How to Practice Fighting Skills

As any fighter knows, excellent physical conditioning is prerequisite to learning combat skills. Physical and mental strength are an essential foundation on which to build your fighting skills. To increase your fundamental physical
condition, practice healthy habits in your everyday life. Adopt a daily conditioning and exercise program that exercises the whole body and especially the muscles and joints used in your combat training.

Based on your physical conditioning, start practicing the basic fighting skills. When you are ready to begin, take the skills one at a time or in small groups and work slowly at first. Every movement is a dynamic entity that cannot be expressed except through movement.

When you begin a new skill or movement, first visualize the ideal action. See yourself performing an accurate, fluid movement. Begin practicing slowly, with the focus on imitating the correct line of movement. Refine each skill individually adding speed and power when you have established the correct movement pattern.

Once you have practiced a technique thoroughly, begin practice with a partner. Start with arranged interactions and limited skills. Increase the spontaneity of the interaction as your skills develop. Always use excellent control
when practicing with a partner. These skills are meant for self-protection in actual combat and may cause serious injury if control is not exercised.