The day finished up with everyone getting a chance to apply the lessons learned during sparring. While the class looked on providing encouragement the instructor made suggestions for improvement. After the session there was a feeling of satisfaction amongst the instructors who were all delighted at the attitude of the class to instantly try to integrate new ideas into their routine and apply them to their sparring. It’s truly invigorating to work with a dedicated group of youngsters with such a thirst for knowledge and the drive to put it into practice.

Nigel Prendergast