Overcome the Overload (diary entry)

30.06.14 Today’s lesson evolved out of a series of movement and pressure exercises. In many ways, this is the true root of CCMA training and cuts to the honesty of combative expression. What emerged from the strike-based multiple fight exercises – a variation on Mo Teague’s “shark tank” – was to develop a stronger high guard defence and confidence to counter-attack. When taking a relentless assault – and that is what these type of drills aim to replicate – it is instinctive to cover-up rather than fight back. When under fire by multiple adversaries – usually from their own group – primates generally run or, if cornered, ball-up covering vital targets. This is where training comes into play and it is down to a good coach to be able to extend and refine natural human behaviours. In accordance with the 10/80/10 rule, the cover up and take the punishment response comes from 80% of people not being trained to deal with such overwhelming odds in a restricted situation. They are likely to be freezing – which might tie into the fight/flight/freeze response – and their brain is not allowing them to attack the attack. Through the utilization of a strong proactive defence and steady pressure, a student can gain confidence and learn how to move, protect and counterattack. We used the cover and the boxing peekaboo guard as the physical extension of this response. After the initial activities – the CCMA “quarrying” process – we “sculpted” responses through partner-work and shadow boxing before returning it back to the pressure testing. The class finished the session with the same “shark tank” type pressure testing, but this time with ground-work. Recommended articles: "Take Cover!"Diary Entry on FootworkDiary Entry on Head Movement and Footwork

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