I’ve posted this question on the forum aswell, but I thought I’d also write about it here.
You know, over the years combat has been progressively getting harder, I know if I look at good ol’ BC15 (the release I started on) the intensity is way way beyond what we did then, when we used to do those little muay thai knees in Shake. I remember when I first started, nearly wanting to throw up while doing those knees and how it was the instructor who really spurred me to push on.
Then when I reached the peak of my fitness in the 30’s – around BC 30-34……….I was teaching attack, combat, pump and balance. Sometimes doing 5 classes in one day, regularly teaching a BP/BA/BB triple. I used to be “proud” of how combat was giving attack a run for it’s money on the “intensity” level. Although admittedly after a BA/BC double, BC always felt like a “rest” after BA. I wouldn’t sneeze at doing say, BP/BA/BB in the morning and then teaching BP and BC in the evening. Crazy days.
Now, 2 years and a baby later, back problems after falling down the stairs twice (while holding the baby), extremely cold weather aggrivating my old injuries plus the stress of trying to cope in a foreign country. I’ve gone from super fit to a fat lump. Where I used to think combat rising in intensity was awesome, now I wonder if it’s getting too hard for new members?
I ask this question because, I have discovered that with this extra fat unfit body I’m carting around, that even BA is achievable if you take the options, but now when I do BC with the newer release, sometimes it just gets almost too difficult, and with not a lot of alternatives. I’m thinking in particular of the tracks with the new esquiva. I know it’s an awesome strengthening move, but to someone very unfit and lacking strength like me, it’s just TOO HARD. After doing both Stamp (BC37) and No Good (BC38) at the Dutch Dally on the weekend, I can say that if I was a new member I’m really not sure if I would keep giving it a go. As a determined instructor who’s “been there before” it’s different for me, I will keep going………..but it begs the question?
Hey Mel!
Great post! I’ve been teaching since 16 & I’ve seen the intensity go through the roof on this program. I became extremely frustrated w/some of the releases in the early 30s – not so much b/c of the intensity, but b/c of the complexity of the choreography – it quit being as much fun & became more work, imo. The last several releases seemed to have reversed that trend & it’s back to being a FUN workout.
As for the current levels of intensity, I think the instructor needs to bear the responsibility to teaching to their audience. Show options for all levels. Interesting to note that @ the bottom of each page of chorey on BC40 there is the following “Remember to teach to who is in front of you. The change of intensity we indicate are only guidelines, not compulsory. Only go with them if your class is comfortable.”
I’m using “No Good” in my mix this week. I’ve got a lot of new Combatters and a lot of participants who aren’t hardcore – I’ll show options of not sinking as deep into the esquiva for those who need it. Same with the jumping knees and propulsive moves – I’ll demo them w/ and w/o.
Didn’t really answer your question, did I? I do think it’s gotten harder, but right now I don’t think it’s “too hard”.