Lotus Self-Defense Clinic

Fall 2012 (August 20 to December 3)
Time: 4:00-5:20 Wednesdays
Location: Suite 200, second floor
Student Recreation Center

Instructor: Dr. Michael Weeks, Computer Science Department
Office: 34 Peachtree Street, room 1444, Phone: (678) 952-8196
Office hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:40-4:40 p.m.

Web page: http://www.cs.gsu.edu/~cscmcw

Junior Instructor: Mr. Duriel Richards

What Do Students Wear?
For the first class, wear comfortable clothes, such as a T-shirt (or sweat shirt) and sweat pants. Avoid wearing jeans to class. If you have a uniform from another martial arts style, make sure to talk to the instructor before wearing it. Martial arts classes are conducted in bare feet. If this is a problem, contact the instructor. Don't forget to follow the guidelines of the Recreation Facilities, e.g. no tank-tops.

What Do I Call The Instructor?
Please address the instructor as "Ajarn". This is a Thai word that means "teacher".

About Lotus Self-Defense A typical Lotus class starts with stretching and warm-up exercises, then we practice kicks, punches, and blocks, next we practice falling to the mat, then practice hitting a target, followed by rolls. The rolls conclude with a brief form incorporating rolls, kicking and punching. After a few minutes' break, we return to practice kata, self-defense techniques, and cover any new material. The self-defense techniques are most interesting, and can be applied in real-life situations. Advanced techniques (though not part of the introductory clinic) include take-downs, flips, and throws. More information about Lotus can be found at www.lotusmartialarts.com .

Topics

All classes start with stretching and warm-up exercises
Hitting your opponent where it hurts (class 1)
Awareness, preparedness, and avoiding potential problems (class 1)
Self defense basics, kicking, sweeping, blocking, punching, using elbows and knees (classes 1-7)
More basics, including rolling and hitting the mat (starting with class 2)
Self defense techniques, including joint-locks (classes 3-7)
Kata (final classes towards the end of the semester)

Policies

Regular practice is strongly encouraged.
See the GSU General Catalog. Students are expected to attend all classes; roll will be taken. Religious holidays as identified by the Provost and Academic Vice President are one exception; if this is your case, please identify yourself to me.
This syllabus provides a general plan; deviations may be necessary.