Kneeling Palm Heel Blocks

This Block (done with either hand) is a solid defense for a kick to the groin.

But be advised!

It must be timed and place perfectly for it to work.

The defender is dropping his groin into the incoming foot so the defending palm heel must interrupt that kick before it lands.

Otherwise the kick will land even harder than if nothing was done.
http://youtu.be/gk58z2F6Pq8
Without prejudice

Fourth Set of Basic Blocks

This is the last set of Basic Blocks.
Done just as I show.
They help protect the head and torso (above the belt).
http://youtu.be/PlvIUsGTPNk
Without prejudice

Third Set of Basic Blocks

These six parries are very similar to the blocks I did a couple of days ago.

They work best against a straight in Forefist thrust.

The main difference is these simply deflect the incoming punch ever so slightly.

A block ‘T-Bones’ an incoming punch while a parry merely deflects it a few degrees.

This means a parry can be used against a punch stronger punch then a block.

This also means a parry has to travel out and then back in; therefore it is slower than a block.
http://youtu.be/t2hz-xYpAFw
Without prejudice

Second Set of Basic Blocks

In Kisae there are four sets of Basic Blocks.

Each has six blocks on one side.

This is the second set of Basic Blocks.
http://youtu.be/q67ph9xJ8Ds
Without prejudice

The Most Basic Six Blocks

The blocks shown here are the six that work for me as a foundation for others.

As well, they are efficient defense maneuvers in their own right.
http://youtu.be/pZ77-N4wSHE
Without prejudice

Seven Basic Blocks

In one of the first systems of Kempo I studied there was this seven block drill.

The blocks flowed evenly from one to the next.

This is what I learned.
http://youtu.be/hv5vgYgQwM4
Without prejudice

Please Note

Please Note: the next new post will be on January 25 2015.

Another Shift Forward Side Kick

Just as I cocked my leg on January 19 2015 for ‘Another Slide in Side Kick’; I cock it the same way.

The only difference is that I now get to that position from a Forward Bow.

I plant my lead leg as shown and torque my hips while lifting the kicking leg up.

Then I drive the bottom of my heel into my attacker.
http://youtu.be/TDBCpZxeL3A
Without prejudice

Shift Forward Side Kick

This is a ‘classical’ Side Kick done with the rear leg.

(Please note how similar this kick is done compared to the one done on January 18 2015.)

As I said, when I first learned it, I would pivot.

Nowadays, I plant the support foot first, torque my hips and drive the kick out.

Both ways work but I tend toward the second method as being more user friendly (for me;-).
http://youtu.be/aVXRBoa3Onw
Without prejudice

Slide in Back Thrust Kick

I start in a Leading Horse Stance.

I step into a Reverse Forward Bow (as shown).

I step toward my attacker.

I cock my foot up and tilt my hips.

I drive my heel into the target.

I withdraw.
http://youtu.be/EQEWE_fTTKE
Without prejudice

Another Slide in Side Kick

Like yesterday, I start in a Leading Horse Stance.

I step forward, cock my leg and kick.

It is the cocking of the leg that makes this kick different than yesterday.

This kick looks very much like a roundhouse kick.

The main difference is that I am making contact with the heel.

This kick is a very powerful movement but it looks like nothing.
http://youtu.be/V7_KJcQo08A
Without prejudice

Slide in Side Kick

I start in a Leading Horse Stance.

I step forward to Attention Stance.

I tilt my hips toward my attacker as I raise and cock my kicking leg (as shown).

I snap the kick out and back.

I make contact with the outside edge of my heel.

This is a powerful kick and it can be hard to see coming when done correctly.

Today I am performing it in what some call the ‘classical’ method.
http://youtu.be/WofiocVeLhU
Without prejudice

Shifting between Block and Counter Drills

I have to be able to shift between the various drills with little or no effort.

This is just another way of ascertaining how effectively I am able to use them when I need to.

Today I demonstrate this by guarding the head.
http://youtu.be/0kDLw-XUwlg
Without prejudice

Simultaneous Block with Counter Punch against a Jab

The jab is a very deceptive punch.

It has tremendous power, lightning speed, works well close in and is very sudden indeed.

As a counter, the lead jab (as shown here) is simply paired with a rear arm slap block.
http://youtu.be/TuASQl_N64c
Without prejudice

Simultaneous Block with Counters

Notice that all the drills I do this week are similar to one another.

That way I can switch between them when necessary without having to think about it.

Without prejudice

Block/ Check/ Counter

I block with my lead arm against a heavy punch.

As I use my rear arm to check the heavy punch (hold it in place), I counter with my lead arm.

This check and counter happen almost simultaneously.

I follow up with two more counters before resetting.
http://youtu.be/RRJJRXzl4m4
Without prejudice

Another Block, Pause Triple Counter Punch Drill

I block with my lead arm.

There is virtually no pause before I counter with the same arm.

And because my punching arm is so close to my attacker’s face, I can afford strike without pausing.

Then I counter two more times.

Then I reset.

Once again, I use the six basic blocks that cover my head and torso (above the waist).
http://youtu.be/fAOOv1-INLQ
Without prejudice

Block, Pause Triple Counter Punch Drill

I block with my lead arm.

There is a slight pause.

Then I counter three times.

Then I reset.

I use the six basic blocks that cover my head and torso (above the waist).
http://youtu.be/VemituRHmco
Without prejudice

Shift Forward Roundhouse Kick

In many ways this kick is similar to yesterday’s kick.

The main difference is how far the hips turn into the kick.

Today I turn completely sideways as I kick.
http://youtu.be/TkviQCY75rM
Without prejudice

Shift Forward Offset Kick

There are two ways I show for performing this movement.

Usually, though, I prefer to ‘Plant-and-Drive’.

That is to say, I plant my support foot firmly and drive the kick out.

This kick is both easier for me to do and (unfortunately) easier to see coming.

It must be timed perfectly and set up exactly or it will be blocked.

And sometimes, making the attacker defend against it can work to my advantage.

None the less, the ‘Plant-and-Drive’ method of kicking is easier to see coming.

You have been warned…
http://youtu.be/QQL_2bAXuEA
Without prejudice

January 7 2015

Shift Forward Front Snap Kick

I start in a Front Bow Stance.

I turn my lead leg forward about forty five degrees.

I lift my rear leg up to a Front Crane Stance.

I snap my kick out and back.

Today I am using the top of the foot to strike with.

However, I could just as easily use the ball of my foot (as I show).

This kick is a very versatile move.

I can follow up with it from a jab or a block.

I can use it by itself.

I can even follow up with a jab after I have kicked.
http://youtu.be/BjnKl-xlxuA

Without prejudice

Slide in Roundhouse Kick

I start in a Leading Horse Stance.

I step forward and raise my lead leg up while bending the knee.

I kick out and back with the top of my foot.

Again, notice this entire process looks easy and light.

There is no appreciable power in the kick until I make contact with the bag.

It simply ‘gets in the way’.
http://youtu.be/8sNJIzfOZf4

Without prejudice

Slide in Offset Kick

Similar in many ways to yesterday’s kick.

The main difference is that I aim at the side of the target and drive through on an upward angle.

Today I stress the importance of focusing the kick ‘THROUGH” the target.

I am aiming about four inches into whatever I am striking at.



http://youtu.be/BDuuqaSZgWc

Without prejudice

Slide in Front Snap Kick

Welcome back to my Martial Arts Blog! 

Today I am practicing a Front Snap Kick.

I use the top of my foot and snap it into the groin of my attacker.

I start in a Forward Bow Stance.

I step forward and lift my lead leg and cock it as shown in the video..

I make sure my posture is correct and my core is firm.

I snap the leg out about ninety five percent of the way straight.

I make it a point to drive the kick into the target about 4 inches.

I snap the leg back, step down and withdraw.
http://youtu.be/Y2iCAipJy3M
Without prejudice