Stepping with Four Diagonal Cane Strikes

 http://youtu.be/P_6-HoLBMMk
This is similar to the drill I did on February 22 except that I am using four strikes and I am advancing only.

Also, all my strikes are done on an angle.

I strike with the tip of the cane, then the middle of the cane and finally with the part closest to my hand.

As I stated earlier, the only way to become proficient in the use of this three foot staff is to practice.

Without prejudice

A Basic Grip Switch

http://youtu.be/ZJ1G4qWMbXA
This Grip Switch allows me to change which hand I am gripping the Cane with.

Two basic things are important to remember when switching arms.

One, my first hand grips the Cane in the middle with the thumb pointed at the hook.

Two, my second hand grips the Cane just over the first hand with my second (also with my thumb towards the hook).

Only then does my first hand grip the Cane in the way I want.

See the video for an example.

Without prejudice

Basic Switching of Positions with the Cane between the Fourth and Fifth Grips

http://youtu.be/dxTLr0IEXus
Again, just easier to watch the video than to describe.

The purpose is to develop a strong awareness of where the Cane is at all times when being held in the fifth grip.

When I let go with one hand to change positions, I make sure my other hand has a solid grip.

It is not about speed, it is about precision.

Without prejudice

Ten Grips of the Cane

http://youtu.be/-OubtW0WyPw
A basic demonstration of how to form the Ten Grips of the Cane.

Without prejudice

Grip Switching: Same Side Underhand

http://youtu.be/cR0Tn02OK84

It is just easier to watch the video than to explain this control exercise.

Once I have it down stationary, I combine it with a step.

Without prejudice

Stepping with Cane Strikes

http://youtu.be/Gbel648hqMQ
As shown, I combine three Cane attacks with a basic shuffle step both advancing and withdrawing.

This decreases then increases the distance as I strike.

The only way to become proficient in the use of this staff is to practice.

And the best way I have found to practice regularly is to make practice interesting.

Without prejudice

Slide In Kicks with Follow-up Lead Arm Punch and Rear Arm Punch

http://youtu.be/WahzkCcwcMo
I use the slide kicks of Orange belt here.

Step forward, kick with my lead leg and drop to neutral as I punch with my lead arm, then I turn and drive my rear arm out as a third strike.

Simple and effective fo0llow-up to yesterday’s drill.

Without prejudice

Slide In Kicks with Follow-up Lead Arm Punch

http://youtu.be/dabJe7hO07g
 I use the slide kicks of Yellow belt here.

Step forward, kick with my lead leg and drop to neutral as I punch with my lead arm.

Simple and effective…

Without prejudice

All the Kicks of Yellow Belt in Kisae Kempo

http://youtu.be/-pBYkaI0bQI
This is very similar to the kicks in the Orange Belt Program.

There are the four basic kicks: The Front Snap, The Offset and The Roundhouse (both with the top of the foot) and finally, The Side Kick.

I execute them three different ways and on both sides (like before).

Originally, when kicking with the back leg performing the roundhouse kick or the side kick, I would turn my support foot. These days, I plant the support foot and kick from where it is.

Without prejudice

The Yellow Belt Stances and Steps

http://youtu.be/vSAG_RRgAkM
Another basic demonstration.

This time it is of the Yellow Belt Stances and Steps.

These are done both facing forward and to the side.

The stances are a Forward Bow, Front Cat, Leading Horse and a Side Cat.

The primary Steps are done from a Forward Bow.

They are Shuffles forward and back and Stepthroughs forward and back.

The secondary Steps are done from a Leading Horse and they are the same.

 Shuffles forward and back and Stepthroughs forward and back.

Without prejudice

All the Kicks at Orange Belt Level in Kisae Kempo

http://youtu.be/3DgpN6vn0Fs
It was not until I was editing this video that I realized I had stated that Orange has twelve kicks.

Technically, that is correct (on one side).

From a left leading stance, there are four slide in, four shift forward and four shift away.

Then I switch sides and do it all again on from a right leading stance.

So technically, there are twenty four kicks; except…

All I am really doing are four kicks.

There is the Front Thrust Kick, an Offset Kick, a Roundhouse Kick and a Side Snap Kick.

But all four kicks are done three ways on one side: thus my count of twelve.

Without prejudice

The Orange Belt Stances and Steps

http://youtu.be/KBVlfDHAbiQ
A basic demonstration of the Orange Belt Stances and Steps.

These are done while holding a short staff (a cane) in my hands).

The stances are a Diagonal Horse, Diagonal Cat, Side Bow  and a Side Bow withdrawn to Cat.

They are done on both sides.

This is followed by a half step shuffle forward and back. First t is done in a Forward Bow, then in a Leading Horse.

Without prejudice

The Close in Forehand Swing with the Short Cane

http://youtu.be/pIOzVEjLx_Q
Basically, this is just a forehand swing that uses portion of the cane I was blocking with earlier this week.

The whole Idea all week long has been to show the various ways a Short Cane can to practiced with in daily training.

Without prejudice

Using the Butt end of the Short Cane in a Forehand Strike

http://youtu.be/oPrlFcRkkow
This is a simple enough maneuver. It is done at punching distance with a firm grip on the cane and I am using the butt end of the cane in a forehand swing fashion, just as I show.

I do not have to torque into my strike. The cane, by itself, is plenty strong enough. I torque only to drive my punch out and turn my hips back.  Actually more complicated to explain than to watch.

The idea is to make this baton a part of me as much as my arm or leg is.

Without prejudice

Backhand Strike with the Baton

Although similar to yesterday’s strike; today, I use a different part of the baton to strike with.

http://youtu.be/FOh5Q7fTKjE
In this first video, I show how to use the strike with the limb alone.

http://youtu.be/iBI1WJmoJzM
In this second video, I show how and why I would use hip torque.

http://youtu.be/h0bgT5jmnBc
In the third video, I change distances as I execute two different strikes.

Without prejudice

Close Uses For The Short Cane

*WARNING: I use only foam covered canes and slow movements to practice with when training with others. I make it a point to emphasize safety in practice. ‘Foam Canes and Slow Techniques’ are the key ideas when working with the cane.

Using the Short Cane at punching distance can be a significantly challenging activity. The cane can be grabbed or its strikes easily smothered and nullified. There are other difficulties as well.

But before I get into them, I want to concentrate on the ‘how-to’ use the short cane at punching distance.
http://youtu.be/S7pXh1Ewq_o
Today I am using a Backhand Hammerfist with the Short Cane. It is just a lead arm hammerfist that strikes out. I use my lead arm therefore, it is usually unnecessary to torque into the strike.

http://youtu.be/eMcn1VD6X44
I can combine this strike with a empty arm block. The idea is to become comfortable with the basic backhand hammerfist used in conjunction with an empty arm block.

http://youtu.be/-z0H575kxtQ
Now I can also use the short cane to block with as well.

I simply use my lead arm holding the short cane to block with and my rear bare fist the thrust with.

The whole idea is to get as comfortable with this baton as possible in practice. Tools and ‘weapons’ training is used in Kisae Kempo to improve barehanded Skills.

Without prejudice

Three Drills with the Short Cane

*WARNING: I check my cane daily to ensure that I detect any flaws, cracks, bends or signs of weaknesses in it. Any tool that is subjected to impact will decay with wear. They should be replaced often.*





 http://youtu.be/64mprndYQ40
The first of these drills combines the two swings I was doing yesterday with a thrust of the cane tip.

The grip must be firm and the rhythm even (for this drill).

There is only the limb alone driving the cane so it is a simple yet quick series of movements.

http://youtu.be/pX7M7MGZJC4
The second drill is almost the same as the first except that I am now adding hip torque to my swings.

This slows the whole process down slightly but makes the swings more powerful.

http://youtu.be/gpBzThM55HQ
The third drill combines the three cane attacks with a step.

This may look the same but it feels quite different.

I go slow and careful with the emphasis on control.

Without prejudice

The Short Cane Horizontal Broad Swings

http://youtu.be/WhK43rap4yM

Today I am using a collapsible Cane to practice with.

I make sure it is retracted as much as possible and the button is up.

This ensures that the end is securely fastened to the cane (and it will not fly out).

The most basic of strokes with the Short Cane happen at kicking distance.

I start with the Cane in the second grip.

Whether I am using a Forehand swing or a Backhand swing, I keep the swing horizontal to the ground.

This video better explains how to do this.
http://youtu.be/xQC8fObHUhM

Alternating between these broad swings should feel slow and sweeping.
http://youtu.be/mkSBhmTjQqw

When combined with a short sharp strike or block, they can be very effective.

Without prejudice

Jab, Underhand Punch, Looping Hook

http://youtu.be/qVEb0yCwYKY

I jab to the face.

I drop my rear hand from the high guard to the low guard before punching.

This puts me in a good position to loop my lead fist through to my opponent’s ear.

Without prejudice

Jab, Overhand Punch, Underhand Punch to the Heavy Bag

http://youtu.be/dYIXWddQgno

My jab strikes out at chest height.

I follow this up with a high overhand Forefist to head height.

This is followed by an underhand Forefist at solar plexus height.

There is no pushing here: each punch should be hard and crisp with good follow through.

I repeat this combination again and again.

Then I do it on the other side.

These drills are short (about thirty seconds to a minute) and fast.

By the time I am finished, I have to take a short respite before continuing.

This is as it should be…

Without prejudice

Jab, Backfist and Straight Thrust to the Heavy Bag

http://youtu.be/zWUgaQb-gDo

This time around I start with a Jab to the body.

This is followed by the same hand executing a Backfist to the head.

From there I drive my rear Forefist into the Head.

The idea is to strike this combination repeatedly.

Building a reflex takes time, dedication and most importantly, it takes enthusiasm.

Without prejudice

A High, Low, Center Punching Drill on the Heavy Bag

http://youtu.be/iPwKFCI32xQ

Similar to yesterday’s drill; I jab to the face, then cross to the solar plexus and follow-up with my lead to the chest..

This is done at knuckle distance.

If you close your eyes and just listen, the rhythm is apparent.

I do this drill over and over without hesitation yet each time I start with the lead jab.

Without prejudice

A High, Low, High Punching Drill on the Heavy Bag

http://youtu.be/qCPDy0PFja0

Another basic drill with a straight rear arm punch to the torso and another straight lead punch to the head.

This is another drill where all the punches are done at knuckle distance.

If you close your eyes and just listen, the rhythm is apparent.

The trick is to do this drill over and over without hesitation.

Maintaining a combination that I can do without hesitation, should challenging and interesting. This way I am eager to keep training on a daily basis.

Without prejudice

A Three Strike Basic Punching Drill on the Heavy Bag

http://youtu.be/SnCMsHsAfqM

The basic drill is two jabs followed by a straight cross punch.

All are done to the head and all are done at knuckle distance.

The trick is to do this drill over and over without hesitation.

I am building (or in this case, maintaining) a combination that I can do without hesitation, should the need for it arise.

Without prejudice