Assess: Self-Review

Refer to the topic “How to Assess and Review Video” for the complete description, summarized below in priority order:

• Mechanics
  • Is the body held upright with pelvis and shoulders neutral?
  • Are limbs and joints appropriately aligned for health and power?
  • Are feet pointing in the correct directions in relation to knees and hips?
• Movement
  • Is movement forward happening in the correct order? (Weapon, hand, shoulders, hips, then feet)
  • Is spine alignment and joint alignment being maintained throughout movements? (Look for: over extension at the shoulders, leaning forward or sideways off centre, knees coming to the inside, feet turning to the inside.)
  • Is movement smooth and directed? (Straight lines, no unnecessary bobbing or weaving)
  • Is the body working together in a coordinated fashion? (e.g. Hands are beginning and directing an attack, then the shoulder and hip rotation is powering it)
• Martiality
  • Are series of actions done smoothly without hesitations or stutters?
  • Are actions crisp and grounded and avoidant of hyper extension? (Look for snapping the limbs into maximum extension — be particularly mindful with elbows and shoulders).
  • Are attacks conducted with clear martial intent?
  • Is acceleration occurring at the appropriate points (as the weapon begins its action and all the way through the target)