Page 26 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 69

26 August 2018 Issue #69 www.sportsenergynews.com

The Dragons are Coming!

By Jim Riddell,

Seaway Karate Club The Dragons are Coming!

By Casey Leger is deeply involved in the event. As
a six-time competitor on the National
Karate Komments ugust is upon us, and to the 50+ Dragon Boat Team, he has a

ACornwall WaterFest committee, wealth of knowledge and experience
Summer Drills Part Two August means dragon boat racing. to offer novice (and not so novice)

“We currently have 10 teams paid dragon boaters. “Growing up in
and registered,” says committee Dartmouth, Nova Scotia,” explains
he sporting world has been a busy place in the past month. France member and dragon boat coach
Tdefeated Croatia to win the World Cup – did anyone out there predict Kevin O’Rourke, “and we are Wheeler, “You played hockey in
those two teams to meet in the final? Free agency and trades have dozens the winter, and you paddled in the
talking to about 10 more.” Of course, summer.”
of NHL players presently searching for homes in their new cities. In the O’Rourke is referring to the annual
past issue of Sports Energy I shared a few drills that we send our members Wheeler, who has been retired
Cornwall WaterFest Dragon Boat
home with, to work on over the summer. These drills take only a moment Races taking place on August 11 on from the marketing division of
or two to complete, can be done almost anywhere, and are designed to the canal in Cornwall’s west end. Air Canada for 20 years, also
enhance karate training. competed in the Masters Division
Over a dozen paddlers gathered for
Part two of the summer training drills will help improve speed, timing, and a practice on the river at a Montreal in international canoe racing, but
hand-eye co -ordination. These drills are fun, challenging, and requires Road residence in mid July. With the dragon boats, he says, have an almost
only a tennis ball. Make sure to use proper form at all times during these event fast approaching, local crews cult-like following. He sees real
drills as we do not want to develop any bad habits while trying to improve! are on the water every week. Melanie growth potential for dragon boat

Ouellette, who is going into grade 10 racing in Cornwall, citing Belleville
1. Shadow boxing drill – taking a fighting stance, place the tennis ball as an example of a city where the
under your jaw on the side of your forward hand/foot (left side for orthodox at La Citadelle in September, seems
typical of the group. “Dragon boat sport really took off after a couple of
stance). Shadow box a round of at least one minute using footwork, seasons and some success in major
punches, kicks, and strikes without dropping the tennis ball. racing is fun. It’s for charity,” she
explains, “and I want to contribute.” races.
2. Left jab – gently toss the ball with your right hand, - catch it at face Hospice will be benefitting from the Anyone interested in learning
level with a properly executed jab, squeeze the ball just before impact at event. more about Cornwall Waterfest can
full extension. 25 repetitions.
Paddling enthusiast Eric Wheeler join the group on Facebook.
3. Right cross: gently toss the ball in the air catching it at face level with
the right hand, tightening the fist around the ball just before impact and full
extension. Be sure to use proper shoulder and hip rotation. 25 repetitions.

4. Left hook – with your right hand toss the ball gently so it can be caught
on the left side of your centreline. Catch the ball, squeezing it tightly
before crossing the impact point no farther than the centreline of you body,
as beyond that point the hook will begin to lose power. 25 repetitions.

5. Uppercut: This one can be practised with both hands and can be a bit
challenging – starting with the tennis ball in your left hand six inches or so
in front of you, drop the ball catching it and tightly squeeze it just before
the point of impact at the approximate height of your own jaw. Repeat
with your right hand – 12 reps with each hand.

6. Parrying drill: This drill will simulate the movement of parrying a
punch to avoid getting hit. Start in your fighting stance with the tennis
ball in your left hand; release the ball catching it with the right hand on the
right to left parrying motion. Bring the right hand back to your centreline
at face level releasing the ball to be caught with the left hand in the left
to right parrying motion. Visualize parrying a punch with just enough
motion so as not to get hit. This is as far as your hands will travel - 100
Eric W., Kaleb R., Allyson A., Mélanie O., Kevin O., Emma E., Mikel B.,
hand to hand transfers of the ball.
Jonathan C. Joel C., Amédé F. Photo Submitted