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i actually LOVE BC 32.
I guess it's because I only started out doing combat during BC29, i get hooked easily, and now because i'm an instructor-to-be soon, i will have to fall in love with all the BC tracks.
But i gotta say that i hate "school's out.", Other than that, the rest are great. Love the music. I can't do ginga initially but after so much practices, it's working and my balancing is there =) love it love it
Since this thread starts with such a serious question (what do we really think), and since, in my opinion, there have been way too many negative comments about the ginga, I decided to drop a line and say what I really think... about BC in general.
In about a week I start with BC32, and have seen only a little preview.... I have not formed any opinion or have any special expectation, I can only say that so far (have started with BC26) I have loved each release, and in general, I am such a huge Body combat fan, that to me, it normally boils down to: which tracks I prefer in a release. Of course, some I find better than others.
Anyways:
1. I personally don't think that the ginga move can kill the class. Now, I realize that in these discussions there are many instructors who are also "worried" (can't think of another word now) about how popular the class is, the number of participants, etc, etc... And I am aware I lack the experience of many people here.... But, this is just my own perspective, as one of those people who attend the classes and I can tell you that for me a SLOWER move does not kill the class at all. Just like a comment posted previously said: it doesn't mean you work less if the class/songs' length is shorter. Well, it doesn't mean you work less if the rhythm is slower, if you actually pay attention to technique and try to do your best. It is less cardio maybe, but it sure isn't less work for the muscles.
2. I find it amusing that so many people give so many comments on the music and... basically there is never a "consesus". :-) Don't get me wrong, music is an important issue. Hell, it's one of the crucial elements. I'm just saying that it is IMPOSSIBLE that all tastes are satisfied, and that EVERYBODY likes the music. It is just not possible. And to discuss the songs in terms of "music genre" is... well, not making too much sense to me. Why? Because in these classes music should be seen as an integral part of the choreography so it is about "how well the music works with the moves". Example, I very much dislike techno music, I would NEVER put on a cd with songs as Hymn (track 5, BC 28) or 2 Dream (track 3 BC 31) to listen for the sake of enjoying music. But, I absolutely love these two tracks within the choreaographies. The music works extremely well with the moves (in my most humble opinion of course).
3. Ok, have rambled on a lot.. sorry. One last thing.. I wonder whether the difference in the opinion comes from the difference of the expectations of participants in BC. I'll simplify this by saying that I have noticed two "categories" of people who come to BC classes in the gym where I go (and mind you, this is a generalization, so... not trying to categorize anyone, just using it as an observation): those who want some fun and a cardio workout and those who like the concept of BC which involves both cardio workout and technique. I have two fantastic instructors who never fail to explain the important things, and yet EVERY single time there are people (not first-timers) who make the very same "mistakes". I am reffering to technique. I wonder, whether people who just "want to have a fun cardio work-out" are mostly the ones "fed up" with the more complex moves... Just wondering.
Again, this is not a negative comment... there is nothing wrong if a person simply wants to go to a class, have fun, sweat a lot and not worry about moves. It is just I personally find the beauty of BC, and for that matter of BA and BJ as well, in the technique, the correct execution of the moves, the clean moves packed with a lot of intensity. In my opinion you make the MOST of those classes when you do your best to perform the best move.
And so far, I think Body combat has been as challenging as when I started, and is far far far from going off the boil.
Sorry for taking up so much space and time.
Sunny smiles,
Maria
I'm pleased i asked what you all thought of BC32, it's good to get all opinions.
loquillaM , I think your third point hit the nail on the head for me.
I've always seen BC as a really good Cardio workout, rather than a martial arts workout. The fact that there are now more slower tracks that require less excertion kills it for me.
For me it all started going wrong with 'Hung Up" back on BC 28, I just thought, 'what on earth were they thinking'?
It's quite funny that my local Fitness First, which is very big on Combat didn't launch BC31 and has no plans to launch BC32, as the instructors don't like the releases.
My favourite BC tracks by the way were 'Impossible Mission' and 'Ride on Time' from BC15 and 'There You'll be' from BC12. They are all still done quite a bit around the UK. They were real classics.
Mark
WHHHHHHhhhat i cant believe some people what a selfish attitude.
Since when was it about the instructor and what they like and dislike what about ur poor participants that arent moving with the times and getting the benefits of the new releases.
I was abit down wiv 31 til i started teaching it but thats cause i was scared but it went down so well once it clicked..
how can you not launch a new releases just cause you dont like it sorry im so annoyed wiv that..
Well said Mina, why should us participants miss out coz the instructor dont like it. I know of a few tracks that one of my instructors dont like, but she wouldnt not play it coz of that. Personally Im loving 32, love the whole feel of the lower body warm up, yip it might a tad slow, but I do like it, track 2 with the switch knee, is great, although I gotta hold back and not pulse between them, track 4, for me, is one of the best since they bought in the ESK, Track 5 we have so much fun with that one and then Track 7 is just out and out mental, love it.
timbts:...BC 30 being launched first hand by Dan and Rach. Now what was completely awsome about it was that they gave a full explanation of how and why they choreographed each track prior to presenting them. This completely blew my mind. Once you understand what they were thinking for each move and each sequence, the whole concept of Bodycombat just reaches a whole new meaning...
...BC 30 being launched first hand by Dan and Rach. Now what was completely awsome about it was that they gave a full explanation of how and why they choreographed each track prior to presenting them. This completely blew my mind. Once you understand what they were thinking for each move and each sequence, the whole concept of Bodycombat just reaches a whole new meaning...
Mark not sure if you read my review but i pasted it below if you wish to read it. Ride on time and mission impossible are good tracks to bring out now and then but really are very very dated and it shows when you compare it to the new stuff especially the new track 4's.
I have one instructor who has the same mindset as you regarding this track in my gym. There is no ccoincidence that he averages around 6 to his class where as the instructors who embrace the new challenges and really love the programme for what it is now average 40-50 in there classes.
I have travelled a fair bit around the world and seen so many different nationalities taking part and loving BC, instructors who have a real passion for the programme. Now if you look at the style of the new track 4 im sure you will realise how popular this move is with Brazilians and in other south American countries.
Just because the track is slower does not mean it's easier? The fact is, it is the hardest track of this release if done correctly!!
You do not have to have a martial arts background…in fact one of the greatest feelings as an instructor (and lets not forget that we are instructors and there for the participants) is to see the 'average participant' and 'the older participant' really embracing this track and nailing it after a few weeks, even if it means staying at level one which is only a sidekick!!!
Please start thinking of teaching combat how it should be taught now not five years ago cus it has moved on, millions of us love combat for what it is and may I suggest if you are not willing to do this then please make way for an instructor who will teach the programme with the passion and enthusiasm that it deserves.
Track 1: This starts off really well and was a surprise to mix the knees in straight away but works well and nice dramatic feel as it speeds up. Easy combos to loosen up the top half before dropping down a few gears into the lower body warm up. Although the speed drops down I found that this has given both myself and the participants the opportunity to focus on intensity and range of movement and technique. For this reason it works well as I can work on the ginga and also talk through the step knee. I would still like to see the set up for the roundhouse to be quicker instead of doing just 1 set up and pulse x4 it would be nice to have a fast set of 8 with your foot not touching the floor in-between,but would this warm the hips/groin quicker to prepare for roundhouse in track 2? just an idea!!!
Overall great warm-up allowing us to teach loads of tech in the second half and focus on intensity in the legs and not speed.
Track 2: When I first heard this track my first thought was 'oh dear, not going to like this' but I thought I would wait until I got the dvd before writing it off. To be honest in glad I did as this is going off at my gym. Its also great to monitor your HRM throughout this track as there is a gradual but dramatic leap from the warm-up which is perfect as you can feel the sweat come on at just the right time. The jump knee is a lovely combo that help loosen up before the roundhouse kicks. The chorey works very well in this track with great timing with the combo's.
The participants love this and so do I. It forces my participants to put the block in the roundhouse combo which is great to see as they sometimes just don’t get it!!
Track 3: Uplifting tune that has gone down very well. One of those songs that I think you are onto a winner with even if you just did handstands for 4minutes!! I would like to have seen a more complex combo to break up main routine. Would be nice to have slightly different combo for all four levels, but made it easy to learn!!!
Track 4: The first time I taught this I wondered if this had been over complicated but by the second time they had nailed it to my amazement!! This is an awesome track that shows how far we have all progressed as both instructors and participants and im sure that’s what we all want…a challenge!!!!
It’s the only track I really need to practice before teaching and don’t you find we get so much more out of a track we have worked hard on to perfect? There are enough levels in there as to not scare off the newbies. I love the way this track is layered but still easy to remember. Its great to get positive feedback from this one but even greater to see everyone from the Bruce Lee wannabe to Auntie Vera at the back really getting this track…we love it!!
Track 5: Ive never been a big fan of the 'social track' to be honest but this one is a good laugh and easy on the brain which is nice after track4.
Track 6: I really like this track because it starts of a bit tame and your thinking 'hmm this is a nice easy little combo. But the beauty of this track is how you really can work the different levels because of the different combo's within the track. It gradually builds then just steps up another few levels with the shuffle side-kick punch combo's. Great track.
Track 7: Now we are talking insane of the membrane!!!!
This has just gone off in my classes, the music really helps this track and I think there is a lot of scope to play with the levels to make this a great track. Staying with the low knee high knee option is a bit to easy so bringing a jump knee option makes this such a hard track.
Track 8: When I first heard this I thought the music was more like a social track than a T8. The chorey is simple but effective as it's to long a track. I think the music actually works really well as a track 8 as it has a great build up and natural progression that lends itself perfectly to a T8.
Track 9: I love it when we work on leg strengthening in track 9, anything that helps with the roundhouse and side- kick is always going to go down well where I teach. All the other programmes have cool downs that seem specific for that programme to help tech, its nice to see in combat.
Track 10: Great cover song but again I would like to see some stretching that would help with kicks. Maybe more hip openers. If im honest the katas are nice but most the class cant be arsed (especially the blokes) by the end of the class. So instead of all the katas some really hardcore hamstring/hips/groin stretching would be appreciated : )
mrmina:WHHHHHHhhhat i cant believe some people what a selfish attitude. Since when was it about the instructor and what they like and dislike what about ur poor participants that arent moving with the times and getting the benefits of the new releases. I was abit down wiv 31 til i started teaching it but thats cause i was scared but it went down so well once it clicked.. how can you not launch a new releases just cause you dont like it sorry im so annoyed wiv that..
mrrocket: Mark not sure if you read my review but i pasted it below if you wish to read it. Ride on time and mission impossible are good tracks to bring out now and then but really are very very dated and it shows when you compare it to the new stuff especially the new track 4's. I have one instructor who has the same mindset as you regarding this track in my gym. There is no ccoincidence that he averages around 6 to his class where as the instructors who embrace the new challenges and really love the programme for what it is now average 40-50 in there classes. I have travelled a fair bit around the world and seen so many different nationalities taking part and loving BC, instructors who have a real passion for the programme. Now if you look at the style of the new track 4 im sure you will realise how popular this move is with Brazilians and in other south American countries. Just because the track is slower does not mean it's easier? The fact is, it is the hardest track of this release if done correctly!! You do not have to have a martial arts background…in fact one of the greatest feelings as an instructor (and lets not forget that we are instructors and there for the participants) is to see the 'average participant' and 'the older participant' really embracing this track and nailing it after a few weeks, even if it means staying at level one which is only a sidekick!!! Please start thinking of teaching combat how it should be taught now not five years ago cus it has moved on, millions of us love combat for what it is and may I suggest if you are not willing to do this then please make way for an instructor who will teach the programme with the passion and enthusiasm that it deserves. Track 1: This starts off really well and was a surprise to mix the knees in straight away but works well and nice dramatic feel as it speeds up. Easy combos to loosen up the top half before dropping down a few gears into the lower body warm up. Although the speed drops down I found that this has given both myself and the participants the opportunity to focus on intensity and range of movement and technique. For this reason it works well as I can work on the ginga and also talk through the step knee. I would still like to see the set up for the roundhouse to be quicker instead of doing just 1 set up and pulse x4 it would be nice to have a fast set of 8 with your foot not touching the floor in-between,but would this warm the hips/groin quicker to prepare for roundhouse in track 2? just an idea!!! Overall great warm-up allowing us to teach loads of tech in the second half and focus on intensity in the legs and not speed. Track 2: When I first heard this track my first thought was 'oh dear, not going to like this' but I thought I would wait until I got the dvd before writing it off. To be honest in glad I did as this is going off at my gym. Its also great to monitor your HRM throughout this track as there is a gradual but dramatic leap from the warm-up which is perfect as you can feel the sweat come on at just the right time. The jump knee is a lovely combo that help loosen up before the roundhouse kicks. The chorey works very well in this track with great timing with the combo's. The participants love this and so do I. It forces my participants to put the block in the roundhouse combo which is great to see as they sometimes just don’t get it!! Track 3: Uplifting tune that has gone down very well. One of those songs that I think you are onto a winner with even if you just did handstands for 4minutes!! I would like to have seen a more complex combo to break up main routine. Would be nice to have slightly different combo for all four levels, but made it easy to learn!!! Track 4: The first time I taught this I wondered if this had been over complicated but by the second time they had nailed it to my amazement!! This is an awesome track that shows how far we have all progressed as both instructors and participants and im sure that’s what we all want…a challenge!!!! It’s the only track I really need to practice before teaching and don’t you find we get so much more out of a track we have worked hard on to perfect? There are enough levels in there as to not scare off the newbies. I love the way this track is layered but still easy to remember. Its great to get positive feedback from this one but even greater to see everyone from the Bruce Lee wannabe to Auntie Vera at the back really getting this track…we love it!! Track 5: Ive never been a big fan of the 'social track' to be honest but this one is a good laugh and easy on the brain which is nice after track4. Track 6: I really like this track because it starts of a bit tame and your thinking 'hmm this is a nice easy little combo. But the beauty of this track is how you really can work the different levels because of the different combo's within the track. It gradually builds then just steps up another few levels with the shuffle side-kick punch combo's. Great track. Track 7: Now we are talking insane of the membrane!!!! This has just gone off in my classes, the music really helps this track and I think there is a lot of scope to play with the levels to make this a great track. Staying with the low knee high knee option is a bit to easy so bringing a jump knee option makes this such a hard track. Track 8: When I first heard this I thought the music was more like a social track than a T8. The chorey is simple but effective as it's to long a track. I think the music actually works really well as a track 8 as it has a great build up and natural progression that lends itself perfectly to a T8. Track 9: I love it when we work on leg strengthening in track 9, anything that helps with the roundhouse and side- kick is always going to go down well where I teach. All the other programmes have cool downs that seem specific for that programme to help tech, its nice to see in combat. Track 10: Great cover song but again I would like to see some stretching that would help with kicks. Maybe more hip openers. If im honest the katas are nice but most the class cant be arsed (especially the blokes) by the end of the class. So instead of all the katas some really hardcore hamstring/hips/groin stretching would be appreciated : )
mrmina: how can you not launch a new releases just cause you dont like it sorry im so annoyed wiv that..
Mina yes a pet hate of mine that. I remember combat 16, not liked by my instructor then and only did a few tracks, thus when I started instructing it became my rule number 1 always teach the whole release no matter if I like or loathe tracks, allow the class to feedback and determine what they like.
Overall 32 was not received too well initially but now after a couple of weeks they seem to like it.
I hate to say that I agree. I have been instructing Combat since 2000 (When it was actually Attack) and I have to agree that the Ginga is really slowing the warm-up and is quite boring. I would love for the sound effects to come back into the tracks and for Rock and Roll to be used as it has been in the past. I'm not sure about the musical selections in BC32. I'm a little concerned that this release will be filed in my library and not used after we release. I have recently taken out the evasive side-kick and replaced this track with some older music and gone back to BC 28 and 29 to find tracks without the Ginga.
I'm a little nervous about launching this release and I am a bit concerned about the direction this is going. Totally agree,
glsspice
Instead of being concerned about the lower warm up and track 4 being slow why dont you figure out how to get the most out of these tracks? When it slows down you have more chance to teach tech and also add power so infact they should be harder. Focus on power and teaching and you will all benefit : )
In terms of returning to rock & roll...hmmm i would leave that at your local working mens club, im sure they would be inspired by those tracks. Maybe we could ask for some old time dancing as well!!!
Embrace combat for what it is : )
Starting to get irratated by this now....AGAIN!!!!!!!
ok..calm down they will see the light one day : )
mrrocket: Embrace combat for what it is : ) Starting to get irratated by this now....AGAIN!!!!!!! ok..calm down they will see the light one day : )
Are you talking to yourself again Stu hehehe..
I agree the slow pace adds that certain something and makes it so much better to teach,execute and power..
Its a shame really that certain instructors are in a time warp and cant move on i mean whats the big deal about sound effects do they make a difference to how hard you work surely not..
I was a lttle mmm about some music choices but hey they work so well with the chorey i think T4 is the best put together of music and chorey i seen in combat ever it just works soooo well..
ha Mina yeah...soz i started to lose it for a bit then. I agree about the time warp thing and really got to me the other day is my gym got the guy who only gets 6 in his class to cover my class when i was in France and during it he started moaning about the ESK and how he ent ever gunna do it and then he said to the class 'im gunna email D & R and tell them how it dont work in the class' he told this to my class of 50 who all love it. I had a barrage of emails and phone calls of complaints as he tried to poach them for his class,ha! i mean not the right way to go about things huh!
now i have to say that we are not just saying all this just to agree with Les Mills as you all know from past threads and Mark you are entitled to your opinion but you gotta understand that a small few instructors once nearly put a stop to the jump kick around bc19 as it was 'too slow', 'too complex', 'too martialarty' for the average participant. All of which was proved to be a load of BS and the same with this,its a challenge and a great one : )