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.