http://youtu.be/kol7zrzupE0
The change is really nothing more than a half step from Forward Bow to Neutral. Knowing this and knowing the distance intuitively are two different things. When I practice, I do my best to keep aware of how close or far away something is and how quickly that distance can change.
Without prejudice
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
The Cane-Use of the Mid Span
http://youtu.be/X3_S3t19nG4
Using the mid span of the cane as I describe in my ‘YouTube’ channel video is simple enough when done a couple of times. The trick is to do it enough that it becomes a reflex.
Without prejudice
Using the mid span of the cane as I describe in my ‘YouTube’ channel video is simple enough when done a couple of times. The trick is to do it enough that it becomes a reflex.
Without prejudice
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
The Cane-Using the Fifth Grip to Block
http://youtu.be/67GZoHWo3GA
I am in a Forward Bow holding the cane with both hands in the Fifth Grip (a third, a third and a third). I use the end of the cane nearest the point to perform inside blocks, outside blocks, downward blocks and low outside blocks.
These are all done close in and I had to practice slowly for the longest time just to get the motion down.
By practicing these blocks with the cane, I find my bare hand blocks are improved as well.
Without prejudice
I am in a Forward Bow holding the cane with both hands in the Fifth Grip (a third, a third and a third). I use the end of the cane nearest the point to perform inside blocks, outside blocks, downward blocks and low outside blocks.
These are all done close in and I had to practice slowly for the longest time just to get the motion down.
By practicing these blocks with the cane, I find my bare hand blocks are improved as well.
Without prejudice
Monday, November 26, 2012
The Cane-Grip Retention
http://youtu.be/QHl10joEOBQ
Today I am practicing with the fourth grip but this principle applies to them all. The hand grips the cane like I grip my hammer. The grip is both strong and supple. I am able to wield the cane around me without accidentally dropping it.
I practice with the cane so that my control over this tool is as close to absolute as I can make it. Of course, each time is a new experience and absolute takes on a new meaning.
The first few times I practiced with my cane for several minutes, my hand and forearm were sore the next day.
Without prejudice
Today I am practicing with the fourth grip but this principle applies to them all. The hand grips the cane like I grip my hammer. The grip is both strong and supple. I am able to wield the cane around me without accidentally dropping it.
I practice with the cane so that my control over this tool is as close to absolute as I can make it. Of course, each time is a new experience and absolute takes on a new meaning.
The first few times I practiced with my cane for several minutes, my hand and forearm were sore the next day.
Without prejudice
Sunday, November 25, 2012
The Cane- Another Grip Changing Drill
http://youtu.be/GbPbvT89V_0
Today I am concentrating on measuring the distance of two different ranges with the tip of my cane.
I hold it in the fourth grip (about a third of the way down) and extend my arm. I keep my body still (no stepping yet).
From this position, I pull the cane closer to my body and grasp it in the fifth grip (a third, a third and a third).
Once again, I extend my arms and measure where the point is.
I switch back and forth between these two ranges. I also practice this on both sides.
This drill is about developing my ability to switch distances (and in this instance that means switching grips).
This is simple enough done once but not so simple when done many times in a few minutes per day (every day of the week, week after week).
Without prejudice
Today I am concentrating on measuring the distance of two different ranges with the tip of my cane.
I hold it in the fourth grip (about a third of the way down) and extend my arm. I keep my body still (no stepping yet).
From this position, I pull the cane closer to my body and grasp it in the fifth grip (a third, a third and a third).
Once again, I extend my arms and measure where the point is.
I switch back and forth between these two ranges. I also practice this on both sides.
This drill is about developing my ability to switch distances (and in this instance that means switching grips).
This is simple enough done once but not so simple when done many times in a few minutes per day (every day of the week, week after week).
Without prejudice
Saturday, November 24, 2012
The Cane-Practicing at Various Distances
http://youtu.be/H_hzlxIV0io
The three main distances I practice at in this video all start while I am within range. Therefore, I alos practice keeping my guard up throughout the drill
Without prejudice
The three main distances I practice at in this video all start while I am within range. Therefore, I alos practice keeping my guard up throughout the drill
Without prejudice
Thursday, November 22, 2012
The Cane-Six Different Grips on The Cane
http://youtu.be/FbzRJiPn6MY
The distance in training between partners may change from ‘kicking distance to kissing distance’ in a heartbeat. Practice with my bare handed skills should reflect that and so should my practice with the cane.
The six different grips (and their variations) that I take on the cane are designed to do just that.
But it is only by doing these things thousands of times that skill may become ingrained and even then: there are no guarantees.
Without prejudice
The distance in training between partners may change from ‘kicking distance to kissing distance’ in a heartbeat. Practice with my bare handed skills should reflect that and so should my practice with the cane.
The six different grips (and their variations) that I take on the cane are designed to do just that.
But it is only by doing these things thousands of times that skill may become ingrained and even then: there are no guarantees.
Without prejudice
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Looping Forefist Thrust
http://youtu.be/xfoByWSunTk
A powerful but easy-to-see-coming blow; this should be prefaced with a jab or block or timed so that it catches the attacker when he is unable to stop it (such as advancing in to grab).
Nor should it be used alone. As part of a flurry of blows, this strike as devastating power. A block, straight Forefist thrust and then a looping Forefist thrust followed by more of the same can make a solid dent on a relentless attacker.
Without prejudice
A powerful but easy-to-see-coming blow; this should be prefaced with a jab or block or timed so that it catches the attacker when he is unable to stop it (such as advancing in to grab).
Nor should it be used alone. As part of a flurry of blows, this strike as devastating power. A block, straight Forefist thrust and then a looping Forefist thrust followed by more of the same can make a solid dent on a relentless attacker.
Without prejudice
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
The Cane-Tool for Martial Arts Training
http://youtu.be/K8-fc7seXFs
I use the cane I carry as an aid for walking (much like the back brace I wear for standing). When I was younger, I did not see the need for such accessories. Nowadays, they are no longer accessories but rather ‘necessities’. Therefore, I incorporate them into my training.
Older need not mean decrepit; it can mean smarter.
Without prejudice
I use the cane I carry as an aid for walking (much like the back brace I wear for standing). When I was younger, I did not see the need for such accessories. Nowadays, they are no longer accessories but rather ‘necessities’. Therefore, I incorporate them into my training.
Older need not mean decrepit; it can mean smarter.
Without prejudice
Monday, November 19, 2012
Straight Rear Forefist Thrust
http://youtu.be/2d3WSTXYaPY
Exactly like it sounds. A powerful punch that drives forward in a straight line. I turn my hips into the thrust as I drive forward. It is a very versatile technique that fits well as a follow-up both with a jab or a block.
Without prejudice
Exactly like it sounds. A powerful punch that drives forward in a straight line. I turn my hips into the thrust as I drive forward. It is a very versatile technique that fits well as a follow-up both with a jab or a block.
Without prejudice
Sunday, November 18, 2012
A Cane-Retention Drill
http://youtu.be/d417Aw9RyEY
The whole idea of practicing with any tool is to improve the overall quality of my art. Thi is a good example of that.
This could be thought of as a basic ‘Retaining-The-Cane’ drill. The idea is to use all my body against my attacker’s hand. By first stepping closer and grabbing the cane near his grip, I maintain control of the cane. Then I use turning of my body against his thumb to release the cane.
This uses the same concepts practiced in single wrist releases. By practicing with the cane, my empty hand skills are honed.
Without prejudice
The whole idea of practicing with any tool is to improve the overall quality of my art. Thi is a good example of that.
This could be thought of as a basic ‘Retaining-The-Cane’ drill. The idea is to use all my body against my attacker’s hand. By first stepping closer and grabbing the cane near his grip, I maintain control of the cane. Then I use turning of my body against his thumb to release the cane.
This uses the same concepts practiced in single wrist releases. By practicing with the cane, my empty hand skills are honed.
Without prejudice
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Lead Jab against a Fixed Heavy Bag
http://youtu.be/wfS6G4d9QVc
Sometimes, just seeing and feeling what my jab can accomplish against a heavy bag (that does not move) can be illuminating.
Making sure the bag moves and not me is quite important. So is not pushing the bag but rather, hitting it in a crisp, clean and focused manner.
Without prejudice
Sometimes, just seeing and feeling what my jab can accomplish against a heavy bag (that does not move) can be illuminating.
Making sure the bag moves and not me is quite important. So is not pushing the bag but rather, hitting it in a crisp, clean and focused manner.
Without prejudice
Thursday, November 15, 2012
The Cane-Rowing the Ends
http://youtu.be/FygGS_ODCoU
While trapping the furthest end close to my body, I row the leading end forward or backward.
By itself, the motion is a good basic exercise.
It can also be used to learn the technique required to free up the cane should it be grabbed.
Without prejudice
While trapping the furthest end close to my body, I row the leading end forward or backward.
By itself, the motion is a good basic exercise.
It can also be used to learn the technique required to free up the cane should it be grabbed.
Without prejudice
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
The Cane-Two Position Changes
http://youtu.be/hx5s33k2fSU
The first is a simple one while the second is a bit more complex. The point is to familiarize myself with how the cane works and to make it go where I want it to go without thinking about it.
Without prejudice
The first is a simple one while the second is a bit more complex. The point is to familiarize myself with how the cane works and to make it go where I want it to go without thinking about it.
Without prejudice
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
The Cane-Figure Eight Drill with a Grip Change (to the other hand)
http://youtu.be/oYKQrlZsQ6Q
I grip the cane about a third of the way from the end.
I perform a simple figure eight drill today. An angled overhand forehand swing followed by an angled overhand backhand swing.
I twirl the cane behind me (making use of the momentum but keeping a sure grip on the cane).
I change hands behind my back and do it on the other side.
Actually took a lot longer to type than to do.
Becoming familiar with the cane takes a lot of practice (for me). The key is slow and control. I know (from past experience) that speed will come in time.
Without prejudice
I grip the cane about a third of the way from the end.
I perform a simple figure eight drill today. An angled overhand forehand swing followed by an angled overhand backhand swing.
I twirl the cane behind me (making use of the momentum but keeping a sure grip on the cane).
I change hands behind my back and do it on the other side.
Actually took a lot longer to type than to do.
Becoming familiar with the cane takes a lot of practice (for me). The key is slow and control. I know (from past experience) that speed will come in time.
Without prejudice
Monday, November 12, 2012
The Cane-The Eight Geometric Angles
http://youtu.be/xl0B-Lir7oc
This is a drill designed to familiarize myself with the cane. I can move the cane straight up and down along with side to side to form a square. Turn the square slightly to an angle and I have four more angles making a total of eight. I make an octagon around me as I perform this drill.
Without prejudice
This is a drill designed to familiarize myself with the cane. I can move the cane straight up and down along with side to side to form a square. Turn the square slightly to an angle and I have four more angles making a total of eight. I make an octagon around me as I perform this drill.
Without prejudice
Sunday, November 11, 2012
The Cane-An Underhand behind the Back Grip Change
http://youtu.be/AbaGwPm56SE
This is the opposite of yesterday’s drill.
The whole point of each and every one of these is to familiarize myself with the cane and what I can do with it. This in turn, helps my bare handed skills at martial arts.
I’ll say that again because it still amazes me after all this time. Even though I am merely using this stick as an exercise device, my bare had skills at martial arts do improve…Go figure!
Without prejudice
This is the opposite of yesterday’s drill.
The whole point of each and every one of these is to familiarize myself with the cane and what I can do with it. This in turn, helps my bare handed skills at martial arts.
I’ll say that again because it still amazes me after all this time. Even though I am merely using this stick as an exercise device, my bare had skills at martial arts do improve…Go figure!
Without prejudice
Saturday, November 10, 2012
The Cane-Over the Top Grip Change, Behind the Back
http://youtu.be/3fW8aO7XAtI
Slow leads to smooth and smooth leads to fast. I did not invent this piece of wisdom but I sure follow it.
Going behind my back is all a matter of feel (kinesthetic sensation), I literally take the time to feel where my cane is.
All these grip changes do a lot of positive things. They stretch the muscles involved and they help to develop coordination (to name but two).
They also allow me to develop a familiarity with the cane. I come to know (feel) where the the cane is in relationship to me.
Without prejudice
Slow leads to smooth and smooth leads to fast. I did not invent this piece of wisdom but I sure follow it.
Going behind my back is all a matter of feel (kinesthetic sensation), I literally take the time to feel where my cane is.
All these grip changes do a lot of positive things. They stretch the muscles involved and they help to develop coordination (to name but two).
They also allow me to develop a familiarity with the cane. I come to know (feel) where the the cane is in relationship to me.
Without prejudice
Thursday, November 8, 2012
The Cane-Horizontal Backhand Grip Change
http://youtu.be/-X23l_cWxPA
A simple enough maneuver, I just swing the thing behind me and change grips. Slow and easy is the key. I do it time after time until it is an effortless motion.
Without prejudice
A simple enough maneuver, I just swing the thing behind me and change grips. Slow and easy is the key. I do it time after time until it is an effortless motion.
Without prejudice
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
The Cane-Overhand Grip Change
http://youtu.be/Eb7ELWpR31I
Two days ago we covered the underhand grip change and yesterday we went over the basics of the horizontal grip change. Both of these transfer the cane grip from one hand to the other.
Today I am showing the overhand grip change. It looks a lot like the underhand. It should. It is simply the motion in reverse.
I take a mere five minutes a day and walk through these grip changes without speed or power. The constant repletion improves my abilities in many ways.
It is also a lot of fun and ‘fun’ keeps training happening.
Without prejudice
Two days ago we covered the underhand grip change and yesterday we went over the basics of the horizontal grip change. Both of these transfer the cane grip from one hand to the other.
Today I am showing the overhand grip change. It looks a lot like the underhand. It should. It is simply the motion in reverse.
I take a mere five minutes a day and walk through these grip changes without speed or power. The constant repletion improves my abilities in many ways.
It is also a lot of fun and ‘fun’ keeps training happening.
Without prejudice
Monday, November 5, 2012
The Cane-Horizontal Forehand Grip Change
http://youtu.be/A93FfTKdEt4
This is another exercise with the cane. The purpose is to improve my coordination, dexterity, ability to judge distance and I find it also improves my sense of rhythm.
As I show below, the explanation is often much more complex than the deed.In the end, it is anout the action and not the explanation (still, talking does clarity things).
I start with both hands in front on the cane palm down. It is held horizontal to the floor at about eye height. I use one hand to swing the cane over the top of my head and around in a forehand fashion until I grab it with the other hand. At that point I simply do it on the other side.
Without prejudice
This is another exercise with the cane. The purpose is to improve my coordination, dexterity, ability to judge distance and I find it also improves my sense of rhythm.
As I show below, the explanation is often much more complex than the deed.In the end, it is anout the action and not the explanation (still, talking does clarity things).
I start with both hands in front on the cane palm down. It is held horizontal to the floor at about eye height. I use one hand to swing the cane over the top of my head and around in a forehand fashion until I grab it with the other hand. At that point I simply do it on the other side.
Without prejudice
The Cane-A Basic Grip Change
http://youtu.be/fOtjueFOTM8
I perform an uppercut swing and drop the point behind and to the outside of the striking arm elbow. I reach across and under my striking arm with my free arm to grab what was the point.
I have now switched grips from one hand to the other. There is nothing new about this but it is the practice that makes this change easy and functional. It is the practice that builds coordination.
It is all about the practice.
Without prejudice
I perform an uppercut swing and drop the point behind and to the outside of the striking arm elbow. I reach across and under my striking arm with my free arm to grab what was the point.
I have now switched grips from one hand to the other. There is nothing new about this but it is the practice that makes this change easy and functional. It is the practice that builds coordination.
It is all about the practice.
Without prejudice
Sunday, November 4, 2012
The Cane-One handed overview
http://youtu.be/78RdZ1KNWR8
The use of the cane as a Martial Arts exercise device is old and known in many cultures.
Today I am showing some basic moves with it. I make it look easy and after all the practice I’ve had, I should.
Slow and careful, that is the key. It is all about control.
Without prejudice
The use of the cane as a Martial Arts exercise device is old and known in many cultures.
Today I am showing some basic moves with it. I make it look easy and after all the practice I’ve had, I should.
Slow and careful, that is the key. It is all about control.
Without prejudice
Saturday, November 3, 2012
A Three Strike Drill using Double Sticks
http://youtu.be/bVjgspE_WdA
The Drill
These three strikes are all done diagonally overhand. Essentially, this is a forehand strike, followed by what we were doing last week (backhand then forehand).
Start with large swings and work down to smaller ones.
Make sure to have enough room so that there will be no accidents. Keep the sticks light and move slowly.
Have Fun!
Without prejudice
The Drill
These three strikes are all done diagonally overhand. Essentially, this is a forehand strike, followed by what we were doing last week (backhand then forehand).
Start with large swings and work down to smaller ones.
Make sure to have enough room so that there will be no accidents. Keep the sticks light and move slowly.
Have Fun!
Without prejudice
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Another Horizontal Double Stick Drill
http://youtu.be/TjDfuP4iG08
This is a four move drill. That is four moves in each direction.
Watching the vid is pretty self explanatory. The idea is to become more comfortable with swinging these things around. Careful practice, done slowly and in control will give the best results in terms of better coordination, better, distance appreciation, better focus.
The idea is to have fun but it is still a form of training and it should be treated as such.
Without prejudice
This is a four move drill. That is four moves in each direction.
Watching the vid is pretty self explanatory. The idea is to become more comfortable with swinging these things around. Careful practice, done slowly and in control will give the best results in terms of better coordination, better, distance appreciation, better focus.
The idea is to have fun but it is still a form of training and it should be treated as such.
Without prejudice
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