Simultaneous Lead Arm Mantis Block and Rear Arm Hammerfist

Today we are doing pretty much what we did yesterday. The only real difference is that a Hammerfist (or a backfist in a couple of instances) is used.

Confidence in executing this block with counter must be based on serious practice over time.

And once ability to use this has been developed, it must be practiced to be maintained.

Without practice

Simultaneous Lead Arm Mantis Block with Rear Arm Counter Punch

I find the trick with this is to be ready to throw the block and the punch as soon as I would normally throw only the block.

Without prejudice

Mantis Block / Check / Counter

Kurt and I like to practice hard but today (except for a couple of times;) we go slow. The initial block is followed by a check which is followed by a counter.

In Kisae we consider this to be a flashy move.

Without prejudice

Lead Arm mantis Block and Lead arm Counter Punch

This is pretty much the same as yesterday except that the arm that blocks also counter’s.

Having a variety of defenses and counters available makes it harder for an attacker to predict what a defender can do next.

Without prejudice

Lead Arm Mantis Block and Rear arm Counter Punch

My thanks to Kurt this week for his assistance

Today we are practicing a basic defense against a straight punch to the mid body. The defender holds his hand high to entice an attack to the body. The attacker punches, the defender slaps the incoming blow aside and counters.

Notice…

There is a slight pause in this defense between block and counter. This is an excellent defense against a single attack. Also, the block is an excellent beginning of a defense against a flurry of blows. But in both cases, the defender must not only be aware of the attacker ahead of time, the defender must draw out the attack.

The strategy here would also be known as a ‘false opening’

Without prejudice

Simultaneous Lead Outside Palm Block with Rear Forehand Knifehand Counter

Jason and I did about three weeks worth of ‘YouTube’ films in about an hour. Tonight’s film nears the end of that hour and it shows. The punches have to be controlled a bit more and it takes more energy to focus and be vigilant.

We don’t make a lot of contact with each other in this school of Martial Arts. It’s our belief that if we hit, the recipient of our strikes will be injured. We strike to hit and expect the same in return. After the strike is launched, we control how hard we wish it to land (not an easy thing to do).

All the same, courtesy is of vital importance here.

Without prejudice

Simultaneous Lead Outside Palm Block with Rear Hammerfist Counter

Pretty much the same as yesterday except the starting position is different for the defender. This is rather a significant change but it doesn’t actually look like much.

Without prejudice