Mantis Block Follow Ups

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUmvI3siKuk&feature=plcp

It is more important that each maneuver be done correctly than that the pattern be done smooth. The individual moves are what count, not how quickly or smoothly the whole drill is done.

Without prejudice

Outside Palm Block Follow Ups

http://youtu.be/C4jeG0s_2xc

The drill is done in an orderly manner. The idea is to do one thing and then to do another in an unhurried way.

Without prejudice

Inside Hooking Block Follow Ups

http://youtu.be/oewmtsXII9Y
Basically the same drill as yesterday except that I start with an inside hooking block.

Without prejudice

Rising Block Follow Ups

http://youtu.be/QvjLhnx7pJM

In order to make a technique more useable, it must be practiced regularly and in a variety of ways. This is one way.

I perform a rising block followed by another block.

I do this six times in a row with six different follow up blocks.

Then I perform a rising block with six different counters.

I’m working this technique smoothly and cleanly.

Without prejudice

Swinging Forehand Knifehands

http://youtu.be/RzPfoQcwfFU

These are big powerful moves that can knock an attacker down.

They are also easy to see coming by both the arm winding back and the hip recoiling in preparation for the blow.

Therefore they should be prefaced with a quick block or jab first; something that keeps the attacker busy.

Without prejudice

Backhand Hammerhands or Backfists with Lead Arm

 http://youtu.be/kMQBczwnCXI

This technique, too, may be used in a way similar to the jab. Light, quick, probing, always testing; this strike is hard to block, hard to avoid and easy to use. Similar, in many ways, to the backhand Knifehand thrust.

Without prejudice

Looping Forefist Thrusts

http://youtu.be/puA2Ss4Uf3M

This is a big heavy blow that goes over, around or under an opponent’s guard to strike. It is easy to see coming, so like the swing, it should be prefaced with a quick jab or block first.

Without prejudice

Forehand Ridgehand Swing

http://youtu.be/nytLzndcMf8

This is a big powerful swinging strike that is usually prefaced with a quick light block or jab. I use my hips by drawing them back before my strike and then, tightening up my core I  torque my hips forward to add speed and power to my movement.

Without prejudice

Backhand Knifehand Thrusts with Lead Arm

http://youtu.be/ci-mqjjuFfs

This technique may be used in a way similar to the jab. Light, quick, probing, always testing; this strike is hard to block, hard to avoid and easy to use.

Without prejudice

Lead Forefist Thrust

http://youtu.be/RED-mRLTKvU

The jab is a versatile weapon. It can be used to measure distance. It can be used to set up other attacks. It can be a damaging attack just by itself. It can be a distraction. Combined with footwork and used repeatedly, it can help maintain a desired distance from the attacker.

Yet it is habitually underrated and undervalued.

The jab; looks like nothing and feels like nothing unless you are on the receiving end.

Without prejudice

Simultaneous Block with Forehand Knifehand Swing

http://youtu.be/L_vIAH1CSrI

Looks like the last couple of days because the block and counter are done at the same time.

However…

This counter is a powerful swinging forehand Knifehand. Done with the block this counter can be a fight stopper.

Without prejudice

Simultaneous Block with Counter Hammer Fist

http://youtu.be/pkQ94BfYGHs

Again, both the block and the hammer fist are done at the same time, therefore, both are poised to strike at the same time, both are released at the same time and both end at the same time.

The block is high while the counter is low or the block is low while the counter is high.


Without prejudice

Simultaneous Block with Counter Punch

 http://youtu.be/MIz5E_N1Uww

Both the block and the punch are done t the same time, therefore, both are poised to strike at the same time, both are released at the same time and both end at the same time.

However…

The block makes contact with the striking arm before the fist makes contact with the head or torso.

Without prejudice

Block/Check/Counter

http://youtu.be/df8FxGvbRWs

This drill is best practiced against an attacker who attacks with slow ponderous punches. I block the punch, check (or hold the arm still) and then I counter attack to his head or body.

This is not the only way or sometimes (even the best way) to defend but it is one way to deal with a slugger.

Without prejudice

Lead Arm Block/Lead Arm Counter Attack

 http://youtu.be/zHBoJEmOq9k

This is still ‘a-block-and-then-a-counter’ drill.  In many ways, this is similar to yesterdays’ drill. The main idea is to hit the incoming arm aside and then hit the attacker in the face or body.

The difference between today’s’ drill and yesterday is that today I use the same arm to both block and counter. The way I do it makes the counter just a little bit faster and timed slightly different.

Without prejudice

Lead Arm Block and Rear Arm Counterpunch

http://youtu.be/LG3E4zMvggc

In this drill there is a slight pause between the block and the counter. The pause is deliberate and must be practiced so that another block can be inserted between the initial block and counter.

The idea is to be able to use this combination against a single powerful attack. Against multiple attacks, there are a variety of defenses, counters and other strategies, just not a single block followed by a single counter.

Without prejudice

Block/Redirect/Check

http://youtu.be/nQ_6FaMTrQI

After I perform a basic block, I use the blocking arm to pull the attackers punching arm across his body. Then I use my other arm to check his arm before countering.

Without prejudice

Block/Redirect

http://youtu.be/fDzyp0S_5tc

After I perform a basic block, I use the blocking arm to pull the attackers punching arm across his body.

Without prejudice

Parry/Check

http://youtu.be/LCd193g-4U8

Similar to yesterday only I use a parry instead of a block. If the attacker continues to leave their arm out, after the parry, I’ll check it before countering.

This whole activity takes only a fraction of a second so the move must be effortless, like a blink, or it will fail.

Without prejudice

Block/Check

http://youtu.be/ijIhWKeqMiM

Similar to what I did on July 07 2012 except that after every block I add a check with the other hand.

Without prejudice

Basic Parries

http://youtu.be/_QBjB8D3c-U

These six moves are very similar to yesterday’s blocks. The main difference is these deflect an incoming punch at a slighter angle. It’s easier to think of them as an angled deflection rather than a hard block.

Unless you are on the receiving end…

Without prejudice

Basic Blocks

http://youtu.be/S0jDnBwGM_4

These six basic blocks work to deflect an incoming punch to my head or upper torso.

The passive draw; give a target only to take it away.

The idea is to draw an attackers’ punch and then block. The attacker must strike first and where I am ready to defend. So in order to work, the  blocks will already have to be in the beginning position to block or they will be too slow.

Without prejudice

Roundhouse Kick with the Ball of the Foot

http://youtu.be/JcUQkoKIiEQ

Again, I show the offset kick today with two methods of advancement.

I either slide in or shift forward and then lash out with my kick.

The main difference between the offset kick and the roundhouse kick is that my hips turn more when I execute the roundhouse kick.

 The roundhouse kick also makes  a good choice for striking the side of the leg, the side of the body or to the groin of someone who is facing me at an angle.

Today I am striking with the ball of the foot (even with shoes on, I still use the ball of the foot).

Because I am using a front view, it is easy to see the difference between an offset kick and a roundhouse kick.

Without prejudice

Offset Snap Kick with the Ball of the Foot

http://youtu.be/O80ILNj_DKc

Again, I show the offset kick today with two methods of advancement.

I either slide in or shift forward and then lash out with my kick.

The main difference is that the offset comes in at a bit of an angle. This makes it a good choice for striking the side of the leg, the side of the body or to the groin of someone who is facing me at an angle.

Today I am striking with the ball of the foot (even with shoes on, I still use the ball of the foot).

Because I am using a front view, it is easy to see the difference between a front kick and an offset kick.

Without prejudice

Front Thrust Kick with the Ball of the Foot

http://youtu.be/gFJd1Ome3H0

 I show this kick with two methods of advancement, shuffle forward or shift forward.

The main difference between the front snap kick and the front thrust kick is the snap goes up into the scrotum of the attacker while the thrust travels forward into the abdomen of the attacker.

Without prejudice

Roundhouse Kick with the Top of the Foot

 http://youtu.be/ewfhSdiw-so
I show the Roundhouse kick today with the same two methods of advancement as yesterday and the day before.

I either slide in or shift forward and then lash out with my kick.

The main difference between the offset kick and the roundhouse kick is the roundhouse is done with my body sideways to my attacker.

Without prejudice

Offset Snap Kick with the Top of the Foot

http://youtu.be/_hFoVUPYOuI

HAPPY CANADA DAY!

Again, I show the offset kick today with two methods of advancement.

I either slide in or shift forward and then lash out with my kick.

The main difference is that the offset comes in at a bit of an angle. This makes it a good choice for striking the side of the leg, the side of the body or to the groin of someone who is facing me at an angle.

Without prejudice