Friday, May 31, 2013

Simultaneous Lead Arm Block with Rear Arm Counter Forehand Knifehand Strike

http://youtu.be/MkQt5Ldd5kg

This is practiced at only palm heel distance. This is measured by facing the bag and extending both arms out in front until I am touching the bag with my palm heels.

I generally regard fingertip distance as free sparring distance while palm heel distance is closer to the range I would be at if the encounter took place in a self-defense setting. That would make this combination drill a ‘self-defense’ drill and not a sparring drill. The overhand forehand Knifehand counterstrike is a powerful blow but it is slow and relatively easy to see coming. Against a sparring partner, this is not a good blow to use.


It is a good blow to use in a self-defense situation as an attacker is counting on surprise and shock. This blow, when it lands is a solid finishing strike that also lends itself to good solid follow-ups should they be needed.

Without prejudice

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Simultaneous Lead Arm Block with Rear Arm Counter Hammer Strike

http://youtu.be/5qglpscZzms

Again,  this is practiced at two different distances. I am either am finger tip distance or I am at palm heel distance. Both are measured by facing the bag and extending both arms out in front until I am touching the bag.

I generally regard fingertip distance as free sparring distance while palm heel distance is closer to the range I would be at if the encounter took place in a self-defense setting.

I do my best to practice this drill at both distances as both have advantages and weaknesses.

This particular version of the simultaneous block with counter involves a hammering backfist to the bridge of the nose or a Hammerfist to the short ribs.  This is a somewhat deceptively mild looking counter. If it lands, this counter is anything but mild and the poisyion I find myself in lends itself to multiple follow-ups.

Without prejudice

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Simultaneous Lead Arm Block with Rear Arm Counter Punch

http://youtu.be/C2zd1bmOR5g

I generally practice this at two different distances. I am either am finger tip distance or I am at palm heel distance. Both are measured by facing the bag and extending both arms out in front until I am touching the bag.

I generally regard fingertip distance as free sparring distance while palm heel distance is closer to the range I would be at if the encounter took place in a self-defense setting.

I do my best to practice this drill at both distances as both have advantages and weaknesses.

Without prejudice

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Lead Arm Block /Rear Arm Check followed by Lead Arm Counter

http://youtu.be/tyvdFjBca14

I tend to regard this as a ‘self-defense’ combination instead of a sparring combination.

I train sparring distances and timing and tactics differently than sparring distance, timing and tactics.

One is not better or worse, just different.

As others have stated before (and in much greater detail); ‘Self-defense’ situations tends to occur much closer, much harder, much faster and generally with more surprise than the defender seems ready to deal effectively with.

Training must be ‘fun’ or otherwise very important so that it will be done on a constant basis. Otherwise, reflexes will either not be developed at all or will become dull with disuse.

Without prejudice

Monday, May 27, 2013

Lead Arm Block then Lead Arm Counter

http://youtu.be/ySGQMEXWzcg

This basic defensive tactic works best against a single heavy punch.  My lead arm blocks and I immediately use the blocking arm to counter attack. The rhythm is a 1 ½ beat time. Ideally, the counter should not only damage the attacker, it should also act as a stop-hit to any potential follow-ups.

Like yesterday, today, I am measuring my point of contact against the bag. I stop my counter when I get to the bag (as opposed to punching through it).

This is a basic concept that works best when it is drilled often and explored at length. Once I had it down so I could do it without thought; then the real work began.

Without prejudice

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Lead Arm Block then Rear Arm Counter

http://youtu.be/ZrFz-jWOJzU

This basic defensive tactic works best against a single heavy punch.  My lead arm blocks, there is a slight pause then I counter with my rear arm.

Today, I am measuring my point of contact against the bag. I stop my counter when I get to the bag (as opposed to punching through it).

A different tactic would be used for someone doing something else (i.e. someone using multiple punches from ambush).

Without prejudice

Friday, May 24, 2013

Using the Angled Forefist Thrust to measure the ‘Depth of Penetration’

http://youtu.be/bK976quJIwA

That means I am punching through the heavy bag. I control my punch and simply allow the heavy bag to get in the way. Today I am using angled or looping Forefist Thrusts.

As I said yesterday, The ‘Depth of Penetration’ is the difference between the ‘Point of Contact’ and the ‘Point of Finish’.

Today I am performing the ‘Depth of Penetration’ by punching through my ‘Point of Contact’ to the ‘Point of Finish’ on the heavy bag while executing a basic straight Forefist thrust.

Again, I drive in about four inches with these hard driving thrusts.

Generally these are prefaced with a light quick block or jab.

Without prejudice

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Using the Basic Forefist Thrust to measure the ‘Depth of Penetration’

http://youtu.be/sPhVdofcx_8


That means I am punching through the heavy bag. I control my punch and simply allow the heavy bag to get in the way.

The ‘Depth of Penetration’ is the difference between the ‘Point of Contact’ and the ‘Point of Finish’.

Today I am performing the ‘Depth of Penetration’ by punching through my ‘Point of Contact’ to the ‘Point of Finish’ on the heavy bag while executing a basic straight Forefist thrust.

In the two drills I practice today, I drive in about four inches.

These are hard driving thrusts. They are not quick light stinging blows.

Incidentally, one is not better than the other. They serve different purposes and are often used in various combinations.

Without prejudice

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Combining Straight Forefist Thrust with Looping Forefist Thrusts to measure the ‘Point of Contact’

http://youtu.be/rxpVLJczyWk

This is similar to yesterday’s drill. Basically means I am punching to but not through the heavy bag. I simply control my punch and stop it as I tap the heavy bag.

The ‘Depth of Penetration’ is the difference between the ‘Point of Contact’ and the ‘Point of Finish’.

Today I am measuring my ‘Point of Contact’ on the heavy bag while executing a basic straight Forefist thrust and following up with a Looping Forefist Thrust (overhand, horizontal or underhand versions).

Without prejudice

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Using the Basic Forefist Thrust to measure the ‘Point of Contact’

http://youtu.be/_9T5I3vpYzo


Basically means I am punching to but not through the heavy bag. I simply control my punch and stop it as I tap the heavy bag.

The ‘Depth of Penetration’ is the difference between the ‘Point of Contact’ and the ‘Point of Finish’.

Today I am measuring my ‘Point of Contact’ on the heavy bag while executing a basic straight forefist thrust.

Without prejudice

Monday, May 20, 2013

Drilling The Front Kick at Different Distances with the Rear Leg

http://youtu.be/e2n8LvGI4w4

Almost the same as yesterday but I kick with the rear leg instead of the front one.

Starting in a Left Forward Bow, I step back to neutral and execute a Front Kick with my right leg.

Then I set up again in a Left Forward Bow. I step back leg one foot length and lift my right leg up to perform another Front Kick.

Then I set up again in a Left Forward Bow and execute a basic shift forward Front Kick with my right leg.

The last kick starts in a Left Forward Bow; I advance to an extended Left Forward Bow and perform a shift forward Front Kick with my right leg. At this point the drill ends.

Then I do the same sequence from a Right Bow (kicking with my left leg).

Without prejudice

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Drilling The Front Kick at Different Distances

http://youtu.be/IzwVCKH2znA

Starting in a Left Forward Bow, I shift back, and execute a Front Kick with my left leg.

Then I set up again in a Left Forward Bow. I step forward with my back leg one foot length and lift my left leg up to perform another Front Kick.

As the video shows, I continue this process each time by stepping further forward with my left leg.

The last kick starts in a Left Forward Bow; I advance to a Right Forward Bow and perform a Front Kick with my left leg. I actually cross the entire room.

Then I do the same sequence from a Right Bow (kicking with my right leg).

Without prejudice

Friday, May 17, 2013

Kicking Distance and The Cane

http://youtu.be/fMenTXqkbr8

A simple enough idea, I perform a step forward Front Snap Kick and then a ste Forward Cane Thrust from a modified fifth Grip on the Cane. They should be close.

Without prejudice

Thursday, May 16, 2013

The Cane at Punching Distance

http://youtu.be/wj9Il4-V5lQ

Usually, at punching distance, I grip the Cane in the Fifth Grip. Today I also grip and strike with it in the Third and Fourth Grips as well.

Striking with that mid portion of the cane just beyond my hand is tricky and the cane can be easily grabbed and/or deflected, so Grip retention techniques and a smooth transition to bare hand skills is essential.

On the other hand, Grip retention techniques may translate well into defenses against locks, grabs and throws by my attacker.

Without prejudice

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

The Cane and The Elongated Fifth Grip

http://youtu.be/-LLIk7mtfSQ

I practice this grip best from a Leading Horse. It is a grip used best when I am closing to Leading Backfist range.  I simply shuffle in and thrust with the end of the cane.

Combining the Cane with Barehanded strikes and shuffles is a matter of thought, imagination and practice.

Without prejudice

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

The Cane and Thrust in Close and Personal from the Fifth Grip

http://youtu.be/bwYFg0I5074

This drill is similar to yesterday except that I get even closer than before with a full shuffle. I grip the cane firmly in the fifth grip, execute a full shuffle forward and thrust the tip into the heavy bag. I withdraw back out.

What makes this drill different is that I am closer than before yet still able to thrust hard and move quickly.

Without prejudice

Monday, May 13, 2013

The Cane and Thrust from the Fifth Grip

http://youtu.be/Lzk3MRGzXSQ

Another basic drill, I grip the cane firmly in the fifth grip, execute a short half shuffle forward and thrust the tip into the heavy bag. I withdraw back out.

Switch leads and do the same thing only I strike with the back of the hook.

Over and over, this drill starts and kicking range, closes to punching range and withdraws back out.

Without prejudice

Sunday, May 12, 2013

The Cane Thrust with Basic Step

 http://youtu.be/_ng8-2zVOJ8

A simple enough maneuver that I explain in the video.

Basically, I do it on one side, then the other.

Once is easy, one hundred is not as much and one hundred thousand over time makes it good practice.

Without prejudice

Friday, May 10, 2013

Four Different Hand Formations for Martial Arts

http://youtu.be/8IRX_GWeDlM

While I use the Forefist and the Knifehand primarily in my Martial Arts training, I also use these four hand formations and their six uses.

The Half Fist (or Panther Fist if you prefer) is literally half the fist. I DO NOT thrust with it but some condition themselves to. I prefer to use the palm in a light quick hammering or swinging motion to a ‘sweet spot’ (pressure point).

The Ridgehand strikes with the opposite side of the Knifehand. Again, this is a big swing and should be prefaced with a jab, grab or a slap block, lest it be grabbed or blocked.

The Ox Jaw/Mantis Hook is just a bent wrist. In the Ox Jaw, I am actually striking with the forearm. Snapping the hand away as I make contact adds tremendous power to this blow but care should be taken as it places the user very close in.

The Mantis Hook is the same hand formation but it is used to deflect an incoming attack. Again, care should be taken not to block too soon or too late. This is not just putting something in the way, it is actually deflecting it.

The Palm Heel can be used to Thrust or Hammer. The Palm Heel Thrust is used much like a Forefist but the striker must be closer in order to land effectively.

The Palm Heel Hammer is used much like a Knifehand or Ridgehand but while the muscle of the hand protects the striker, one has to get closer.

Without prejudice

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Making the Knifehand

http://youtu.be/U-dpVyFDYcQ

Making the actual Knifehand is very similar to making the Forefist. The video is self explanatory.

What it does not say is that a good Knifehand (like a good Fist) must be held and practiced with regularly. It must become a habit to condition, to strike with, hold, etc. It should be an automatic reflex to make (if and when necessary).

Without prejudice

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Making the Forefist

http://youtu.be/5tjtae9X5AI

Making the Forefist correctly, for me, took quite a while. First, I had to overcome some bad habits.

Next, once I had learned the basic Forefist formation, I had to learn to hold my fist in that formation. That took a long time, effort and perseverance.

Making the Forefist by aligning the knuckles and cocking the thumb correctly and straightening the wrist allows the fist to absorb impact with minimum damage. However, there 27 bones in the human hand. There are numerous ligaments, tendons, etc. Proper formation of the hand is vital to being able to punch fast and land hard.

In the video, I explain how to form the Forefist.

Conditioning also plays a large part in the use of the Forefist.

*Warning: Conditioning the Forefist is a lengthy and complex process that I will not go into here save that an unconditioned Forefist is a poor weapon that is easily damaged. Conditioning correctly is an absolute must. But it is a slow, laborious process that should be done under the guidance of an experienced and knowledgeable expert.


Without prejudice

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Forming the Foot for Kicking

http://youtu.be/fOiNZwX7H4s

Whether I am kicking with the shoe or the bare foot, the foot must be held correctly or my kick will be ineffective and I risk damaging it.

I demonstrate (in the video) kicks with the top of the foot and the ball of the foot but there are several other surfaces that can be implemented. The inside edge of the foot, the outside edge of the foot, the shin, the outside edge of the heel, the back of the heel, the bottom of the heel. If I am wearing a stiff soled boot or shoe, there is also the toe. The foot must be held correctly for each.

The weight of anything on the foot also becomes an issue that must be seriously regarded.

There are 26 bones in each foot and a lot of joints, tendons, ligaments and veins, etc. While the shoe can add some protection, the foot must be practiced with and that means it is used to kick with and contact (preferably on a heavy bag) must be made and regulated by a professional. This means starting out slow and softly and gradually increasing in both speed and power in order to gain real world confidence.

There is a lot to kicking; and this snippet is just about ‘why’ the foot should be formed.

Without prejudice

Monday, May 6, 2013

Striking with the Cane at Three Different Distances

http://youtu.be/YL-lEvDf5Gs

I start by thrusting one handed in the 1st grip with the tip from outside kicking distance.

I execute a half shuffle forward as I drive the tip in while gripping the Cane in the two handed 5th grip.

Finally, I execute another half shuffle forward as I cross check (again in the 5th grip).

When I withdraw, I step first, then stop and drive the tip into the bag from the fifth grip.

I step back further and using the one handed 1st grip to thrust into the bag.

This is a basic, simple effective and reliable drill. It improves distance, coordination, balance and rhythm.

Without prejudice

Sunday, May 5, 2013

The Cane and the Half Shuffle

http://youtu.be/WupvLms7r4A

A simple drill today. I thrust at kicking range, half shuffle in and execute a cross check. Then half shuffle back to kicking range where I thrust (or strike) again.

The idea is to combine cane techniques at kicking then at punching range. To become versatile enough to move in and out while striking at any range.

Without prejudice

Friday, May 3, 2013

Defending Against a Cane Grabbed in the Middle

http://youtu.be/QS6aUWcfqkY

Like the last two days, today is all about what to do if the opponent evades or overcomes the initial defense and rushes in to grab the middle of the cane.

The basic concept of the defense against a mid Cane grab is quite simple. I cross check into him first.

If I land the cross check, he will fall back and I can withdraw again.

If he tenses up and stops me from moving forward, that makes it a ‘still target’ for just a second. I torque out four hooks with the tip and hook of the Cane (like hook punches in boxing).

In this DRILL, when he lets go and falls back; so do I.

Without prejudice

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Defending against a Right Hand Cane Grab

http://youtu.be/yMEEodTQ69M

Up until now, after the initial Cane defense drill, I withdraw back to a guarded position.

Today I demonstrate another DRILL of what to do if my initial defense is unsuccessful and the attacker advances and grabs my cane with his Right hand.

Keep in mind that an aggressive attacker who has just defended himself (from my defense) and is advancing upon me will likely be even angrier than when he started his initial assault and he will be moving quickly.

Now I could modify what I did yesterday and make it work against the grab.

Or I could do this:

I slide my hand up to make contact with his right hand. This minimizes his grip on the Cane as it pulls me closer to it (the Cane).  This gives more control of the Cane.

I use my right leg to kick him in the groin.

I use my weight as I fall forward and cross check him in the chest.

If he still as not let go or move away (or fallen back), I drive the back of the hook into his body and then into his face before withdrawing.

In this DRILL, I am primarily combining stepping (and a kick) with the Cane techniques described.

While this is similar in many ways to what I did yesterday, it too is a complex series of moves and must be done many, many times (as well) or they will not become a reflex when (or if necessary).

Without prejudice

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Defending against a Left Hand Cane Grab

http://youtu.be/30PNfBv0TS8

Up until now, after the initial Cane defense drill, I withdraw back to a guarded position.

Today I demonstrate a DRILL of what to do if my initial defense is unsuccessful and the attacker advances and grabs my cane with his Left hand.

Keep in mind that an aggressive attacker who has just defended himself (from my defense) and is advancing upon me will likely be even angrier than when he started his initial assault and he will be moving quickly.

I slide my hand up to make contact with his left hand. This minimizes his grip on the Cane as it pulls me closer to it (the Cane).

I use my right leg to kick the outside of his left leg. This destabilizes him. It also places me slightly to the closed side of him.

I use my weight and the distraction of the kick to fall into a right forward bow as I drive the hook of the cane into his head.

If he still as not let go or move away (or fallen back), I drive the back of the hook into his body and then into his face before withdrawing.

In this DRILL, I am primarily combining stepping (and a kick) with the Cane techniques described.

This is a complex series of moves and must be done many, many times or they will not become a reflex when (or if necessary).

Without prejudice