Previously in this space:

Tournament competition: Quick tips
http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/utkcinfo/message/600

Tournament competition: Routines
http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/utkcinfo/message/632

It seems that not many people are aware of Kata pick-up points as
mentioned in one of the previous emails, so I thought that I'd discuss
them here.

When you're performing a Kata, ideally you'd like to maintain a high and
consistent level of concentration and energy thoughout (but don't
confuse high energy with tightness, extraneous motions, and a lack of
control). Unfortunately for almost all of us, over the course of the
Kata our concentration wavers and our energy decreases. Typically you
don't see a linear fall-off; instead, there are usually one or two
abrupt drop-offs, often coinciding with a turn, or the technique after a
kiai or a jump.

So what can you do to prevent this?

Steven Yap taught me to incorporate the very simple concept of "pick-up
points" into my Kata. First, analyse your Kata to identify these
drop-offs, either with a video camera or the help of a friend. These
drop-off points may be different for different people even for the same
Kata. Next, during your training, whenever you reach the point in the
Kata immediately preceeding a drop-off, remind yourself to "pick it up".
This is your cue to bear down, focus, and bring some extra energy into
the Kata. If you're successful, then the drop-off should be eliminated
or at least greatly reduced, and as you continue to train the Kata,
these pick-up points should become second-nature.

Train hard.
--
Steven.