Combinations and Generating Force (diary entry)

A pair of rattan sticks (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

24.11.14

We primarily worked upper body techniques today with a focus on coordination and impact development. The session began with a warm-up on the rattan sticks. This began with a single stick and was then followed by double sticks, single knife, and stick and knife. We covered eight angles of attack with each of these weapon variations, targeting high, mid and low attack lines with slashing movements. This was then adapted into unarmed combinations, using the hammer fists, forearms and elbows.

We then moved onto some boxing. This began with four straight punches. We also reviewed the 11 punch combination before looking at using a counter to low kick as means for generating more force from the cross punch. Striking was then taken onto the heavy bag with an emphasis on developing more penetrative impact. As my DVDs “Cross Training in the Martial Arts” and “Cross Training in the Martial Arts 2” demonstrated, heavy hitters have their own takes on how to best develop force in strikes. However, I have noticed universal themes shared them all. The striking limb must be as relaxed as possible until the moment of impact. The whole body should be initially relaxed until the striking action begins. Then it is matter of engaging the poster chain to create the right ballistic effect needed to send the striking limb into the target. It can be likened and reinforced by various compound exercises. Deadlifts, pull-ups and squats are great for developing the base stabilizing strength required. However, explosive strength exercises are a great way to observe the motion required to create impact. This is particularly evident with Olympic lifts and their kettlebell/dumbbell equivalents.

A common bugbear of mine is when a striker neglects to withdraw his striking limb in the same manner as he sends it to the target. This just creates plastic force or an impulse as opposed to elastic force or impact. It isn’t so much as a strike as a big push, which has its place but not what we looking for when we want to strike. Maximum damage is caused by the shockwave created by the whole piercing and withdrawing motion that forms the entire technique. I had my client strike with a right cross from standing, kneeling and seated against the heavy bag, trying to cause the bag to bend rather than swing.

We looked at keeping the strike as straight as possible as he aligned the rest of his body and engaged the correct muscles. The withdrawing or reversing action brought us onto the rear elbow, which I train in combination with the cross. This helped emphasize the sawing-like motion of the straight strike. The rear backhand/hammer-fist/forearm/elbow is also good for reinforcing the arcing motion required for the hook, and we might look at it in the next session. The cross was then brought back onto the focus mitts with the client showing noticeably more power. We then integrated the strike back into his previous combination work.