Craig was working the takedown from clinch, from there it was on!!
The magic bones that Martin talked about on Tuesday work as does the neck crank
Saturday, 29 March 2014
Wednesday, 26 March 2014
Standing neck crank
I have just looked at this bit with no sound so don't rely on my lip reading.
His use of the forearm looks really good in terms of what Martin was talking about as the key bones on the arm in grappling.
The neck crank he does later on in the video, not the set up but the actual crank position looks quite similar to the one we were doing last night. It looks like nothing but until you have felt those bones grinding across your face, well enjoy the thinking about future parts of training we are yet to wince from.
His use of the forearm looks really good in terms of what Martin was talking about as the key bones on the arm in grappling.
The neck crank he does later on in the video, not the set up but the actual crank position looks quite similar to the one we were doing last night. It looks like nothing but until you have felt those bones grinding across your face, well enjoy the thinking about future parts of training we are yet to wince from.
Tuesday, 25 March 2014
Class notes: standing neck crank plus give and take a shot
Firstly it was great to see more newer faces tonight and old ones. The class felt busier and had a real energetic buzz to it. I will also apologise to the newer members of the class for not blogging about what you guys did. Hopefully the stuff below will become relevant to you very soon and not seem that new as you have already ready about it...
The pummel: addition of detail from previous blog entries, when turning the shoulders for the underhook there is a slight pushing motion with the upper arm and shoulder. This subtle motion adds to moving the partner and affecting his balance. The rear arm is also activated so that the lat muscle is helping to secure his underhook and give it no space to move around.
Half Thai clinch: This was covered a few sessions ago but new details worth mentioning is that as he goes for his underhook you take the back of the head. You still have the underhook on the other side so clasping the shoulder and pivoting with help to to control him. I think we only looked at pivoting one way and that was towards half Thai clinch side.
Full Thai clinch: don't let go of the contact to get it. Steps of the ladder. Swim your underhook out to get full clinch.
Arm drag: Trace the arm back, punch the hips and no matter what his size grab around at the hip bone. Any further and he can look for the DWL.
DWL: Trace the arm back, rev the wrist and reach over his arm, maybe catching a naughty elbow on his nose on the way over...
This is what can happen to the elbow on the ground if you chose not to tap when in a deep DWL:
Standing neck crank and the magic bones. If he goes low with the Thai clinch or head control you can look for this which at first glance is a guillotine. In fact it is a bloody horrendous neck crank.
His head needs to be at your ribs just under the pec muscle and you want the hairline at the forehead to be on you. Slide your forearm along his jaw bone using the key bones of the arm, the 3-4 inches of ulnar and radius bone from the wrist crease, then go palm to palm. This driving of the forearm will cause the head to turn, as if he is looking across the front of your torso. As you push your hips forward pull the radius bone towards you causing both big pain in the jam but tremendous pressure on the neck.
This is a nice technique to use if you have gone for the choke and he has worked his head out. Even though we were not doing it hard, my neck is still not 'right' almost 3 hours later. If this was done in the heat of combat it really would mess up someone's neck for a long time.
3 Drill with a low and deep stance using any attacks that we remembered. I worked with Dave, Ayyaz and Trist. All felt very different in their feel and attacks. Ayyaz kept nailing me with the throat attack through the centre off the back fist. Trist kept getting deep chops in and Dave was most excellent at controlling my elbows. I found it hard to stay low and deep and my tendency was to raise up with the attacks which straightened the legs, plus it is more taxing on the legs to stay low.
Give and take a shot drill with 2 extra attacks and being balanced in all points of the punching phases.
As last week, left head hook, right head hook, left body shot, right body shot. Notes on these, specifically the body shots - keep the hands up when turning into them to prep the uppercut counter. Keep the hands up.
The extra 2 shots and counters were after the right body shot and he has countered with an uppercut, drop the right shoulder and attack with a left uppercut. He blocks (catching the ball left) and throws a right cross. You roll the shot and drop the left shoulder and attack with a right uppercut. He blocks with his right hand (catching) and attacks with a left hook to the head. You duck under and come up on the outside of his left arm.
Footwork - the 3 basic motions with punches and looking to get fluid and balanced in our motions. 1: Step out and pivot away. 2: step out turn the hips and move perpendicular, 3: retreating in a curve with feet that in my mind were making the noise da-da-da-da-da
Jab and counter jab drill. Range, range, range. Do not step into range and have a jab that lands with a bent arm and you in range for him to attack and not needing to step forward. Tonight the next phase of the jab was throwing with forward footwork but then getting back out of range when you bring the arm back to the protective shell. Don't stay there.
The catch them every time right hand. Jab, jab and regular right hand then every so often step out to the left and commit to what looks like a left hook. Circling under extend the right hand to land. Even though I knew what was coming, it vexed me every time. This was one of those one time only tricks so hopefully no one will read and remember this...
The slight edge and the percentage of messy and working. It is better to train well and with precision so that when we actually spar and fight it will be messy. However if we have trained the techniques well then when it gets messy we have a higher percentage of being successful than if we learn poorly. Poor learning will always equal poor execution.
Inside and outside gate pak sau against the jabs. An elusive boxing drill. I did not get a chance to do this other than in the air. The partner throw jabs and you stay alive with footwork. Martin analogised by saying his glove has dog shit on it and you do not want that glove to touch you. So using alive footwork and the inside and outside gate pak sau you can practise being out of the shitty glove range.
The pummel: addition of detail from previous blog entries, when turning the shoulders for the underhook there is a slight pushing motion with the upper arm and shoulder. This subtle motion adds to moving the partner and affecting his balance. The rear arm is also activated so that the lat muscle is helping to secure his underhook and give it no space to move around.
Half Thai clinch: This was covered a few sessions ago but new details worth mentioning is that as he goes for his underhook you take the back of the head. You still have the underhook on the other side so clasping the shoulder and pivoting with help to to control him. I think we only looked at pivoting one way and that was towards half Thai clinch side.
Full Thai clinch: don't let go of the contact to get it. Steps of the ladder. Swim your underhook out to get full clinch.
Arm drag: Trace the arm back, punch the hips and no matter what his size grab around at the hip bone. Any further and he can look for the DWL.
DWL: Trace the arm back, rev the wrist and reach over his arm, maybe catching a naughty elbow on his nose on the way over...
This is what can happen to the elbow on the ground if you chose not to tap when in a deep DWL:
Standing neck crank and the magic bones. If he goes low with the Thai clinch or head control you can look for this which at first glance is a guillotine. In fact it is a bloody horrendous neck crank.
His head needs to be at your ribs just under the pec muscle and you want the hairline at the forehead to be on you. Slide your forearm along his jaw bone using the key bones of the arm, the 3-4 inches of ulnar and radius bone from the wrist crease, then go palm to palm. This driving of the forearm will cause the head to turn, as if he is looking across the front of your torso. As you push your hips forward pull the radius bone towards you causing both big pain in the jam but tremendous pressure on the neck.
This is a nice technique to use if you have gone for the choke and he has worked his head out. Even though we were not doing it hard, my neck is still not 'right' almost 3 hours later. If this was done in the heat of combat it really would mess up someone's neck for a long time.
3 Drill with a low and deep stance using any attacks that we remembered. I worked with Dave, Ayyaz and Trist. All felt very different in their feel and attacks. Ayyaz kept nailing me with the throat attack through the centre off the back fist. Trist kept getting deep chops in and Dave was most excellent at controlling my elbows. I found it hard to stay low and deep and my tendency was to raise up with the attacks which straightened the legs, plus it is more taxing on the legs to stay low.
Give and take a shot drill with 2 extra attacks and being balanced in all points of the punching phases.
As last week, left head hook, right head hook, left body shot, right body shot. Notes on these, specifically the body shots - keep the hands up when turning into them to prep the uppercut counter. Keep the hands up.
The extra 2 shots and counters were after the right body shot and he has countered with an uppercut, drop the right shoulder and attack with a left uppercut. He blocks (catching the ball left) and throws a right cross. You roll the shot and drop the left shoulder and attack with a right uppercut. He blocks with his right hand (catching) and attacks with a left hook to the head. You duck under and come up on the outside of his left arm.
Footwork - the 3 basic motions with punches and looking to get fluid and balanced in our motions. 1: Step out and pivot away. 2: step out turn the hips and move perpendicular, 3: retreating in a curve with feet that in my mind were making the noise da-da-da-da-da
Jab and counter jab drill. Range, range, range. Do not step into range and have a jab that lands with a bent arm and you in range for him to attack and not needing to step forward. Tonight the next phase of the jab was throwing with forward footwork but then getting back out of range when you bring the arm back to the protective shell. Don't stay there.
The catch them every time right hand. Jab, jab and regular right hand then every so often step out to the left and commit to what looks like a left hook. Circling under extend the right hand to land. Even though I knew what was coming, it vexed me every time. This was one of those one time only tricks so hopefully no one will read and remember this...
The slight edge and the percentage of messy and working. It is better to train well and with precision so that when we actually spar and fight it will be messy. However if we have trained the techniques well then when it gets messy we have a higher percentage of being successful than if we learn poorly. Poor learning will always equal poor execution.
Inside and outside gate pak sau against the jabs. An elusive boxing drill. I did not get a chance to do this other than in the air. The partner throw jabs and you stay alive with footwork. Martin analogised by saying his glove has dog shit on it and you do not want that glove to touch you. So using alive footwork and the inside and outside gate pak sau you can practise being out of the shitty glove range.
Saturday, 22 March 2014
Why don't we ever see 'deadly' martial arts in competition?
Because they don't work and have not been tested.
In the above video a tai chi master does a self defense demo. My issue is not with what he is doing but what he 'attacker' is doing. I will be the first to out my hands up as I bought into this propaganda and thought I was learning a properly effective martial art. After learning lots of forms and some drills I realised that nothing was being tested against non-compliant training partners. The attacks of the training partner are quite unrealistic. His double leg attempt is playground level at best.
That is the beauty of methods like BJJ, MMA, Judo, wrestling etc as you find out very quickly what does and does not work. This will be the beauty of Martin's system when sparring becomes more embedded in our training. We will find our own unique and more importantly honest way of answering the problems and questions our partners ask of us. I know my default answer is clinch, takedown and work on the ground. I am looking forward to years of frustration on my feet so that one day I will be competent on my feet and in all ranges of physical chess.
Anyway, here is a compilation of striking in the early UFC events. Bloody brutal and not much technique = most big guys on the street?
A compilation of UFC and K-1 KOs. 8.11 Cro Cop at his jaw jangling best where precision and technique are the order of the day. Along with a healthy dose of athletic prowess. I used to use a mailing list in the 90's and had all the K-1 fights on VHS. Rarely was there a boring fight.
Finally, here is a wonderfully grainy clip of the King of the Streets in action. I still squeak with nostalgia when I see the foot stomp from the clinch in modern MMA.
In the above video a tai chi master does a self defense demo. My issue is not with what he is doing but what he 'attacker' is doing. I will be the first to out my hands up as I bought into this propaganda and thought I was learning a properly effective martial art. After learning lots of forms and some drills I realised that nothing was being tested against non-compliant training partners. The attacks of the training partner are quite unrealistic. His double leg attempt is playground level at best.
That is the beauty of methods like BJJ, MMA, Judo, wrestling etc as you find out very quickly what does and does not work. This will be the beauty of Martin's system when sparring becomes more embedded in our training. We will find our own unique and more importantly honest way of answering the problems and questions our partners ask of us. I know my default answer is clinch, takedown and work on the ground. I am looking forward to years of frustration on my feet so that one day I will be competent on my feet and in all ranges of physical chess.
Anyway, here is a compilation of striking in the early UFC events. Bloody brutal and not much technique = most big guys on the street?
A compilation of UFC and K-1 KOs. 8.11 Cro Cop at his jaw jangling best where precision and technique are the order of the day. Along with a healthy dose of athletic prowess. I used to use a mailing list in the 90's and had all the K-1 fights on VHS. Rarely was there a boring fight.
Finally, here is a wonderfully grainy clip of the King of the Streets in action. I still squeak with nostalgia when I see the foot stomp from the clinch in modern MMA.
Phantom KO?
http://mmashare.mma44.com/2014/03/koreshkov-vs-burrell.html
This fight was also on the recent Bellator 112 show. At first the ko looks like it came from a body shot. The fighter's reaction to the body shot as you will see is most peculiar; straight and stiff arms. But watch and enjoy how he really got stunned.
This fight was also on the recent Bellator 112 show. At first the ko looks like it came from a body shot. The fighter's reaction to the body shot as you will see is most peculiar; straight and stiff arms. But watch and enjoy how he really got stunned.
Hands up
http://mmashare.mma44.com/2014/03/oropeza-vs-souza.html?m=1
If you keep you hands down then bad things can happen. Frustratingly the Brazilian is not even tired. Sam Oropreza has much better hand discipline and made the other pay.
Wednesday, 19 March 2014
The more busy you are the more chances you have to connect
At about 3.30 mins in he starts to talk about something Martin touched on last night; throwing more attacks than your partner. In this video we also see the coach light sparring and applying this concept. In addition the people he spars with provide their own feedback from the session.
Tuesday, 18 March 2014
Class notes: DWL, sparrring and the slightest edge
The pummel. Doing the roll and on occasion looking clasp your hands to get his hips close to yours. You can test his hip distance by simply hugging. Technically one overhook and one underhook. To get the hips away is a two part motions; hips down then back.
Pushing them from the legs into their void. It was during this drill you might find your hips sneaking towards his. Push from the back leg to where his base is weak and not backwards.
Arm drags from the pummel, to get the ¾ position, the DWL (double wrist lock) see the entry from last week. Additions and refinements are when you trace the arm and lead with the underhook there is no need to grab the tricep. It felt like the elbow is against their rib with your bicep up tight to their tricep. Then grab, pass the arm and take the back.
Punch the hips, punch the hips, punch the hips…. (as in the explosive movement and not foolishly and actually punching the hip)
If they resist the DWL, go with their energy and circle it. This feels very tough to explain because as I type I am throwing my head in the direction of the move. Kind of like looking back over your own head. Having this done to you is very disruptive as you think there is an exit only to find yourself in an equal or worse position.
For me, the big thing with the DWL is revving the wrist as part of the initial action. This apparently small motion seems to have a significant impact on the quality of your final technique.
Against an arm drag resister. For the sake of this explanation, my arm drag is taken with my right hand at his left wrist and I am aiming to get around the left hand side of his body for control. If I am trying to arm drag him by taking the inside of his arm he might not let me. In this situation we have linked hands on the same side. Climb to take steps up the ladder. When climbing the ladder there must be no gaps, no chances for him to feel an escape is on the cards. Maintaining press with my right hand, I pass his arm into my left hand and pull him down. The right arm comes under his left upper arm and hugs tight as if you are holding your own left shoulder. Release the wrist (keeping control with the right arm) and wrap his arm with your left by coming over your own arm. This looks like you are hugging his arm with two. Release your right arm and reach around for his far side hip. It does look and flow much smoother than my explanation.
Tristan's arm drags seem to be ok...
3 drill: 5 minutes to look for the arm drag. Then from the outside we looked at a head and arm control. Coming under his arm with what looks like a vertical uppercut, the hand snakes to the back of the head, push the head and lift the elbow causing a lovely head and arm restraint. Make sure the arm you have snaked under is still in control of your other hand.
Gloves on:
Jab and counter jab drill. Points to note were keeping the rear hand up when throwing the counter jab to protect the face. Secondly; head movement, head movement, head movement. Catch that ball.
Give an answer drill. Go to week 2 (64) for the detail in the drill. I labeled it give a shot take a shot in said blog post.
Sparring with Ayyaz: Hands only.
Trying to put the learning into practice: the protective shell, chin to chest, staying protected when attacking, foot work, head movement, range, rolling, discipline in the hands being where they should be.
Whilst I did not land many punches to Ayyaz’s lots I felt like defence was tighter, head movement was happening, trying to relax and let the hands flow. Really good learning experience and look forward to more as our time goes on.
Martin ended the class by talking about the concept of the slightest edge. Essentially make sound choices and good habits. Don’t just turn up and train once a week, but reflect on it, put some practice in at home. Small and almost insignificant habits will have big benefits in time. In my life I am trying to be much more disciplined with my diet. For near on 40 years I thought I could exercise and eat whatever I wanted. But the will be biological payback, nothing is for free. Hopefully I half of my life left, the best half, to have a higher and longer quality of life based on choices I am making now. Things like trying to cut out gluten and switch to brown rice and pasta, changing from your typical ‘man’ protein powder to a plant based one.
An old friend once told me something that stays with me to this day. He always tried really hard to get to training because he said if you miss it, yes you can go again next week but you can’t get that time back. The slightest edge.
Pushing them from the legs into their void. It was during this drill you might find your hips sneaking towards his. Push from the back leg to where his base is weak and not backwards.
Arm drags from the pummel, to get the ¾ position, the DWL (double wrist lock) see the entry from last week. Additions and refinements are when you trace the arm and lead with the underhook there is no need to grab the tricep. It felt like the elbow is against their rib with your bicep up tight to their tricep. Then grab, pass the arm and take the back.
Punch the hips, punch the hips, punch the hips…. (as in the explosive movement and not foolishly and actually punching the hip)
If they resist the DWL, go with their energy and circle it. This feels very tough to explain because as I type I am throwing my head in the direction of the move. Kind of like looking back over your own head. Having this done to you is very disruptive as you think there is an exit only to find yourself in an equal or worse position.
For me, the big thing with the DWL is revving the wrist as part of the initial action. This apparently small motion seems to have a significant impact on the quality of your final technique.
Against an arm drag resister. For the sake of this explanation, my arm drag is taken with my right hand at his left wrist and I am aiming to get around the left hand side of his body for control. If I am trying to arm drag him by taking the inside of his arm he might not let me. In this situation we have linked hands on the same side. Climb to take steps up the ladder. When climbing the ladder there must be no gaps, no chances for him to feel an escape is on the cards. Maintaining press with my right hand, I pass his arm into my left hand and pull him down. The right arm comes under his left upper arm and hugs tight as if you are holding your own left shoulder. Release the wrist (keeping control with the right arm) and wrap his arm with your left by coming over your own arm. This looks like you are hugging his arm with two. Release your right arm and reach around for his far side hip. It does look and flow much smoother than my explanation.
Tristan's arm drags seem to be ok...
3 drill: 5 minutes to look for the arm drag. Then from the outside we looked at a head and arm control. Coming under his arm with what looks like a vertical uppercut, the hand snakes to the back of the head, push the head and lift the elbow causing a lovely head and arm restraint. Make sure the arm you have snaked under is still in control of your other hand.
Gloves on:
Jab and counter jab drill. Points to note were keeping the rear hand up when throwing the counter jab to protect the face. Secondly; head movement, head movement, head movement. Catch that ball.
Give an answer drill. Go to week 2 (64) for the detail in the drill. I labeled it give a shot take a shot in said blog post.
Sparring with Ayyaz: Hands only.
Trying to put the learning into practice: the protective shell, chin to chest, staying protected when attacking, foot work, head movement, range, rolling, discipline in the hands being where they should be.
Whilst I did not land many punches to Ayyaz’s lots I felt like defence was tighter, head movement was happening, trying to relax and let the hands flow. Really good learning experience and look forward to more as our time goes on.
Martin ended the class by talking about the concept of the slightest edge. Essentially make sound choices and good habits. Don’t just turn up and train once a week, but reflect on it, put some practice in at home. Small and almost insignificant habits will have big benefits in time. In my life I am trying to be much more disciplined with my diet. For near on 40 years I thought I could exercise and eat whatever I wanted. But the will be biological payback, nothing is for free. Hopefully I half of my life left, the best half, to have a higher and longer quality of life based on choices I am making now. Things like trying to cut out gluten and switch to brown rice and pasta, changing from your typical ‘man’ protein powder to a plant based one.
An old friend once told me something that stays with me to this day. He always tried really hard to get to training because he said if you miss it, yes you can go again next week but you can’t get that time back. The slightest edge.
Sunday, 16 March 2014
Ground fighting tips
From a Jits perpective, looking forward to learning the CACC perpspective
Ground fighting tips:
Half bottom control (half guard):
Eddie Bravo
• the half guard should be mastered because whether you are a beginner or an advanced player you will find yourself on your back. Once there, trapping your opponent’s legs between your legs in a half guard is much easier than trapping their body in full guard (bottom control).
• When your opponent has you trapped in mount (top control) or side mount (side control), the half guard is only one step away. by hooking one of the opponent’s legs between your legs, you can retain control of the fight.
• From this position you can turn a neutral or weak position into an offensive one.
• Never look at half guard as your opponent is half passed your guard, look at it as you are half way to getting a sweep or taking your opponent’s back.
• Mastering the half guard allows you to be more aggressive in the mount (top control) and side mount (side control) because the fear of getting reversed and placed on your back is gone.
Top control (mount)
• If you guard is dangerous you’ll be more confident on top.
• Take time to work top control. It can be extremely frustrating at first because you are always getting rolled but once you have learned how to establish a good base, the subs will fall into place.
• Head and arm control provides the best balance in top control. If you do not have balance you do not have offense or defense.
• When your opponent rolls beneath you learn how to float on top of him to avoid getting pulled on your back.
• When utilizing downward punches from top control will open up numerous submission possibilities.
Saulo Ribeiro:
Survival
• Always close your elbows. An open elbow is a pathway for armbars, upper body control and poor posture.
• Always prevent the cross face control. If your opponent controls your head he controls the direction of your entire body.
• Never stay flat. A flat body is an immobile body.
• Use your hips and body pendulum to generate power. Your body is a much stronger weapon than your arms alone.
Submissions
• Release your ego and always tap. Tapping prevents injury so you can train tomorrow.
• Never forcefully hold down your opponent. Use his movement to transition to submissions.
• Use strength where it is necessary.
• Learn what is needed for each submission whether it be leverage, angle or movement. Each type of submission has special mechanics.
Ground fighting tips:
Half bottom control (half guard):
Eddie Bravo
• the half guard should be mastered because whether you are a beginner or an advanced player you will find yourself on your back. Once there, trapping your opponent’s legs between your legs in a half guard is much easier than trapping their body in full guard (bottom control).
• When your opponent has you trapped in mount (top control) or side mount (side control), the half guard is only one step away. by hooking one of the opponent’s legs between your legs, you can retain control of the fight.
• From this position you can turn a neutral or weak position into an offensive one.
• Never look at half guard as your opponent is half passed your guard, look at it as you are half way to getting a sweep or taking your opponent’s back.
• Mastering the half guard allows you to be more aggressive in the mount (top control) and side mount (side control) because the fear of getting reversed and placed on your back is gone.
Top control (mount)
• If you guard is dangerous you’ll be more confident on top.
• Take time to work top control. It can be extremely frustrating at first because you are always getting rolled but once you have learned how to establish a good base, the subs will fall into place.
• Head and arm control provides the best balance in top control. If you do not have balance you do not have offense or defense.
• When your opponent rolls beneath you learn how to float on top of him to avoid getting pulled on your back.
• When utilizing downward punches from top control will open up numerous submission possibilities.
Saulo Ribeiro:
Survival
• Always close your elbows. An open elbow is a pathway for armbars, upper body control and poor posture.
• Always prevent the cross face control. If your opponent controls your head he controls the direction of your entire body.
• Never stay flat. A flat body is an immobile body.
• Use your hips and body pendulum to generate power. Your body is a much stronger weapon than your arms alone.
Submissions
• Release your ego and always tap. Tapping prevents injury so you can train tomorrow.
• Never forcefully hold down your opponent. Use his movement to transition to submissions.
• Use strength where it is necessary.
• Learn what is needed for each submission whether it be leverage, angle or movement. Each type of submission has special mechanics.
Yin style training
Here are the links to the tai chi vids of the long form I practise
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Saturday, 15 March 2014
No head shots in fight camp
http://mmajunkie.com/2014/03/video-ufc-171s-johny-hendricks-on-why-he-doesnt-take-head-shots-in-camp/
A really quick and interesting insight into why he does not do head shots in training. Maybe he has a point? I have also read recently that Robbie Lawler has a similar training camp philosophy.
A really quick and interesting insight into why he does not do head shots in training. Maybe he has a point? I have also read recently that Robbie Lawler has a similar training camp philosophy.
Boxing body shot only sparring
Craig and I put the gloves on this morning and went at it in between gymnastics lessons. Helping him get ready for his Amateur MMA bouts in April. In addition I fancied the contact. Not had heavy hands thrown my way for a year now.
With 12oz gloves
With 7oz gloves At about
At the mid 3 minute point he drops me with a lovely liver shot. We need to get hit so we know how out body will react.
With 12oz gloves
With 7oz gloves At about
At the mid 3 minute point he drops me with a lovely liver shot. We need to get hit so we know how out body will react.
Wednesday, 12 March 2014
Yin and Yang
My own path through martial arts and wellness maintenance has taken me down many avenues. Currently I do several things to stay healthy and develop character. The first is and has always been martial arts since 1993 coupled with my interst in sports and fitness. 21 years on I still have a range of things I do that is right for me now.
http://www.marklauren.com
This is the body weight training regime I follow. Presently I am am working my through his first class program which is his intermediate one, tomorrow I start week 7. I love body weight training as it is honest and great for self motivation as I can't ever rely on anyone else to maintain my health, only me. There are no short cuts and secrets as the women's' mags would have us believe. Only hard work and effort. Oh and it is free and I can use the kids climbing frame for my pull ups!!
http://sadienardini.com
Her style of power yoga is tough and bullshit free. 30 minutes of her YouTube videos will challenge most people
There is also the boxing workouts that I have posted on here which are great for cardio and having a focus if shadow fighting is not something you can easily spend time doing. He loves burpees so be prepared for some taxing work.
Perhaps the most yin aspect is I still do the tai chi form I learned many moons ago. Now I do it upon waking in the garden because it gets the body ready for the day and the movement is nice. I used to do lots of standing and sitting meditation but my preference has been moving meditation. I am going to put up some videos soon of me doing the form not because I am some kind of wizard but just to illustrate what it is. The style is called old Yang style and is said to pre date Yang style which is the most widely spread form of tai chi. It differs as it has several faster and jumping/leaping attacks. And I love it because it is my movement. Contrary to belief, no one owns movement, no one owns martial arts, so my form might look shite or different, but who cares?
Finally there is our style practise which generally includes me ponsing around in front of some reflective surface throwing slow punches to check my stance, structure, the chin to the shoulder, the weight, the extension, the rotation. I even try slow visualisation of the techniques and drills. I find this very mentally challenging.
I am really interested in what other people at the club do so be sure to add your comments to this. Indeed add your comments to any of the blog posts. It would be great to get some type of discussion going on any of the topics covered in class or even things outside of class, how people are getting on, what they enjoy, find tough etc. train hard, train safe.
Tuesday, 11 March 2014
Class notes: arms drags and clinching
Once again a session jam packed with information, repetition of previous material and of course new steps on the ladder. In addition it is late in the day when I write this and some of the learning might merge in my words when in reality it was in a different drill.
Arm drags out of the pummel to get the back.
Arm drag to double wrist lock. A new detail I picked up tonight was the 90 degree angle of your arm against his. This means going longer on your forearm as if you do go tight to the wrist the your forearms might be more parallel leading to less control, pain and effectiveness.
Secondly for me was being square. Make sure when you have leaned back with the DWL you turn your hips towards him to complete the move. Turn inside him and not around him.
One hand in the half Thai clinch and one underhook. If your elbow gets caught on his shoulder, don't fight for the full Thai clinch. Pull him in tight with the shoulder control. From here you can turn him away by controlling the head to a lovely restraint which can lead to knee strikes to the face. This control also needs you to move the hips which will ultimately move your feet. It is like a mini version of the boxing footwork whereby we move off line by pivoting away.
Arm drags to get head and arm trap.
[EDIT] WHEN CLOSING THE HEAD AND ARM TRAP, TURN THE INNER FOREARM AGAINST THE BACK OF THE HEAD, THIS WILL HELP MAKE THE MOVE TIGHTER AS YOU ARE ALSO USING A FLEXED BICEP TO CLOSE IT OFFHead and arm resisting the arm drag. Same as last week in terms of detail.
Thai clinch defence counter - reach and cross the centre to take his arm above the elbow for the head and arm control. Again this was covered last week. The extra detail this week was the escape. Martin demo'd on Big Ron who is a big and powerful unit. The key to escape is to relax and circle away from his energy and stand with a straight spine. His energy can only go in one direction so do not fight it. Even when the tension (physically) is up, don't fight it. Use, it, go around, it, let to show you the direction. how to escape - relax, to stop him getting out you must pull him in and not away. Interestingly, these concepts were some of the core ones in Systema which I studied for several years.
Sensitivity drill - the reverse chain punch, using a receiving pak sau, high on the forearm and guide along the powerline just past the chin. Ultimately going to slips but we were just at the first stages of the drill tonight. 2 attacks from this drill.
1: Follow the punch by snaking your arm along the top of his, sort of clasp the upper arm as you step in and take his back from the 3/4
2: Double lap - leave a hand there, move it forward slightly to take the double lop. Grab at the wrist and the elbow, both are natural handles. Hand at the wrist is palm down, hand at the elbow is palm up. Martin talked about tips on when and how to hold/control the arm at the elbow. if the arm is high thumb is up and as the arm lowers the hand rotates. For example, the rear hand which passes the elbow in the head and arm trap, fingers are pointing up as this is the naturally strong position for the hand to be in. You could not perform this technique with the fingers down. Get the missus to throw some slow punches your way and you will see what I mean.
3. Elbow from the outside over the incoming arm
Gloves on:
Jab and jab counter drill. Be at the end of your punches so you are fully protected. remember about the six inches. Be at a safe range when he jabs to avoid eating it and his combinations that would follow.
Jab, counter is a jab and cross, you roll. 3D movement. Struggling to feel the correct motions. My mind knows what to do but somewhere the message to the body is getting jammed...
Jab, jab and left hook counter, he covers by tightly hugging the head and responds with a hook of his own.
Even though the punches we soft fisted, it reaffirms the need for a protective shell, good head movement and footwork and keeping that chin tucked into those shoulders.
Break up the timing to stop him getting used to a rhythm or pattern of movement. This will not keep your training partner sharp. I also think the good thing about the gloves os that punches are thrown to the face as we need to practise hitting!! It was nice to get in the head again after almost a year of no sparring. There is a certain aliveness and being in the moment when sparring. I have always found it to be the highest form of being in the now. Nothing literally does not matter and in not in your head. It is just you and him. More of that please!
Wednesday, 5 March 2014
The pummel
Here are some vids around what we warmed up with last night; the pummel
The use of the feet is different to our way but the heavy weight through the body and legs is evident later on in the clip.
This pummel looks similar to ours and it is in this post as the finishing neck crank is delightful. Also, the takedown looks like something Martin mentioned before class last night - triangles and where the guy is weak. This grappler has a really good understanding and awareness of his opponent's balance and how to disrupt it. Not good for the pavement arena but good for the matted one.
Yet here is the problem of a weak Thai clinch:
The defence and escape looks sweet yet the initial clinch looks very poor. Now that Martin is teaching very technically is is starting to make me look at what and how people are doing with a much more focused eye. I find it reassuring that we are being taught well and it is forcing me to analyse my own movement when I am training at home. I have just finished some strength work (a series of super-sets focusing on pulling exercises)but in my rest periods I was working the 1-2-3-2 from last night. Trying to feel the weight, the chin to the shoulder, the feet, the turning of the hips, the angle and powerlines. I don't think before I have been to analytical. Perhaps it is an age thing...
Anyway, get pummeling with the missus.
The use of the feet is different to our way but the heavy weight through the body and legs is evident later on in the clip.
This pummel looks similar to ours and it is in this post as the finishing neck crank is delightful. Also, the takedown looks like something Martin mentioned before class last night - triangles and where the guy is weak. This grappler has a really good understanding and awareness of his opponent's balance and how to disrupt it. Not good for the pavement arena but good for the matted one.
Yet here is the problem of a weak Thai clinch:
The defence and escape looks sweet yet the initial clinch looks very poor. Now that Martin is teaching very technically is is starting to make me look at what and how people are doing with a much more focused eye. I find it reassuring that we are being taught well and it is forcing me to analyse my own movement when I am training at home. I have just finished some strength work (a series of super-sets focusing on pulling exercises)but in my rest periods I was working the 1-2-3-2 from last night. Trying to feel the weight, the chin to the shoulder, the feet, the turning of the hips, the angle and powerlines. I don't think before I have been to analytical. Perhaps it is an age thing...
Anyway, get pummeling with the missus.
Tuesday, 4 March 2014
Billy Robinson
http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Catch-Wrestling-Legend-Billy-Robinson-Dead-at-74-64547
Some footage from the Snake Pit
For what it is worth my nan grew up in the same street as the Rileys and she told me how often she would see and hear visitors from USA, Germany and Japan in her little old Wigan street. She thought nothing of it living near some of the most famous wrestling teachers in the world!!
Some footage from the Snake Pit
For what it is worth my nan grew up in the same street as the Rileys and she told me how often she would see and hear visitors from USA, Germany and Japan in her little old Wigan street. She thought nothing of it living near some of the most famous wrestling teachers in the world!!
Class notes: Pummeling and torquing the shoulders
Tonight we essentially covered arm drags and the left hook. If only it was that simple. There was an incredible amount of detail and subtleties and I will undoubtedly make some glaring errors in recalling the learning from tonight. But that is one of my goals: to go back through this blog and make corrections. Don’t treat it as a type and forget tool but an on-going an organic document of our martial journey.
Pummelling
Started the session by getting both warmed up and re-familiarised with this drill from wrestling. Some tips were:
Keep the weight forward through the torso. It looked as if a drunk was walking forward, that kind of very heavy ponderous step. In reality you are on the balls of the feet, straight spine, hips away from theirs to avoid your partner clasping his hands. Slightly extend the arm to create space for your other hand to find the underhook.
From the pummel we looked at the following attack variations:
- Thai clinch
Taking control of the head out of the pummel plus the two restraint style manipulations – the one with the hand on the back of the head and the one where you lift the underhook and grab your own forearm. These two definitely need to be filmed. Both of these manipulations came out of taking the head in the clinch and it ending up against one of your shoulders and not in the centre. More time needs to be spent drilling these.
- Arm drags to get to the ¾ hug from the pummel
- Double wristlock, if they are low driving the elbow into their shoulder to continue the push down
Arm drags to get the head and arm trap
Two variations based off of his resistance or defence which is a push to the chin. Shoot the shoulder through. Pull him into your bicep. Key point for the head and arm are holding his head, do not let go when transitioning from his defence to passing the arm. Keep control of him, don’t let him go. Martin talked about being constrictor like. There is no rush if you have control of him, work for the right position and let it settle into place. Don’t try and dive in head first, shoot your load then he escapes. This is something that grappling in MMA taught me. When you have position take your time if you are controlling him. Let him fight you and in fighting against you he will give a gap or over extend giving you the chance for the finish. Grappling in BJJ and MMA also taught me about not panicing. If the move is not working don’t use more force. Transition to another rather than being fixed mindset about a move. For me being a smaller man I had to use position, technique and levers as I could not out strength someone. However I did enjoy outworking someone and being very tenacious. I also enjoyed putting myself in bad spots to work on defence and see how they attack. And I enjoyed learning to relax, move, breath and give him no space. I enjoyed tapping and then going right back at it.
Moving forward I am looking forward to trying my own go to move on the ground, people solving it and coming up with new ways to apply it. But also working around an on-going injury and developing a new and evolved skill set on the ground and integrating it all together. Especially the nastiness of catch. I will only respect you my training partners if you try to be nasty…
Left hook:
Mechanics of the action, weighting, direction of the power and the follow through.
Slow punching the hand with a two and then a three to further embed the mechanics of the punches.
Punching the numbers on the hands
1, 1-2, 1-2-3, 1-2-3-2 tight hands always protecting the head with the non punching hand.
You jab, he jabs back, you lean back but loaded and protected, then throw the right hand followed by the hook.
Time went way too quick tonight. Next session can’t come around quick enough. Lots to go and visualize, practice in a reflection and on camera. Gloves next week, woohoo. Not so long ago putting gloves on scared the shit out of me, now that once fear has become an opportunity for some physical chess, creativity and a chance to put the learning into practise.
Pummelling
Started the session by getting both warmed up and re-familiarised with this drill from wrestling. Some tips were:
Keep the weight forward through the torso. It looked as if a drunk was walking forward, that kind of very heavy ponderous step. In reality you are on the balls of the feet, straight spine, hips away from theirs to avoid your partner clasping his hands. Slightly extend the arm to create space for your other hand to find the underhook.
From the pummel we looked at the following attack variations:
- Thai clinch
Taking control of the head out of the pummel plus the two restraint style manipulations – the one with the hand on the back of the head and the one where you lift the underhook and grab your own forearm. These two definitely need to be filmed. Both of these manipulations came out of taking the head in the clinch and it ending up against one of your shoulders and not in the centre. More time needs to be spent drilling these.
- Arm drags to get to the ¾ hug from the pummel
- Double wristlock, if they are low driving the elbow into their shoulder to continue the push down
Arm drags to get the head and arm trap
Two variations based off of his resistance or defence which is a push to the chin. Shoot the shoulder through. Pull him into your bicep. Key point for the head and arm are holding his head, do not let go when transitioning from his defence to passing the arm. Keep control of him, don’t let him go. Martin talked about being constrictor like. There is no rush if you have control of him, work for the right position and let it settle into place. Don’t try and dive in head first, shoot your load then he escapes. This is something that grappling in MMA taught me. When you have position take your time if you are controlling him. Let him fight you and in fighting against you he will give a gap or over extend giving you the chance for the finish. Grappling in BJJ and MMA also taught me about not panicing. If the move is not working don’t use more force. Transition to another rather than being fixed mindset about a move. For me being a smaller man I had to use position, technique and levers as I could not out strength someone. However I did enjoy outworking someone and being very tenacious. I also enjoyed putting myself in bad spots to work on defence and see how they attack. And I enjoyed learning to relax, move, breath and give him no space. I enjoyed tapping and then going right back at it.
Moving forward I am looking forward to trying my own go to move on the ground, people solving it and coming up with new ways to apply it. But also working around an on-going injury and developing a new and evolved skill set on the ground and integrating it all together. Especially the nastiness of catch. I will only respect you my training partners if you try to be nasty…
Left hook:
Mechanics of the action, weighting, direction of the power and the follow through.
Slow punching the hand with a two and then a three to further embed the mechanics of the punches.
Punching the numbers on the hands
1, 1-2, 1-2-3, 1-2-3-2 tight hands always protecting the head with the non punching hand.
You jab, he jabs back, you lean back but loaded and protected, then throw the right hand followed by the hook.
Time went way too quick tonight. Next session can’t come around quick enough. Lots to go and visualize, practice in a reflection and on camera. Gloves next week, woohoo. Not so long ago putting gloves on scared the shit out of me, now that once fear has become an opportunity for some physical chess, creativity and a chance to put the learning into practise.
Wednesday, 26 February 2014
Arm drags
Billy Robinson Catch Wrestling legend teaching arm drags
Arm drag from everywhere!!
Arm drags in action in competition. Apologies for the funky tunes...
Arm drag from everywhere!!
Arm drags in action in competition. Apologies for the funky tunes...
Tuesday, 25 February 2014
Class notes: footwork and hands
Footwork
Getting warmed up in the stance, light on the balls of the feet and deep leg bend. Moving forward and back on the count but making sure the protective shell is up and engaged.
Still finding this shell a tough position to get used to and comfortable in. I can turn the shoulders so that the chin is tucked but then my lead arm feels rather spasmodic. I guess I need to just put more time in being in the position, check it in window reflections.
The solo footwork then led into looking at using the lead leg to take a mini side step to get the motion going for the pivot away and the perpendicular (or 90 degree) evasion. In my own shadow work and visualization work I feel more fluid with perpendicular (my own label idea, not Martin’s) evasion, the pivot is still an immature motion. In order to help best understand my position and that of my invisible training partner I need to use the lines on the floor (or those in the paving stones in the garden). From here I have a reference point of the angle they are moving in from, I can then make sure my feet and then body move off those attacking power lines. I remember seeing videos of Silat and Filipino martial arts and them having all these geometric patterns on the floor of their gyms as a tool for teaching actual foot placement and evasion lines. I think I now see a purpose for people like me who need both a visual along with the verbal and kinesthetic input. Martin also talked about using the head to get the motion going for the perpendicular evasion. By dropping and turning the head slightly this forces the hips to follow allowing the body to now move in the direction it is facing.
This led into leading the partner by trying to get square on them to land the right hand. In addition we had to enter their space by coming forward at given intervals to which they then applied the 3 varieties of the off lining footwork: pivot away, perpendicular rush, going backwards. Going backwards but with balance and poise and not raising up.
Jab and counter jab drill.
Jab weight distribution analogy was butting forward with the lead shoulder, a slight turn in the hips and the weight more front than back foot. In defending the jab use the head movement along with catch the ball. This will hopefully prevent over reaching in the defence and showing the other person huge gaps in your motions.
Shoulder roll against the right hand
Left hook counter against the right hand
This was off the shoulder roll motion – not looking but feeling at where it lands and keep it flowing over his arm. Knuckles in and connecting with the jaw line.
Left uppercut counter to the right hand.
When they start to defend the hook by having a tight chin to shoulder the uppercut catches them nicely as they are expecting the counter looping left hook.
Both need bigger movements to the left and head movement as this is where they will throw the punch with the right hand. The uppercut felt slightly more technical as there was a slight side step with the lead foot, use a cross tan sau to cover the right hand as your drive the left punch from where is sits after your left jab counter. Bing.
Both of the counters are something I am looking forward to exploring in sparring as well as finding solutions to them also. I do feel as if the motion and aliveness of sparring will make these techniques settle into natural options.
Slipping the right hand in an anticipatory motion to set up the left hook.
This needs lots of work as head and body movement is something I am happily struggling with more than my understanding of it. This is one of the reasons why I am loving the new evolution of the system. Small precise alterations and details from previous learning actually make a massive difference. I am getting better at making mistakes and not expecting to be smooth at the motions first, second or third time.
Standing grappling work:
Drilling counters to hands on shoulders and hips plus the Thai clinch. Counters were arm drags (Make sure the elbow lifts and the path of the arm drag is circular. This makes the motion more efficient), head and arm trap, Thai clinch defence, double wristlock.
Extra arm drag detail: clinch from the side or three quarters never the back, inner wrist bone of top hand against their ribs. I did this with Ayyaz and was not getting it right until we had this extra detail and I could feel the difference in tissue and bone with my wrist. Also his head and arm trap is a cougher so don’t get caught in it.
Resisting the arm drag with a shoulder manipulation.
He is pulling his arm back so think about moving yourself and not moving around him. Punch the hips to get a quick and friggin painful control of his upper arm. This will flatten his feet as the pressure on there is all your brain want to go with. In fact this was bloody horrible for me as in the direction of this type of pressure, my shoulder are tremendously weak and have a poor range of motion. Then reach around and get hold of whatever you can, keep the pressure on the arm and pull it away to keep the weight on his front leg and limit of movement potential, then you can reach for a better handle on him for control.
Getting warmed up in the stance, light on the balls of the feet and deep leg bend. Moving forward and back on the count but making sure the protective shell is up and engaged.
Still finding this shell a tough position to get used to and comfortable in. I can turn the shoulders so that the chin is tucked but then my lead arm feels rather spasmodic. I guess I need to just put more time in being in the position, check it in window reflections.
The solo footwork then led into looking at using the lead leg to take a mini side step to get the motion going for the pivot away and the perpendicular (or 90 degree) evasion. In my own shadow work and visualization work I feel more fluid with perpendicular (my own label idea, not Martin’s) evasion, the pivot is still an immature motion. In order to help best understand my position and that of my invisible training partner I need to use the lines on the floor (or those in the paving stones in the garden). From here I have a reference point of the angle they are moving in from, I can then make sure my feet and then body move off those attacking power lines. I remember seeing videos of Silat and Filipino martial arts and them having all these geometric patterns on the floor of their gyms as a tool for teaching actual foot placement and evasion lines. I think I now see a purpose for people like me who need both a visual along with the verbal and kinesthetic input. Martin also talked about using the head to get the motion going for the perpendicular evasion. By dropping and turning the head slightly this forces the hips to follow allowing the body to now move in the direction it is facing.
This led into leading the partner by trying to get square on them to land the right hand. In addition we had to enter their space by coming forward at given intervals to which they then applied the 3 varieties of the off lining footwork: pivot away, perpendicular rush, going backwards. Going backwards but with balance and poise and not raising up.
Jab and counter jab drill.
Jab weight distribution analogy was butting forward with the lead shoulder, a slight turn in the hips and the weight more front than back foot. In defending the jab use the head movement along with catch the ball. This will hopefully prevent over reaching in the defence and showing the other person huge gaps in your motions.
Shoulder roll against the right hand
Left hook counter against the right hand
This was off the shoulder roll motion – not looking but feeling at where it lands and keep it flowing over his arm. Knuckles in and connecting with the jaw line.
Left uppercut counter to the right hand.
When they start to defend the hook by having a tight chin to shoulder the uppercut catches them nicely as they are expecting the counter looping left hook.
Both need bigger movements to the left and head movement as this is where they will throw the punch with the right hand. The uppercut felt slightly more technical as there was a slight side step with the lead foot, use a cross tan sau to cover the right hand as your drive the left punch from where is sits after your left jab counter. Bing.
Both of the counters are something I am looking forward to exploring in sparring as well as finding solutions to them also. I do feel as if the motion and aliveness of sparring will make these techniques settle into natural options.
Slipping the right hand in an anticipatory motion to set up the left hook.
This needs lots of work as head and body movement is something I am happily struggling with more than my understanding of it. This is one of the reasons why I am loving the new evolution of the system. Small precise alterations and details from previous learning actually make a massive difference. I am getting better at making mistakes and not expecting to be smooth at the motions first, second or third time.
Standing grappling work:
Drilling counters to hands on shoulders and hips plus the Thai clinch. Counters were arm drags (Make sure the elbow lifts and the path of the arm drag is circular. This makes the motion more efficient), head and arm trap, Thai clinch defence, double wristlock.
Extra arm drag detail: clinch from the side or three quarters never the back, inner wrist bone of top hand against their ribs. I did this with Ayyaz and was not getting it right until we had this extra detail and I could feel the difference in tissue and bone with my wrist. Also his head and arm trap is a cougher so don’t get caught in it.
Resisting the arm drag with a shoulder manipulation.
He is pulling his arm back so think about moving yourself and not moving around him. Punch the hips to get a quick and friggin painful control of his upper arm. This will flatten his feet as the pressure on there is all your brain want to go with. In fact this was bloody horrible for me as in the direction of this type of pressure, my shoulder are tremendously weak and have a poor range of motion. Then reach around and get hold of whatever you can, keep the pressure on the arm and pull it away to keep the weight on his front leg and limit of movement potential, then you can reach for a better handle on him for control.
Friday, 21 February 2014
MMA training videos
Here is the link to all the MMA footage I made when training with PROMAI MMA in Feltham, it is a martial arts playlist I have created on my YouTube channel.
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDbTeCppoNu5lAIFPnJOhnHM5W3-g5Rg_
There is a mega almost 7 hour compilation of all the videos
There is also lots of other videos ranging from stand up, clinch, grappling drills as well as free form sparring in all the ranges.
This is training not teaching footage.
Teaching of some specifics can be watched here:
http://www.youtube.com/user/promaiXman?feature=watch
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDbTeCppoNu5lAIFPnJOhnHM5W3-g5Rg_
There is a mega almost 7 hour compilation of all the videos
There is also lots of other videos ranging from stand up, clinch, grappling drills as well as free form sparring in all the ranges.
This is training not teaching footage.
Teaching of some specifics can be watched here:
http://www.youtube.com/user/promaiXman?feature=watch
Boxing home workouts
In the spirit of open mindedness and developing sound movement as well as having sounder hand, foot and eye co-ordination here are some workout videos from a boxing coach. I have started to integrate these into my own training at home and using them on days when I am not doing body weight training.
Workout 1: 25 minutes
Workout 2: 13 minutes
Workout 2 part 2: 6 minute conditioning blast
Workout 3: 16 minutes
Workout 1: 25 minutes
Workout 2: 13 minutes
Workout 2 part 2: 6 minute conditioning blast
Workout 3: 16 minutes
Wednesday, 19 February 2014
Slipping the right cross
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXK1RwbXMiY
This video talks about some of the concept Martin taught us last night; getting to the outside of the right cross to enable left hand body shots, coming under with the right hand or even driving in with Wing Chun punches as you have his centre.
Tyson talking about his training concepts
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5myL5x-qmd8
Tyson in action with a masterful clinic on head and body movement and loading this motion into his punches with a devastating effect.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvoIlc5nYNE
This video talks about some of the concept Martin taught us last night; getting to the outside of the right cross to enable left hand body shots, coming under with the right hand or even driving in with Wing Chun punches as you have his centre.
Tyson talking about his training concepts
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5myL5x-qmd8
Tyson in action with a masterful clinic on head and body movement and loading this motion into his punches with a devastating effect.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvoIlc5nYNE
Class notes: boxing basics
Tonight was the first time that I am starting to see something of a master plan in action. Martin is dropping in subtle details each week to build on those of the last week. He is also ensuring we get lots of time to deepen the learning experience in lessons. There is no rush to get through material and as I said new learning builds on previous learning. I am loving the quality over quantity approach. This is what a good teacher does. Not just regurgitates a syllabus or curriculum.
Footwork – bounce bounce.
Keeping the stance deep and flexed. The bounce bounce is much more horizontal than vertical or arching. I think it was about having a poised aliveness in the legs, ready to move and strike. This was a step on from last week as we were moving from a static position, this felt a lot more real. Especially combining this with the new protective shell
180 turns with backfist lead.
Use the rear arm to whip around to ensure full motion in rotation. This then evolved into a drill Footwork shadowing using 180 after partner encroaches into your space and range.
Getting off the rear hand powerline.
This was a most interesting footwork drill with lots f continuous movement. On leads the drill and it is their job to get the follower square on so that they have the chance to throw the right hand. I was working in this drill with Darren who have tight hands and constant motion; he has really good lateral motion so it was incredibly hard to get him square. This meant I had to be very active in my footwork to get the dominant position. When the roles were reversed it really started getting me thinking and observing the powerlines and where I need to be and not need to be.
Footwork against the southpaw:
This was about leg dominance and being outside their lead foot. When the jab comes in from the lefty you defend and attack with the same hand. Against orthodox you use the rear hand for the jab defence.
Again errors from us students was having the correct range. Martin keeps emphasizing the range for our jabs and what it isn’t. This is something we need to develop a better feel for: keeping the distance and the importance of the range and where it is and isn’t. It looks like a very subtle difference and one that most of us are at the moment too close with.
Footwork jab and counter jab
More practice working the range, footwork and jab.
Counter to right cross powerline –throw the shoulder forward.
As the left jab comes forward, do the usual small pak/head move counter, and this will start the motion for his right cross. To get off the powerline of this shot throw the right shoulder forward with some body rotation as this will then set up counter shots for you from a balanced and covered position. A mistake I was making was I was trying to go around the punch then in, I should have simply gone along the outside of the powerline. Have the confidence in the motion but make sure that the hands are protecting the shell and the chin is tucked.
Right hand pressure test, right cross roll defence.
To feel where the power is delivered to and from we did a little drill of pushing with the punch. The partner holds out a palm and we simply punch by pushing his palm. This will teach the correct lines of power as if you get it wrong you will come off balance. This drill taught me the correct feeling I need to have in my body for the right position and alignment for my right cross.
3 drill forward pressure (grip conditioning)
Slow pace but tight and purposeful motions. Controlling the centre and getting them moving with our attacks was the name of the game. We rotated through several partners, each time I had someone bigger and stronger than me so it was a real hard drill. I found though that taking the pace out it made having the centre an easier task despite the physical pressure.
Thai plum defence counter.
Keep the shoulder back!!!
Standing clinch against the wall reversal
Move the feet out and move him back against the wall. Simple body mechanics and motion.
HOMEWORK: keeping the shoulders back in all that we do.
Footwork – bounce bounce.
Keeping the stance deep and flexed. The bounce bounce is much more horizontal than vertical or arching. I think it was about having a poised aliveness in the legs, ready to move and strike. This was a step on from last week as we were moving from a static position, this felt a lot more real. Especially combining this with the new protective shell
180 turns with backfist lead.
Use the rear arm to whip around to ensure full motion in rotation. This then evolved into a drill Footwork shadowing using 180 after partner encroaches into your space and range.
Getting off the rear hand powerline.
This was a most interesting footwork drill with lots f continuous movement. On leads the drill and it is their job to get the follower square on so that they have the chance to throw the right hand. I was working in this drill with Darren who have tight hands and constant motion; he has really good lateral motion so it was incredibly hard to get him square. This meant I had to be very active in my footwork to get the dominant position. When the roles were reversed it really started getting me thinking and observing the powerlines and where I need to be and not need to be.
Footwork against the southpaw:
This was about leg dominance and being outside their lead foot. When the jab comes in from the lefty you defend and attack with the same hand. Against orthodox you use the rear hand for the jab defence.
Again errors from us students was having the correct range. Martin keeps emphasizing the range for our jabs and what it isn’t. This is something we need to develop a better feel for: keeping the distance and the importance of the range and where it is and isn’t. It looks like a very subtle difference and one that most of us are at the moment too close with.
Footwork jab and counter jab
More practice working the range, footwork and jab.
Counter to right cross powerline –throw the shoulder forward.
As the left jab comes forward, do the usual small pak/head move counter, and this will start the motion for his right cross. To get off the powerline of this shot throw the right shoulder forward with some body rotation as this will then set up counter shots for you from a balanced and covered position. A mistake I was making was I was trying to go around the punch then in, I should have simply gone along the outside of the powerline. Have the confidence in the motion but make sure that the hands are protecting the shell and the chin is tucked.
Right hand pressure test, right cross roll defence.
To feel where the power is delivered to and from we did a little drill of pushing with the punch. The partner holds out a palm and we simply punch by pushing his palm. This will teach the correct lines of power as if you get it wrong you will come off balance. This drill taught me the correct feeling I need to have in my body for the right position and alignment for my right cross.
3 drill forward pressure (grip conditioning)
Slow pace but tight and purposeful motions. Controlling the centre and getting them moving with our attacks was the name of the game. We rotated through several partners, each time I had someone bigger and stronger than me so it was a real hard drill. I found though that taking the pace out it made having the centre an easier task despite the physical pressure.
Thai plum defence counter.
Keep the shoulder back!!!
Standing clinch against the wall reversal
Move the feet out and move him back against the wall. Simple body mechanics and motion.
HOMEWORK: keeping the shoulders back in all that we do.
Wednesday, 12 February 2014
Chin, punching and footwork refinement video analysis
I have been doing a lot of thinking recently about the refinements Martin has brought to the news system, particularly the tucking of the chin. It makes obvious sense the reasons for and I bet there are a million videos of people getting knocked out on YouTube. But I want to investigate it from a different perspective; that of what we are doing different and spotting this small difference in other martial arts. Tightly linked to the tucked chin observations is how other people/systems/styles throw their punches. As you will see, chins are not tucked and for me this presents a new target of opportunity to aim for in training as well as ensuring my own chin is tucked and I am protected behind my punches in my fighting shell.
I know that each of these arts have a different purpose and focus. I will avoid saying who is better or not, but I want to point out what is different about the system we train in.
Wing Chun Boxing – A case study of timing
This is an interesting clip as the man clearly has good hands and movement. That chin is just sitting there. In addition, the person ‘boxing’ and feeding the punches is always punching off target with his right cross!!
Tae Kwon Do world championships
Yes they are fast as crap of a shovel with their feet and are waiting to be KO’d by a foot or shin yet the chin is sitting pretty
Black belt level Karate sparring
Kung Fu ‘Masters’
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQFuX7WpdkE&list=PLB3D58ADC958E8780
Grainy but frighteningly amateur skills from supposed masters of martial arts. I know it was a different time but the chin is still woefully exposed and as for the striking…
MMA
I even think my own chin was too high in this clip from my MMA training.
MMA part 2:
In this one my footwork needs fixing, too much going back and not near enough off lining.
However I am looking forward to applying the new footwork, chin, protective shell and punching refinements to this new system. I do find this type of self-analysis through video an incredibly powerful learning tool, hopefully this is something we can begin to use in our classes.
I know that each of these arts have a different purpose and focus. I will avoid saying who is better or not, but I want to point out what is different about the system we train in.
Wing Chun Boxing – A case study of timing
This is an interesting clip as the man clearly has good hands and movement. That chin is just sitting there. In addition, the person ‘boxing’ and feeding the punches is always punching off target with his right cross!!
Tae Kwon Do world championships
Yes they are fast as crap of a shovel with their feet and are waiting to be KO’d by a foot or shin yet the chin is sitting pretty
Black belt level Karate sparring
Kung Fu ‘Masters’
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQFuX7WpdkE&list=PLB3D58ADC958E8780
Grainy but frighteningly amateur skills from supposed masters of martial arts. I know it was a different time but the chin is still woefully exposed and as for the striking…
MMA
I even think my own chin was too high in this clip from my MMA training.
MMA part 2:
In this one my footwork needs fixing, too much going back and not near enough off lining.
However I am looking forward to applying the new footwork, chin, protective shell and punching refinements to this new system. I do find this type of self-analysis through video an incredibly powerful learning tool, hopefully this is something we can begin to use in our classes.
Tuesday, 11 February 2014
Class notes: shoulder rolls and the Thai clinch
Footwork:
Forward, backwards, off lining. Variation 1 is the step and pivot away from yourself. The second variation is the short side step, quarter turn and drive forward which to the eye look sideways. The point is that Martin is giving us evasive options instead of going backwards. We need to get comfortable at moving and being alive in the feet, never flat footed and plodding. So we did lots of drilling, drilling and drilling. We then looked at testing and finding the range and off lining.
The video below goes over very similar things to what Martin was talking about. What he does make reference to is where the punches are coming from. Martin talk about the 2 power lines and the four directions of evasive movement. This is something we will be delving into in the next few weeks but something worth thinking on when practicing at home.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBtQHnIJEm4
Jab and counter jab, right cross and shoulder roll.
Trying to feel the right range and body mechanics for each of the punches. For me the range for the jab is
Some footage of the shoulder roll in pro boxing matches. Interestingly, the shell that Martin talks about is applied in this clip too. Tight, fluid and constant motion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCiVNJ60RyA
Here is a clip teaching this coach’s particular flavor of the shoulder roll. Again he has a tight and compact shell
Double wrist lock from hand on hip then from taking the back.
Again, more mechanics. Working with Paul and Trist I found that even a tight grip is ok from the attacker. I was being a little rough with Paul by not giving him any gaps. It was only when he used my grip as a lever did he start to have success. If you simply fight for grip dominance this give that holder much more time. As soon as my balance was messed with my grip became less effective.
Restraint from double wrist lock.
If the shoulder rotation is not working, swap hands – the arm you are holding of your own is the one that slides into his elbow crease and on to the back of the shoulder. The hand you were grabbing yourself with goes to the face. Turn the face for a painful and powerful restraint
Thai clinch plus defence
Martin ran through the mechanics of the Thai clinch.
Reach up for the head and do not lift up for it as this will compromise your base and balance. Hands high on the head, the crown, hand over hand, elbows into the top of the chest. If you do not have the hands high on the head it is very difficult to get the head to fold forward. In addition, by having a strong turtle neck can also negate his Thai clinch. I guess as always, constant motion is difficult to control. Being still is lovely in grappling as there is something to hold onto. Movement is a bitch to nullify. In this video pro fighter Yves Edwards discusses his own way to get it and a defence that is a slightly different from the one Martin showed – hands on his chin and extend your arms and drive him backwards.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBKPCl3L1hw
We then looked at a counter to the straight arm defence which was to slip and look for the head and arm trap/control. The second method was to grab across (for example, your left to grab his left) and high on his elbow. As your lever him down make sure at least the wrist is on the back of his not your hand as this will afford him space to move. By using the forearm on the back of the head this creates much greater pressure and cranking on the neck
And to finish off, a compilation video of KOs from the thai clinch so show what a devastating position it can be and hence the importance of learning not to get caught in there.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POvmZ-uw3OI
Forward, backwards, off lining. Variation 1 is the step and pivot away from yourself. The second variation is the short side step, quarter turn and drive forward which to the eye look sideways. The point is that Martin is giving us evasive options instead of going backwards. We need to get comfortable at moving and being alive in the feet, never flat footed and plodding. So we did lots of drilling, drilling and drilling. We then looked at testing and finding the range and off lining.
The video below goes over very similar things to what Martin was talking about. What he does make reference to is where the punches are coming from. Martin talk about the 2 power lines and the four directions of evasive movement. This is something we will be delving into in the next few weeks but something worth thinking on when practicing at home.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBtQHnIJEm4
Jab and counter jab, right cross and shoulder roll.
Trying to feel the right range and body mechanics for each of the punches. For me the range for the jab is
Some footage of the shoulder roll in pro boxing matches. Interestingly, the shell that Martin talks about is applied in this clip too. Tight, fluid and constant motion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCiVNJ60RyA
Here is a clip teaching this coach’s particular flavor of the shoulder roll. Again he has a tight and compact shell
Double wrist lock from hand on hip then from taking the back.
Again, more mechanics. Working with Paul and Trist I found that even a tight grip is ok from the attacker. I was being a little rough with Paul by not giving him any gaps. It was only when he used my grip as a lever did he start to have success. If you simply fight for grip dominance this give that holder much more time. As soon as my balance was messed with my grip became less effective.
Restraint from double wrist lock.
If the shoulder rotation is not working, swap hands – the arm you are holding of your own is the one that slides into his elbow crease and on to the back of the shoulder. The hand you were grabbing yourself with goes to the face. Turn the face for a painful and powerful restraint
Thai clinch plus defence
Martin ran through the mechanics of the Thai clinch.
Reach up for the head and do not lift up for it as this will compromise your base and balance. Hands high on the head, the crown, hand over hand, elbows into the top of the chest. If you do not have the hands high on the head it is very difficult to get the head to fold forward. In addition, by having a strong turtle neck can also negate his Thai clinch. I guess as always, constant motion is difficult to control. Being still is lovely in grappling as there is something to hold onto. Movement is a bitch to nullify. In this video pro fighter Yves Edwards discusses his own way to get it and a defence that is a slightly different from the one Martin showed – hands on his chin and extend your arms and drive him backwards.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBKPCl3L1hw
We then looked at a counter to the straight arm defence which was to slip and look for the head and arm trap/control. The second method was to grab across (for example, your left to grab his left) and high on his elbow. As your lever him down make sure at least the wrist is on the back of his not your hand as this will afford him space to move. By using the forearm on the back of the head this creates much greater pressure and cranking on the neck
And to finish off, a compilation video of KOs from the thai clinch so show what a devastating position it can be and hence the importance of learning not to get caught in there.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POvmZ-uw3OI
Wednesday, 5 February 2014
Tuesday, 4 February 2014
Class notes: peripheral vision
Footwork basics:
Get the distance between feet and stance length correct plus balancing. Good old fashioned drilling of the footwork. From observation my weight is too much over the front leg so I need to shift it back. The usual refinements in front of a mirror and camera need to be employed for this and the rest of the training from the night. I want to be able to do it all well, fluidly and naturally and this won’t come by writing and thinking about it. Last Sunday morning, whist watching UFC 169 I worked on visualization and repping the lessons from last week.
Off lining foot work:
Remember that going back in a straight line is a no no so this helps to create vital time and space. For me, the best way to interanalise this is little step, big step, pivot, side step. We did this for a few rounds in the air then against a moving partner. The key is pulling the far side hip back as this will cause the rest of the body to follow. Again my weight was too much over the front leg. Need to get the feeling of 60% on the back whilst being on the heels, tight defence, chin tucked, flexed knees, lifted yet relaxed shoulders. In addition, move off line and out of danger and don’t be too quick to square up afterwards.
Peripheral vision drill:
Foot, foot, elbow, elbow, chin. First facing your partner then being perpendicular. This led into applying the right cross as when it lands you are not looking at the target as you are protecting your chin from counter shots.
Jab and counter:
Building on the reps from last week and refining the motions. Tonight more subtle details were added – be cognisent of the range, don’t be step into that danger zone, tucked chin, make sure you move the head and hand half distance, not just one.
Pak scoop jab defence followed by a right cross:
Rear pak guides the punch along its powerline down and away just giving you enough space to counter with the right cross.
This was full of little details for me hence the following list. This will enable me to practice the mechanics of it much easier.
Twist and extend, not lean and over extend. The finishing position, if photographed, sees the body balanced, head tucked into the shoulder chin arm, eyes looking down as the chin is tucked.
At first this was very bizarre as I am so used, wrongly, to having eyes on the target. This is where the peripheral vision comes in, also feeling his arm under yours can only mean that his head is more than likely at the end of his arm. It was nice to be called on my errors and refine the mechanics tonight. Now I know what it should feel like I can get on. A shade over 20 years in martial arts and tonight I learned how to throw a correct right cross. Better late than never.
Shoulder roll against the right cross:
Pull the far side shoulder back as you lean into the turn away. This is one of the passive defence techniques and makes more sense than biting down and swinging for the fences no matter what is coming your way. I think it also encourages constant movement and something else Martin talked about was using the body in ways that it is is always looking for ways to attack and set up attacks.
Jab counter with movement and freedom:
On with the 4oz gloves and more aliveness was brought into the drill. It was so rewarding to put the gloves back on after 9 months of no contact. What was interesting working with Darren tonight was seeing the tightness of his defence and movement. Nothing exaggerated or wasted, good balance, precision of movement, never still, presenting very small if any targets, confidence in movement. It is these refinements that I am enjoying learning.
Give and take a shot drill:
This drill teaches defending big shots but borrowing the energy and direction of the attack and loading it into yours and attacking from it. No good is it being hit and giving no response as the end will come quickly. This drill teaches tight and precise mechanics, efficiency in defence and attack,
Left hook attack, head hug defence – left hook counter, then from the right hook. Left body shot – meet it – uppercut, then the same from the right hand. This was most intruiging as well because the defence to a body shot traditionally is to fold slightly from the hip to minimize the target area, the problem is that this leaves you with few attacking options and outs your in a more vulnerable position. Meet it and stay tight, you can then fire the uppercut as your counter.
Double wrist-lock against grab from the rear:
As last week.
High on the chest taking of the back:
Turn the hips out, step back and behind them with nearside leg. From here you can lift, takedown.
Bringing the class to a close Martin talked about there being no concrete definition of what the class is. The journey is individual to us all. Hence the new blog URL. It is still about growth and learning from mistakes but it is also about becoming that complete martial artist. For many years it was about fear: of being attacked, of fear itself, of violence, of not being to deal with a violent encounter, of pain.
To a massive degree, BJJ and MMA taught me a lot about my fears. I still have them as part of what makes me me and my motivations to train. But I also am enjoying the journey a lot more. No longer am I concerned with some imagined destination where I become a ninja with B-movie style superpowers leaving all in my wake. It is now about refining movement, physical chess, learning to use my body and skills efficiently, not collecting forms, techniques and books (which I did for far too many years). I guess it is about being a martial artist and not someone who does martial arts.
Get the distance between feet and stance length correct plus balancing. Good old fashioned drilling of the footwork. From observation my weight is too much over the front leg so I need to shift it back. The usual refinements in front of a mirror and camera need to be employed for this and the rest of the training from the night. I want to be able to do it all well, fluidly and naturally and this won’t come by writing and thinking about it. Last Sunday morning, whist watching UFC 169 I worked on visualization and repping the lessons from last week.
Off lining foot work:
Remember that going back in a straight line is a no no so this helps to create vital time and space. For me, the best way to interanalise this is little step, big step, pivot, side step. We did this for a few rounds in the air then against a moving partner. The key is pulling the far side hip back as this will cause the rest of the body to follow. Again my weight was too much over the front leg. Need to get the feeling of 60% on the back whilst being on the heels, tight defence, chin tucked, flexed knees, lifted yet relaxed shoulders. In addition, move off line and out of danger and don’t be too quick to square up afterwards.
Peripheral vision drill:
Foot, foot, elbow, elbow, chin. First facing your partner then being perpendicular. This led into applying the right cross as when it lands you are not looking at the target as you are protecting your chin from counter shots.
Jab and counter:
Building on the reps from last week and refining the motions. Tonight more subtle details were added – be cognisent of the range, don’t be step into that danger zone, tucked chin, make sure you move the head and hand half distance, not just one.
Pak scoop jab defence followed by a right cross:
Rear pak guides the punch along its powerline down and away just giving you enough space to counter with the right cross.
This was full of little details for me hence the following list. This will enable me to practice the mechanics of it much easier.
Twist and extend, not lean and over extend. The finishing position, if photographed, sees the body balanced, head tucked into the shoulder chin arm, eyes looking down as the chin is tucked.
At first this was very bizarre as I am so used, wrongly, to having eyes on the target. This is where the peripheral vision comes in, also feeling his arm under yours can only mean that his head is more than likely at the end of his arm. It was nice to be called on my errors and refine the mechanics tonight. Now I know what it should feel like I can get on. A shade over 20 years in martial arts and tonight I learned how to throw a correct right cross. Better late than never.
Shoulder roll against the right cross:
Pull the far side shoulder back as you lean into the turn away. This is one of the passive defence techniques and makes more sense than biting down and swinging for the fences no matter what is coming your way. I think it also encourages constant movement and something else Martin talked about was using the body in ways that it is is always looking for ways to attack and set up attacks.
Jab counter with movement and freedom:
On with the 4oz gloves and more aliveness was brought into the drill. It was so rewarding to put the gloves back on after 9 months of no contact. What was interesting working with Darren tonight was seeing the tightness of his defence and movement. Nothing exaggerated or wasted, good balance, precision of movement, never still, presenting very small if any targets, confidence in movement. It is these refinements that I am enjoying learning.
Give and take a shot drill:
This drill teaches defending big shots but borrowing the energy and direction of the attack and loading it into yours and attacking from it. No good is it being hit and giving no response as the end will come quickly. This drill teaches tight and precise mechanics, efficiency in defence and attack,
Left hook attack, head hug defence – left hook counter, then from the right hook. Left body shot – meet it – uppercut, then the same from the right hand. This was most intruiging as well because the defence to a body shot traditionally is to fold slightly from the hip to minimize the target area, the problem is that this leaves you with few attacking options and outs your in a more vulnerable position. Meet it and stay tight, you can then fire the uppercut as your counter.
Double wrist-lock against grab from the rear:
As last week.
High on the chest taking of the back:
Turn the hips out, step back and behind them with nearside leg. From here you can lift, takedown.
Bringing the class to a close Martin talked about there being no concrete definition of what the class is. The journey is individual to us all. Hence the new blog URL. It is still about growth and learning from mistakes but it is also about becoming that complete martial artist. For many years it was about fear: of being attacked, of fear itself, of violence, of not being to deal with a violent encounter, of pain.
To a massive degree, BJJ and MMA taught me a lot about my fears. I still have them as part of what makes me me and my motivations to train. But I also am enjoying the journey a lot more. No longer am I concerned with some imagined destination where I become a ninja with B-movie style superpowers leaving all in my wake. It is now about refining movement, physical chess, learning to use my body and skills efficiently, not collecting forms, techniques and books (which I did for far too many years). I guess it is about being a martial artist and not someone who does martial arts.
Wednesday, 29 January 2014
Class notes: the new beginning
Being back with Martin and the class was like we had never been away. It was great to see so many familiar faces and that throughout the night training was serious, fun, focused and relaxed all at the same time!
As always with this blog it is only my point of view and my memory that gets these words down. All errors and misconceptions are mine alone and will hopefully be edited as my understanding and learning develops. This blog is also reflective of where I am in life and my journey down the path of martial arts which last Autumn was my 20th following this endeavor.
Martin gave a brief yet deep introduction. He talked of where this path is going, why and what he now teaches and all the different influences that have got him and ultimately us to this point. My primary understanding is that he wants to guide us along the path of being martial artists, not just in our weekly class but beyond.
And so to the class.
3 drill:
Just getting warmed up by rolling with lots of different partners but our main focus was the chin. Previously the head sat on top of the spine, now we are more concerned with head preservation and tucking the makes sound defensive sense. Whilst the 3 drill is not a fight, I think it does teach and develop attributes distance, range, timing, relaxing under attack and in attack, sensitivity at close range, fluid motion over stiff. In keeping the chin down you add another dimension to your practice by forming the habit of keeping the chin down. For some tucking the chin equals tight neck and shoulders so over time this is something to be aware of. On a less modest note was how quickly the 3 drill came back to all which made me realise how much we must have done all those moons ago.
Double wrist lock (Upward shoulder rotation) against the rear bear hug:
It transpires that only the daft will take your back this way if they want their shoulder ripped to pieces. It does make better sense to take the back from the angle. Instead of your hips facing his, have your hips to the side so you are facing one of his hips. This is a much safer yet offensive position to work from.
Tight scoop and lever; hug yourself with your own elbow and get right under his forearm. Keep the hug tight. Snaking tarn between his forearm and you, other hand comes over and grabs his wrist (thumb inside), tightly grab your wrist, lean onto his shoulder and rotate the shoulder by taking his hand higher than his elbow. This is one of those moves you need to see, feel and simply drill. Other hints are for the takedown by standing on the foot and fast torquing of the body as if to rip the arm off. The separating of his wrist from your body is not a slow motion, getting to it yes as you want absolute control, but when it comes to the rotation, explosively rotate for maximum effect.
Forearm break from double wrist lock
– palm up grab, rotate, deep DWL, ulna against his wrist and rev.
Lead jab and counter:
Horizontal fist striking is new for many people at the class as they were used to the wing chun bottom 3 knuckles. Martin is giving us greater food for thought. He gave a brief demo regarding distance and range and how the plane of the punch changes with it. Long range = HF, as you get closer to the opponent the angle moves towards vertical. Jab details: lead with the shoulder and the the chin, weight is balanced through the feet, balls of the feet.
Rear hand pak sau defence against the jab
– half an half motion – hand and head. This tightens your defense and gives the opponent less options. A large and extended pak sau leaves you open for an attack along his second power line. Sort tight motions prevent him reading your defences quickly. As we spend more time on this I can comment more too. As a drill it looked like A jabs, B pak sau, B jab and A pak sau.
Testing hook defence after jab feeds:
Man sau – turn from the torso keeping the motion small and tight in the body and the arm, do not over extend and give him lines to crash through. Again this was an example of being economical and precise with your motions, it was also for about staying calm. I can liken it to teaching children in my day job how to catch a tennis ball. Normally in the beginning they reach and extend with the arms when the most efficient way is to stay relaxed and use the legs and the body. It makes sense to me as I taught this last week… This man sau will, never block a powerful hook. Ever. It is more the range finder type strike
Last chance saloon punch defence:
Bicep hugging roll, but in balance ready to throw from and out of.
The old adage of time flying when you have fun is a perfect way to describe tonight. Even though it has been a long time since the class ended, the night of the London riots, I feel like it was yesterday. I am looking forward to complementing all the lessons I learned at MMA and moving forward in my understanding of using my limbs to outwit another and his limbs but also actually trying to apply this learning to life.
As always with this blog it is only my point of view and my memory that gets these words down. All errors and misconceptions are mine alone and will hopefully be edited as my understanding and learning develops. This blog is also reflective of where I am in life and my journey down the path of martial arts which last Autumn was my 20th following this endeavor.
Martin gave a brief yet deep introduction. He talked of where this path is going, why and what he now teaches and all the different influences that have got him and ultimately us to this point. My primary understanding is that he wants to guide us along the path of being martial artists, not just in our weekly class but beyond.
And so to the class.
3 drill:
Just getting warmed up by rolling with lots of different partners but our main focus was the chin. Previously the head sat on top of the spine, now we are more concerned with head preservation and tucking the makes sound defensive sense. Whilst the 3 drill is not a fight, I think it does teach and develop attributes distance, range, timing, relaxing under attack and in attack, sensitivity at close range, fluid motion over stiff. In keeping the chin down you add another dimension to your practice by forming the habit of keeping the chin down. For some tucking the chin equals tight neck and shoulders so over time this is something to be aware of. On a less modest note was how quickly the 3 drill came back to all which made me realise how much we must have done all those moons ago.
Double wrist lock (Upward shoulder rotation) against the rear bear hug:
It transpires that only the daft will take your back this way if they want their shoulder ripped to pieces. It does make better sense to take the back from the angle. Instead of your hips facing his, have your hips to the side so you are facing one of his hips. This is a much safer yet offensive position to work from.
Tight scoop and lever; hug yourself with your own elbow and get right under his forearm. Keep the hug tight. Snaking tarn between his forearm and you, other hand comes over and grabs his wrist (thumb inside), tightly grab your wrist, lean onto his shoulder and rotate the shoulder by taking his hand higher than his elbow. This is one of those moves you need to see, feel and simply drill. Other hints are for the takedown by standing on the foot and fast torquing of the body as if to rip the arm off. The separating of his wrist from your body is not a slow motion, getting to it yes as you want absolute control, but when it comes to the rotation, explosively rotate for maximum effect.
Forearm break from double wrist lock
– palm up grab, rotate, deep DWL, ulna against his wrist and rev.
Lead jab and counter:
Horizontal fist striking is new for many people at the class as they were used to the wing chun bottom 3 knuckles. Martin is giving us greater food for thought. He gave a brief demo regarding distance and range and how the plane of the punch changes with it. Long range = HF, as you get closer to the opponent the angle moves towards vertical. Jab details: lead with the shoulder and the the chin, weight is balanced through the feet, balls of the feet.
Rear hand pak sau defence against the jab
– half an half motion – hand and head. This tightens your defense and gives the opponent less options. A large and extended pak sau leaves you open for an attack along his second power line. Sort tight motions prevent him reading your defences quickly. As we spend more time on this I can comment more too. As a drill it looked like A jabs, B pak sau, B jab and A pak sau.
Testing hook defence after jab feeds:
Man sau – turn from the torso keeping the motion small and tight in the body and the arm, do not over extend and give him lines to crash through. Again this was an example of being economical and precise with your motions, it was also for about staying calm. I can liken it to teaching children in my day job how to catch a tennis ball. Normally in the beginning they reach and extend with the arms when the most efficient way is to stay relaxed and use the legs and the body. It makes sense to me as I taught this last week… This man sau will, never block a powerful hook. Ever. It is more the range finder type strike
Last chance saloon punch defence:
Bicep hugging roll, but in balance ready to throw from and out of.
The old adage of time flying when you have fun is a perfect way to describe tonight. Even though it has been a long time since the class ended, the night of the London riots, I feel like it was yesterday. I am looking forward to complementing all the lessons I learned at MMA and moving forward in my understanding of using my limbs to outwit another and his limbs but also actually trying to apply this learning to life.
Tuesday, 17 December 2013
The path opens again
So Martin is going to start teaching again after a 2 year hiatus.
Since then I have dived into MMA and come out of it with a nice knee injury thanks to nothing more than a training accident in a grapple.
I am really excited about Martin's evolved perspective on the martial arts and being part of that journey. Role on January.
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