A Chimeric Triple Bill (diary entry)

12.09.13

General Lesson (Submission Grappling, Boxing and Kickboxing)

We had a smaller class today of lower and younger grades, so I decided that I would give some more individual time to getting a specific technique correct. We began with warm-up exercises that encourage good hip mobility. Then we transferred this to the guard position and attaining the basic arm-bar. Perhaps the most common error with this technique is the fighter’s angling of his hips when he completes the submission.

We then did four sets of rounds of sparring, first restricting the jab in western boxing and then free sparring in the kickboxing.

Private Lesson 1 (Mixed Martial Arts)

The first half of the lesson revolved around warming up in the different ranges. This started with mirror footwork. This was then increased to include sprawling, open hand body-shot sparring, one-for-one kicking, grip-fighting and taking the back sparring. This section was completed on the ground with flow-sparring. A common theme in the CCMA approach is to have students change mind-sets and dynamics very quickly. We want to train fast and seamless adaption; an ability to think under pressure, applying the correct dynamic. Flow-sparring has both fighters engage in a free non-resistant flow of techniques until “fight” is called. Then both fighters do their best to secure a submission in 10 seconds from whatever position they have ended up in.

Private Lesson 2 (Kickboxing and Self-Defence)

I began this session with an increase of aerobic exercise, raising the level for these two private clients. Part of my mandate for them is to improve their overall fitness levels. We stepped off the self-defence line and did some boxing footwork drills for several sets and repetitions. Whatever level you are at, these exercises can really push you. They are explosive and also demand a good degree of stamina. Then we looked at the basics of kickboxing on the Thai pads, blending kicks with punches. The second half of the lesson was a revision of self-defence. This included pre-emptive striking, recovery and anti-grappling.

Don't miss our free Vagabond Warriors workshop on 19th October at the Martial Arts Expo: