10.03.14
Having covered clinch and ground in previous lessons we returned to stand-up tonight. From the warm-up onwards we focused on the classic boxingcombination of jab/cross/hook. This will be a theme we will continue over into next week’s class. We began by breaking down each technique and shadow boxing. This built up into a hand coordination exercise. Then we did some partner drilling, which brought in a better appreciation for movement. Taking advantage of working with a reactive partner, both fighters readjusted after each technique. This helps coordinate natural footwork.
The trick here then was to convey this sense of combative re-positioning between strikes at full force on the focus mitts. Such exercises place a great deal of responsibility on the coach. Fighters tend to mirror a coach’s stance, so it is important for the coach to be fully engaged with what is going on in the exercise. This is far easier than done. Repetition and fatigue make it easier for both fighter and coach to forget the objective of the exercise, and the fighter just hits the pads for the sake of hitting them and the coach just holds them up. Visualization and being mindful of the behaviour that is being trained must be central to the training, which is why rounds should be kept relatively short when training is focused on specifics. We built the combination up into the standard 11 punch combination before we began to include kicks. We began again with the jab, adding on a rear leg round kick and then added a lead leg round to the jab/cross combination and then went back to the rear leg after building to the full jab/cross/hook.
The session was finished with a deconstruction of two solo strength building exercises that will help work the correct muscle groups in the right direction: press-up/striking and oblique raise/striking. It amazes me how the humble press-up is neglected and yet is such an important foundation exercise relevant to striking.
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