Kicks and Sticks (diary entry)

23.09.13

General Lesson – Stand-up/Kicking, Grappling and MMA

Kicking remains one of the most visually stunning aspects of unarmed martial arts. Largely due to the influence of traditional Korean kicking sports and the development of acrobatic Chinese wu shu, martial arts kicks have captured the imagination of the general public. Many combat sports have cultivated this aspect, but with the advent of low rules competition and the greater popularization of “Reality-Based Self-Defence” sports have been pushed down the agenda of many pragmatists. I contend it is perhaps the weakest range due to the risk factor, but I also concede it can give you some of the most devastating pay-offs. Some of MMA’s most memorable knockouts have been done via high kicks.

After a series of muscle activation exercises we began working on kicks. We began by using them in conjunction with punches. I have often taught that punches can set the timing and pace for kicks. We worked opposite side combinations – e.g.  jab/rear leg round kick – and same side combinations – e.g jab/front kick “teep”. Then we looked at feigning low kicks to take out the supporting leg and also intercepting round kicks with front kicks. Next we addressed using front kicks to maintain distance. The lesson was finished with a stretching warm-down.

The session as finished with a few rounds of specific sparring – striking versus grappling – and then MMA sparring.

Private Lesson – Kickboxing, Anti-Grappling and Weapons

Today’s lesson did not have a set theme. The client wanted to look at a couple of aspects she was having trouble with and I introduced her to the use of incidental weapons.

The lesson began with kickboxing. We worked on basic boxing combinations, focusing on retaining the guard and developing speed in the jab. Then we looked at the technique of the round kick. Here we addressed the importance of the pivot and retaining balance.

We then looked at anti-grappling, beginning with the basics of striking when being grappled and the use of eye gouges. This was then transferred to the ground, where she worked on defending from underneath using bridging and shrimping tactics.

Finally, we cover basic use of percussive weapons. These impact weapons typically take the form of sticks, which are the most basic design a person can use in such instances. Many items one picks up can be used in a similar fashion as a stick. We covered four basic angles based on the forearm and back swing.

DON'T MISS our Vagabond Warriors FREE workshop (with entrance fee) at the Martial Arts Expo on 19th October. Book your place now.