Pad training:
Focussing only on the numbers 1-2-3-4 and any combo of each. In addition the feeder was crashing the range meaning this also became great off-lining footwork development. The feeder was also stepping back for number 1 and 2 so you have to have strong and explosive forward footwork to close the distance, in balance with power.
The training then evolved into the corkscrew body mechanics when employing the hook attacks. When seen in its entirety the whole body is moving. The descending corkscrew is amassing the energy and momentum for the attack. We worked these of the 1-2, the feeder then simulates the punch attack, you corkscrew and attack with a 3-2. The other technique started with 1-2-1, then corkscrew finishing with 3-2-3.
Eye gouge against double under hooks:
You have seized the gold medal pre-suplex position of double underhooks, as he goes to gouge the eye ball, shrug off and forward and attack with a 2-3-2.
This training and use of body mechanics is very modern and un-wing chun in that it looks more like Western Boxing. But in terms of concepts, the body mechanics are very compact and efficient and for me these are always at the forefront of my own martial development.
Standing grappling:
The gis were donned to enable is to work against 3 primary standing grappling attacks; the pull forward, pull to the side and push back whilst being grabbed at the shoulder. The problem this presents for us as Wing Chunners is we are relying on control and the range (of our punches). When being violently ragged around these internal safety nets disappear. So we must modify and adapt rather than being too small minded to think pure Wing Chun solves all problems. Only those who have never tested their concepts and techniques will say this. We know we need to adapt because being KO’d is what will happen and we need to go to work tomorrow looking handsome and respectful. Firstly, we need to be sensitive to the energy being given to us. Go with the pushes and pulls. Do this by moving the feet. Avoid moving the body then the feet as this will rapidly result in you swaying like a palm tree in a hurricane. Good positive posture and structure and if the range is too far for us, throw a long cross punch. This will close the distance and give him something else to think about.
Instead of being mucked up by this chaos, let it happen, when based, throw the punches. For the hard push away, you need to shrug under the grab to give you decent range. A final point worth noting is that through experience (Martin’s), if you are being held very tight, it is likely that his punches will not have the same energy and power as the grab. There must be some trade off for it to work for him. Doing both should not happen.
3 drill:
Lap, lap and practise the lap. Getting straighter, getting tighter but increasing in tension. Must find a happy medium of speed, technique and relaxation. Perhaps in 15 years. The journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step a wise man from ancient China once said. Well for me, a few steps have been taken and glancing over my shoulder I can see where I started. Long, long way to go but the path is hard, challenging but always learning and getting better.
Friday, 8 April 2011
Sunday, 3 April 2011
Week 45
Brief but most beneficial.
Popped to training for 45 minutes. The focus of the lesson was on the use on inside gate pak sau to their lead hand. Many of the techniques also included use of lap and punch which was most invaluable practise for me. Whilst full confidence is not restored, it has grown from the depressive lows of last week. This concept of probing their lead hand has also given me some ideas to tag onto my mindset for sparring.
I also learned and understood the differences between pak sau and lap sau...It is to do with where your motion is in reference to yourself. Usually pak goes along or across your center whereas lap are on the outside gate of your own centre. Confused?
Technique sequences included:
1: Inisde gate pak sau, chop forward off the same arm, lap and back fist, repeaters.
2: IGPS - hint at controlling their rear hand and throw the big H-bomb.
3: As number 1, if block, high lap, snake other hand through to back to neck for head control, as they bend over for you, knee to the chops.
Recently I watching an Eddie Bravo video where in competition he consciously worked to pull off and perfect a specific technique. For him it was the Twister. For me is it going to continue to be:
1: Hybrid stance, tight, compact and light.
2: Attack at end of the attack.
3: Off lining footwork.
4: Close the gap when in contact range.
5: Control and no control. I think this is do the opposite of what they want to do.
Popped to training for 45 minutes. The focus of the lesson was on the use on inside gate pak sau to their lead hand. Many of the techniques also included use of lap and punch which was most invaluable practise for me. Whilst full confidence is not restored, it has grown from the depressive lows of last week. This concept of probing their lead hand has also given me some ideas to tag onto my mindset for sparring.
I also learned and understood the differences between pak sau and lap sau...It is to do with where your motion is in reference to yourself. Usually pak goes along or across your center whereas lap are on the outside gate of your own centre. Confused?
Technique sequences included:
1: Inisde gate pak sau, chop forward off the same arm, lap and back fist, repeaters.
2: IGPS - hint at controlling their rear hand and throw the big H-bomb.
3: As number 1, if block, high lap, snake other hand through to back to neck for head control, as they bend over for you, knee to the chops.
Recently I watching an Eddie Bravo video where in competition he consciously worked to pull off and perfect a specific technique. For him it was the Twister. For me is it going to continue to be:
1: Hybrid stance, tight, compact and light.
2: Attack at end of the attack.
3: Off lining footwork.
4: Close the gap when in contact range.
5: Control and no control. I think this is do the opposite of what they want to do.
Week 44
Began with lots of 3 drill, changing partners lots. It is always fun working with a wide range of energies and levels of relaxation and tension. I have found that when I perceive tension I seem to make such more effort and tired much quicker. I found out tonight that I have slim to no confidence in my lap sau with the left hand. Still pulling towards my hip and not pinning towards theirs, or across their centre as I should be. Time for more visualisation practise.
I did feel like I have taken a big backwards step with 3 drill and am very concerned that this is what let me down in the level 2 grading and little progress has been made.
Lat sau felt a lot better in terms of confidence. I cant emphasise enough that for me I need to be totally focussed on every single punch. As soon as talking with my partner starts, the quality nose dives faster than a falcon on its prey.
Sparring:
Well I have not done this since before the grading, about 8 weeks ago now. We only had about a minute with each partner so I felt unsettled in the quick changes. Of course in reality I should be ready to go and have my own internal rhythm set with every new partner. Really enjoyed it though.
I did feel like I have taken a big backwards step with 3 drill and am very concerned that this is what let me down in the level 2 grading and little progress has been made.
Lat sau felt a lot better in terms of confidence. I cant emphasise enough that for me I need to be totally focussed on every single punch. As soon as talking with my partner starts, the quality nose dives faster than a falcon on its prey.
Sparring:
Well I have not done this since before the grading, about 8 weeks ago now. We only had about a minute with each partner so I felt unsettled in the quick changes. Of course in reality I should be ready to go and have my own internal rhythm set with every new partner. Really enjoyed it though.
Friday, 18 March 2011
Week 43
3 drill:
Good quality practise. Opened with ensuring full laps, then onto piston punch. My error was that I always went to the outside of the pak sau. Of course if the centre is clear the come inside the pak sau. As always control their structure and centre with a strong lap. Finally we went onto inside/outside gate lap. Just great to have time to develop the sense of feel.
Shoulder control:
By shoulder control I mean that the aggressor has tight hold of your shoulder clothing to ensure the control he desires.
Got warmed up with this feeling by pulling each other, 1 for 1. When being pulled and ragged, as the foot lands throw the punch. We then investigated how to move the shoulder when it is being held. Shrugs and circles. A common mistake when throwing punches was not being square enough with the hips and thus the shoulders. It is vital that you are as square and balanced as possible when throwing punches.
The lights went out for a few rounds. The point was that Martin said most of this in the fog of combat will be primarily on touch and feel. I was more concerned about being bumped into the walls than being lumped in the chops by Z. We did both variation of hitting empty hand and on the pads.
Wrestlers pummel:
Looked at several ways to disengage with offensive intent.
Lead shoulder butt/shrug. Don't twist, keep weight balanced, don't lean back. As soon as you have dis-engaged and in balance, start throwing hits to the chops.
If they are giving lots and lots of forward energy, let it come and 'bowl' the arm and thus them over and into their void.
I really enjoyed tonight as during the standing grappling I was wearing a gi top as I did not want to ruin my fine threads. I have not donned a gi since I finished BJJ. In the olden days of my training I would have had some kind of mental issue and binned training and gone back to BJJ. On Thursday night I had no desire to walk that path. So I am looking forward again to slipping the gi on and grappling at the WWCA.
Good quality practise. Opened with ensuring full laps, then onto piston punch. My error was that I always went to the outside of the pak sau. Of course if the centre is clear the come inside the pak sau. As always control their structure and centre with a strong lap. Finally we went onto inside/outside gate lap. Just great to have time to develop the sense of feel.
Shoulder control:
By shoulder control I mean that the aggressor has tight hold of your shoulder clothing to ensure the control he desires.
Got warmed up with this feeling by pulling each other, 1 for 1. When being pulled and ragged, as the foot lands throw the punch. We then investigated how to move the shoulder when it is being held. Shrugs and circles. A common mistake when throwing punches was not being square enough with the hips and thus the shoulders. It is vital that you are as square and balanced as possible when throwing punches.
The lights went out for a few rounds. The point was that Martin said most of this in the fog of combat will be primarily on touch and feel. I was more concerned about being bumped into the walls than being lumped in the chops by Z. We did both variation of hitting empty hand and on the pads.
Wrestlers pummel:
Looked at several ways to disengage with offensive intent.
Lead shoulder butt/shrug. Don't twist, keep weight balanced, don't lean back. As soon as you have dis-engaged and in balance, start throwing hits to the chops.
If they are giving lots and lots of forward energy, let it come and 'bowl' the arm and thus them over and into their void.
I really enjoyed tonight as during the standing grappling I was wearing a gi top as I did not want to ruin my fine threads. I have not donned a gi since I finished BJJ. In the olden days of my training I would have had some kind of mental issue and binned training and gone back to BJJ. On Thursday night I had no desire to walk that path. So I am looking forward again to slipping the gi on and grappling at the WWCA.
Saturday, 12 March 2011
Week 42
Lat sau:
More practise on the basic roll with changes and defending the cross punch. A new detail was that Martin mentioned the triangle with the apex at the tip of the chin sloping down to the shoulders. This is because the movements for punches are started here, so eyes on the chin.
Pad training:
Warmed up by hitting with a pattern of 1, 1-2, 1-2-1, 1-2-1-2 then start the pattern again. The learning points were to be in balance at the end of each sequence and to have full extension of each punch.
From the wrestlers pummel, push off and disengage then hit the pads with a 2-3-2.
From a position of being roughly controlled and held by the shoulder we worked on being able to hit whilst off balance. This was tough and awkward and hopefully something we will be doing again next week. I am going to take down my gi jackets so the attacker won’t ruin our fine silk garments,
Simplicity and efficiency:
One important point made by Martin tonight was when hitting with repeaters, keep doing it. Why change to another move or technique if the one you are using is working. Surely this is a wing chun concept that too easily overlooked. Too often do you see videos on YouTube of people doing a load of different consecutive moves because it looks good. The videos of the club’s Facebook page of Emin Boztepe highlight this point. His keep flying in with a punch to the face, no matter what technique his opponent throws. The most simple and efficient technique appears to be the most effective.
Linked to this footwork. Martin stated that we should be very wary of people that teach defences against punches where the first move is to move the feet then the hands. It is too slow, too impractical but it looks good, it looks easy and it looks clean. It also probably very ego massaging. The following quote from Bruce Lee highlights this.
‘The quality of a man’s technique depends on his footwork, for one cannot use his hands or kicks efficiently until his feet have put him in the desired position. If a man is slow on his feet, then he will be slow with his punches and kicks. Mobility and speed of footwork precede speed of kicks and punches’ p.142, Bruce Lee, Tao of JKD.
Watch the following video and you will see sharp and fast feet resulting in laser like hand work.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jB3eW0hfy0U
For me, my balance at the end of punches is worse than at the start, therefore, according to Martin, Bruce and Emin, my hands are less effective because of it. Footwork, footwork, footwork.
More practise on the basic roll with changes and defending the cross punch. A new detail was that Martin mentioned the triangle with the apex at the tip of the chin sloping down to the shoulders. This is because the movements for punches are started here, so eyes on the chin.
Pad training:
Warmed up by hitting with a pattern of 1, 1-2, 1-2-1, 1-2-1-2 then start the pattern again. The learning points were to be in balance at the end of each sequence and to have full extension of each punch.
From the wrestlers pummel, push off and disengage then hit the pads with a 2-3-2.
From a position of being roughly controlled and held by the shoulder we worked on being able to hit whilst off balance. This was tough and awkward and hopefully something we will be doing again next week. I am going to take down my gi jackets so the attacker won’t ruin our fine silk garments,
Simplicity and efficiency:
One important point made by Martin tonight was when hitting with repeaters, keep doing it. Why change to another move or technique if the one you are using is working. Surely this is a wing chun concept that too easily overlooked. Too often do you see videos on YouTube of people doing a load of different consecutive moves because it looks good. The videos of the club’s Facebook page of Emin Boztepe highlight this point. His keep flying in with a punch to the face, no matter what technique his opponent throws. The most simple and efficient technique appears to be the most effective.
Linked to this footwork. Martin stated that we should be very wary of people that teach defences against punches where the first move is to move the feet then the hands. It is too slow, too impractical but it looks good, it looks easy and it looks clean. It also probably very ego massaging. The following quote from Bruce Lee highlights this.
‘The quality of a man’s technique depends on his footwork, for one cannot use his hands or kicks efficiently until his feet have put him in the desired position. If a man is slow on his feet, then he will be slow with his punches and kicks. Mobility and speed of footwork precede speed of kicks and punches’ p.142, Bruce Lee, Tao of JKD.
Watch the following video and you will see sharp and fast feet resulting in laser like hand work.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jB3eW0hfy0U
For me, my balance at the end of punches is worse than at the start, therefore, according to Martin, Bruce and Emin, my hands are less effective because of it. Footwork, footwork, footwork.
Tuesday, 8 March 2011
Solo Wing Chun workout
So in order to keep training and exercising fresh I have devised this to be done a few times a week, interlaced with a Spartan workout and a 90 minute power yoga session.
3 drill warm up
1 minute of front kicks each leg
60 seconds of 1-2-3-2 then 1-10-3-2
1 minute of side kicks each leg
60 seconds of 1-2-3-4 then 1-2-low hook- high hook-2
1 minute of knees
60 seconds of 1-6-3-2 then 1-2-1-14
1 minute of Thai kicks
Working entry techniques 1-7 x12 for each
1 minute of footwork
Pyramid set to 9
SNT
So give it a whirl.
3 drill warm up
1 minute of front kicks each leg
60 seconds of 1-2-3-2 then 1-10-3-2
1 minute of side kicks each leg
60 seconds of 1-2-3-4 then 1-2-low hook- high hook-2
1 minute of knees
60 seconds of 1-6-3-2 then 1-2-1-14
1 minute of Thai kicks
Working entry techniques 1-7 x12 for each
1 minute of footwork
Pyramid set to 9
SNT
So give it a whirl.
Monday, 7 March 2011
Week 41
3 drill detail.
As we are going to re-grade 2 in a few weeks Martin is working on our corrections. I now think that 3 drill is going to be my Achilles Heel. I seem to very bad in all the defences that are either chops or palm strikes.
But, correction detail.
Stay low and tight in the arms. I observed that when Martin rolls his elbows are very low and almost toughing. On reflection from the class and my own visualisation work that funky chicken would be an appropriate way to label my 3 drill. I am going to be getting an elastic band to discipline the elbow position in 3 drill. This might be why I am missing the defences to the open hand strikes. My range might be crap also.
Block and attack towards the person not the arms. When the change happens, the shoulders turn and this creates a big gap for the hit through the centre.
Strong laps. Goes without saying
On the piston punch, drive them backwards and repeat the piston. 2 days after training my left forearm was a purple mess thanks to the Ninja Slippers and his death chops. Perhaps I need to soften in someway?
Towards the end of the session we looked again at the Wrestlers Pummel. Same detail and drill as week 40. This week included an extra technique of on the change use a rising elbow to the chin followed by a elbow with the other arms. The simile is that of a tennis serve. Toss and hit.
Still very concerned about my 3 drill. Hopefully next session I will get a chance to implement my elastic band theory.
As we are going to re-grade 2 in a few weeks Martin is working on our corrections. I now think that 3 drill is going to be my Achilles Heel. I seem to very bad in all the defences that are either chops or palm strikes.
But, correction detail.
Stay low and tight in the arms. I observed that when Martin rolls his elbows are very low and almost toughing. On reflection from the class and my own visualisation work that funky chicken would be an appropriate way to label my 3 drill. I am going to be getting an elastic band to discipline the elbow position in 3 drill. This might be why I am missing the defences to the open hand strikes. My range might be crap also.
Block and attack towards the person not the arms. When the change happens, the shoulders turn and this creates a big gap for the hit through the centre.
Strong laps. Goes without saying
On the piston punch, drive them backwards and repeat the piston. 2 days after training my left forearm was a purple mess thanks to the Ninja Slippers and his death chops. Perhaps I need to soften in someway?
Towards the end of the session we looked again at the Wrestlers Pummel. Same detail and drill as week 40. This week included an extra technique of on the change use a rising elbow to the chin followed by a elbow with the other arms. The simile is that of a tennis serve. Toss and hit.
Still very concerned about my 3 drill. Hopefully next session I will get a chance to implement my elastic band theory.
Sunday, 27 February 2011
Week 40
Wrestlers pummel
Worked the basic roll ensuring good hips and structure. Both looked to take down each other through hip control. My thing to wotk on is to keep facing forwards with the face, I tend to turn as I bump in.
We also looked at throwing the elbow on the change and the arm drag.
Lat sau
So tonight started the making of corrections.
1. Headbutt the punch: When doing the cross defence I was leaving too much of a gap between face and shoulder so when seeing it come the trick is to nutt the punch. Of course the arm is in the way but this concept ensures a tight and effective defence.
2. Stick: Wait and feel, no need to go on the next count or beat. Feel it and the arm coming through to be high needs to start low. This will give you the centre and prevent getting boppped on the nose.
3. Tough stick: So when there are lots of changes going on, wait, wait, feel and take it when you are on the outside again. As the arm raises turn the shoulders to dominate the centre and take him off his centre.
Worked the basic roll ensuring good hips and structure. Both looked to take down each other through hip control. My thing to wotk on is to keep facing forwards with the face, I tend to turn as I bump in.
We also looked at throwing the elbow on the change and the arm drag.
Lat sau
So tonight started the making of corrections.
1. Headbutt the punch: When doing the cross defence I was leaving too much of a gap between face and shoulder so when seeing it come the trick is to nutt the punch. Of course the arm is in the way but this concept ensures a tight and effective defence.
2. Stick: Wait and feel, no need to go on the next count or beat. Feel it and the arm coming through to be high needs to start low. This will give you the centre and prevent getting boppped on the nose.
3. Tough stick: So when there are lots of changes going on, wait, wait, feel and take it when you are on the outside again. As the arm raises turn the shoulders to dominate the centre and take him off his centre.
Grade 1 and 2 notes
Grading Summary
Paul Caswell
Grade 1
Punches
Very Good form throughout. Correct fist alignment and maintained locked elbows throughout the whole test. Impressive.
Balance, Footwork and Posture.Good focus. Needs a little more drive from the backleg at times. Good posture but too high in stance. Maintained good guard. Feet coming together on offline.
Pre Fight
Good pre fight posture. Good power on the pads with no drawback before shot is thrown. Accurate on all shots. Watch weight after landing the punch.
3 Drill
Very high standard. Excellent chop forwards to initiate attacks. All Laps were full with a good grip and control with the exception on the Lap before initiating a change as the mindfulness on the Lap was lost. No back fist before changing. Very good form. Used small movements and stayed relaxed throughout.
Lat Sau
Giving gaps by pushing from the wrist rather than locking at the elbow. Remained relaxed and adjusted well on the change when the first attempt didn’t go to my face. Good footwork throughout. Lost centre line on the punch – started punching side to side rather than one fist over the top of the other.
Closing Comments
Fantastic technique, focus and power throughout the grade. Passed by a clear mile. I really enjoyed seeing you apply the concepts and you showed a great understanding of the style.
Grade 2
Swing Defence
Very Good. Moved in quickly and with correct distance judgement. Correct angle maintained. Defended successfully. Maintained balance after shot. Strong structure.
Destroying balance, posture and stance.
Watch weight distribution when pushing on partner. Still too high in stance. Shoulders not square when destroying partners stance. Demonstrated posture breaks, shoulder rotations, stance breaking and arm push/pulls.
Focus pads
Nice and crisp. Displayed good accuracy. Solid technique.
3 Drill
Good speed. Defences broke down at speed. No extension on laps at speed. Footwork needs work. Adjusted well when under pressure and offlined but a little slow to react. Inside/ outside lap reaction a little slow and occasionally incorrect. Poor Lap on piston punch (pulling into the body rather than extending towards me). Posture poor on hit through the centre (leaning sideways). Needs to watch being trapped on hit through the centre. Good pak awareness. Good shoulder alignment on defences. Needs minor adjustment to hit through the centre defence.
Lat Sau
Demonstrated good composure under pressure. Good footwork and posture. Turned the wrong way on the cross defence. No centre line on stick. Turned away on stick. Gaps on punch defence.
Pyramid 7
Good effort. Locked well. A little tired.
Closing Comments
Really good effort throughout. Lots to work on but know you are mindful of what adjustments are needed we will make sure that together we get you there. You have a good innate understanding of the style and I’m confident that through training and visualisation, you will pass with flying colours next time.
Paul Caswell
Grade 1
Punches
Very Good form throughout. Correct fist alignment and maintained locked elbows throughout the whole test. Impressive.
Balance, Footwork and Posture.Good focus. Needs a little more drive from the backleg at times. Good posture but too high in stance. Maintained good guard. Feet coming together on offline.
Pre Fight
Good pre fight posture. Good power on the pads with no drawback before shot is thrown. Accurate on all shots. Watch weight after landing the punch.
3 Drill
Very high standard. Excellent chop forwards to initiate attacks. All Laps were full with a good grip and control with the exception on the Lap before initiating a change as the mindfulness on the Lap was lost. No back fist before changing. Very good form. Used small movements and stayed relaxed throughout.
Lat Sau
Giving gaps by pushing from the wrist rather than locking at the elbow. Remained relaxed and adjusted well on the change when the first attempt didn’t go to my face. Good footwork throughout. Lost centre line on the punch – started punching side to side rather than one fist over the top of the other.
Closing Comments
Fantastic technique, focus and power throughout the grade. Passed by a clear mile. I really enjoyed seeing you apply the concepts and you showed a great understanding of the style.
Grade 2
Swing Defence
Very Good. Moved in quickly and with correct distance judgement. Correct angle maintained. Defended successfully. Maintained balance after shot. Strong structure.
Destroying balance, posture and stance.
Watch weight distribution when pushing on partner. Still too high in stance. Shoulders not square when destroying partners stance. Demonstrated posture breaks, shoulder rotations, stance breaking and arm push/pulls.
Focus pads
Nice and crisp. Displayed good accuracy. Solid technique.
3 Drill
Good speed. Defences broke down at speed. No extension on laps at speed. Footwork needs work. Adjusted well when under pressure and offlined but a little slow to react. Inside/ outside lap reaction a little slow and occasionally incorrect. Poor Lap on piston punch (pulling into the body rather than extending towards me). Posture poor on hit through the centre (leaning sideways). Needs to watch being trapped on hit through the centre. Good pak awareness. Good shoulder alignment on defences. Needs minor adjustment to hit through the centre defence.
Lat Sau
Demonstrated good composure under pressure. Good footwork and posture. Turned the wrong way on the cross defence. No centre line on stick. Turned away on stick. Gaps on punch defence.
Pyramid 7
Good effort. Locked well. A little tired.
Closing Comments
Really good effort throughout. Lots to work on but know you are mindful of what adjustments are needed we will make sure that together we get you there. You have a good innate understanding of the style and I’m confident that through training and visualisation, you will pass with flying colours next time.
Monday, 14 February 2011
Post grading day
The day started off early as I got up with the boys and already was feeling the nerves and apprenshenion of the day ahead. In order to take my mind of it all I hunted on YouTube for the previous night's action from the first round of the Strikeforce Heavy weight Grand Prix. Arlovski got KO'd, again. An arms straight job, very messy. Fedor got mugged by Bigfoot.
On the way to the grading I almost crashed my car 3 times due to my tunnel vision. Arrived there nice and early and jumped in the car with Slippers and the Panther. Nerves were rife in the car which made me feel better, at least I was not alone. Joyfully pumping his fist out of his car window, Martin arrived and it was on. Time for the game face.
Well a mix of emotions really so I will go through each grade.
Grade 1:
Started off with punching, lots and lots in lines. Singles, doubles, triples and a pyramid up to 7. My focus was my posture and my elbows. Drive from the elbows and relax was the internal mantra. In the feedback Martin was extremely complimentary about my punching saying elbows keeping straightening even in the bunches of 7.
Footwork: Driving forward with double punches, the legs were alive with active readiness to go on the call. Felt strong and determined. Footwork with a partner moving around the room. This was something I was quite apprehensive about as my visualisation work highlighted too much weight on my front foot and thus making off lining tough. Being cognisent of this made my footwork better than ever before. In the feedback Martin remarked that he wrote in his notes that I was on fire.
Pre fight: Meet and greet and trigger touch. This is where I tried hard to compress and explode with a poker face. As soon as I saw the pad and it moved, bang. All my focus was on that pad. My posture and balance was not perfect at the end of the move.
3 drill: All I wanted to do was lap well and attack strong. Martin started to smirk which vexed me somewhat as I assumed I was missing something and thus waiting for bad news. Thankfully not as in the feedback Martin was most positive about my 3 drill.
Lat sau: Hell on earth, hard, confusing, awkward and this is only for grade 1. Felt like it fell apart, started to make adjustments from my wrist, lost control of the centreline.
I did pass and according to Martin with flying colours which was my goal. Mentally it was very hard, more so than physically. Yes it was tough on the body. Stuff hurt, stuff ached and lactic acid coupled with adrenaline was the order of the day but the mental pressure of the situation was incredibly hard.
Grade 2:
Started very well for me with some pad work. Made me feel alive and in the moment again. It turns out that my footwork let me down as I habitually rise and fall. Thus need more discipline as I have in sparring; the anti-takedown mma/wing chun hybrid stance.
Destroying balance: I was working with Slippers here and thought about the main areas of the body where balance can be affected. Worked the head, shoulders, hips, double lap, tai chi style push on whole body and leg destruction.
3 drill: Shocking. Fell apart at speed. Laps disappeared, limited defence against attacks, crap lap on the piston punch, naff hit through the centre, confusion over inside and outside gate lap. Although I did manage to find the elbow on the over extending pak sau defence.
Lat sau: Hell on earth. Speed overwhelmed me, crap stick with zero control of the centre, generally poor poor quality.
Unsurprisingly I failed but it did give me lots of learning points to develop and refine.
Great to see Slippers and Stable Joe passed, both truly deserved it. It is great to reflect on my own journey through the martial arts that this is the first time I have experienced failure and been positive and encouraged by it. Not running away and making excuses. I want to stick at this and become outstanding. Only the path of hard work and sound application will see me through.
In closing, this was tougher than fighting at Seni in the BJJ tourney. Tougher than my first semi contact match in Lau Gar. Tougher than being hit by Mikhail Ryabko. Mentally this was hard. Very hard. It was not like training at all. Martin applied a pressure unfelt previously. Perhaps it was the pressure to perform knowing how tough Martin is in looking for errors. The positive is that I have been though it once so next time the pressure will still be incredibly hard but at least not new.
Part of me wants to never grade again as I am very sacred about failing as in my mind the standard to pass grade 2 and further grades at the moment seems unsurpassable.
On the way to the grading I almost crashed my car 3 times due to my tunnel vision. Arrived there nice and early and jumped in the car with Slippers and the Panther. Nerves were rife in the car which made me feel better, at least I was not alone. Joyfully pumping his fist out of his car window, Martin arrived and it was on. Time for the game face.
Well a mix of emotions really so I will go through each grade.
Grade 1:
Started off with punching, lots and lots in lines. Singles, doubles, triples and a pyramid up to 7. My focus was my posture and my elbows. Drive from the elbows and relax was the internal mantra. In the feedback Martin was extremely complimentary about my punching saying elbows keeping straightening even in the bunches of 7.
Footwork: Driving forward with double punches, the legs were alive with active readiness to go on the call. Felt strong and determined. Footwork with a partner moving around the room. This was something I was quite apprehensive about as my visualisation work highlighted too much weight on my front foot and thus making off lining tough. Being cognisent of this made my footwork better than ever before. In the feedback Martin remarked that he wrote in his notes that I was on fire.
Pre fight: Meet and greet and trigger touch. This is where I tried hard to compress and explode with a poker face. As soon as I saw the pad and it moved, bang. All my focus was on that pad. My posture and balance was not perfect at the end of the move.
3 drill: All I wanted to do was lap well and attack strong. Martin started to smirk which vexed me somewhat as I assumed I was missing something and thus waiting for bad news. Thankfully not as in the feedback Martin was most positive about my 3 drill.
Lat sau: Hell on earth, hard, confusing, awkward and this is only for grade 1. Felt like it fell apart, started to make adjustments from my wrist, lost control of the centreline.
I did pass and according to Martin with flying colours which was my goal. Mentally it was very hard, more so than physically. Yes it was tough on the body. Stuff hurt, stuff ached and lactic acid coupled with adrenaline was the order of the day but the mental pressure of the situation was incredibly hard.
Grade 2:
Started very well for me with some pad work. Made me feel alive and in the moment again. It turns out that my footwork let me down as I habitually rise and fall. Thus need more discipline as I have in sparring; the anti-takedown mma/wing chun hybrid stance.
Destroying balance: I was working with Slippers here and thought about the main areas of the body where balance can be affected. Worked the head, shoulders, hips, double lap, tai chi style push on whole body and leg destruction.
3 drill: Shocking. Fell apart at speed. Laps disappeared, limited defence against attacks, crap lap on the piston punch, naff hit through the centre, confusion over inside and outside gate lap. Although I did manage to find the elbow on the over extending pak sau defence.
Lat sau: Hell on earth. Speed overwhelmed me, crap stick with zero control of the centre, generally poor poor quality.
Unsurprisingly I failed but it did give me lots of learning points to develop and refine.
Great to see Slippers and Stable Joe passed, both truly deserved it. It is great to reflect on my own journey through the martial arts that this is the first time I have experienced failure and been positive and encouraged by it. Not running away and making excuses. I want to stick at this and become outstanding. Only the path of hard work and sound application will see me through.
In closing, this was tougher than fighting at Seni in the BJJ tourney. Tougher than my first semi contact match in Lau Gar. Tougher than being hit by Mikhail Ryabko. Mentally this was hard. Very hard. It was not like training at all. Martin applied a pressure unfelt previously. Perhaps it was the pressure to perform knowing how tough Martin is in looking for errors. The positive is that I have been though it once so next time the pressure will still be incredibly hard but at least not new.
Part of me wants to never grade again as I am very sacred about failing as in my mind the standard to pass grade 2 and further grades at the moment seems unsurpassable.
Sunday, 13 February 2011
Grading day
Been doing some more visualisation work and realised my footwork is weighted wrong for off-lining so I have been trying to fix it by being much more aware of my rear leg. I can only off line better when there is less weight on the front leg.
Oh how the nerves have started and it is 3 hours away from starting. I am also flapping about what food to eat...
Oh how the nerves have started and it is 3 hours away from starting. I am also flapping about what food to eat...
Saturday, 12 February 2011
Week 38
Finally the pre grading session after the snow last year prevented the grading from happening. Going into the class tonight I was convinced that I was only going for grade 1, as it turns out I am going for both which fills me with determined excitement and nerves. Been doing some visualisation practise to make up for not being there today (Saturday. My first session has shown me that the lap of my left arm in the 3 drill is bent so I have been working that straight. I am going to put everything into it and if I fail I will be very upset, but being a newly formed realist and not letting self criticism be my undoing, I will then have new and specific training goals.
Off to do some more visualisation. I will post my grading report tomorrow night.
Off to do some more visualisation. I will post my grading report tomorrow night.
Saturday, 5 February 2011
Week 37
A very quiet class tonight, only 7 of us. Before class a painful rumour developed about the the class moving to Greenwich. It is now Saturday night and since 7.30pm on Thursday this has been plaguing my thoughts.
What do I do? Should I struggle to the land of the Meridian? Should I look for somewhere else. The past few days have been a familiar yet uniquely unpleasant time. Familiar in that I have looked for a new club many times in the past but always because it was my choice. Unpleasant because this choice was being forced on me against my will. Thankfully the class if staying put. I can now maintain my focus and learning under Martin's tutelage. This is a huge relief for me as I feel that I am starting to settle into WWC and the class is made up of outstanding people.
In retrospect the class was good in that I learnt to become slightly better at footwork. Sparring was swift in the changes but consistent for me. I managed to work my game. I have noticed that in waiting for an attack so I can attack at the end of theirs, people don't like non action. Curiously this means I expend very little energy. If I can manage to not get frustrated and be patient, I am going to see and react in a much smarter way. It also gives me the opportunity to develop a tight defence.
So now I am looking forward to Thursday. Next Sunday is the grading. Already nervous thinking about it...
What do I do? Should I struggle to the land of the Meridian? Should I look for somewhere else. The past few days have been a familiar yet uniquely unpleasant time. Familiar in that I have looked for a new club many times in the past but always because it was my choice. Unpleasant because this choice was being forced on me against my will. Thankfully the class if staying put. I can now maintain my focus and learning under Martin's tutelage. This is a huge relief for me as I feel that I am starting to settle into WWC and the class is made up of outstanding people.
In retrospect the class was good in that I learnt to become slightly better at footwork. Sparring was swift in the changes but consistent for me. I managed to work my game. I have noticed that in waiting for an attack so I can attack at the end of theirs, people don't like non action. Curiously this means I expend very little energy. If I can manage to not get frustrated and be patient, I am going to see and react in a much smarter way. It also gives me the opportunity to develop a tight defence.
So now I am looking forward to Thursday. Next Sunday is the grading. Already nervous thinking about it...
Thursday, 27 January 2011
Week 36
Pad training.
Holy crap the hall is cold. Therefore we jumped straight into pad training. Began working the same initial punch combo as last week.
Footwork:
It is basic but I find it tough and quite enjoyable. Simply 'stepping' forward to a count. I do not think that 1 step I have ever done is identical to the last which makes this simple practise one that should not be overlooked for more sexy and exotic training methods. After-all, if we can't control our legs how the hell can we expect to survive that fury and chaos of street combat? Martin R gave me a fantastic tip; make sure the standing leg is under your ass at the end of the step. This made me much more mindful of all my legs and what they should be doing. My problem before tonight was my focus was on exploding forward with the lead leg, I almost assumed that the rear leg would catch up and take care of itself. Thankfully not so. No short cuts, no oversights. Crack on and control that rear leg.
More pad training:
Working a few simple combos; 1-2-3-4, solo practise of 5 and 6 ending up with 1-6-3-2.
Wrestling pummel:
Working the drill with Slippers, needed to have a solid and accurate structure to maintain my position. From the roll we looked to clinch the neck or take the hips. As we were working independently and alive it kept our posture more alert and not sloppy. Also looked at the neck clinch defence which is ultimately the palm push to chin move.
As always, great session tonight. Sorry that there was no sparring tonight but the thirst must wait until next week...
Holy crap the hall is cold. Therefore we jumped straight into pad training. Began working the same initial punch combo as last week.
Footwork:
It is basic but I find it tough and quite enjoyable. Simply 'stepping' forward to a count. I do not think that 1 step I have ever done is identical to the last which makes this simple practise one that should not be overlooked for more sexy and exotic training methods. After-all, if we can't control our legs how the hell can we expect to survive that fury and chaos of street combat? Martin R gave me a fantastic tip; make sure the standing leg is under your ass at the end of the step. This made me much more mindful of all my legs and what they should be doing. My problem before tonight was my focus was on exploding forward with the lead leg, I almost assumed that the rear leg would catch up and take care of itself. Thankfully not so. No short cuts, no oversights. Crack on and control that rear leg.
More pad training:
Working a few simple combos; 1-2-3-4, solo practise of 5 and 6 ending up with 1-6-3-2.
Wrestling pummel:
Working the drill with Slippers, needed to have a solid and accurate structure to maintain my position. From the roll we looked to clinch the neck or take the hips. As we were working independently and alive it kept our posture more alert and not sloppy. Also looked at the neck clinch defence which is ultimately the palm push to chin move.
As always, great session tonight. Sorry that there was no sparring tonight but the thirst must wait until next week...
Week 35
This is late as a week has passed already. Anyhow...
Started with the 3 drill warm up. We started to look at posture and linked to sparring. For example we would look to attack the neck (Thai plum) or hips (takedown) in the 3 drill and when the neck is taken posture up BUT DO NOT STAND UP. When they go for the hips, ass back, spine straight but angled. This is a great addition to the 3 drill as it focuses the mind on keeping sound posture.
Pad training:
Drilling the basic footwork with triple punches. We then moved on to pre fight and meet and greet techniques.
Sparring technique:
Looking for the partner to give forward energy from the jab. Looking for them to almost give a palm out check. If you get this response on the second beat then step in deep and go for the head. This is a beautiful move if successful. However the problem is if done poorly, slowly or too obviously then you will get KO'd.
Sparring:
Hard and very tough spar with the boss. Generally got battered but managed to keep the footwork and posture sound as well as getting used to getting hit. Turning, ducking and flinching responses are slowly and gladly being reduced.
Started with the 3 drill warm up. We started to look at posture and linked to sparring. For example we would look to attack the neck (Thai plum) or hips (takedown) in the 3 drill and when the neck is taken posture up BUT DO NOT STAND UP. When they go for the hips, ass back, spine straight but angled. This is a great addition to the 3 drill as it focuses the mind on keeping sound posture.
Pad training:
Drilling the basic footwork with triple punches. We then moved on to pre fight and meet and greet techniques.
Sparring technique:
Looking for the partner to give forward energy from the jab. Looking for them to almost give a palm out check. If you get this response on the second beat then step in deep and go for the head. This is a beautiful move if successful. However the problem is if done poorly, slowly or too obviously then you will get KO'd.
Sparring:
Hard and very tough spar with the boss. Generally got battered but managed to keep the footwork and posture sound as well as getting used to getting hit. Turning, ducking and flinching responses are slowly and gladly being reduced.
Friday, 14 January 2011
Week 34
3 drill: Warmed up with 3 drill. Still working on the chops being from the elbow and straight as possible. I found them to be most effective when doing multiple changes and for sitting down into them. If I turn my shoulders then I lose power and something resembling decent alignment. Stable was very dominant coming forward, even in his ‘defences’ so I tried to use off lining footwork to counter the pressure. 3 drill for me is tough with Stable as he always comes forward and no quarter is given hence a good time to work the off lining footwork.
Footwork: Up and down the hall but in 50/50 and ultimately with double punches. Training fast twitch response to the count and exploding forward but keeping the hips and shoulders square on.
Off lining footwork: With a partner , guard hand to guard hand. One applies forward pressure and the defender feels the pressure and offlines by moving THE FRONT FOOT FIRST then the rear foot into a position that enables you to explode forward and attack. As we moved through the drill, people started to employ tan or lap sau off the front hand to add control to the opponent.
Sparring: Tried to employ the tips Martin gave me last week. Two things happened, it went well and it fell apart. Firstly I sparred with Nick who last week peppered the crap out of my face. I worked the no takedown footwork and stance and moved backwards a lot as he comes forward relentlessly. Tried to offline, managed on a few occasions but did not really manage to attack. But I felt much more secure using the footwork style. In time the hands will come... Against Paul, my ego got the better of my and we locked horns in a 5 minute standing grapple. Was great fun, he is strong as an ox and does not give up and has a good understanding of his base and space me and him. He left few gaps. I should have escaped his clutches and worked my own agenda out of range but hey, the grapple is most addictive.
Footwork: Up and down the hall but in 50/50 and ultimately with double punches. Training fast twitch response to the count and exploding forward but keeping the hips and shoulders square on.
Off lining footwork: With a partner , guard hand to guard hand. One applies forward pressure and the defender feels the pressure and offlines by moving THE FRONT FOOT FIRST then the rear foot into a position that enables you to explode forward and attack. As we moved through the drill, people started to employ tan or lap sau off the front hand to add control to the opponent.
Sparring: Tried to employ the tips Martin gave me last week. Two things happened, it went well and it fell apart. Firstly I sparred with Nick who last week peppered the crap out of my face. I worked the no takedown footwork and stance and moved backwards a lot as he comes forward relentlessly. Tried to offline, managed on a few occasions but did not really manage to attack. But I felt much more secure using the footwork style. In time the hands will come... Against Paul, my ego got the better of my and we locked horns in a 5 minute standing grapple. Was great fun, he is strong as an ox and does not give up and has a good understanding of his base and space me and him. He left few gaps. I should have escaped his clutches and worked my own agenda out of range but hey, the grapple is most addictive.
Saturday, 8 January 2011
Week 33
So 2011 has begun and with a painful bang. 2 days after training my left shoulder and neck are very sore and I am foolishly going to do some body weight conditioning after this post. We did 2 hours of sparring and I engaged too much in grappling but hey it was a fine workout.
During the session Martin stopped us all to talk about things we should avoid. For him and at the moment in our training they are
1. Don't turn away when hit
2. Don't duck.
3. Dont' pose and leave your technique out there.
After class I spoke to Martin about sparring and said that I find it hard as I am usually the shortest and am unsure about to use this as an advantage.
For the next 50 hours of sparring my goal is to primarily work on;
1. Maintaining takedown defence stance
2. Attack at the end of their attack.
Also i have just watched a bagua combat video on YouTube
( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPXHBIDO_1U and there are some ideas on that which I might also begin to play with. For example, off lining forward footwork on attack to 11 0r 1 because at the moment I am just working 12 and 6. That is no good as my forehead is a little lumpy today. Also look for elbow control instead of wrist. If I can control the wrist then they can still manipulate and move from and with the elbow. Finally, when engaged or controlled to try to fast twitch turn and attack forward.
I am going to try really hard to stick to these tactics for this year along with anti-grapple as it is far too easy to take hits, close the gap and grab a hold.
On Thursday night, standing grappling with Paul and Man mountain Nathan was extremely fun, bordering on addictive. Yes there might be an argument that I am developing and working on infight sensitivity and control of another but my weakness is out of range and initial boxing range. Therefore this should and will be at the forefront of my mind in sparring.
During the session Martin stopped us all to talk about things we should avoid. For him and at the moment in our training they are
1. Don't turn away when hit
2. Don't duck.
3. Dont' pose and leave your technique out there.
After class I spoke to Martin about sparring and said that I find it hard as I am usually the shortest and am unsure about to use this as an advantage.
For the next 50 hours of sparring my goal is to primarily work on;
1. Maintaining takedown defence stance
2. Attack at the end of their attack.
Also i have just watched a bagua combat video on YouTube
( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPXHBIDO_1U and there are some ideas on that which I might also begin to play with. For example, off lining forward footwork on attack to 11 0r 1 because at the moment I am just working 12 and 6. That is no good as my forehead is a little lumpy today. Also look for elbow control instead of wrist. If I can control the wrist then they can still manipulate and move from and with the elbow. Finally, when engaged or controlled to try to fast twitch turn and attack forward.
I am going to try really hard to stick to these tactics for this year along with anti-grapple as it is far too easy to take hits, close the gap and grab a hold.
On Thursday night, standing grappling with Paul and Man mountain Nathan was extremely fun, bordering on addictive. Yes there might be an argument that I am developing and working on infight sensitivity and control of another but my weakness is out of range and initial boxing range. Therefore this should and will be at the forefront of my mind in sparring.
Friday, 17 December 2010
Week 32
The pre grading mock.
Martin ran through the components of the grading and gave us some tips to work on.
Firstly we looked at footwork; basic stepping, with punches and the sticking to a partner drill. I still need to get that rear leg working better and more dynamic. Last6 night I recorded a count to 20 so I can play it back and 'explode and drive' on the count. I have tried to count without rhytmn. So tonight and tomorrow I am going to spend some time working on this.
For me (grade 1 exam) much time was spent on lat sau. Making sure all punches go to the chin and there is no predicted pattern or deviation based on my partners arms. Keep it relaxed from hand to shoulder, make it effortless. For me, thinking of punching with the elbows and not the hands helps.
In other news the road up to the 'hall' was an ice hell, fingers are crossed that the predicted snow will not affect the grading this Sunday.
And for H, looking forward to whenever you return.
Martin ran through the components of the grading and gave us some tips to work on.
Firstly we looked at footwork; basic stepping, with punches and the sticking to a partner drill. I still need to get that rear leg working better and more dynamic. Last6 night I recorded a count to 20 so I can play it back and 'explode and drive' on the count. I have tried to count without rhytmn. So tonight and tomorrow I am going to spend some time working on this.
For me (grade 1 exam) much time was spent on lat sau. Making sure all punches go to the chin and there is no predicted pattern or deviation based on my partners arms. Keep it relaxed from hand to shoulder, make it effortless. For me, thinking of punching with the elbows and not the hands helps.
In other news the road up to the 'hall' was an ice hell, fingers are crossed that the predicted snow will not affect the grading this Sunday.
And for H, looking forward to whenever you return.
Friday, 10 December 2010
Week 31
After trudging through snow and ice to get to the hall an old style warm up of jogging was required to get us all thawed out. Tonight was drilling basics with the looming gradings in mind.
3 Drill: Working the basic roll with precision and purpose, making every move count. Ensuring the laps take them into their void or pinned to lead leg hip. I was working with Paul who is very strong and found myself getting fatigued quite quickly and thus becoming unable to relax. My backfist felt more like it was going for the target as opposed to stopping at the block.
Footwork, footwork, footwork: Basic arrow step up and down the hall. Ensuring the legs are loaded pre launch. As I type this morning my legs feel heavy and tired after the exertions of last night’s footwork. Note to self is to spend some time over the next 9 days devoting time to getting quality footwork reps in.
Lap/punch: Worked this on the pad. Legs loaded, strong lap into his void, extend the arm on the punch and drive from the elbow. What else?
Prefight: As they walk forward, maintain the fence with a stopping push on the chest. If they walk forward again and contact your fence, drive in with the punch. I was working with Nick for this and quickly discovered that a big is walking forward, for me, the initial stopping technique will be collapsed. Perhaps combing it with a subtle off lining step to maintain the fence. ‘Meeting’ them. After the first fence maintainer, as soon as they move forward then drive in with the punch. When simulated on the partner, you should go armpit deep on him with your punch.
Swing defence: Again I had the painful pleasure of working with Nick. He was defending my punches with his bloody iron forearms. Last night I was happy to focus on committing with forward energy. A confidence gaining exercise for me.
Ended the session with a pyramid set to 9. Tried, through the pain, to focus on my elbows and not the build up of lactic acid.
3 Drill: Working the basic roll with precision and purpose, making every move count. Ensuring the laps take them into their void or pinned to lead leg hip. I was working with Paul who is very strong and found myself getting fatigued quite quickly and thus becoming unable to relax. My backfist felt more like it was going for the target as opposed to stopping at the block.
Footwork, footwork, footwork: Basic arrow step up and down the hall. Ensuring the legs are loaded pre launch. As I type this morning my legs feel heavy and tired after the exertions of last night’s footwork. Note to self is to spend some time over the next 9 days devoting time to getting quality footwork reps in.
Lap/punch: Worked this on the pad. Legs loaded, strong lap into his void, extend the arm on the punch and drive from the elbow. What else?
Prefight: As they walk forward, maintain the fence with a stopping push on the chest. If they walk forward again and contact your fence, drive in with the punch. I was working with Nick for this and quickly discovered that a big is walking forward, for me, the initial stopping technique will be collapsed. Perhaps combing it with a subtle off lining step to maintain the fence. ‘Meeting’ them. After the first fence maintainer, as soon as they move forward then drive in with the punch. When simulated on the partner, you should go armpit deep on him with your punch.
Swing defence: Again I had the painful pleasure of working with Nick. He was defending my punches with his bloody iron forearms. Last night I was happy to focus on committing with forward energy. A confidence gaining exercise for me.
Ended the session with a pyramid set to 9. Tried, through the pain, to focus on my elbows and not the build up of lactic acid.
Friday, 19 November 2010
Week 30
3 drill: Off lining work. Warming up with giving partner strong and deep chop as so to put them on their back foot. The receiver needs to feel where the pressure is in the leg and respond with appropriate off lining footwork. Would like a lot more time working on this to feel that internal spring. I was working with big Nick who was giving me some good hard forward pressure, I was trying to feel and move but felt more like I was bouncing back to get out of his line of power. I was also going into negative posture too. Might get the missus chopping me to sort this out.
Swing defence left and right: Commit to going forward, get in to the eye of the storm and make the arms long, the punch intercepting arm is palm down as this is a stronger structure than palm up. There is some off-lining but no stepping sideways as this bad juju. I was working with Sav and Nick here both coming in with big strong swings. Worst case scenario: You see the punch at last minute and are not physically engaged to blast into their centre, so, cover the head with the elbow clasping own head with hand as you compress down into yourself. Move toward his centre covered up. You will be knocked off balance slightly as you are inside and covered up, as soon as you post on the rear foot give him the good fist news. Off the left hook attack you can after take head control and turn around on himself.
Pad training: Fast and chaotic in 30 second bursts with 10 seconds of rest. Must stay more compact in movement and stance as I become wider based.
Sparring: Despite the frustrations of my failing double lap attempts and both Kam and Ayyaz lumping my nose and skull, I did enjoy sparring tonight. After we had finished Kam gave me some tips on how to find the arm for the double lap as well as my own guard.
1: I tend to cover my head along and have a short guard so as advised I must have a longer guard as this will prevent (lessen) the continuing sore nose on a Friday morning. Longer and stronger guard it is.
2. When hunting for the double lap I was foolishly grabbing without setting up. Kam recommended either having stronger attacks to the face to get their hands up or throw annoying yet firm jabs to get the hands up then double lap.
Therefore I make it my mission in sparring to learn to use a better guard and hunt for their arms properly. This and this alone. Oh, and to stop bloody grappling.
Swing defence left and right: Commit to going forward, get in to the eye of the storm and make the arms long, the punch intercepting arm is palm down as this is a stronger structure than palm up. There is some off-lining but no stepping sideways as this bad juju. I was working with Sav and Nick here both coming in with big strong swings. Worst case scenario: You see the punch at last minute and are not physically engaged to blast into their centre, so, cover the head with the elbow clasping own head with hand as you compress down into yourself. Move toward his centre covered up. You will be knocked off balance slightly as you are inside and covered up, as soon as you post on the rear foot give him the good fist news. Off the left hook attack you can after take head control and turn around on himself.
Pad training: Fast and chaotic in 30 second bursts with 10 seconds of rest. Must stay more compact in movement and stance as I become wider based.
Sparring: Despite the frustrations of my failing double lap attempts and both Kam and Ayyaz lumping my nose and skull, I did enjoy sparring tonight. After we had finished Kam gave me some tips on how to find the arm for the double lap as well as my own guard.
1: I tend to cover my head along and have a short guard so as advised I must have a longer guard as this will prevent (lessen) the continuing sore nose on a Friday morning. Longer and stronger guard it is.
2. When hunting for the double lap I was foolishly grabbing without setting up. Kam recommended either having stronger attacks to the face to get their hands up or throw annoying yet firm jabs to get the hands up then double lap.
Therefore I make it my mission in sparring to learn to use a better guard and hunt for their arms properly. This and this alone. Oh, and to stop bloody grappling.
Thursday, 11 November 2010
Week 29
3 drill warm up in Ice Station Zebra: The warm tonight was quite literally that. Poor Andrew was berated for wearing his gloves and reluctantly removed them only to have cold digits for the rest of the session. The focus was to move the partner with forward pressure on attacks whilst keeping good body structure, so no leaning, reaching and keeping the feet under you in balance.
Pre fight work: Feeder wore a pad on the right hand, would walk towards defender who would gently shove away (palm thrust on chest) to maintain own distance. Feeder holds pad up and as he moves forward step towards him and drill the right hand. During the training I got talking to Nathan about this very blog. He is currently working the punching pyramids with the goal of a 23 pyramid! This got me thinking about my next goal after reaching my current punching one. I have it lined up but will reveal when I finish the 200,000.
Mr Pointy: We then moved onto looking at ways of overcoming said aggression type. We began by investigating the left hand pointer. We worked from the idea that he is going to be close and in your face. His hand is going to be in our face and down our centre so somehow we need to recover our own space and be in a position to attack. We need to make sure that we get to the outside of his hand and pull out the defensive fence. Whilst engaging in conversation initiate lap and punch. Keep hold of the wrist as this will inform you of his intentions. I was working with Mart for this and he realised that only when the held arm twitch was it time to follow up with elbows.
Mr Pointy right: As above in terms of re-gaining own space and this time you attack with pak and punch. The follow up for this one is repeater punches. It is important to keep correct alignment through the elbow-forearm-wrist-fist with good range on the punch. The range comes from a long piston of the elbow. My mistake was that I was lifting my elbow higher than the wrist, need to keep it lower as the punch is driving upwards to the chin.
Double lap from hell: The key is to make contact and lap at the same time but make sure the lap down down to you knees. Looked at a variety of painful follow ups from the headbutt, to palms to face, to head control to shiving into the wall via arm jolt.
Next we worked the double lap in the 3 drill (backfist or the change) with followups but hard to move like water. Take the tension out and just rep softly yet swiftly.
Following and leading footwork plus mistake highlighting. This was a case of highlighting and ironing our errors in following and leading footwork..
Sparring: Nick and his magnetic chop keeps making me feel messy. I need to solve a problem so will spar with him whenever I can to feel uncomfortable, awkward and frustrated.
So for me this was the first session in the new hut, which was very hard to find after a drive along a sinister track. It is cold, dirty and in the twilight of it's existence, so perfect as a training venue.
Pre fight work: Feeder wore a pad on the right hand, would walk towards defender who would gently shove away (palm thrust on chest) to maintain own distance. Feeder holds pad up and as he moves forward step towards him and drill the right hand. During the training I got talking to Nathan about this very blog. He is currently working the punching pyramids with the goal of a 23 pyramid! This got me thinking about my next goal after reaching my current punching one. I have it lined up but will reveal when I finish the 200,000.
Mr Pointy: We then moved onto looking at ways of overcoming said aggression type. We began by investigating the left hand pointer. We worked from the idea that he is going to be close and in your face. His hand is going to be in our face and down our centre so somehow we need to recover our own space and be in a position to attack. We need to make sure that we get to the outside of his hand and pull out the defensive fence. Whilst engaging in conversation initiate lap and punch. Keep hold of the wrist as this will inform you of his intentions. I was working with Mart for this and he realised that only when the held arm twitch was it time to follow up with elbows.
Mr Pointy right: As above in terms of re-gaining own space and this time you attack with pak and punch. The follow up for this one is repeater punches. It is important to keep correct alignment through the elbow-forearm-wrist-fist with good range on the punch. The range comes from a long piston of the elbow. My mistake was that I was lifting my elbow higher than the wrist, need to keep it lower as the punch is driving upwards to the chin.
Double lap from hell: The key is to make contact and lap at the same time but make sure the lap down down to you knees. Looked at a variety of painful follow ups from the headbutt, to palms to face, to head control to shiving into the wall via arm jolt.
Next we worked the double lap in the 3 drill (backfist or the change) with followups but hard to move like water. Take the tension out and just rep softly yet swiftly.
Following and leading footwork plus mistake highlighting. This was a case of highlighting and ironing our errors in following and leading footwork..
Sparring: Nick and his magnetic chop keeps making me feel messy. I need to solve a problem so will spar with him whenever I can to feel uncomfortable, awkward and frustrated.
So for me this was the first session in the new hut, which was very hard to find after a drive along a sinister track. It is cold, dirty and in the twilight of it's existence, so perfect as a training venue.
Tuesday, 26 October 2010
Week 28
Monday night class at Tristan’s. The theme was integrating the hands and feet to work as one.
Started by working continuous punches against the pads. The feeder’s job was to walking around the room backwards, the puncher’s job was to follow and maintain distance, same beat to punches and making sure the feet are active, alive and working. At any given moment the feeder can walk forwards, puncher then has to offline and step in with a punch then continue chain punching.
3 drill: focus with intent and footwork with moving forward with at least 1 of the 3 attacks in the 3 drill. I noticed with myself that whilst moving forward my laps tended to suffer. I was working with Stable and found the final lap with palm was always tough. Could not get enough extension on the lap. Must do better.
We then moved onto working the one armed 3 drill. Keys given was to keep the shoulders square, ultimately to make the movements small and compact and to ensure all attacks move towards the target.
Out of range entry: Using the 1 armed 3 drill. Make sure not to step in to close the gap but reach and turn the shoulders to get the inside gate lap. Why? Because if we step in then we have closed the gap and committed too soon. By reaching we are losing nothing. When contact is achieved, there is a strong possibility that he will throw the other hand. If so we can then move in and crash his centre.
Entry technique: Employing the above which is said to be 16B and ends with a trap and hot.
Sparring: 1 minute rounds.
Pad training: Pyramid to 7
Finished with a run through of SNT
Started by working continuous punches against the pads. The feeder’s job was to walking around the room backwards, the puncher’s job was to follow and maintain distance, same beat to punches and making sure the feet are active, alive and working. At any given moment the feeder can walk forwards, puncher then has to offline and step in with a punch then continue chain punching.
3 drill: focus with intent and footwork with moving forward with at least 1 of the 3 attacks in the 3 drill. I noticed with myself that whilst moving forward my laps tended to suffer. I was working with Stable and found the final lap with palm was always tough. Could not get enough extension on the lap. Must do better.
We then moved onto working the one armed 3 drill. Keys given was to keep the shoulders square, ultimately to make the movements small and compact and to ensure all attacks move towards the target.
Out of range entry: Using the 1 armed 3 drill. Make sure not to step in to close the gap but reach and turn the shoulders to get the inside gate lap. Why? Because if we step in then we have closed the gap and committed too soon. By reaching we are losing nothing. When contact is achieved, there is a strong possibility that he will throw the other hand. If so we can then move in and crash his centre.
Entry technique: Employing the above which is said to be 16B and ends with a trap and hot.
Sparring: 1 minute rounds.
Pad training: Pyramid to 7
Finished with a run through of SNT
Thursday, 21 October 2010
Week 27
The first hour tonight was designated to grading specific work. So I had the pleasure of working with H on the 3 drill and lat sau.
3 drill detail worth noting is that all we need to demonstrate in the 1st grade is an ability to change when asked, to fully extend the lap as well as being relaxed in the arm when being lapped, all attacks forward to the face, defence energy is forward without zoning out. Thankfully Martin highlighted some gaping holes in my 3 drill in that I kept hitting the arms and not the face. So for me this is my target to sort out. Amongst the training, H chose to sidetrack me with his story of the week which was so funny that I bent over laughing. In addition we briefly chatted capoeria and the beauty of it and the merits or not of it’s effectiveness. H recounted a clip he saw where the said stylist got battered. This link suggests otherwise
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6oiADjOdFg
Lat sau: Previously the aspect of training I would have happily never done again yet tonight training with H we managed to roll correctly and for an extended period without the deltoid burn that was apparent in previous sessions. Nice relaxed arms were the key for me. As we hat to test each other’s forward energy of the punches I learnt a simple lesson. Whenever you take the hand away to cover the face, place the bloody thing on the face. Mine was a few centimetres away and deservedly got hit in the hand which twated me in the face. At least H’s punches were going where they were meant to.
Next we moved on to a pair of sparring techniques: Lap punch – chicken wing elbow – horizontal elbow to the chin. The extended version was an uppercut then elbow the face. Felt nice to use the elbow as a lever to enter and control their space. Martin also demo’d the tighter power of using the elbow to lever gaps in standing grappling.
Sparring: Felt like we had not this for ages. The routine was 1 minute defend, then attack followed by both attacking. I got a bollocking for shit footwork – my stance was far too shallow. We then had a brief break to work a low solid base. The drill was to push our partner back by using deep but short steps. Utilising the legs to do the work. From then on I endeavoured (when not tied up) to work the footwork. For me this was to the detriment of my hands but I feel like I really need to sort out the feet first. To get a better feel I was using the footwork to press my partner back. A few notes on who I sparred with.
H attacked with tight shapes and excellent forward energy. Made me believe that if I did not defend then a fat lip would be my gift.
The Last Samurai palm striked the crap out of my face. He likes to hold the wrists so need to muse a cunning escape plan. Maybe rolling and rotating elbows would work?
Kam was constant forward energy, no breaks but so relaxed and precise in his movements. Reminded me of the sparring technique we practised and managed to employ it just once. Too busy trying to keep my stance sensible.
Paul wants to tie up and grapple, very strong, will be a menace when that strength softens and becomes octopus-esqe in his grappling.
Z has great hip awareness, won’t let you get near him, posts his arms well into the hips when looking to tie up. Time to pull out the flying triangles... This video has some tremendous takedown action, a shame that it is so rare in judo.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4u41omoNO4U
Pure commitment to technique
We ended with a pad training circuit. A new one for me tonight was the 1-2-9-10-9-10-3-2. AS always, jolly good fun.
Finally and sadly tonight was the end of an era. After 16 years the school hall of Waddon Infants is to be demolished. The school has relocated so the developers are to move in and make a killing. I first walked through the doors of this school in 1997. When I came back this year, it was exactly the same. The old hall has served Martin and his students well over the years. I am sure he will be quite sad at leaving but change is an inevitable part of life. Time to look forward to a new chapter. Timely words I guess as no training for me next week I will be undergoing the small matter of a snipping procedure. Pics and audio files to follow...
3 drill detail worth noting is that all we need to demonstrate in the 1st grade is an ability to change when asked, to fully extend the lap as well as being relaxed in the arm when being lapped, all attacks forward to the face, defence energy is forward without zoning out. Thankfully Martin highlighted some gaping holes in my 3 drill in that I kept hitting the arms and not the face. So for me this is my target to sort out. Amongst the training, H chose to sidetrack me with his story of the week which was so funny that I bent over laughing. In addition we briefly chatted capoeria and the beauty of it and the merits or not of it’s effectiveness. H recounted a clip he saw where the said stylist got battered. This link suggests otherwise
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6oiADjOdFg
Lat sau: Previously the aspect of training I would have happily never done again yet tonight training with H we managed to roll correctly and for an extended period without the deltoid burn that was apparent in previous sessions. Nice relaxed arms were the key for me. As we hat to test each other’s forward energy of the punches I learnt a simple lesson. Whenever you take the hand away to cover the face, place the bloody thing on the face. Mine was a few centimetres away and deservedly got hit in the hand which twated me in the face. At least H’s punches were going where they were meant to.
Next we moved on to a pair of sparring techniques: Lap punch – chicken wing elbow – horizontal elbow to the chin. The extended version was an uppercut then elbow the face. Felt nice to use the elbow as a lever to enter and control their space. Martin also demo’d the tighter power of using the elbow to lever gaps in standing grappling.
Sparring: Felt like we had not this for ages. The routine was 1 minute defend, then attack followed by both attacking. I got a bollocking for shit footwork – my stance was far too shallow. We then had a brief break to work a low solid base. The drill was to push our partner back by using deep but short steps. Utilising the legs to do the work. From then on I endeavoured (when not tied up) to work the footwork. For me this was to the detriment of my hands but I feel like I really need to sort out the feet first. To get a better feel I was using the footwork to press my partner back. A few notes on who I sparred with.
H attacked with tight shapes and excellent forward energy. Made me believe that if I did not defend then a fat lip would be my gift.
The Last Samurai palm striked the crap out of my face. He likes to hold the wrists so need to muse a cunning escape plan. Maybe rolling and rotating elbows would work?
Kam was constant forward energy, no breaks but so relaxed and precise in his movements. Reminded me of the sparring technique we practised and managed to employ it just once. Too busy trying to keep my stance sensible.
Paul wants to tie up and grapple, very strong, will be a menace when that strength softens and becomes octopus-esqe in his grappling.
Z has great hip awareness, won’t let you get near him, posts his arms well into the hips when looking to tie up. Time to pull out the flying triangles... This video has some tremendous takedown action, a shame that it is so rare in judo.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4u41omoNO4U
Pure commitment to technique
We ended with a pad training circuit. A new one for me tonight was the 1-2-9-10-9-10-3-2. AS always, jolly good fun.
Finally and sadly tonight was the end of an era. After 16 years the school hall of Waddon Infants is to be demolished. The school has relocated so the developers are to move in and make a killing. I first walked through the doors of this school in 1997. When I came back this year, it was exactly the same. The old hall has served Martin and his students well over the years. I am sure he will be quite sad at leaving but change is an inevitable part of life. Time to look forward to a new chapter. Timely words I guess as no training for me next week I will be undergoing the small matter of a snipping procedure. Pics and audio files to follow...
Thursday, 14 October 2010
Week 26
The main detail from this lesson was the work on entry techniques and swing defence.
Entry techniques.
1a: lap and punch, trap and punch
1b: lap and punch, lap and punch, trap and punch
2a: pak and punch, kau sau and punch
2b: lap and punch, pak and punch, kau sau and punch
3a: pak and punch, tan and punch, trap and punch
3b: lap and punch, pak and punch, tan and punch, trap and punch
4a: pak and punch, body shot, tan and punch, trap and punch
4b: lap and punch, pak and punch, body shot, tan and punch, trap and punch
5a: lap and punch, lift hands, gut hammerfist
5b: lap and punch, lap and punch, lift hands, gut hammerfist
6a: inside gate lap and chop, chop to neck
6b: inside gate lap and chop, arm x-trap and punch
7a: lap and punch, hit through centre
7b: lap and punch, lap and punch, hit through centre
Swing defence
Step forward and into him, extend left arm forward not out to the side hunting for the arm as the right hand connects with his chin. I was employing the palm to the chin as I felt this had a higher percentage of being successful. In addition I quite like the security of the palm over the punch. For me it is bigger and structurally better in this particular situation. My problem is I have small fists.
Entry techniques.
1a: lap and punch, trap and punch
1b: lap and punch, lap and punch, trap and punch
2a: pak and punch, kau sau and punch
2b: lap and punch, pak and punch, kau sau and punch
3a: pak and punch, tan and punch, trap and punch
3b: lap and punch, pak and punch, tan and punch, trap and punch
4a: pak and punch, body shot, tan and punch, trap and punch
4b: lap and punch, pak and punch, body shot, tan and punch, trap and punch
5a: lap and punch, lift hands, gut hammerfist
5b: lap and punch, lap and punch, lift hands, gut hammerfist
6a: inside gate lap and chop, chop to neck
6b: inside gate lap and chop, arm x-trap and punch
7a: lap and punch, hit through centre
7b: lap and punch, lap and punch, hit through centre
Swing defence
Step forward and into him, extend left arm forward not out to the side hunting for the arm as the right hand connects with his chin. I was employing the palm to the chin as I felt this had a higher percentage of being successful. In addition I quite like the security of the palm over the punch. For me it is bigger and structurally better in this particular situation. My problem is I have small fists.
Friday, 8 October 2010
No touch...
The no touch K.O. martial fraudsters
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JM_qg5d1YGI
It bothers me deeply that ‘high ranking’ people are peddling this tripe. It actually saddens me too. If these techniques were so effective, so extreme and so deadly why are these not part of the basic curriculum in these styles? Why are the military, police and security personnel not employing these methods on the troubled in our society? Why am I as a school teacher not using this to restrain children without touching them? Why do we not see these methods employed in MMA, boxing or any other tournaments? Cleary because they are worthless, meaningless and do not work. I feel sad that someone like Leon Jay actually believed he could do this on a street guy. He looked rather embarrassed. As for George Dillman, it appears that all the money he is making is fuelling his rather robust appetite. Fatty, learn to control your palette and not the minds of your students. The benefits for all will be far greater.
However there are similar yet much more credible examples of ‘no touch’ style work that are not a fraud, that are much cheaper to learn and less reliant on pin point accuracy in the chaos of combat. For 3 years I trained in the Russian military art of Systema. The sparring in Systema is a game of sorts but essentially based on the notion of movement. If someone is going to attack you then there are several options open to you.
1. You get hit.
2. You move out of the way.
3. You do something to the attack.
4. You do not see it until the last moment and reflexively flinch out of the way.
Much of Systema videos out there look odd and as if the receiver is taking falls for the attacker. Not until you think about the hows and the whys of that type of training within Systema will you make sense of that type ‘no touch’ work. The main master Mikhail’s words have been translated into ‘Psychic work’ but this is wholly inaccurate as he is referring to using the flinch and escape response in the receiver of the hits. To learn the no touch work or flinch qork, get down to Systema gym and feel the sheer pain of their work and the very basic theory of proper no touch work.
So, Georgey Boy, do some hard work, loose the fancy badges and lofty titles and be honest with yourself and with your students. And out down that sticky bun as you read this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JM_qg5d1YGI
It bothers me deeply that ‘high ranking’ people are peddling this tripe. It actually saddens me too. If these techniques were so effective, so extreme and so deadly why are these not part of the basic curriculum in these styles? Why are the military, police and security personnel not employing these methods on the troubled in our society? Why am I as a school teacher not using this to restrain children without touching them? Why do we not see these methods employed in MMA, boxing or any other tournaments? Cleary because they are worthless, meaningless and do not work. I feel sad that someone like Leon Jay actually believed he could do this on a street guy. He looked rather embarrassed. As for George Dillman, it appears that all the money he is making is fuelling his rather robust appetite. Fatty, learn to control your palette and not the minds of your students. The benefits for all will be far greater.
However there are similar yet much more credible examples of ‘no touch’ style work that are not a fraud, that are much cheaper to learn and less reliant on pin point accuracy in the chaos of combat. For 3 years I trained in the Russian military art of Systema. The sparring in Systema is a game of sorts but essentially based on the notion of movement. If someone is going to attack you then there are several options open to you.
1. You get hit.
2. You move out of the way.
3. You do something to the attack.
4. You do not see it until the last moment and reflexively flinch out of the way.
Much of Systema videos out there look odd and as if the receiver is taking falls for the attacker. Not until you think about the hows and the whys of that type of training within Systema will you make sense of that type ‘no touch’ work. The main master Mikhail’s words have been translated into ‘Psychic work’ but this is wholly inaccurate as he is referring to using the flinch and escape response in the receiver of the hits. To learn the no touch work or flinch qork, get down to Systema gym and feel the sheer pain of their work and the very basic theory of proper no touch work.
So, Georgey Boy, do some hard work, loose the fancy badges and lofty titles and be honest with yourself and with your students. And out down that sticky bun as you read this.
Week 25
One armed 3 drill
No Martin tonight so Tristan did the majority of the teaching. Nice and thorough, technical yet appropriate to all levels, good job all round. The basic roll is inside gate lap - chop forward - roll over with backfist - pak sau and continue. Took a while to get used to, I was working with H. We seemed to get it down pretty well...
Lat sau
Hard and awkward. Z and Trist talked about crossing the wrists and why the arms do what they do. As I throw the punch to his chin, he intercepts by punching towards my chin, thus cutting the angle of my punch so it misses past the target. As soon as I feel him on the outside I must extend my arm by popping or straightening the arm. If this does not happen then his punch will land on my chin. As he makes contact on my arm he then throws a punch at my chin with his opposite arm. I then do as he did and cut/grind/attack his punch with one of my own.
I also found that my hands were jamming each other. Z noted that I was not pulling or retracting my hands quick enough after each punch. When I did, it seemed to flow better. Finally, in the air, both Z and Trist said lat sau is chain punching to the chin. Add a partner then they just become slightly interrupted by deflections. I also ran the gauntlet of checking H's punches and got one in the mouth for my sins. At least he was one target.
Pad training.
Ran throgh a range of pad training combos. (1 2 3 2, 1 2 1 14, 1 2 7 3 2, 1 6 3 2, 1 10 3 2) with the focus on use if the feet. Knowing that the first few hits are to damage and move him but the final 2 is the KO gift.
First form
Need to video this as too much info for my small mind to take in.
No Martin tonight so Tristan did the majority of the teaching. Nice and thorough, technical yet appropriate to all levels, good job all round. The basic roll is inside gate lap - chop forward - roll over with backfist - pak sau and continue. Took a while to get used to, I was working with H. We seemed to get it down pretty well...
Lat sau
Hard and awkward. Z and Trist talked about crossing the wrists and why the arms do what they do. As I throw the punch to his chin, he intercepts by punching towards my chin, thus cutting the angle of my punch so it misses past the target. As soon as I feel him on the outside I must extend my arm by popping or straightening the arm. If this does not happen then his punch will land on my chin. As he makes contact on my arm he then throws a punch at my chin with his opposite arm. I then do as he did and cut/grind/attack his punch with one of my own.
I also found that my hands were jamming each other. Z noted that I was not pulling or retracting my hands quick enough after each punch. When I did, it seemed to flow better. Finally, in the air, both Z and Trist said lat sau is chain punching to the chin. Add a partner then they just become slightly interrupted by deflections. I also ran the gauntlet of checking H's punches and got one in the mouth for my sins. At least he was one target.
Pad training.
Ran throgh a range of pad training combos. (1 2 3 2, 1 2 1 14, 1 2 7 3 2, 1 6 3 2, 1 10 3 2) with the focus on use if the feet. Knowing that the first few hits are to damage and move him but the final 2 is the KO gift.
First form
Need to video this as too much info for my small mind to take in.
Sunday, 26 September 2010
Week 24
The month of reps continues. Tonight had a slightly different approach as we were looking at snatch attacks against the long guard and the short guard.
Snatch attacks against the long guard.
L V L stance: lap / lap hit.
L v R stance: forward: pak / lap hit.
R v R stance: pak / pak hit.
R v L stance: lap / pak hit.
Snatch attacks against the tight guard:
Pile in with a four hit combo 1-2-3-4
Hit right and step in, left hit as you control his left arm, chain punch.
There others but my mind is clouded so probably best not to embarrass myself with my bastardisation of techniques.
Pad circuit of 11 stations, 1m30s with 15 seconds rest between each set.
Snatch attacks against the long guard.
L V L stance: lap / lap hit.
L v R stance: forward: pak / lap hit.
R v R stance: pak / pak hit.
R v L stance: lap / pak hit.
Snatch attacks against the tight guard:
Pile in with a four hit combo 1-2-3-4
Hit right and step in, left hit as you control his left arm, chain punch.
There others but my mind is clouded so probably best not to embarrass myself with my bastardisation of techniques.
Pad circuit of 11 stations, 1m30s with 15 seconds rest between each set.
Saturday, 18 September 2010
Week 23
Still September is the month of reps. Very similar to the last 2 sessions except that this week we also trained the chicken wing entry to get kau sau. I also realised that I need to do 200,000 single punches to account for both arms...
Thursday, 9 September 2010
Week 22
September certainly is the moth of reps. Z had us working in a similar pattern to Martin last week. Worked lots of footwork drills, pak, lap, arm drag drills. Worth noting was the use of knees on the head and arm trap. The skipping and swapping of the feet is to post better for the knees to the torso. As noted by H, the end of the technique is to get up on the balls of the foot to maximise the transfer of energy into him.
We also spent a lot of time working the dynamics of the body and head hook strike. Z had us working opposite knee to shoulder before hitting. This was important as it provides you with the correct body mechanics for the hit. I really enjoyed this part of the training tonight as I went into myself and loved the solitary repetativeness of the training.
As we had no pads, we were working the pad combos in the air with footwork. Not done this before so found this both an interesting twist and a decent work out.
Sparring was very interesting and diverse as usual. H had a great variety of compact attacks, Paul loved to tie up and grapple, Ish controls the forearms and works from there. All I can remember at the moment...
We also spent a lot of time working the dynamics of the body and head hook strike. Z had us working opposite knee to shoulder before hitting. This was important as it provides you with the correct body mechanics for the hit. I really enjoyed this part of the training tonight as I went into myself and loved the solitary repetativeness of the training.
As we had no pads, we were working the pad combos in the air with footwork. Not done this before so found this both an interesting twist and a decent work out.
Sparring was very interesting and diverse as usual. H had a great variety of compact attacks, Paul loved to tie up and grapple, Ish controls the forearms and works from there. All I can remember at the moment...
Tuesday, 7 September 2010
Week 21
September is the month of reps so this was the...
Session of reps, each round lasting 2 minutes, each technique was done on both left and right hand side.
Lap and punch.
Guard change (right hand forward), pak and punch, chain punch.
Snatch attacks in 3 drill off lap and chop, lap and punch.
Arm drag.
Head and arm trap.
Head snap control.
Action reaction: lap and punch, 45 degree forward pressure, hit through centre.
As above but end with lap punch against the pushing energy.
Pad training circuit. 2 minutes at each station with 30 seconds rest. 11 stations in total. Good old fashioned pain and suffering.
Session of reps, each round lasting 2 minutes, each technique was done on both left and right hand side.
Lap and punch.
Guard change (right hand forward), pak and punch, chain punch.
Snatch attacks in 3 drill off lap and chop, lap and punch.
Arm drag.
Head and arm trap.
Head snap control.
Action reaction: lap and punch, 45 degree forward pressure, hit through centre.
As above but end with lap punch against the pushing energy.
Pad training circuit. 2 minutes at each station with 30 seconds rest. 11 stations in total. Good old fashioned pain and suffering.
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