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

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

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 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

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

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

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