Training Tip of the Week

This week’s training tip will cover block and attack patterns. For Korean Martial artists, you might  recognize these as free form 3 steps. These drills should be used in the the middle range or close range attacks. They can be practiced solo, versus any prepared, freestyle weapon or empty hand attack. Remember zoning footwork and torso positioning. In the course of advanced striking, remember to either grab or check the attack when applicable during this process.

This list documents only the next strike above the basic drill. No one is saying that you cannot continue with more strikes! Remember my rule of three’s! For those that train in weapons with me or happen to train in any number of Filipino bladed arts this multiple attack response will take you right into Sinawali or stick weaving patterns and Tapi Tapi trapping hands drills.

Okay, enough already, here we go…

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Set One - Same side block, attack and an opposite hand attack: Two count drill

• Express pattern through double sticks
• Express through single stick, a) right handed, b) left handed
• Express through knife, a) right handed, b) left handed
• Express through empty hands, a) right handed, b) left handed

Set Two - Cross body block, attack, and an opposite hand attack: Three count drill

• Express pattern through double sticks
• Express through single stick, a) right handed, b) left handed
• Express through knife, a) right handed, b) left handed
• Express through empty hands, a) right handed, b) left handed

Set Three - Same side block, Parry, Attack and Opposite hand attack: a four count drill

• Express pattern through double sticks
• Express through single stick, a) right handed, b) left handed
• Express through knife, a) right handed, b) left handed
• Express through empty hands, a) right handed, b) left handed

Set Four - Same side block, Cross body block/strike, same side attack, opposite hand attack: A four count drill

• Express pattern through double sticks
• Express through single stick, a) right handed, b) left handed
• Express through knife, a) right handed, b) left handed
• Express through empty hands, a) right handed, b) left handed

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Okay, chew on that for awhile. Remember to move or zone away before you start counter-attacking. It is also important to remember that the cross body block can only come when the economy of motion dictates that the opposite side of the attack is the most efficient way to block or intercept the attack. Lastly, the Block, Parry, Strike response can only come when the economy of motion dictates that this is the most efficient way to move.Instructors…this progression properly develops a student through the skill buildling process of moving, blocking, disarming, striking, and executing follow-up counter attacks. Few if any systems will have this common sense progression, this natural maturation of movement development.

Good luck, Let’s Get Training!