14/12/17: Functionalising the trap - Conditioned sparring session Hunting the hunter!

This session was all about trapping, exploring 4 variations and applying it to sparring. Always remember the aim of the trap is to simply remove a barrier so you can hit them. Trapping occurs in all combat sports in one way shape or form, and can either be instigated before an opponents action or as a counter to their action (and sometimes at the same time).

Below you can see some trapping in action:

Warm up sparring (light):

Standard and south paw stances, jab only. Holding a spare glove under your elbow to keep it pinned to your body and rear hand up.

Trap drills:

1) Pak with rear hand and hit with lead hand
2) Lop with lead hand and cross/hit with rear hand
3) Inside parry with lead hand and cross/hit with rear hand
4) catch/tap with rear hand (forgot proper name for it) and cross hit with same hand

These drills were done in isolation and high reps first.

Sparring drills:

Jab only, standard stance (everyone right handed) one person attacking with jabs only other person also jabbing but also using trapping techniques above.

Explored timing angles and footwork to implement the traps effectively e.g. a lop works as a result of you throwing a "missed jab", the inside parry work will in conjunction with footwork and as a counter to an opponents jab

Standard vs south paw:

We fist practiced the traps in isolation against the south paw (we are all right handed)

1) Pak with lead hand and cross/hit with rear
2) lop with rear hand and hit with lead
3) Inside parry with rear hand and lead hand hit
4) Catch/tap with lead hand and lead hand hit

we then implemented it in sparring .. southpaw attacker in sparring, standard stance also jab sparring but implementing the traps as well (as above). Footwork and movement were key in implementing the traps.

A "trapping mentality" also makes you more aggressive, you are more aware of the guard positions and therefore more able to see "gaps" e.g. if lead hand is wide you can go inside, if too narrow can go outside if not active you can jam with a pak or a lop, if aggressive you can catch/hit or inside parry.

Yes this is only off a jab but is part of a long range sparring game plan that helps you keep the hands occupied so you have easier access to the head (as with everything requires practice!)

Pad rounds:

Partner calls any combo you hit pads

Hubud with knife (ice pick grip):

(A) - A1 stab,  (B) - blocks, other hand parries going under their arm as you simultaneously remove the blocking hand, then replace blocking hand by pak on top of partner A's knife hand/arm.

Variations in the flow:

1) After the pak do a back hand knife hit which they stop and then back hand knife hit over the top... flow continues until one of you breaks back into normal Hubud

2) after the block, as you pass use palm up control to move arm out of way and stab low at leg, partner needs to step back block  (palm up fingers down) and reply with a low hit... flow continues until someone breaks flow into normal hubud

3) instead of blocking do a dagger pass

We then Mix them all up in any order! (fun and confusing!)

See below for an example of the type of thing we were doing (the video is a beginner drill and very loose, I would be looking to tighten to movements, make the smaller and have more control on their knife hand/wrist with my blocking hand).

Strips from hubud:

When blocking the A1 stab grab wrist and twist pushing arm/elbow into them or their hand onto you, reach free hand up under their arm (salute motion) and then use that arm in a cutting motion towards their neck to strip the knife.

when doing dagger pass (making sure you step back out the way) keep hold of the hand/thumb and then insert your hand on the inside line (like a split entry) close to their arm between the knife and arm. and you punch forward twist your arm punching one way and pulling the other to strip the knife.

As always feel free to amend if I have missed something or it doesn't make sense!

5/12/17: The science of the sweet science - close range Boxing 101

Close range boxing, body mechanics and stepping off the line to create angles in close.

Warm up:

Shadow boxing

Partner drills (Big gloves) - All punches aiming for the chest/arms so you can put it in a bit

Body mechanics:

lead uppercut, cross
rear uppercut, jab

This is a static partner drill but the defending partner has to keep tight arms, don't let them in. Bocks, parries etc at this range will most likely be off the forearms

Defending the upper cut:

using your own shovel hook to off set (again this is timing and would be really challenging to pull off in sparring but is really handy as it turns defence into attack.

as they hook you throw a shovel hook on the same side as their punching arm. twist your body and cut into the forearm a bit like a cut punch principle. Use forward pressure to hit the head. We first drilled this in isolation (left right left right etc) then we drilled it with any order and you had to try and "read" your partner (we then incorporated this defence when doing the drills defending off the uppercuts and cross/jab

Creating angles:

lead uppercut, cross (keeps the top line busy), step off 45 to the left and pivot (keep tight) as you do this pivot and throw a lead hook follow up with ABC (start slow to get the right distance, timing and to make sure you end up at 90 degrees to partner and balanced)

Rear uppercut, jab (keep top line busy), step off 45 to the right and pivot/twist (you will still be in left lead when you face partner after pivot). As you pivot through a rear hand hook follow up with ABC (note the rear hook can also be a cross depending on where you are and what is open. I also found that as I stepped 45 I had a tendency to use my left are to check/pin/trap partners arm.. was useful but not part of the drill)

combining the two moving left first and as partner starts to turn back to you move right, and then moving right first and as partner turns move left.

Pad Drills (surprisingly exhausting!!!!)

as the drills above

lead uppercut, cross, (pad holder pivots then to help you) - step left 45 and pivot and immediately throw a hook cross hook

Rear uppercut, jab (pad holder pivots to help you) - step right 45 and pivot and immediately throw a rear hook (more tricky than it sounds I ended up throwing a cross most of the time) hook, cross.

The final round would have been combining the two!

Single stick warm up:

Single stick carenza (shadow boxing) using any striking families and footwork first right hand then left

Single stick 5 count sambrada

(A) A1
(B) roof block (check hand) reply with A1
(A) inside sweep (check hand over top oh stick hand) reply with A4
(B) Pass (outside gunting?) use back of free hand/forearm to pass (pushing back into their body and away and hit hand with stick) reply with A3
(A) Parry (inside gunting?) use free hand to pass (pushing from left to right) and cutting forearm with stick (move body out the way) reply with A2
(B) wing block and check hand reply with A1

flow continues from here but everything is reversed so now A is doing B moves and B is doing A moves.

higher grades added an element of surprise by occasionally changing an A1 strike for an A2 (doing the A1 as a feint first)

29/11/19: Moving, hitting and counterhitting

This session was all about incorporating multiple layers of defence and counter hitting - trying to think a few moves ahead and being able to defend while attacking.

Drills:

Slipping warm up:

Jab and then slip their jab
cross and slip their cross
Lead hook and bob their lead hook
Rear hook and bob their rear hook.

long guard: (note: keep hands up, if you are shorter than your opponent this is not as effective?)

Long parry the jab and throw your own jab
long parry Cross and throw your own cross
Thai/wing block the lead hook while using your lead hand to check their rear hand, then throw a lead hook.
Thai/wing block the rear hook while using your rear hand to check their lead hand, then throw a rear hook.

mixing the two:

long parry the jab, return a jab which they slip,
long parry the cross return a cross which they slip
Thai block the lead hook and return a lead hook which they bob and weave
Thai block the rear hook and return a  rear hook which they bob and weave

Simultaneous strikes (off the slips/evasions)

Jab and then slip their jab as soon as you slip throw a uppercut (half beat as soon as you can)
cross and slip their cross as you slip throw an uppercut
Lead hook and bob their lead hook and body throw a body hook as you bob
Rear hook and bob their rear hook and body hook as you bob.

this is trying to build fast twitch reflexes and encourage you to throw while moving/evading. Also helps you to no overcommit to your initial strike as you "know" they will be returning fire!

Putting it all together:

long parry the jab, return a jab which they slip and throw an uppercut
long parry the cross return a cross which they slip and throw an uppercut
Thai block the lead hook and return a lead hook which they bob and weave and throw a body hook
Thai block the rear hook and return a  rear hook which they bob and weave and throw a body hook

Close range (drill with big gloves):

hitting arms so you can put them in a bit (defender hold arms in tight and firm not defending as such just being there to drill the technique)

1) Lead body hook, rear uppercut, then step of to your left (tight 45 degree angle, cutting the angle close to their rear foot) and then pivot on lead foot. AS you pivot simultaneously throw a hook (trying to keep the half beat timing) this moves you so you are now facing your opponents side and you can then hit ABC to the arms (you can play with high and low shots just make sure you are balanced after the pivot.). you can also use your lead arm to check the guard as you pivot instead of throwing the hook.

2) rear uppercut, lead hook then step off right 45 (again a tight angle cutting the corner - a bit like the Mike Tyson shift). As you step you can use you left arm to check/trap the arm. as soon as you have moved off 45 pivot to face opponents side and immediately throw a cross, then rip in a lead hook and ABC.

We then did these in any order so partner didn't know what way we were moving.

The key to these is to keep the pivoting tight, be close to partners feet as you pivot,  and the hits half beat to keep partner defending and giving no time to return fire!

Knife vs empty hand drills:

straight stab to belly: drop lead arm (left) down so blocking with blade of the arm. As you do this step back with lead leg to get body out of the way. Reach over the top of your arm with other hand (half beat) and grab wrist. pull towards you (shifting grip to thumb) and use your other arm to pin the wrist against. feed back (oops you stabbed yourself) and then straighten arm again. cup their wrist with your free hand, turn your body and peel knife.

Variation: drop lead arm, then use read arm to scoop knife arm (again go over the top of your blocking arm and use the blade of your arm to pass it) once the arm s off line use your blocking arm to grab (which now goes over the passing arm) and grab in their wrist (wrist lock 1 form lock flow) disarm with wrist lock and keep elbow in front of your face to protect form any punch.

double pump: (if attacker comes with several quick strikes)

block with lead arm and then block with rear hand (more of a passing motion with blade of arm) - shift body back as you do this. AS the stabbing arm goes slightly off line reach over the top with your free hand and do wrist lock number 1 as described above.

we then drilled these in any order

21/11/17: Back to basics - making my simple better than your simple.

Back to some basic combinations tonight (but the basics are the fundamentals and the go to skills which must be endlessly polished and perfected.. and are still huge fun).

Before I describe the session I just wanted to share something that I heard from a martial arts clip I watched the other day that I though was relevant:

In a combative sense - Everyone is looking to make things simple. So how do I make my simple better than your simple?

The discussion goes along the lines of ensuring the fundamentals are flawless. But if two people of equal skill were to face off and both had the same repertoire of "simple/basic skills", how does one gain an advantage?

Obviously there is the psychological aspect, aggression, resilience, cardio etc to take into account. But within this discussion was the concept of exploring more complex skills (the art) and training that until it is "simple" (much like we did at Bob's seminar taking two techniques and finding them everywhere).

Then if my complex has become simple - my simple is better than your simple...and perhaps gives me an edge... make sense?

So how does that fit in with the session? The way I see it is that by taking basic combinations. drilling it to "perfection" really working on body mechanics, distance timing etc. then once you can do it with your eyes shut you can then add elements to make it more challenging, but the core element is still simple to execute and then you can start to find it anywhere. I guess this goes with muscle memory repetition and flight time. Get amazing at a  few things that you can make work EVERYWHERE, but also enjoy the art.

Right enough of my ramblings

Warm up:

Shadow boxing

Drills (hands and feet):

off jab cross: Catch jab parry cross. As you do step off 45 and overhand (hitting down ), uppercut to head (under their arm so they don't see it - oh look an arm bar!!!!), then cross again and move off line and away. (this could easily turn into an armbar back sweep drill)

Off jab cross: catch jab, cut punch the cross with lead hand (slight step off 45) then round kick to thigh.

Off jab cross: catch jab, scoop the cross ( hands need to be high, waslik stepping off line or like a thai long guard motion into a scoop drag). As you do this (half beat) shift forward with a diagonal upward elbow with your rear arm, then hook elbow with lead arm, downward elbow rear arm.

We then mixed these up  off of the feeds:

Some of us did these out of a jab catch drill and then we added a jab lead hook cross so we had to play with an extra defence off the hook and see what position we were in to find which defence we would use (e.g. very close use elbows, if you lead back away from hook a cut punch might be better)

Pads:

3min rounds - jab cross on way in and jab on way out then jab cross rear elbow (getting in close as you cross).

clinch:

using the elbow entry off the jab cross as described above we then went into clinch:

catch jab, scoop the cross ( hands need to be high, wasllik stepping off line or like a thai long guard motion into a scoop drag). As you do this (half beat) shift forward with a diagonal upward elbow with your rear arm. at this poit use the arm you scooped with (lead arm) to grab head/neck (striking with blade of forearm) then use other hand to tie in the clinch (hand on hand at crown of head). curl hands and weight down).

From here we did a slight push with arms (not too far keep theior head close to your chest) and skip out with your hips to then deliver an upward knee (and then skip into a second knee)

We practiced a defence off the clinch: once they had you in a clinch, you drop your weight and get you hips against theirs, use your thighs to clamp onto their lead leg (keep you head against heir chest as it reduces what they can do).wrap arms round waist and then simultaneously drive forward with your head/shoulders, pull thei hipd to you and squeeze their thigh and straighten your legs to lift then up to take them down (adjusting your feet as you got to land on them in a mount position).

So... simple concepts but not easy...

16/11/17: Groundwork masterclass - Movement, resistance and defending the ground and pound!

First things first. This was not a "BJJ" lesson. The groundwork we do in sessions incorporates BJJ so that we can experience and be "comfortable" if things go to the ground. To develop skills so that we know how to move our bodies, find submissions/break/chokes if they present themselves, but more importantly get into a position where you can get off the floor and get away!

It is a really interesting art, hugely technical, very tactical and makes your body move in ways you are not used to (warning up, stretching a must and I for one need more work on my hip mobility!).

Movement drills: position to position:

Moving round the body: scarf hold, to side 4 quarters, to mount, to side 4 quarters on other side, to scarf hold.

Key points: Keep tight and pressure down, Use hands to check the body (use clothes to help you to move around or pin down as you move). When escaping from mount or moving into mount use your "free leg" to trap the body - again stay tight

Forgive me I am not sure of the technical names for these yet

Escape from scarf hold: shift onto your side (no flat back), pull your arm (right arm in this case) out of their grip so that your elbow and upper arm is resting to he floor. reach your left arm around and place your wrist in your right hand (arms should now make the frame of a square). the blade of your left arm is under their chin. Shrimp your hips away, Extend both arms up, using fingers of right hand to push into throat, as they are forced back lift your left leg to hook their head and use the momentum to push them back and sit up. From here you move into mount (via side 4 quarter).

Escape the mount: as they sit up to punch you, lift hips up and raise a knee to their back to push them off balance. AS they base out grab one of their arms with both of yours and pin to your body(eg left arm). AS you do this use the leg on that same side (e.g. left) to hook outside their leg. Lift your hips up again forcing them straight up (12 o'clock) and then using your legs roll them over (keeping hold of their arm). You will now be in their guard. After a cheeky head butt, posture up, pinning them down by grabbing top of their shorts and driving fists into abdomen.

Escape inside of guard: move one leg (left) so that the knee is pushing against their backside, put your other leg out to the side (knee on the floor so your upper and lower leg make a right angle).lift that knee keeping your foot where it is (pulling up and back motion) while pushing forwards with your hands. This will cause the guard to loosen or break. Reach under their leg (e.g. with your right arm under their left leg - dig in elbow for a bit more of a release) posture up and grab your shirt to pin their straight leg against you. posture up and lean forward (Slowly) getting onto your toes. keep pushing forward slowly then let go of your shirt grab their opposite shoulder and put blade of arm against throat. (they should almost be bent in double and begging for you to stop.) slowly move your body round the side. keeping pressure on. At some point they will actually help you pass the guard by moving their leg out the way and you then land into side 4 quarters.

Alternate version: as you pin leg and are pushing forward their other leg may be n the floor still. If this happens use your leg nearest the leg on the floor to trap their leg (put knee over first) then go to side 4 quarters on the other side (I think).

Escape side 4 Quarter:  get one arm wedged between their hip, the other between neck and shoulder - bench press them away moving your body away (key tip if you can move them move yourself!). if they don't try to regain position you can pivot your body and wedge a knee in. If they do follow up use their momentum to roll them over (keep arm pinned to floor so you are using structure not strength). you are now on top again and can move into scarf hold.

We then flowed with all these holds transitioning form one to another.

Resistance drill: counter for counter

This was only about getting better position (using moves above). NO submissions. we had to try and resist while getting better positions ourselves: one partner trying to get better position, the other trying to stop them.

A key learning here was that when doing this type of drill it is very challenging to get anything to work well. You have to "relax" use smaller movements (which are actually harder to defend against) and realise that if you can't move them to make space you can move yourself to make a gap to use.

Ground and pound drill (only going 10- 20% on punches)

one partner punches and is only concerned with hitting, the other partner is only grappling and trying to get better position. Starting on knees, then take down and the grapple/punch.

This drill helped you focus on keeping your head covered at all times, experience that you are going to take shots but these can be minimised to back of the head and reduced power. But most importantly it showed us all that with some very basic movement drills (repeated a lot and needing more practice still) you can out manoeuvre and escape from someone who is focused on "knocking your block off". when they punch they create gaps you can move to and give you limbs you can lock up. And what seemed at times almost impossible to pull off in the previous drill, you were able to do in dynamic and effective fashion

A super session. So many tips it's hard to capture them all. But if I have missed anything major or things don't make sense let me know. it is NOT easy trying to describe groundwork!

14/11/17: Thai drills and tactics, pad work and wrist lock flow

Warm up:

Shadow boxing: hands only, add elbows, add knees, add kicks

Thai Drills:

Class was split into two sections - these are the notes from the higher grade drills:

Defence from rear teep: use lead elbow to knock teep wide (to your right -also off balances partner), use the body mechanics of your twist to fire an immediate cross reply (try not to move feet), then rapidly (on half beat) step off and follow up with a jab, and then a low line rear round kick.

Defence from lead teep: use rear elbow to knock teep wide (to your left), use body mechanics to fire an immediate jab (or lead hook depending on distance) and then a cross (again on half beat hitting rapidly to keep high line occupied) then either step of and lead round kick or switch kick and lead round kick.

Defence off jab: Parry jab with force - you want to off set your partner and twist them up a bit, follow with an immediate jab (almost one motion), then fire a cross but as you do this step forward with your lead leg and have you foot at 45 on a hard angel - this sets you up to fire an immediate rear knee. The tick with this is to do the drill slowly but smoothly first with no pauses. you can then parry jab step and cross rapidly (half beats) which keeps high line occupied for a very painful knee!

These drill are all about flow, drive and intention, keeping partner occupied to free up high or low lines

Pad drills: (close range boxing)

Start in a boxing clinch (leaning on each other) - use shoulder to bump off (left lead) as soon a there is a gap throw a rear uppercut, lead hook combo. Then go back into the clinch (right shoulder forward but still left leg in front) - bump off and throw a lead uppercut, cross or rear hook (3 min round)

10 second bursts (full speed):

jab cross
cross hook
uppercuts
hooks

Wrist locks: (first 4 of the lock flow)

example if done on partners right hand

1) grab thumb with your left hand, use other hand to put a wrist lock on by pushing back of their hand down and at an angle.

2) Keep hold of hand/thumb. Turn the hand over and use your free hand (right hand) to grab their wrist (like you are shaking a hand). Let go of thumb controlling hand and slide their hand up your forearm to wedge it in the crook of your elbow. Lock the arm in place and then apply pressure on their elbow using the blade of your arm in a rolling motion.

3) Grab the wrist again (with your right hand) in a shanking hands motion, turn the hand over and use your free hand to dumog drag (roll blade of forearm down bicep to drag into you. lift arm up and put into figure 4 and continue wrist lock pushing the bent arm back over their shoulder.

4) Keep hold of wrist, unlock other hand and twist wrist down and around so palm of their hand is up. gab thumb with other hand and apply wrist lock (slight pull push motion)

Locks very difficult to describe but hopefully you get a general idea

2/11/17: Footwork master class and defences and attacks from the mount

Footwork is the mother of all skills. If you can't move effectively you can't reach your opponent to hit them and it dramatically reduces the effectiveness of your defence.

General tips: Keep rear heel off the floor and keep rear foot facing forward as much as you can, don't allow it to point of to the side as you will not be using your energy efficiently. Soft knees, hips up and weight on the balls of your feet will also help with change of direction pivoting etc.

Foot work:

Stutter step: Not bouncing, more shifting weight form front to back foot (a little like you are throwing a cross and a hook)

Step and slide Move forward x 2: pushing off with back foot - front foot goes first, rear foot follows maintain distance between feet.

Step and slide move back x 2: pushing of with front foot - back foot goes first, front foot follows.

Step to left x2: Push off with rear foot - front foot moves to left and rear foot follows.

Step to right x 2: Push off front foot - rear foot moves right and lead foot follows.

Combine all motions so you move fwdx2. backx2, leftx2, rightx2 (keeping guard up eyes strong and focused forward and don't forget to breath and relax)

Slide and step fwd x 2: rear foot slides forward past your lead leg (now in a right lead bu left shoulder still turned forward.) As you step through you jab, then step fwd with other leg (back into left lead) and use your jabbing hand to do a lead uppercut then follow with a cross.

Slide and step back x2: Lead foot slides back past rear leg (in right lead but left shoulder fwd) As you step you jab. Now step back with other leg (back into left lead), as you do throw a cross and follow with a leaf hook.

Now combine all motions: fwdx2, backx2, leftx2, rightx2, slide and step fwd x2, slide and step backx2

45 degree steps fwd x4(female triangle): step off left 45( thro a cross as you step then a hook) then step off right 45 and throw a cross with left hand as now in right lead and a hook, step off 45 left - cross, hook, step off right 45 left hand cross, hook.

Double Pivot: Step slightly off centre line, weight on ball of foot, pivot (left) 90 (follow with ABC). Then step straight forward with rear leg and then turn you body 180 so you are facing the opposite direction that you were and follow with ABC.

L stepping:  bring lead(left) foot back so its next to your rear(right) foot and skip to your rightx2, reverse this motion to move to your left.

combine footwork: fwdx2, backx2, leftx2, rightx2, slide and step fwd, slide and step back, double pivot, slide and step fwd, L step out

Gazelle step/hopping hook: start in a position as if you had thrown a cross, then using your rear leg push off and "hop" fwd 45. as you do throw the lead hook and use the momentum to turn your body so that you lad at a 90 degree angle to your imaginary opponent (facing there side)

Free flow: use all footwork combos, head movement and striking in shadow boxing

here is an example of Lamacheko using these (and more) - something to aspire to and then some!

Pad work:

partner A glove on left had focus mitt on right, Partner B opposite. (then swap over after a couple of rounds)

Alternate hitting pads. hold mitt on chest, using variety of foot work to move, partner needs to maintain distance and when the mitt is flashed up they need to Jab or cross (depending on which hand is gloved) - real focus on distance here as lots of shots just reached target. This simulated sparring in that both moving and both never know when the "opening" will appear a real test of are you in the right place to take advantage of it or can you get yourself into a place (and back out) effectively! Also no time to rest!

Ground work from the Mount:

From mount position - Person on ground - protect head from punched and use elbows to keep mounted opponent from pinning your chest - drive up your hips to unbalance and as you do drive a knee into their back to off set them more. As they fall off balance grab and pull in one arm to you. what ever side arm you grab you use that side leg to wrap outside their leg. Then you drive hips up again to off-balance further and force them to base out, as they are off balance more you can push off with your legs/hips and roll so that you are now on to of opponent inside their guard. while you are rolling try and control their arms, keep your head to their chest and then you can head-butt them!

Americana (I think? bent arm bar) from mount - opponent on ground is protecting head and you cannot move their arm. In this case you posture up (sit tall leaning forward) put both arms on one of their arms and use your weight to force that arm wide. Once it is at the side of their body, you drop you highest arm (E.g. you pin their right arm to the floor (your left side) so your right hand will be higher on the arm), elbow first to graze the side of their head, and pin the arm down with both hands. Shift your weight by straightening your leg on the opposite side so your hip is on the floor and control body with bent other leg. Now you can use your lower hand to slide under their arm and grab your own wrist (should look like a figue 4). Slowly bring their elbow down along their side and as you do slowly lift their arm (you can do this by using the arm you are gripping your wrist with and revving it like a bike throttle)

Here is a better explanation via video:

 

 

Arm bar from mount: You are in mount on top, opponent is trying to push you arm. Posture up lean fwd pick one of there arms and put your arms either side and push down with all your weight on their chest, as you do twist to the side so that instead of being in a kneeling position one of you legs is bent but facing fwd the other is still facing back. now lean to the side with your fwd facing leg and post out. As you do, wrap one of their arms with yours (grab your tshirt). Now bring your other leg round and use your legs/knees to pinch their arm. once pinched and secure, "fall back" into arm bar. keep their thumb up, pinch your leg and raise hips as you pull down.

Tip: drink lots of water.. getting cramp in both feet while doing this is NOT pleasant

As ever describing ground work is difficult (and they are my notes form my experience I am trying to capture) but if anything doesn't make sense let me know!

26/10/17: Striking from the fence and Stick flow

Practicing your striking, body mechanics, keeping your guard up, foot work etc is all good. It builds attributes, reactions, reflex's stamina and power. But more often than not you will not be in the perfect position. Come to think of it, if you are going to end up defending yourself "on the streets" you will most likely be in jeans you can't kick in, half cut or exhausted, and distracted by a hundred little things (I'm sure I put the washing on!? Why can nobody work our that Clark Kent is superman?).

This is where you need another fall back strategy, one that you train till it becomes instinctive, and like everything you need to be aware of what is going on around you. You will have a feeling when something is not right and you need to concentrate on that.

Personal Space:

This is the most important aspect. Control the distance between you and the person/people who has sent your spider sense tingling. There are many options but one of the simplest is the Fence.

The Fence:

Take a slightly bladed stance, rear heel off the floor and put your hand out in front of you, arms outstretched. Try and do this in a subtle way. Your body language...and your mouth.. should be staying ok mate no trouble here just stay back.

If the person keeps walking forward (I don't want no trouble... really? then why are you STILL walking towards me?) then they will walk into you fence. As they touch it give them a little shove away (stiff arm into the solar plexus... use your legs to help)

Hopefully they will get the message and leave. BUT if the don't and they start moving forward again you have options e,g the RAT (Rapid Assault Tactics - will discuss this another time)

Striking from the fence:

They touched your fence once, they tried to get into your personal space. They will not do it again.

From the fence position, with no tell, movement, pulling back etc we practiced the following:

Lead Hook: using your lead extended arm, as attacker comes closer you collapse, you throw a lead hook, the motion is like collapsing into the hook, body weight going forward using your whole body to turn into the hook (pulling back your opposite shoulder rapidly can help)

Rear hook: using rear arm, as attacker comes closer you collapse, you throw a rear hook, the motion is like throwing a cross, pushing off your back leg, body weight going forward using your whole body to turn into the hook (pulling back your opposite shoulder rapidly can help). Remember they are coming onto the hook.

The trick with these is to throw from where your hand is, no pulling back.

To get the feel for this we drilled on pads. attacker walking forward with pads held in from of them (at head height for a hook) and soon as your fence "collapses" or thy enter your fence throw the hook. It took a while to get a feel for this but once you worked out how to lean into the hooks, and pivot whole body without loading up before the hook it felt strong and effective.

After the hook you can follow up however you wish and all the rest of your training (movement body mechanics etc) can come into play.

Below is a clip of Geoff Thompson explaining the Fence in more detail. (it really is something you need to practice first hand though as the execution certainly needs drilling to make it instinctive.)

Stick Flow:

A1, A2 A1 (the follow through in an umbrella motion I think called bakalou?) A1 (all on high line to head)

A2, A1, A1 (the follow through for umbrella/Bakalou motion in the opposite direction) A2

Combine both flows into and endless combo with partner (hitting sticks)

Tips: I find it helpful in these drill to say to myself or imagine I am hitting a specific target. E.g. in 5 counts I'm always imagining hitting the hand and that is where my focus is - in drills like this I am always trying to hit my partners head. This helps me to extend my stick, stay on centre/target and also means that the sticks will be hitting with the last couple of inches instead of flat sticking.

Stick strangle (this HURTS and your neck gets tender very, very quickly!)

Off of angle one attack: Inside sweep defence with checking hand (going over the top of the sweep). Push the attacking arm away with your checking hand (then retract your hand quickly to get it out the way). Follow up with a Redondo/watik strike down the centre line. Then Stab the stick past one side of your partners head (if your in right lead stab it over their right hand shoulder). As you stab you move to their other side. use your free hand to reach round the sde of their neck and grab your stick (blade of your arm should be along one side of the neck the stick the other side, Garb the stick as close to the neck as possible leaving little gap). Once you have the stick turn your body slightly so your shoulder is pointing to their side (you are now in a 90 degree position). To finish squeeze (slowly) if you have done this right you will already be putting this on as you are turning into position. When you squeeze it just makes it hurt more!

Tip for this is to be close to your partner. as soon as you have done the inside sweep you need to close the distance so there is no/little spacing just like in grappling.

24/10/17: Developing from drills to sparring - Thai Boxing and a little stick work

Over the last few weeks we have been looking at some simple strategies that can be applied to sparring, through drills then incorporated into conditioned sparring where there is skill development but an ever increasing amount of uncertainty.. leading into "full sparring".

In this session we explored some simple combinations, which the attacker could then tie together in a variety of ways, while the defender trains themselves to maintain correct distance, defensive actions and looks for gaps to exploit.

It goes without saying that we had to make sure we were trying to hit our partner (nicely, but not pulling punches) and use proper body mechanics at all times adjusting range and getting back out again and "defencing ourselves at all times"

Thai drills

1) Lead hand punch followed by rear round kick: any lead hand punch (jab high/low/at different angles, upper cut, hook). When moving forward remember to step off line slightly and prep your "hard ankle" for the round kick.

2) Rear hand punch followed by lead round kick: any rear hand punch (cross high/low/angles, upper cut, hook, overhand). On lead round kick you can't use a switch step at times but not all the time or it might be read more easily.

After we drilled these independently we then mixed any punch/any kick and defender used a Thai leg crush to block the round kick if they could. We also occasionally returned a jab or cross to check that the attacker was using a swiping action with their arm during their round kick to protect themselves.


3) Rear teep (step back on landing to stay in left lead), jab cross (or any lead then rear hand combo).

4) Rear teep (step forward landing in right lead) jab cross (is south paw stance) or any lead/rear hand combo

5) Lead leg teep (lead/rear or rear lead punch follow up)


After drilling independently we mixed up order and also mixed up the punches meaning we could double up on the lead or rear etc. We then added some additional defences - using the elbow to "brush off" the teeps (being careful not to drop hands) or scooping the teeps so that partner is off balanced (stepping off to outside line)  if we could.

Putting it all together:

Partner A fed any attack we had done tonight - mixing up order and types of punches, Partner B defender (with occasional return hit if possible) and also used crashes, Elbow brush offs and scooping if they could. (we all got hit lots but also managed to "read" some attacks without "looking for them")

Basic stick drills:

A1, A2, A1 (H), A2 (L watik), A2 (H follow through) - then swtich hands (e.g. right hand going UNDER left arm  - point of stick coming up to your ear - ben left arm gran top of stick and then repeat flow with left hand)

Upward A1, A2, A1 , A2 (L watik), A2 (H follow through) A1, A2, A1 (H), A2 (L watik), A2 (H follow through)

Partner feeds A1, A2 - Off of A2 feed: Oustide deflection and with free hand grab partners stick hand (stepping of line as you do). using punyo of stick hammer strike dowards (keeping point of your stic toward partners face (making sure you adjust feet so you have same foot in lead as your weapon hand) - strip stick, stab and hit.

Lots to play with and work on!

12/10/17: It's a trap! Applying trapping and a little basic knife flow

Todays session was all about finding the trap from the jab. Again trapping is something that just happens and isn't something to look for as such. It comes out of hitting and you can see it loads in Thai boxing, boxing and MMA it just doesn't look like the stereotypical wing chun trapping we are used to seeing.

Trapping requires sensitivity, connection and awareness/alertness to "feel" what your partner is doing so you can respond. All you are doing is getting a barrier out the way so you can hit them! It doesn't have to be moved much... just enough!

Trapping off the jab (Pak):

1) Static trap:  use your rear hand to pak (push partners rear arm down and towards then pushing near their elbow), step in and straight punch with lead hand. Partner catches/parries on centre line (forward pressure). Ton Sao (open hand and pull you arm slightly out and back) and straight hit with rear hand. Then use the hand you just punched with to pak/splap down on partners forearm, sliding forward again to close the distance further (trapping other arm with your elbow) and straight punch again with lead hand. (easier to watch than describe!)

2) Split entry off Jab: Split entry (on inside line) Use rear hand to pak jabbing arm out the way, roll your split entry jab hand under their arm and then go into lead straight punch. continue trapping flow as above.

3) Parry/eye swipe (outside line): Parry jab with rear hand, lead hand goes under your parry hand and swipes across. This does 2 things - off sets partner (your forearm is hitting their arm with forward pressure) and your hand is trying to swipe eyes. The motion is identical to an inside sweep and checking hand follow up from stick work. Then use rear hand to pak their jabbing arm and go into straight lead punch and then straight back to trapping flow as above.

4) Catch cross off jab: partner jabs, you catch and then reply with same hand cross. they catch/parry on centreline. Simultaneously step forward so you are putting pressure on their lead leg and use your LEAD and to pak their blocking arm (whipping the hand they blocked the opposite way in a scissor motion to potentially damage their hand/fingers). use the pak to jam their arm against their body. follow up with a hammer fist/chop[ to the neck. then pak down with your chopping hand onto the arm you have wedged against their body and use lead hand to straight punch. keep forward pressure going. partners lead leg should be jammed up and off balance so can sweep easier.

We then flowed with all 4 types of trap off the jab. So we had options if we stayed on centre line, went on the inside line (split entry), outside line (parry swipe) or of a cross and crashing in.

5) Off jab when the block is wild and pushes you past centre line: Pak the jab and straight punch. Partner pushes punch past centre line. Roll elbow over their blocking arm and back fist their face (use rear and to grab and control wrist). then use both hands to thumb the eyes, grab head (reaching past them pulling back towards you), drop your body and bring their head down to the top of your head. follow up with a rear knee and lead elbow.

Knife flow:

Off the 5 angles of attack:

A1, (right lead) block with blade of arm and simultaneous jab to throat.  lead/jab hand scoop knife arm down and in, control elbow and use forearm to wedge their knife arm while striking at eyes. move off line and push knife arm away.

A2. (left lead) block with blade of arm and simultaneous jab to throat, lead hand swipe knife arm down and in. use rear hand to slap them in face hard to turn head, chop at neck while moving off line, control elbow and push away.

A3 same as A1 but blocking arm pointing down.

A4 same as A2 but blocking arm pointing down.

A5 same as A3

Keep contact at all times, keep off line and your body away, control distance.

As always tricky to explain but feel free to let me know what I have missed

1/10/17: Jab and Cross masterclass. Punching at different ranges

The session focused on using the jab and cross with proper technique at different ranges.

Warm up:

Shadow boxing

Pad drill (Jab and Cross):

Partner holding thai pad and keeping left arm out to simulate a punch and to ensure you start out of range.

1) Step in and jab x2, on third jab you don't move you feet. lean into the jab, full extension of arm bend lead leg (on your toes) push from rear leg as if you are "falling" into the punch. Be more side on for longer reach and hit with your first two knuckles (elbow in, punching straight out and back to chin)

2) Step in and cross x 2, on third cross you don't move you feet. lean into the cross, full extension of arm bend lead leg (on your toes) push from rear leg as if you are "falling" into the punch. full twist of hips and push through with shoulder. Hit with your first two knuckles (elbow in, punching straight out and back to chin)

3) Step in jab cross, long range jab cross (lean/fall), pad holder takes a half step back making range even longer - step though with rear leg to close distance and jab (hitting with left hand in a right lead now) then step forward again and hit with a cross.

Conditioned sparring: The aim of the sparring was to play with the jab and cross types we had done and also high and low lines.

1) Jab only high and low
2) A jab high, B Jab low (switch)
3) A jab high B jab or cross low (switch)
4) Jab cross high and low

Interesting discussion was had on conditioned sparring (small gloves no gum shields) vs going hard. Skill acquisition vs Heart and just using what you already "have"

Body mechanics drill:

Partner holds out hand (one or both hands) you punch the hand lightly and play with range and combos, you punch what they feed depending on how they hold their hands (e.g. for hooks uppercuts overhands etc. occasionally they will put a hit in to respond to (bob weave, slip etc)

Stick drills:

Partner flow single stick.

H, H, H, L, H (fore, back, fore, back watik, back watik)

H, H, H, L, H ( back, fore, back, fore watik, fore watick)

Snake disarm with stick:

Off angle 1: Roof block crash, use free hand to swipe eyes and wrap round arm, move off line, protect face with elbow

Empty hand disarm:

Move slightly off line (inside) and use roof block motion but take stick shot to your left arm (trying to blend near the hand where it is slower), right hand whips out and grazes eye, wrap blocking arm round wrist and move off line, put elbow in front of face to protect.

5/10/17: Sticks, Sticks and more Sticks (single and double)

Focus for this session was range. using footwork to keep at the correct range.. and then playing with that.

Warm up

footwork various patterns:

Female triangle (V)
Male triangle (Upside down V)
Diamond
Diamond with a line through the middle (a combination of closed male and female triangles)
X (mixing male and female triangles)
Using female triangle footwork to change directions (moving right and left)


Single stick

Techniques: make sure you use your hips and body mechanics as if you are throwing a jab and cross.

A1 and 2
upward A1 and 2
A3 and 4 (horizontal)
A1 and A4 (lopsided figure 8)
A2 and 3 (Lopsided figure 8 the other way)
Abenico (high line twisting body to get the whip motion)


nemuerada:

Using the 5 angles of attack to feed, partner uses male triangle (stepping back 45 degrees) to evade and defang. Focus on using tip of stick to hit the hand and foot work to create distance. When staying in the drill the defender is basically moving left right left right left but back 45 each time, and make your partner come to you to get in range to hit you before you evade again. this way YOU are dictating what they do to try and get you. After the defang follow up with any ABC

5 count sumbrada:

A: A1, B roof block
B: A1, A inside sweep
A: A4 to body, B: drop stick
B stab to belly, A: inside parry/wing or step to side and cut across
A: A2, B high wing

Cycle continues but now B is doing what A was doing and visa versa.

Higher grades then mixed box pattern (Punyo sunbrada) and 5 count in order to work footwork and range. They also attempted the odd random feed eg swapping and A1 for an A2 and reacting to it


Double stick

We looked at the motion of Open and Closed Guntings (scissor motion). We focused on using the stick in the right hand to ALWAYS hit your partners hand, the other stick passes their stick (even though the strikes are almost simultaneous. Also use correct footwork to keep range (male triangle back 45 left and right)

We isolated each strike first, then we fed all 5 strikes (as above)

Once we were confident with that, one group played with using guntings to incorporate into 3 count sambrada, the other group used guntings in 5 count.

Really good work by everyone, great effort on maintaining distance and footwork and lots of discussion was had. (basically when doing a gunting on the high line keep the tip of your sticks up, when doing a gunting on a horizontal or stab attack try and keep the tips down)

3/10/17: Boxing drils and pad work - high reps, a little chaos and getting a sweat on

Focus of session was flight time on techniques, drilling defences for muscle memory but also positioning and balance... could we throw anything we wanted as or after we moved?

Warm up:

Shadow boxing footwork, evasions/head movement only
add single and double shots,
add counters
add intense 5/6 shots in 10 second blasts high intensity using body mechanics.

jab defences:

Off jab only feed:

Catch

split entry
Slip, uppercut reply
elbow destruction (lead elbow in front of face hand on forehead)

all defences lead to any ABC

Cross defences:

Off jab cross feed:

Catch, parry

split entry
Bob and weave
Slip uppercut/body hook

all defences lead to any ABC

Hook defences:

Off jab cross Hook feed:

catch, parry, Thai hook block

Bob and weave
Driving elbow (drive in elbow to face/shoulder, other hand checks rear hand/shoulder -followed up by  vertical and horizontal elbows)
Bicep stop (lock arm out and use other hand to cover your head)

all defences lead to any ABC

Mixing it up:

Partner feeds jab cross hook  - you use any of the defences drilled at any time off the jab or the cross or the hook. regardless of what you do your partner will try and throw a jab cross hook.

If pace gets too fast return to the catch, parry, Thai hook block combo.

Higher grades also used other defences off of jab, cross and hook that they know.

Focus on good technique from feeder and defender approach the drill like conditioned sparring.

Swap partner every few minutes.

Focus mitt drills:

Round 1 = Pad holder calls out 1, 2 3 or 4 hit combos. Your job is to focus on good technique while hitting the pads and maintaining balance to move in any direction. Immediately after your combo the pad holder will feed a jab cross or hook reply. you evade (slip bob lean back etc) follow up with an ABC and then pad holder sets to call out another combo.

Round 2 = as above but end the combo with a low line leg kick (really important to get back into a balanced stance fast.)

Cool down:

A few minutes of stick flow shadow boxing and using basic angles with a variety of footwork.

26/9/17: 45 degree boxing drills and espada y daga offensive defence

A bit of an experimental session working on taking angles (45 degrees) during boxing

We started by warming up with footwork trying to focus on spring nd being able to move in any direction at any time:

hopping on spot (the feeling for all movement)
changing weight from foot to foot (slight bounce)
moving fwd and back
moving left and right
fwd back left right
back fwd right left
fwd back right (skip step) left
back fwd left (skip step) right
feet planted soft knees "bobbing"

45 degree turns to the left
45 degree turn to the right



before we did drill we practiced staying in range:

partner A arm held out almost touching partner B chest. Partner B moves and partner A stays with them (not too fast at first, focus on reading partner body and maintaining distance)

Drills:

with partner - moving fwd back left right with a double jab each direction. Once you have done the last double jab move off 45 degrees left or right to hit partner at an angle

do same again but once you have the angle maintain it. (key is not to go fast but to help each other read the movement and maintain distance (not too far not too close)

then do drill again but maintain angle and when partner manages to square up go 45 the other way

Application drill:

Partner A punches, B blocks, when one shot lands then move 45 left or right. Once at 45 maintain angle and keep punching (movement out of motion), when partner squares go 45 the other way and keep punching

The key to this is to move 45 WHEN YOU LAND A HIT. you are trying to disappear. We played around with doing this in out of range sparring but was really hard to get the 45 angle. We also noticed that slipping and bobbing helped to get the 45 but maintaining it was tricky. This lead us to discuss and play with the following ideas:

1) defensive 45 movement - when you partner commits to an attack and you slip bob etc give you a moment to move 45.

2) Offensive 45 movement - when you hit you then move/disappear 45 and gives you a moment to unleash a few hits

playing with both gives you a range of tools to be offensive/defensive and dictate where the fight takes place

Espada Y daga offensive defence:

All drills off of angle 1 strike and you mentality through all drills is that you will, no matter what, inside sweep, check hand with knife and try to return hit with a slice across the belly. you are trying to hit them and the defence is a reaction, you are not waiting for the knife strike!

1) Off A1 -  step off line and inside sweep the stick, knife checks hand (over top of stick hand), A4 (slice belly) return hit. AFTER you had hit them they then try to stab you so you repeat the motion, step off line and inside sweep the knife, your knife checks hand (over top of stick hand), A4 (slice belly) return hit. and follow up with ABC

2) Off A1 -  step off line and inside sweep the stick, knife checks hand (over top of stick hand), A4 (slice belly) return hit BUT this time BEFORE you manage to get the slice hit in the knife is already coming. use your stick to outside deflect and simultaneous stab to throat (also need to cat stance to move body out the way/change leads). then reach over you stick with your knife hand, push their arm down and toward them stab knife into armpit and then ABC.

3) Off A1 -  step off line and inside sweep the stick, knife checks hand (over top of stick hand), A4 (slice belly) return hit BUT  this time the Knife is coming before you have managed to check the hand so you have to use your knife hand to stop their knife (an inside sweep motion on the other arm), you then hit the forearm with your stick and simultaneously stab throat then reach over you stick with your knife hand, push their arm down and toward them stab knife into armpit and then ABC.

The only thing that is changing with this is the timing of the feed. You keep trying to hit your partner but the knife will come either after you hit, as you are hitting or before you hit. We tried to (gently) play with this timing and mix it up. if you waited for the knife the flow was gone and you ended up getting stabbed, but if you focused on hitting and reacting to your partner it was more effective.

(video of James and Charlie training to come)

Great session, good work by everyone and a pleasure to teach

21/9/17: Putting the Martial into the Art - Hook defenses and palasut cycle

I have been training at SM fighting Arts Academy for  a little while now. I'm slowly starting to understand things. My mind (and body) is getting to grips with concepts and how they merge and combine (stick knife empty hand etc). I am increasing the consistency with which I throw a decent punch/kick... whatever (never consistent enough!). And I am learning more every day. I also understand that I know nothing, that this is a life long pursuit and that I can only strive to be the best version of me that I can be. And I'm cool with that.

There are two aspects to training: The Martial (fighting/self defence/mental and physical toughness) and the Art (skill / hand eye coordination/ complex combination working the brain and dexterity). I believe there is a place for both and that both can be massively effective in the "real world" (just look at lamachenko's boxing.. that is art but also brutal). But, unless you do the drills, acquire the skills and then gradually build to implement them out of movement, chaos and then sparring... they will forever remain art and difficult to apply. They will remain in the realm of fantasy and movies and the fodder for key board warriors "who better than who" arguments.

Enough of my rant (well it's my blog I'm allowed to lol)

Hook defence drills:

1) 5x cross, on each cross you  split entry with cross to the chest/solar plexus. On the fifth cross you partner will immediately throw a hook. you use the blade of the forearm you crossed with to block the hook and simultaneous strike/hammer fist, follow up with ABC.

Same drill this time when you do the split entry hit you immediately follow up with an uppercut, cross, Off the third feed partner will do the cross hook feed and you do the defence. This makes the drill more complex as you are doing it out of movement while you are hitting which is much more like what would happen in sparring

Same drill as above (partner feed cross you do split entry, uppercut cross) but the cross, hook fed will come at any time. To make it alive the cross hook feed needs to be smooth and fast not hard (its a drill!) you will get hit but it gets you used to  adjusting on the fly.



2) 5x cross, on each cross you slip and uppercut (try and make it a half beat/one motion)  On the fifth cross you partner will immediately throw a hook. Bob and weave under.

Same drill this time the speed of the cross hook feed off the 3rd feed is much faster so as you are doing your uppercut reply its already coming.

Same as above but cross hook feed comes at any time.


3) 5x cross, on each cross you outside deflect (lead hand parry, then other hand goes under your lead arm pushing partners crossing arm away, try to check at the elbow so you force partner off balance)  on 5th feed, cross hook quickly, your outside deflection motion will mean you hand is in the right place for a shoulder/bicep stop, lead uppercut, cross, lead round kick combo.

Same drill, on each outside deflection you follow up with hook cross lead, on third feed as you are following up (or before) the cross hook feed comes. your outside deflection motion will mean you hand is in the right place for a shoulder/bicep stop, lead uppercut, cross, lead round kick combo.

Same as above but feed comes any time.

As you can see, all the drills built to being done out of movement, at any time, in the middle of trying to do something yourself!  You need to be switched on and aware of your partner, in correct range etc and blends the skill with the application.

Pad rounds:

moving in and out

jab cross
double jab cross
jab cross jab coming out.

Palasut cycle (knife drill - ice pick grip vs normal hold)

see notes from last blog entry for details of the cycle.

This session we looked at breaking the cycle at various points (going into and out of the flow.)

1) scoop stab to heart, step forward 45 degrees ish with rear leg and check stabbing arm with free hand, feed back to kidney, slice and keep running away in that direction to escape.

2) scoop stab to heat, check arm and feedback to kidney, partner checks your arm and feed back to stab your face/neck, Slice up (in a downing the pint motion) and use free hand to check/strike partners face (forward pressure). Then you hook/scoop your partners knife hand and pull it back against your forearm, slice wrist to disarm (and run away with they hand!)

3) go through whole flow (see previous blog), once you have  pushed your partners arm down and stabbed at the clavicle/neck your partner has a number of options:

A) dagger pass, use motion to circle arm round slice opponents are and keep circling to zero pressure.
B)  as you dagger pass, stab your knife through (like a split entry). their knife should now be on your forearm/arm. twist your elbow out and pull hand/thumb that you have hold of from the dagger pass to strip the knife.
C) dagger pass and move out the way, keep hold of hand. immediately thrust/stab knife at their neck, then pull your arm back and use your forearm to strip the knife (keep a tight grip and keep it against your body so no room to fight against)

As always please feel free to comment amend or add info I've missed.

19/9/17: Technical Muay Thai and Knife flow

Building on from and implementing concepts from the Daniel Lonero seminar (being in the moment, range, precision of skill)

Muay Thai Technique:

isolating techniques - (focus no tell - no stepping, dropping hand before hitting etc, full body rotation, monitoring guard)

Long jab
Long cross
jab, cross
jab, cross, horizontal elbow, downward elbow
Cross, lead uppercut, rear horizontal elbow, lead downward elbow

Rear Crush (rear leg thai kick block) inc long guard (make sure you can't see opponent face)
rear crush, lead round kick (full spin)
Rear crush, lead round kin into, rear crush
rear crush, switch step, rear round kick
rear crush, switch step, rear round kick, lead leg crush

Lead Crush
lead crush, rear round kick
lead crush, rear round kick into, lead crush
lead crush, switch step, lead round kick
lead crush, switch step, lead round kick, rear crush

Muay Thai Drills:

 partner rear round kick: Lead leg crush, long guard to push awaty, rear round kick

Partner round kick lead hook: Lead leg crush inc long guard, as they hook drive forward with elbow into their face/shoulder (covering the side of your head and moving inside the hook), other hand checks their rear hand, then lead elbow uppercut, read horizontal elbow.

Partner round kick lead hook: Lead leg crush inc long guard, as they hook you do hook cover but you don't quite get to drive in (you take the shot on your cover), they then throw a cross which you scoop with lead arm (from long guard just drop down onto cross and scoop), rear uppercut elbow driving in and lead horizontal elbow

Partner round kick lead hook: Lead leg crush inc long guard, as they hook you do hook cover but you don't quite get to drive in (you take the shot on your cover), they then throw a cross which you manage to cover with long guard but they then throw another rear round kick, which you use lead leg Crush to bock and then switch step to lead round kick the inside thigh.

Play time putting it all together:

Partner feed rear round kick hook cross rear round kick (various speeds and timings): You use any of the defences (so need to read, decide when to go or not etc etc) - aim of drill is to make it controlled chaos as a bridge to sparring. Defender must also be mindful of body position, as partner is going to be following up every hit, meaning you can get hit as you throw your replies

Knife flow (Palasut cycle):

We broke this down into steps to build the whole flow end flow was:

partner A stabs to heart, Partner B (ice pick grip) stabs over the top and hooks in (slight circular motion and get body out the way, B check the arm and does a back hand stab to kidney (stepping forward with read leg as you do), A checks elbow and feeds a stab up to head, B uses cat stance/turn using knife to cut up (like downing a pint motion) while free hand strike face/eyes then use that free hand to pak the arm down and stab at clavicle/head. A does dagger pass. B uses momentum of dagger pass to circle round (chi sau?) and cut arm and repeatedly stab at face/neck - all the time circling to zero pressure...then the cycle repeats

14/9/17: Boxing - Pressure testing, honesty and polishing

This session was all about taking the fundamentals from the previous session, refining them and the pressure testing to develop "trust" in yourself.

The drills were focused on isolating your defence (so little to no retaliation - despite desperately wanting to hit back!) in order to sharpen a skill that you can then put back into the mix when you start sparring again.

Evasions:

As last session - Slip, slip, bob, bob, duck, duck, lean ,lean first in order then any order (warm up)

Flowing evasion:

In order to stop trying to predict/wait for/react to opponent, you must keep moving all the time (like mike Tyson ish) so all your evasions are out of movement which means you might slip on the "wrong side" (inside) but who cares as long as they missed you!

Drill... partner threw any punch (jab cross hooks) and we evaded while moving.

Hitting back evasion drill - We combined the above with constantly moving and throwing return hits (punches in bunches at least three and punching a little short so you are not drawing partner into sparring as this is a drill) - also good to help you with your balance and knowing if you are throwing a decent hit or not.

Long guard/Box guard drills:

Long guard tips: extended arms, chin down mouth shut (but don't forget to breathe!). Elbows down, with slight bend and keep your hands close enough together that when you look between them you are framing your opponents face.

As previous notes you are pushing down on partners forearms and cutting across slightly, try not to go passed centre line and not too low with your blocking hand you just want to off set hem a little. When blocking the hooks you are using the blade of your forearm, trt to block at their forearm, if you block further up you will get pulled into grappling/instigate grappling (which is fine if it's your choice) but not in this drill.

We started with using long guard to defend in order (jab cross lead hook rear hook, then any order. After we had warmed up the fun began.

Long Guard Pressure test:

Partner with big sparring gloves: Aim to fire rapid constantly flowing shots with the intent to hit you/forward pressure. Defender uses long gourd to build confidence and trust. defender tries not to give too much ground but if they do remember to circle and not just go back. (you are NOT evading and NOT retaliating). drill lasts about 30 seconds to 1 min.

Round 1: Partner only attacks with Jab/Cross

Round 2: Partner only attacks with hooks

Round 3:  Partner throws anything (including long shovel hook/uppercuts

we ALL got hit... but gradually less and less. And when we did, most of the time, we had managed to take a little sting out of the shot. This drill certainly gets the heart pumping and defiantly is something that needs to be included in training after you have started to "get" a concept/skill.

You certainly leave your ego at the door.

One piece of advice that works but is counter intuitive is while your partner tries to "take your head off" you approach the drill as if you have contempt for the attack. Really lazy and "relaxed" had to explain but basically you are snuffing them out.

Long Guard entries into chokes (stand up): using long guard to apply different techniques

Off of jab cross lead hook: long guard parry jab and cross, block hook, extend free arm under partners hooking arm and past it, Dumog drag it back towards you (pulling on their triceps, keep your arm tight into you). As they come forward use your dragging arm to clothes line them and your free arm to push their lower back so the end up leaning back a little. Wrap your clotheslining arm round their neck (the crook of elbow tight under their chin, and figure 4 your free arm behind their head. keep you head/chest close to them and squeeze buy lowering your weight and pulling your shoulder blades back

Off jab cross lead hook read hook: As above but on the other side.

off jab: Long guard parry (forward momentum) use same arm to grab head and drag down. Lean over them (you put your arm over their head, their head resting under your armpit, and put your chin in the middle of their back leaning your weight on them). Then wrap forearm under their neck, grab your wrist with your free hand. Move closer bringing your hips in and then squeeze and lift up and lean back

Off jab: Long guard parry (forward momentum) use same arm to grab head and drag down. Lean over them (you put your arm over their head, their head resting under your armpit, and put your chin in the middle of their back leaning your weight on them). they duck chin down so cant choke. use blade of arm to turn their head use free arm to trap bicep and gran the trapping arm with the hand you turned head with. hips in squeeze and lift as before keeping your body tight against them (god that hurts!)

Off Jab: entry as above, they stoke the choke and they stop the face crush by grabbing your arm.. Step forward and trap their foot, use bicep controlling arm to slide under that arm and under hook. Push their head down and spin then turning It into a throw which is very awkward for them to do anything with and will end up really wrenching the leg you have trapped (you can also sweep the leg to turn it into a big throw)

12/9/17: Boxing fundamentals - Simple is not easy!

Fundamentals... with an emphasis on fun. Simple effective principles which require lots of flight time.

Evasion:

slip jab, slip cross, bob lead hook, bob rear hook (slips.. imagine smashing your shoulder diagonally down to hit something in front of your chest, only need to make the punch miss by a fraction - bob and weave motion don't go too low or lean forward)

Then we fed  those attacks in any order
Then we added replies, trying to reply on the move and targeting

Duck jab, Duck cross, lean back lead hook, lean back rear hook (Duck is like you are squatting down keep "straight back" not leaning forward, don't go too low. Lean back use back foot as a spring roll lead shoulder t protect jaw and keep your chin down)

Then we fed  those attacks in any order
Then we added replies, trying to reply on the move and targeting (when lean back on rear hook you can hook over their punch as you lean back)

Box long guard:

Tips: hands out in front of your face like you are holding a Thai pad or a steering wheel in a 5 to 1 position (tight), elbows down. Minimal movement on blocks, push down on jab ( do not cross centre line), push down on cross,  blade of forearm block on lead cross use other hand to monitor centre line, blade of forearm to block rear hook use other hand to monitor guard.

Below you can see Guru Bob Breen making this look easy... it isn't.. it's simple... but that is not always easy!

Mixing it up:

feeding Jab, cross lead and rear hooks, any order any defence (slip, bob, lean, duck long guard) no replies

Pad Rounds

1) jab lead hook - catch, bicep stop, hook cross hook

Jab rear hook - catch, bicep stop, cross hook cross

2) jab lead hook - bob and weave, over hand (R) uppercut (L) overhand (R)

Jab read hook - bob and weave, over hand (L) uppercut (R) overhand (L)

3) Jab lead hook  -enter with your rear elbow elbow to face/shoulders monitoring read hand -  elbow (hook), Elbow (cross) elbow (hook)

Jab rear hook enter with your lead elbow to face/shoulder - elbow (cross) elbow (hook) elbow (Cross)

Stick work:

We finished with some brain teasing stick work

Strip flow

angle one defence: roof block, free hand snakes round arm, thumb up and hooking wrist, move off line use your stick hand (stick down) to punch at writ and strip stick. Then flow to next strip (as strip doesn't work).

Put your stick under their arm, hit their forearm (as you do this slide your hooking hand down the stick to hold the tip), stab stick onto face and then placing your stick un their wrist but under their stick (making an X shape) use a scissor motion to strip. This also does not work so.

Keep hold of their stick. remove your (point down) and put the point of your stick in your hand that is holding the point of their stick (both sticks in one hand now). You now have their hand caught between you stick and their. Squeeze your hands together and crush their hand. They still don't let go.

Keep hold of their stick move your stick under their arm again and use a punyo strike onto their forearm, driving for their face and as you do that pull the stick out of their hand!

Some of us also tried this with the left hand!

Opposite hand stick drill:

They have stick in right hand you have it in left hand

angle 1 strike: Roof block motion with stick then roll it round (abiniqo) strike to head. then keep the point forward stab it under the arm in a circling motion and use the punyo to trap the stick and hook the wrist. The either grab their stick an pull back wards or grab both hands on your stick and pull to strip.

We did this with both left and right hands.

5/9/17: Numerada - Stick, knife and empty hand flow

Belated notes from last Tuesday's class. Thank you James for the detailed info!

Numerada

The theme for tonight was numerada which means “by the numbers”.

Stick vs Knife

 

Partner feeds basic cinqo teros (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5) with the knife and you respond with any cinqo teros pattern:

 

1. A1 strike his A1 (hit hand), then follow up with an additional 4 strikes as you move left to zero pressure.
2. A2 strike his A2 (hit hand), then follow up with an additional 4 strikes as you move right to zero pressure.
3. A3 strike his A3 (hit hand), then follow up with an additional 4 strikes as you move left to zero pressure.
4. A4 strike his A4 (hit hand), then follow up with an additional 4 strikes as you move right to zero pressure.
5. A3 strike his A5 (hit hand), then follow up with an additional 4 strikes as you move left to zero pressure.

 

Partner feeds basic cinqo teros (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5) with the knife and you respond as follows:

1. A1 strike his A1 (hit hand), then follow up with an A2, A1, forehand redondo as you move left to zero pressure.
2. A2 strike his A2 (hit hand & step R. leg back), then follow up with an A1, A2, backhand redondo as you move right to zero pressure.
3. A3 strike his A3 (hit hand), then follow up with an A2, A1, forehand redondo as you move left to zero pressure.
4. A4 strike his A4 (hit hand & step R. leg back), then follow up with an A1, A2, backhand redondo as you move right to zero pressure.
5. A3 strike his A5 (hit hand), then follow up with an A2, A1, forehand redondo as you move left to zero pressure.

 

Empty Hand vs Knife

Partner feeds basic cinqo teros (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5) with the knife and you respond as follows:

 

1. As partner A1’s block with outside of L. forearm and R. finger jab the throat (hit chest for practice), take the R. hand over the top (use back of hand and ‘flex’ the wrist to make the scoop more effective) and feed the arm out (towards him not a wide sweep that can cut your leg), cup elbow and eye jab, and slap and chop as you ¼ turn clockwise and control his elbow with your L. hand (push it into him) momentarily then almost spin behind him as you using the back of your bent L. hand/forearm to monitor him. Be smooth and accelerate his arm as you scoop.
2. As partner A2’s block with outside of R. forearm and L. eye jab, take the L. hand over the top and feed the arm out the step out with L. and ¼ turn counter-clockwise back into R. lead as slap and chop and keep turning to control his elbow with your R. hand momentarily then almost spin behind him as you using the back of your bent R. hand/forearm to monitor him.
3. As partner angle 3’s low block with outside of L. forearm and R. finger jab the throat (hit chest for practice), take the R. hand over the top and feed the arm out (towards him not a wide sweep that can cut your leg), cup elbow and eye jab, and slap and chop as you ¼ turn clockwise and control his elbow with your L. hand (push it into him) momentarily then almost spin behind him as you using the back of your bent L. hand/forearm to monitor him.
4. As partner angle 4’s, low block with outside of R. forearm and L. eye jab, take the L. hand over the top and feed the arm out the step out with L. and ¼ turn counter-clockwise back into R. lead as slap and chop and keep turning to control his elbow with your R. hand momentarily then almost spin behind him as you using the back of your bent R. hand/forearm to monitor him.
5. As partner angle 5’s low block with outside of L. forearm and R. finger jab the throat (hit chest for practice), take the R. hand over the top and feed the arm out (towards him not a wide sweep that can cut your leg), cup elbow and eye jab, and slap and chop as you ¼ turn clockwise and control his elbow with your L. hand (push it into him) momentarily then almost spin behind him as you using the back of your bent L. hand/forearm to monitor him.

 

Then do the same as above but don’t block the knife first - just go straight into the ‘scoop’. This is because if they are coming with a lot of momentum it might be better to go with it rather than trying to stop the motion.

 

Double Stick vs Knife

1. Partner feeds basic cinqo teros (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5) with the knife and you respond from an open guard (sticks resting on your traps) by doing a gunting vs each angle so you’re hitting the hand with the R. stick and passing it with the L. stick on each angle creating a scissor motion (almost simultaneously). You’ll be opening and closing the arms so you start from an open position on angles 1, 3 & 5 & a closed position (arms crossed) on 2 & 4.
2. Partner feeds as above and you gunting the initial strike but then go into the odd series (forehand, simultaneously backhand and roof, forehand). For angles 1, 3 and 5 the key is not to follow all the way through with the L. stick  after the gunting but to retract it back so you can go into the odd series starting with a L. forehand. For angles 2 and 4 the L. stick will chamber under the R. armpit after the gunting.
3. Partner feeds as above and you gunting the initial strike then for angles 1, 3 and 5 as you zone L. and move to zero pressure you alternately forehand (L. stick) and backhand (R. stick) thrust to the face in a circular motion with the sticks parallel and horizontal, right below left. For angles 2 and 4 you zone R. and R. stick can be on top (forehand) and L. stick underneath (backhand) with torso facing R. or R. stick can be underneath (backhand) and L. stick on top (forehand) with torso facing L. This is called Totsada.

See below for a video clip showing an example of Odd series Kali flow:

 

 

7/9/17: Trapping and Ground work (aka - Take down and choke em out)

Today's session was focused on variations from trapping (your not looking for the trap, it happens out of trying to hit them!). The entries lead to take downs. The second part of the session looked at chokes and "face crushes" that would come as a result of getting your opponent on the round.

Trapping drills are also a good way of developing tactile sensitivity, feeling how your partner is moving or trying to move you and then using that energy to redirect or simply ignore!

Trapping:

1) Pak opponents lead arm to remove the barrier (down towards them, pak on forearm closer to their elbow), then jab/straight punch to face. Partner stops/bocks the hit on centre line. Ignore the stop. Instead use your jabbing hand to grab partners lead arm (above the elbow by the triceps). Pull the arm towards you in a sort of circular motion while using your other hand to push against the forearm and circle away from you. As you do this Pivot off to the side to zero pressure, use the blade of your hand/forearm in the crook of your partners elbow to control them (their arm should now be in an L shape and they will be bend over off balance). Finish by using your free hand to control the neck... digging your thumb in for extra pressure and control. (Take down would involve wrenching the arm you now have locked up)

2) Pak opponents lead arm to remove the barrier (down towards them, pak on forearm closer to their elbow), then jab/straight punch to face. Partner stops/bocks the hit on centre line. Pull jabbing hand (L hand) back, keeping contact with the blocking hand to drag it away (slight out and back motion can't remember technical name for it?). As you do, straight punch/cross with rear hand (R hand). Keep forward pressure going by using the hand you did a cross with to Pak the arm that was moved out of the way with your jabbing hand (when you pak the elbow of your paking hand will jam up partners other arm too stopping them form hitting you) and hit again with your free hand (L hand). To take down form here, drive forward with head down, use the hand you just hit with to push partner shoulder to off balance them. AS you drive forward you step between partners legs (in this example using right leg), underhook their arm using your free arm, pivot round (so you are now both facing the same direction, and their leg should be between yours.) Using the leg that is inside theirs sweep back and simultaneously use underhook arm to push shoulder or drive head down towards the ground.


3) As above but when you go for the take down and drive forward they step back. In this case you take another step forward making sure your other leg is inside theirs and you pivot to the other side. (so you are now both facing the same direction, and their leg should be between yours.) Using the leg that is inside theirs sweep back and simultaneously use underhook arm to push shoulder or drive head down towards the ground.

4) Pak opponents lead arm to remove the barrier (down towards them, pak on forearm closer to their elbow), then jab/straight punch to face. Partner pushes the hit over centre line. Roll your jabbing hand over their push and backhand them in the face (use you other hand to grab their wrist as you back hand. From there, move off line and use and figure 4 wrist lock to control and take down.

5) Pak opponents lead arm to remove the barrier (down towards them, pak on forearm closer to their elbow), then jab/straight punch to face. Partner pushes the hit over centre line. Use the push to swing your arm under their pushing hand (a bit like it you were going to throw a jab then lead hook) and slap them hard in the ear/face (thumb in the eye and off balancing them for good measure) I think ths is a chi sau?. Using the same arm, scoop partners arm (the one the blocked with) down and away (keeping contact with forearm). As you to this use your free hand to punch/cross and then upward elbow. Pivot off to the side, (your left in this example) scooping arm and controlling with the blade of your hand/forearm in the crook of elbow and using your free hand to control the head digging in with your thumb. From here  football kick (with straight leg to prevent grabbing) to the face and then twist partner under to take down.

6) Pak opponents lead arm to remove the barrier (down towards them, pak on forearm closer to their elbow), then jab/straight punch to face. Pak doesn't work and you clash with their lead arm block. From here, Lop (grab and pull) lead arm and cross/straight punch. follow through turning theirs head and step forward driving them back a little. Reach over so their elbow is just under your armpit/lat. Raise their arm up and you drop weight/shoulder down. and add a wrist lock for extra measure.

We then drilled all 6 of these in any order and tried to focus on the energy your partner was giving you when they "blocked".. it helps if you actually try and hit them in the face... nicely of course!

Below is an example of the amazing Rick young demonstrating many trapping variation.

Ground work:

All techniques were from scarf hold position can't remember proper name).


1) In scarf hold, partner uses hand furthest away to grab your face. lean away form this slightly using your free hand to pull the arm away and push the blade of the forearm into their face/cheek making them turn their head away. Turn your chest onto their arm and move into a position where you are perpendicular to their head (L shape). drive your weight down  (you should now be in a position were like a plan except your butt is in the air and you are driving your shoulder and your weight down on their arm to crush their face).

2) In scarf hold, partner uses hand furthest away to grab your face. lean away form this slightly using your free hand to pull the arm away and push it behind their head (they should look like they are using their arm for a pillow). grab your forearm with your arm that is under their head and slowly turn it so that the blade of forearm is digging into the back of their neck. As you do this squeeze your chest into them so they have no room and then start to lean back, lifting their head and  keep turning your arm until they tap. I found that it helps when I twisted by body slightly as I was leaning back too.

3) In scarf hold, partner uses hand nearest to push  your face. lean away form this slightly using your free hand to push the arm across their neck. Shrimp back slightly as you do use your head and shoulder to keep their arm pressed against them. Now move your body so you are in a plank position and you and almost parallel to them (at a slight angle). lift you butt up and drop your weight onto your shoulder that should be across their neck (don't try and use their arm to make them choke themselves like I was doing,) drive ure shoulder down and squeeze your bicep, lifting your forearm into the back of the neck. Do this slowly and slightly adjust your position until they tap, or pass out.

we then drilled all three.

Again a tricky one to try and explain. if I have missed anything or it doesn't make sense let me know.