Simultaneous Lead Arm Block with Rear Arm Counter Forehand Knifehand Strike

http://youtu.be/MkQt5Ldd5kg

This is practiced at only palm heel distance. This is measured by facing the bag and extending both arms out in front until I am touching the bag with my palm heels.

I generally regard fingertip distance as free sparring distance while palm heel distance is closer to the range I would be at if the encounter took place in a self-defense setting. That would make this combination drill a ‘self-defense’ drill and not a sparring drill. The overhand forehand Knifehand counterstrike is a powerful blow but it is slow and relatively easy to see coming. Against a sparring partner, this is not a good blow to use.


It is a good blow to use in a self-defense situation as an attacker is counting on surprise and shock. This blow, when it lands is a solid finishing strike that also lends itself to good solid follow-ups should they be needed.

Without prejudice

Simultaneous Lead Arm Block with Rear Arm Counter Hammer Strike

http://youtu.be/5qglpscZzms

Again,  this is practiced at two different distances. I am either am finger tip distance or I am at palm heel distance. Both are measured by facing the bag and extending both arms out in front until I am touching the bag.

I generally regard fingertip distance as free sparring distance while palm heel distance is closer to the range I would be at if the encounter took place in a self-defense setting.

I do my best to practice this drill at both distances as both have advantages and weaknesses.

This particular version of the simultaneous block with counter involves a hammering backfist to the bridge of the nose or a Hammerfist to the short ribs.  This is a somewhat deceptively mild looking counter. If it lands, this counter is anything but mild and the poisyion I find myself in lends itself to multiple follow-ups.

Without prejudice

Simultaneous Lead Arm Block with Rear Arm Counter Punch

http://youtu.be/C2zd1bmOR5g

I generally practice this at two different distances. I am either am finger tip distance or I am at palm heel distance. Both are measured by facing the bag and extending both arms out in front until I am touching the bag.

I generally regard fingertip distance as free sparring distance while palm heel distance is closer to the range I would be at if the encounter took place in a self-defense setting.

I do my best to practice this drill at both distances as both have advantages and weaknesses.

Without prejudice

Lead Arm Block /Rear Arm Check followed by Lead Arm Counter

http://youtu.be/tyvdFjBca14

I tend to regard this as a ‘self-defense’ combination instead of a sparring combination.

I train sparring distances and timing and tactics differently than sparring distance, timing and tactics.

One is not better or worse, just different.

As others have stated before (and in much greater detail); ‘Self-defense’ situations tends to occur much closer, much harder, much faster and generally with more surprise than the defender seems ready to deal effectively with.

Training must be ‘fun’ or otherwise very important so that it will be done on a constant basis. Otherwise, reflexes will either not be developed at all or will become dull with disuse.

Without prejudice

Lead Arm Block then Lead Arm Counter

http://youtu.be/ySGQMEXWzcg

This basic defensive tactic works best against a single heavy punch.  My lead arm blocks and I immediately use the blocking arm to counter attack. The rhythm is a 1 ½ beat time. Ideally, the counter should not only damage the attacker, it should also act as a stop-hit to any potential follow-ups.

Like yesterday, today, I am measuring my point of contact against the bag. I stop my counter when I get to the bag (as opposed to punching through it).

This is a basic concept that works best when it is drilled often and explored at length. Once I had it down so I could do it without thought; then the real work began.

Without prejudice

Lead Arm Block then Rear Arm Counter

http://youtu.be/ZrFz-jWOJzU

This basic defensive tactic works best against a single heavy punch.  My lead arm blocks, there is a slight pause then I counter with my rear arm.

Today, I am measuring my point of contact against the bag. I stop my counter when I get to the bag (as opposed to punching through it).

A different tactic would be used for someone doing something else (i.e. someone using multiple punches from ambush).

Without prejudice

Using the Angled Forefist Thrust to measure the ‘Depth of Penetration’

http://youtu.be/bK976quJIwA

That means I am punching through the heavy bag. I control my punch and simply allow the heavy bag to get in the way. Today I am using angled or looping Forefist Thrusts.

As I said yesterday, The ‘Depth of Penetration’ is the difference between the ‘Point of Contact’ and the ‘Point of Finish’.

Today I am performing the ‘Depth of Penetration’ by punching through my ‘Point of Contact’ to the ‘Point of Finish’ on the heavy bag while executing a basic straight Forefist thrust.

Again, I drive in about four inches with these hard driving thrusts.

Generally these are prefaced with a light quick block or jab.

Without prejudice