Recovery (diary entry)

29.11.12

The lesson began with warm-ups focusing on the fence and pre-emptive striking using straight hand strikes and hooks. We then moved onto progressive and instinctive combinations, including the the removal of obstructions, close range striking and transitioning through postures. This moved us onto tonight’s subject: the cover.

We first looked at the structure of the cover and then we followed on with a discussion on the basic rules of using it in a combative sense. These are covered in my article, “Take Cover!” Next we did a code white test, using the focus mitts. Here a student closes their eyes, simulating unawareness, and gets a physical prompt to respond. They will be struck on the head and must react by covering and moving in, overcoming the strikes by hitting the focus mitts as quickly as possible. It is essential that this performed with an overlapping motion. The coach must not pause and stop striking with the pads when the student starts striking them. We then progressed with this exercise by having the coach replace the focus mitts with a headcage and boxing gloves. This makes the exercise more realistic.

This video gives an example of the cover being used as a progressive training tool to improve defence:

We then looked at the cover from a ground position, focusing on asymmetrical ground fighting. This is where one person is down and the other standing. We looked at moving the covered head away from the feet and using feet to fight feet before returning to a standing posture. It is crucial, as with all responses to attacks, to attack the attack.

Next lesson will focus on anti-grappling and combat grappling.