The direct attack is executed swiftly and economically. It takes the shortest, most direct path to the target without extraneous movements. Successful execution requires superior speed, agility and focus to penetrate the opponent’s defense without being blocked. There are seven stages in the advancing action of a direct attack.
7 stages of direct attack1. Preparation: relaxed but poised
2. Initiation: explosive speed
3. Acceleration: speed up smoothly
4. Impact: total concentration of power
5. Follow-through: release the force
6. Withdrawal: natural mechanics return the weapon to its original place
7. Recovery: return to strong stance, with good defense
Each of these steps takes place in a split second or less. When you practice any attacking movement, be conscious of each step as it applies to the technique. Be totally involved in each phase of the action as it occurs without hurrying or skipping ahead.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
Why it's Important to be Relaxed in a Fight
If your mental state becomes too active before combat, or if you have difficulty returning from your psyched-up state of mind after combat, relaxation techniques can be helpful. Like psyching-up, relaxation has to be practiced and can be induced through cues.
A simple way to learn relaxation is through progressive muscle relaxation. Begin by tensing a muscle group and then relaxing it. Work through all of the major muscle groups in each session. Eventually progress to relaxing the muscles without prior tension. Increase the number of muscle groups you are consciously
able to relax at once.
The next step is to transfer your relaxation skills to your practice sessions. Concentrate on relaxing your muscles in the pre-movement stage. Initiate every movement from a relaxed state to increase speed and power. When you can initiate from a relaxed posture, focus on maintaining that relaxation in all of your nontarget muscles (those not directly used in creating the movement). Finally, try to relax your target muscles until just before the point of impact. This will create maximum speed and improve your endurance by conserving energy.
Practicing relaxation in the comforts of your home or training area will not necessarily help you relax under stress. To enhance your ability to relax under stress, create unfavorable conditions under which to practice your relaxation techniques. Try to manage your anxiety through relaxation techniques when you feel most stressed, whether in training or in other areas of your life. Consistent practice will lead you to success.
A simple way to learn relaxation is through progressive muscle relaxation. Begin by tensing a muscle group and then relaxing it. Work through all of the major muscle groups in each session. Eventually progress to relaxing the muscles without prior tension. Increase the number of muscle groups you are consciously
able to relax at once.
The next step is to transfer your relaxation skills to your practice sessions. Concentrate on relaxing your muscles in the pre-movement stage. Initiate every movement from a relaxed state to increase speed and power. When you can initiate from a relaxed posture, focus on maintaining that relaxation in all of your nontarget muscles (those not directly used in creating the movement). Finally, try to relax your target muscles until just before the point of impact. This will create maximum speed and improve your endurance by conserving energy.
Practicing relaxation in the comforts of your home or training area will not necessarily help you relax under stress. To enhance your ability to relax under stress, create unfavorable conditions under which to practice your relaxation techniques. Try to manage your anxiety through relaxation techniques when you feel most stressed, whether in training or in other areas of your life. Consistent practice will lead you to success.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Improving Reaction Time
There are several formulas you can use to hone your reaction timing.
1. Attack when the opponent is preparing his attack. His mind is occupied with what to do next and he is not
fully prepared to attack or defend.
2. Attack when the opponent steps forward or backward. The key is to attack before his stepping foot
touches the ground. While one foot is in the air, the balance of the body is easily upset, but once the step is
completed, an attack is imminent.
3. Attack when the opponent’s attack is at its maximum height. He is unable to retreat quickly and his
balance is extremely vulnerable when his body is fully extended.
4. Attack when the opponent hesitates or is nervous. His indecision is your cue that he has mentally let down
his guard and is vulnerable to attack.
5. Attack just after your opponent completes an attacking movement. Every muscle needs a brief period
of recovery between exertions. Take advantage of this by attacking as soon as the movement is finished.
1. Attack when the opponent is preparing his attack. His mind is occupied with what to do next and he is not
fully prepared to attack or defend.
2. Attack when the opponent steps forward or backward. The key is to attack before his stepping foot
touches the ground. While one foot is in the air, the balance of the body is easily upset, but once the step is
completed, an attack is imminent.
3. Attack when the opponent’s attack is at its maximum height. He is unable to retreat quickly and his
balance is extremely vulnerable when his body is fully extended.
4. Attack when the opponent hesitates or is nervous. His indecision is your cue that he has mentally let down
his guard and is vulnerable to attack.
5. Attack just after your opponent completes an attacking movement. Every muscle needs a brief period
of recovery between exertions. Take advantage of this by attacking as soon as the movement is finished.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Overcoming Fear of Failure
Another common fear is fear of failure or fear of losing. This is more of an illusory fear than the fear of injury. Being seriously injured is a reality that could change the course of your life forever. Losing or failing is only a temporary emotional setback. If you have a great fear of failure, look at the possible root causes. Have you trained enough? Is your opponent much better than you? Do you have something to prove by fighting?
There are many causes of failing, ranging from poor training to just plain bad luck. Some you can control and some you cannot. Forget the uncontrollable. Look closely at the controllable factors like your determination to succeed, the amount and quality of your training, your ability and skill level. Assess each of these realistically. If you find that something is truly lacking, take action immediately to fix it.
More likely, you have become the victim of self doubt. Your skill does not change when you leave the training area and step into the combat site. But your self-perception might change. Try to focus on the reality of your present situation, rather than imagining all of the horrible things that could possibly happen.
If you cannot focus on success, think about the worst possible outcome. Is failing or losing really so awful? And even if it is, does it deserve your valuable time and emotion? Isn’t there something more important for you to be thinking about at this critical time in your life?
There are many causes of failing, ranging from poor training to just plain bad luck. Some you can control and some you cannot. Forget the uncontrollable. Look closely at the controllable factors like your determination to succeed, the amount and quality of your training, your ability and skill level. Assess each of these realistically. If you find that something is truly lacking, take action immediately to fix it.
More likely, you have become the victim of self doubt. Your skill does not change when you leave the training area and step into the combat site. But your self-perception might change. Try to focus on the reality of your present situation, rather than imagining all of the horrible things that could possibly happen.
If you cannot focus on success, think about the worst possible outcome. Is failing or losing really so awful? And even if it is, does it deserve your valuable time and emotion? Isn’t there something more important for you to be thinking about at this critical time in your life?
Friday, September 16, 2011
Types of Backfists
Types:
1. Straight: traveling directly to the target
2. Circular: with a wide follow through
3. Downward: traveling on a downward arc
4. Spinning: using a ¾ turn to the rear
Targets:
1. Straight: jaw, face
2. Circular: jaw, ear, neck
3. Downward: jaw, face
4. Spinning: ear, jaw
1. Straight: traveling directly to the target
2. Circular: with a wide follow through
3. Downward: traveling on a downward arc
4. Spinning: using a ¾ turn to the rear
Targets:
1. Straight: jaw, face
2. Circular: jaw, ear, neck
3. Downward: jaw, face
4. Spinning: ear, jaw
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Fighting from Neutral Range
NEUTRAL RANGE
Definition
Neutral range is the distance at which neither combatant can effectively attack with the weapons available.
Advantages
The neutral range gives you the time to prepare your strategy and ample opportunity to change plans as you observe your opponent. The neutral range is the ideal range from which to begin the confrontation because you can get yourself ready immediately.
Disadvantages
The neutral distance leaves you vulnerable to a surprise attack from your opponent because when you are at a neutral distance, your mind is less alert than at any other range. Don’t discount the possibility of an attack from any distance.
Be prepared at all times.
Neutral distance is inefficient for attacking because an attack that covers a lengthy distance is easy to detect and avoid.
How to attack
Attacks from neutral range require explosive speed and deception. To create speed, use quick footwork and combined movements. Feinting, set-ups and traps are all ways of confusing your opponent to create an opening for a surprise attack.
Tactics
Be alert and study your opponent in the neutral range. Be prepared to counter or reverse a surprise attack. In addition to surprise attacks, you can try to outwait your opponent. Eventually one of you will become impatient and attack. If you are patient, your opponent will attack first and give you the chance for a counter. This tactic requires patience and an iron will.
Definition
Neutral range is the distance at which neither combatant can effectively attack with the weapons available.
Advantages
The neutral range gives you the time to prepare your strategy and ample opportunity to change plans as you observe your opponent. The neutral range is the ideal range from which to begin the confrontation because you can get yourself ready immediately.
Disadvantages
The neutral distance leaves you vulnerable to a surprise attack from your opponent because when you are at a neutral distance, your mind is less alert than at any other range. Don’t discount the possibility of an attack from any distance.
Be prepared at all times.
Neutral distance is inefficient for attacking because an attack that covers a lengthy distance is easy to detect and avoid.
How to attack
Attacks from neutral range require explosive speed and deception. To create speed, use quick footwork and combined movements. Feinting, set-ups and traps are all ways of confusing your opponent to create an opening for a surprise attack.
Tactics
Be alert and study your opponent in the neutral range. Be prepared to counter or reverse a surprise attack. In addition to surprise attacks, you can try to outwait your opponent. Eventually one of you will become impatient and attack. If you are patient, your opponent will attack first and give you the chance for a counter. This tactic requires patience and an iron will.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Some Tips on Feinting
Feinting is a delicate balance of physical and psychological deception. It takes a good amount of practice to master. Being able to portray many different “faces” in combat gives you an added edge.
Sequence of Feinting
1. Give a false movement
2. Make the opponent react
3. Take advantage of his reaction
Types of feints
1. False movement
2. Eye direction
3. Slow down
4. Change of speed
5. Psychological
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