MMA, Self-Defence and Attribute Training (diary entry)

07.10.13

General Lesson - boxing, muay Thai and submission grappling

We looked at boxing, muay Thai and submissions – all areas that required more attention. The boxing section focused on slipping and rolling off the jab, which then dovetailed into clinching and the standing arm-triangle in muay Thai. We then looked at clinching as a counter to a leg-catch. The submission section covered the kimura, trained first from a standing position into a hammerlock and then from the guard. Other themes included timing and footwork. The session was finished with MMA free-sparring.

Private Lesson – mixed martial arts, groundwork (submissions and striking)

At my clients’ request we had a technical session and focused on developing techniques on the ground. We began with some movement exercises developing smooth transitioning through pins. The scarf-hold and the sit-through share same hip-switching movement. In fact, the sit-through can be performed not only as a strong counter-offensive technique in its own right, but also as a means for overloading the scarf-hold movement. We further built on this movement to increase explosive force and stability.

We then went through a series of pins around the body fist. Then we looked at striking from side-control, scarf-hold, reverse scarf-hold and north south positions. We then chose the Kimura key-lock as a theme, starting with an attempted Americana arm-lock and then two attempted Kimura’s finally setting the opponent up for a straight arm-bar. Next we looked at defence from the pinned person’s perspective. Finally we put it all together in a specific sparring exercise.

Private Lesson – cross-training, self-defence, kickboxing, weapons and impact development

The lesson began with some cardiovascular training, including sprints to exits and tactical escapes. Then we revised the fence and pre-emptive striking. We also covered clearing obstructions during the in-fight stage before moving onto kickboxing. Kickboxing was taught as attribute training to better focus on the coordination of strikes. We then moved onto some stick and knife work before returning to the pre-emptive striking.