The Cane-High, Low, Centre Striking Drill

http://youtu.be/JjGruqIXHZY

Holding the cane in the fifth grip, I stay at punching distance and strike high, low and center. I alternate the arms and concentrate on balance and rhythm.

Without prejudice

The Cane-Working the Bag with the Cane

http://youtu.be/BSczOw2Ntso

Working the bag with the cane is fundamentally the same drill as working the bag with empty hands. In the fifth grip, the distance is the same and the timing is very similar.

Without prejudice

Working the Heavy Bag

http://youtu.be/18tr6t-1hDk

Upon occasion it is good to just cut loose and let whatever comes out at the bag come out. It is not about speed or power or even technique.

It is about fun and confidence building.

Without prejudice

The Cane-Combination Defense

http://youtu.be/xRIg3JTSbTo

The drill I am working today has two parts. The first is an attack with the Front snap kick to the groin followed by the same side lead Jab to the face. The defense is to use my lead palm heel to squat block the incoming kick. I follow with a palm block and then Knifehand counter strike. This, in turn, is followed by a cane end thrust and withdrawal.

The keys, as is usually the case, are awareness, timing and distance appreciation.

Without prejudice

Block Then Counter

http://youtu.be/no8OD4-2EtU

It is the rhythm that I am concentrating on today. This means that I use one count for the block, one count for the pause and one last count for the counterattack. By pausing between the block and the counter, I am able to insert other blocks or evasions if necessary.

Without prejudice

The Cane-Blocks with the Middle of the Cane

http://youtu.be/hTl3_CFBT2c

Using the middle of the cane to block with seems easy enough but in order for these to work, the attacker must be both close up and swing hard.

These blocks are slower than they seem and therefore must be timed perfectly.

Without prejudice

Simultaneous Block with Counter Punch

http://youtu.be/M3uMg1_Y6Zc

The trick to making Martial Arts work is a combination of knowledge, practice and enthusiasm.

Today’s drill is the pairing of a block with one hand while punching with the other. Once I have the motion down, I practice it regularly both by myself and with a partner. Also, practice at different speeds helps me to familiarize myself with the moves.

Without prejudice