29/8/17: knife masterclass

Knife drills:

Defence from belly stab 1: Parry knife their hand, twisting your body as you do (this is most important part!), grab wrist with Parrying hand twisting their wrist up and pulling them slightly off balance as you do and use other hand to disarm (using webbed bit of hand between thumb and forts finger, push against flat of blade/top of handle making sure you are directing the strip where their grip is weakest.. you also have them in a wrist lock so if the strip don’t work it still hurts!)

Defence from belly stab 2: step back and drop left arm on knife wielders forearm/wrist, reach OVER your arm or grab their wrist with your other hand pull them to you, sliding your grip to their thumb/pad and using your other forearm to jam up their wrist. (keep edge on as you do this and move off line) while keeping hold of wrist against your body slide your forearm to cup the knife hand, twist your body and strip the knife.

Defence form angle 1 slash: step off line rear hand/forearm blade block knife arm while simultaneous strike with other hand. Use blocking arm to move/swing knife arm across your body (make sure you move back so you don’t get cut) and end up griping their wrist twisting it up and pulling them slightly off balance. Then strip knife. (Notes: when you are ”blocking” the knife slash it’s not a block as such it’s just getting something in the way to slow it down and you are redirecting the energy so it’s sort of one motion. Also when you have got hold of the wrist keep your elbow against your body so you have a stronger structure).

Defence against angle 2 slash: lean away from angle 1 slash (try not to step back as you will lose time), as angle 2 strike comes in, step off line (outside) rear hand blocks slash lead hand eye strike/hit. Blocking hand grabs wrist and then, pulling them back and off line, sliding your grip to their thumb/pad and using your other forearm to jam up their wrist. (keep edge on as you do this and move off line) while keeping hold of wrist against your body slide your forearm to cup the knife hand, twist your body and strip the knife.

We then played with these 4 defences feeding angle 1, angle 2 or stab and defending.

Ice pick grip (blade pointing down):

Angle 1 stab: step off line and block using blade of forearm and strike with lead hand. grab hold of their wrist/forearm and twist and push towards them (this will again be one motion following the energy of the stab/slash) this will off balance them. Your free hand then goes UNDER their fore arm in a salute motion. To strip, use your saluting arm to “cut” (imagine you’re holding a knife) towards their neck and pull away with your other hand which will then be able to strip their knife.

Stab straight down at your head (on the 12 O’clock): Dagger pass (brushing their forearm to slide up to control the wrist/thumb… again twist body to get it out the way), then pulling them off balance a little strip/disarm by using webbed bit of hand between thumb and forts finger, push against flat of blade/top of handle making sure you are directing the strip where their grip is weakest/back towards them... you also have them in a wrist lock so if the strip don’t work it still hurts! (not 100% we used that strip?)

We then played with all the variations of stabs/slashes and grips and used all the defences against them in any order!

As ever please amend or add as required!

24/8/17: Thai fundamentals and hook defences

Thai fundamentals

As the first part of being all about kicks and knees, the prominent concept from this part of the session, for me, was the hips and turning them over. Other key learning points that Steve clearly articulated were:
• Strong eyes – up and forward
• Leg like a baseball bat (not the shin or the foot)
• Squarer stance to allow al weapons to be employed
• Follow through with the leg
• Hands up as the kick goes through
• Aim to have the leg parallel to the floor
• Zoning off as you punch
• Aim to make the combination 1 technique not 2 or 3 separate ones.
Jab (lead) and then round kick (rear)

Uppercut (lead) then round kick (rear)

Hook (lead) then round kick (rear)

Jab-cross then round kick (lead)

Jab-cross then switch feet for round kick (which is now the rear)

Jab-cross then long knee (rear) but this was broken down into the following components:
1. Practising and drilling the initial step - left lead stance and stepping with the left leg onto a hard ankle, heel raised and 45 degrees or at 10 o’clock
2. Building on the previous step by adding a short knee by lifting the hips
3. Adding the complete long knee
4. Starting with the jab-cross then the long knee. The left arm guards the head as the right hand swings down to add counter balance to the thrusting motion of the knee strike.
After class, there was a discussion with Steve on how to practise the kicks at home ‘in the air’ as working on a bag can hide technical holes and correct use of the hips. He suggested using a small(ish) chair so you have something physical to kick over. And despite the poor technique displayed by me, Steve used a great analogy. He likened Thai kicks to the golf swing, you want to throw 7/10 good kicks. Likewise, on the golf course, you want more solid shots than shit ones. The good news for those of who are not pro fighters or golfers is that even the pros shank it or make mistakes. Of course, the difference is they do it less because they are so well practised. So, the secret to being excellent is good quality repetition; refine the mechanics and avoid resting on your laurels. We must strive to make our fundamental techniques appear easy and effortless.

Hook defences

Bob and weave
As the hook comes in, go in the direction of the punch and use your legs to take you down and under the punch and then back up on the outside of the punch. Adding to the motion coming from the legs were the attacks off the bob and weave – hook to lead hook to the body followed by a rear shovel hook and finishing with a straight lead.

Initially, it was worked in sets of three to get the mechanics correct but we worked up to working against continuous punches from both sides.

Double hand shoulder stop
Almost like a flinch response whereby both hands come up and inside the punch at the forearm and bicep of his attack. We then scooped the arm and controlled it to the body whilst stepping tightly to the outside of his body and inserting an uppercut to the head from under his controlled arm.

Working all 4
Class rounded off by working both defences on both side of the body to add quality repetition time.

22/8/17: Thai 4 and 6 counts, hubud variations and entries to take downs

All glory be heaped on Adam for taking the time to produce the notes from the class.

Thai 4 counts:
 
General tips: Stand more square so all tools are available, hands high/double pillar, elbows in, on balls of feet, hips up
 
1)      Off jab – Catch the jab and reply with jab, cross, lead round kick, rear round kick
2)      Off jab cross- Catch Jab and cross with rear hand, then reply with jab, cross, lead round kick (low), switch lead round kick (high)
 
Thai 6 count: (emphasis is driving forwards at all times)
 
Off Jab – lead hand scoop (need hands high) and simultaneous lead round kick (come off line as you do the scoop and kick), cross, hook, rear elbow into rear knee (half beat motion don’t grab opponent just keep hands up and keep driving forward) when you plant your foot after the knee you’ll be in a right lead, stretch and hammerfist/push with left hand (target the neck) and step forward, driving your opponent backwards, so you are now back into a left lead stance. Keep pulsing/hitting with left hand and finish with rear thai round kick
 
 
Hubud variations:
 
Parry repost: Back hand/chop strike, stop with rear hand, replace and pak with other hand then reach for neck, opponent will do an inside sweep motion to parry hand away (they will be on the inside line) and chop/backhand with the same hand… repeat cycle as above by stopping the hit with rear hand, pak with other hand and then reach for the neck (e.g. stop with right hand, pak with left, reach with right) etc.
 
We also worked on basic hubud and flowing between standard hubud and parry repost (looking for reference points in order to change) eg from standard hubud: reach for neck, block with lead hand (fingers pointing to eye), other hand goes under and pushes arm across, then you pak the arm to remove the barrier. When you Pak the elbow that is your reference point. Instead of continuing with normal hubud you do the back hand strike at that point. So full flow would be something like:  reach, block, parry across, pak, backhand strike, stop with rear hand, pak with other hand, reach, inside sweep, backhand, stop with rear hand, pak with other hand, reach etc… there are loads of reference points you can have and just takes playing with to work out and feel the changes.
 
Some of us played with normal hubud, punching hubud, parry repost and lop sau cycle (at which point the brain goes cross eyed and you just have to use the force and trust your muscle memory!)
 
Entries to take downs:
 
Off jab – split entry/slap ear, use rear leg to hook opponent lead leg (driving down) and simultaneously forearm smash (like you are driving their shoulder backwards) to off balance and take them down
 
Off jab – rear hand parry, lead hand eye strike (goes over their arm). As eye strike hand comes back grab the wrist by sliding down the arm and simultaneously throw a cross. Then dumog drag on the arm (make sure you have their palm up so you can drag into the crook of the arm) pulling them to you and move into a figure 4 wrist lock (hitting with elbow and walking forward for the “throw”)
 
Off jab cross – Catch, cut punch (make sure you turn the head), go into 2 on one arm break(?), arm pit just above elbow, drive body weight down, control wrist with both hands (lifting it up) and can also add a wrist lock for more control/damage.
 
I think that’s everything. We drilled them lots and as always if there are any points I have missed or made mistakes on please feel free to add/change

17/8/17: stick and knife, hook defences

Once again, all hail Adam for taking the time to produce the notes for this entry.

Stick and knife:
 
AS Tuesday (no more detail than that too… many exploding heads on Thursday!)
 
Hook defences:
 
Off jab and lead hook – parry/waslik the jab (try and keep contact with arm), bicep stop with same hand (step off line slightly, energy going forward, shrug shoulder and loose neck) – follow up with ABC (any combo)
 
Off jab, wide right/hook – catch/parry/Waslik, then bicep stop with other hand (again step off line slightly, energy going forward, shrug shoulder and loose neck) then step off to the right with rear foot first, trap opponents foot with your led foot and simultaneously slap/push/forearm smash the head to off balance opponent. Once their feet are twisted up follow up with an ABC. – aim is to off balance them.
 
Off jab and lead hook – catch/parry/ waslik, then shift forward and drive elbow (same side as you parried with) into ribs/head (make sure you use your free hand to check opponents other hand) follow up with elbows
 
Off jab, wide right - catch/parry/ waslik, then shift forward and drive elbow (other side to the one you parried with) (make sure you use your free hand to cover your face as you can’t reach their free hand without over committing) follow up with elbows.
 
Off jab, lead hook -  simultaneous block and strike (double pillar/block and hammer fist motion) – on your rear blocking arm use blade of your forearm to block the hook motion and strike using the blade of your other arm at opponent’s neck, driving forward and off balance!... then any ABC follow up… elbows, punches, destroy the arm or go for the head/body up to you!
 
Focus pads:
 
Pad holder held up pads and shouted out any number and you had to hit the pads that many times any combo you wanted, depending on how the pads were held (thanks Charlie!!!!)
 
Again, may have missed something please feel free to add

15/8/17: stick and knife

A massive thanks to Adam for the notes from the lesson.

This one was a little complex but great fun. Each element a progression from the previous element:

Stick

1) back hand jab into a Redondo (straight down the middle) – don’t bring the jab all the way back, use the bounce to start the Redondo.
2) back hand jab, Redondo, angle 2 backhand

1) forehand jab (that is like an angle three hit aimed at the side?) into Redondo (same tips as above)
2) forehand jab, Redondo, angle 1 forehand strike

Stick and footwork

1) Step forward with right foot but have body twisted towards the right (so your left hip is in front… you are crossing your legs over) – forehand jab, Redondo and the as you do a forehand angle 1 follow through and twist/pivot your feet so your body is now facing the left. The step forward with left foot but keep your right hip in front – backhand jab, Redondo and then as you do back hand angle 2 follow through and twist your feet so your body is now facing the right… repeat over and over moving forward all the time
2) Step Back with your left keeping left hip in front – forehand jab, Redondo then as you do forehand angle 1 follow through and pivot/twist your feet so your body is facing right. Then Step back with right leg, keep right hip forward – backhand jab, Redondo, then as you do angle 2 follow through and pivot so you face the left… repeat…
3) Then combine by going forward a bit ad then backwards so you get reps in.

Stick and knife and footwork (the pattern is exactly the same as above but you are adding a knife strike. Keep knife resting on chest point to target like a darlek!)

1) Step forward with right leg (as above) – forehand jab, Redondo THEN stab with knife (your stick comes back to rest on your shoulder) as you pull back knife do angle 1 strike follow through and pivot (as above). Now step forward with left leg – backhand jab, Redondo THEN as the Redondo is moving downward stab over it and bring the stick under your arm. As you bring the knife straight back do an angle 2 backhand follow through and pivot (as above)
2) The same motion but with stepping back footwork
3) Combine moving forward a few times then moving backwards

Extra knife stab

1) Step forward with right leg – forehand jab, Redondo THEN stab with knife (your stick comes back to rest on your shoulder) as you pull back knife do angle 1 strike follow through and pivot BUT as soon as your body is facing left add another stab (going over your stick) and return knife to chest you should now be ready to flow straight into next part which is: step forward with left leg – backhand jab, Redondo THEN as the Redondo is moving downward stab over it and bring the stick under your arm. As you bring the knife straight back do an angle 2 backhand follow through and pivot BUT as soon as your body is facing right add another stab and return to your chest (the idea is to go SLOWLY through this but the extra stab helps you to continually flow…. (once your body knows what it’s doing!)
2) The same motions but stepping back
3) Combine moving forward a few times then moving backwards

Stick and knife defence 1

1) Opponent hits you with angle 1 stick – you punch through with your stick and follow through hitting partner in head with stick. Pull back using punyo to hook partner stick and simultaneously stab partner in ribs under the arm. Slide your hooking hand back to hold partners stick (as you do step back) out your knife hand over the TOP of partners arm and bush off… stabbing then in belly as you do!

2) As above as you go to strip then stab you with their knife – block/hit knife arm with your stick and simultaneous stab belly, then reach your knife hand OVER your stick, punch their knife arm down and into them and as you do follow through and stab them (your knife hand will be under their arm now… then move to zero pressure hitting with stick and knife as you do)

Stick and knife defence 2

1) Partner hits with angle 1 - crash in with roof block into vine (use the knife hand to graze opponents eyes as you wrap round) and move off then as you do this would lead to a disarm. BUT they have a knife so the go to stab you in the belly. AS your stick is high you drop stick down onto their arm. Then use your knife hand to grab/“pinch” their knife hand (moving off line), your blade cutting their wrist, disarm using your forearm then upper cut motion with stick under their arm to hit them in the face and then either go into an arm break/choke and zero pressure and keep hitting!

There was probably a lot more and a load of finer points but that is the main jist I think. GO SLOW and FLOW

10/8/17: double stick

Thanks to James for the following blog post

Double Stick

Odd Series:

From closed guard (R. stick on shoulder, L. stick under R. armpit):

R. forehand, roof with the R. as you L. backhand, R, forehand follow through so your R. stick is under your L. armpit, your L. stick resting on your shoulder. Do the same on the other side.
R. forehand watik (like a jab) so as you L. backhand your R. stick retracts back onto your R. shoulder. R, forehand follow through so your R. stick is under your L. armpit, your L. stick resting on your shoulder. Do the same on the other side.
R. forehand, umbrella with the R. (turn your L. shoulder side on and keep the stick tight) as you L. backhand, R, forehand follow through so your R. stick is under your L. armpit, your L. stick resting on your shoulder. Do the same on the other side.
Do (1) to (3) in order.
A1, A2 (make sure you turn your body) then go into (1). Do the same on the other side.
A1, A2 then go into (2). Do the same on the other side.
A1, A2 then go into (3). Do the same on the other side.
Do (5) to (7) in order.

Empty Hand to Takedowns

Slip outside the J., step R. leg up and move to the back controlling his hips with your hands (L. ear against his back) and then pivot anti-clockwise and hook his R. arm in the crook of your R. arm (point your hand up to the sky), pull his elbow into your body, grab your R. wrist with your L. hand and drag him down towards your L. foot (or where your L. foot was as you will be moving your L. leg anti-clockwise), stretch his arm up and step L. leg over his head & stamp and then bring it back close to his neck, step over him (like a lunge) and your L. knee rests on the floor and arm bar then sit your butt back for the choke.

Parry and eyeswipe the J. over the top, lap and R. vertical fist, using your L. arm on his tricep to bend his arm, hook R. arm under his L. arm above the elbow and use a knife hand and point your finger to the floor. Quarter turn L. leg counter clockwise and put L. hand on top of his neck, thumb digging into the side of his neck. Step your L. leg behind your R. leg, gable grip your hands and drive him head first into the floor. Put knee in kidneys and shoulder lock (use your bicep to make sure his arm does not straighten).

Catch the J, waslik the RC and step in with your R. leg as you continue the circular motion of your L. hand and grab around his neck so your fingers are digging into the L. side (his L.) of his neck. His head should be pressed into your L. shoulder (this would be a shoulder smash) and the L. side of your head should be pressed against the L. side of his head. Bring your L. elbow towards your hip as you step your L. foot in a small anti-clockwise circle, keeping control of his head for the takedown. Finish with R. knee on belly/chest and throw hammerfists.

8/8/17: boxing and knife hubud

BOXING: the conceptual theme was attacking by changing levels.

As last session, changing levels to counter attacks.

• Changing the level and throwing the jab
• Changing the level and throwing the cross
• Blocking and respond against the jab and cross
• Changing the level and throwing the jab followed by the right body hook
• Changing the level and throwing the left body hook
Always be in balance and positional control or dominance and being ready to fire the next shot or combination.

On the pads:
Several rounds of:
• Changing the level and throwing the jab followed by the right body hook
• Changing the level and throwing the left body hook
As well as adding a 3 punch combo on the end

Conditioned sparring rounds
Feeding threw the 4 punches at half speed to develop the correct mechanics for what we were learning. We were supposed to lock out any other ingrained responses to straight attacks – hence the half speed, to allow flight time for what was being learned.
4 attacks – jab or cross to body or head.
4 responses – forearm block and respond, change level and jab followed by hook.



HUBUD: the conceptual theme was seeing, feeling and flowing

The basic roll with a knife in ice pick grip. The main attack comes in a wider angle than the regular hubud so the initial interception uses the palm to cover the wrist (as opposed to the outer wrist and finger strike to the eyes).

Each of the following attacks were inserted into the drill. When completed with a response or counter, the drill would continue. Each attack was built on the last and inserted into the drill assuring the development of seeing and feeling.

• 12 o’clock attack – counter: fold the arm (similar to a collapsing bong sau) and roll controlling the elbow and press his arm into him followed by a stab on the angle #1 line.
• pak and backhand stab on the high line – counter: mirror with a pak and stab. Do this for several repetitions then flow back into the drill.
• pak and backhand stab on the low line – counter: as above
• gunting slash on the high line – counter: I don’t think there was one?
• hooking stab on the low #3 line – counter: pass and slash across the arm followed by backhand stab on the outside of the arm to the body

3/8/17: boxing and hubud

I am starting to think more about concepts and attributes and how they apply to the techniques being taught. This is because I know I will not remember every technique yet if I can consider the concepts or attributes, then I can apply these transferable skills to different aspects of the system. I will continue to recount the lessons being taught but will also attempt to summarise by having an umbrella concept or attribute for each phase of the lesson. Sometimes, Steve talks about them and sometimes not. Until ‘edited’, the conceptual and attribute themes are based on my understanding at my current level. Meaning, if I have misunderstood the concept or attribute, please let me know.

BOXING: the conceptual theme was attacking by changing levels.

Changing the level and throwing the jab: Drop the weight first then jab by moving forward on the low line, then move back out after the jab. Make sure you drop the level and not slip or bend forward.

Changing the level and throwing the cross: As above but with the right hand

Blocking the jab and cross: keep the elbows tight to the body and use turn the torso to divert the attack. Ideally, block the same side punch – if he jabs, use your right forearm by turning to the left. The cross, use the left forearm by turning to the right. Again, tight and precise motions whilst avoiding
• Bowing motion
• ‘chopping’ down in place of turning,
• over turning

Block and respond: This was almost like a pak and punch but using the forearm instead of the hand against his jab and cross to the body.

Change level jab to right body hook: Person A threw a jab, Person B changes the level and jabs then steps out to the right and throws the body hook with the right hand.

Change level jab to left body hook: Person A throws the jab, Person B changes the level and jabs then jump steps left and throws the left body hook.

HUBUD: the conceptual theme was breaking the structure by locking out of motion

The basic roll, putting in flight time.

Attack 1: lap and punch (lap with the right hand on the motion after the pak with the left, zone off), dumog pull into wrist lock #1 on his right hand

Attack 2: high lap and deep jab (by stepping through) to put your arm pit on his tricep, with his thumb facing down go to 2 hands to 1 to arm wrench. Add the ripping lunge as this will force him to the floor.

Attack 3: wrist lock #1 on the left hand after a strong and committed attack (to the neck) with the right hand which is your final motion of the three in the drill. Step on the foot and left elbow in his chest to beak his structure. Insert the left arm under his forearm and clasp the wrist for a wrench

Working all 3 in any order

1/8/17: single stick master class - range, footwork and body mechanics

INOSANTO BLEND #1-17
1: downward forearm slash to the neck/side of the head RFL (right foot lead)
2: downward backhand slash to the neck/side of the head RFL
3: horizontal forehand to the body LFL
4: horizontal backhand to the body LFL
5: stab to the abdomen RFL
6: stab to the head RFL
7: reverse stab to the head LFL
8: redondo on the backhand LFL
8: redondo on the backhand LFL
9: downward forearm slash to the knee RFL
10: downward backhand slash to the knee RFL
11: upward forehand LFL
12: upward backhand LFL
13: abanico high to the left RFL
14: abanico high to the right then chamber on the right shoulder RFL
15: small umbrella redondo on the right LFL
16: large umbrella redondo on the right LFL
17: jabbing diagonal uppercut from lower right to over the left shoulder RFL

Numerada –defang the initial attack then continually moving to zero pressure as you move through a figure 8 followed by a redondo making it a 4 count.
Conceptually, the key learning points were that the defender (D) must focus on:
• Range – when you hit him your stick, he must not be able to contact you, use the full range of your weapon and body combined.
• Footwork – continually move and zone to zero pressure. The is an intrinsic relationship between range and footwork. Both need to be effective, you can’t have one without the other.
• Body mechanics – to enable fluid use of the weapon.

The above concepts were continually refined in the drills below.

1: Single stick (A) feeding the 5 angles v single stick (D)

2: Single stick (A) feeding the 5 angles and followed by a knife stab v single stick (D)

3: Single stick (1 hand grip) (A) feeding the 5 angles v single stick (2 handed grip) (D)

4: Single knife (A) feeding the 5 angles v single stick (D)

5: Single stick (A) plus another (A) feeding the knife attacks – stabs or slashes v single stick (D). Essentially it was 2 v 1. The third person comes in occasionally so the D has to add peripheral vision and awareness to the concepts of range, footwork and body mechanics. The second attacker moves with ‘Walking Dead’ pace, not ‘28 Days Later’ pace

6: Double stick (A) v single stick (D)

7: Single stick (A) v single knife (D). The D now needed to apply more aggressive forward energy to crash the range of the stick.

27/7/17 RED BELT GRADING NOTES - before, during and after

This has been written to act as a reminder for the next grading, to be learned from and to make progress from because as Steve always rightly reminds us, we are a work in progress.

BEFORE
Whilst grading and testing is nothing new to me, I still let the feelings of performance anxiety and failing in the perception of my peers and Steve creep in. In retrospect, I let the process take over my thinking. I have a deep respect for the lads at the club and Steve and their honest approach to martial arts – there is no place for bullshit or ego. You could say it is confirmation bias (which it is) because myself and the other lads buy into what Steve is trying to achieve and teach. I have been fortunate to train with some remarkable martial artists, notably Martin Workman and Lee Aylet – whom I respect and have been deeply inspired by - but I believe that I have made more progress and been technically refined under Steve’s tutelage for than any other. The point is, I am emotionally invested in this club because I want to be on the same, if not better level than the lads I train with. I don’t want to let myself down, my training partners or Steve.
Regarding the specifics of the grading, I was most anxious about remembering the 5 different punch defences to the jab and the cross. Every time I entered my bathroom, I would go through each of the 5 to embed them to memory as well as using visualisation and verbal rehearsal. I wrote them down, tried using mnemonics too.
On the day, I kept remembering how I just wanted to get it started and was not living the day in the moment. Steph said I was clearly mentally occupied, perhaps because I was off work and thus not engaged in playing lion tamer to a room full of kids. I remember sitting down and checking my heart rate when I sat down at the club at 7.45pm; 90bpm. Fucking ridiculous. I tried to slow my breathing down because I knew this would drain me as I could already feel slow adrenal release
PROCESS TARGET:
Spend equal mental focus on each aspect of the grading, give all aspects equal weighting.
Address any anxiety and question why it is there? Then consider the worse-case scenario and be at peace with that.
Consider what is the obstacle and what can I learn from it?

DURING
There were different levels of anxiety throughout that I experienced. For example, in the footwork section I felt really confident because this was something I have made a process habit. If I can move my feet well then that will put in me in better positions. Footwork is key.
Then it was nemesis time – the punch defences. And I now realise that applying this pressure to myself to this one aspect made me tighter and over thinking because my range was more, even several of my ABC’s were woeful at best. The ability to flow was not to be seen. Regarding the rest of the material, I felt really well prepared because I had turned up to class regularly and put in the time at home.
Is it natural to feel better at some things other than others? Perhaps.
Working on the Thai pads was physically hard because they are so unforgiving. I wanted to make sure that I was not going all out but trying to be technically reasonable. After some rounds of 2 count work, it was time for pyramid round kicks sets to 5. I heard and glimpsed James and Charlie doing this the week before in their grading so I fought my perceptions to focus on one thing at a time – the sensation of quickly diminishing energy whilst trying to keep the hands up and be on the toes.
PROCESS TARGET:
Relax, flow and breathe – believe in the practise that has been put in, most of the mistakes have been made in the learning process in class. If you make a mistake, move on and make the next attempt better.
Get fitter and improve the cardio – practise pyramid sets on the tyres. Incorporate boxing’kickboxing cardio sessions each week for specific fitness improvement.

AFTER
Relief: it was over and all the hard work was worth it.
Happiness: achieving the goal of red belt because of the hard work that was put it, it was truly earned.
Improvements: listening to Steve’s feedback about what needs to be refined.
PROCESS TARGET:
Make the improvements part of my practise – write them down, know them, work on them.

Forget About Setting Goals. Focus on This Instead. By James Clear

We all have things that we want to achieve in our lives — getting into the better shape, building a successful business, raising a wonderful family, writing a best-selling book, winning a championship, and so on.
And for most of us, the path to those things starts by setting a specific and actionable goal. At least, this is how I approached my life until recently. I would set goals for classes I took, for weights that I wanted to lift in the gym, and for clients I wanted in my business.
What I'm starting to realize, however, is that when it comes to actually getting things done and making progress in the areas that are important to you, there is a much better way to do things.
It all comes down to the difference between goals and systems.
Let me explain.

The Difference Between Goals and Systems
What's the difference between goals and systems?
If you're a coach, your goal is to win a championship. Your system is what your team does at practice each day.
If you're a writer, your goal is to write a book. Your system is the writing schedule that you follow each week.
If you're a runner, your goal is to run a marathon. Your system is your training schedule for the month.
If you're an entrepreneur, your goal is to build a million dollar business. Your system is your sales and marketing process.
Now for the really interesting question:
If you completely ignored your goals and focused only on your system, would you still get results?
For example, if you were a basketball coach and you ignored your goal to win a championship and focused only on what your team does at practice each day, would you still get results?
I think you would.
In the last 12 months, I’ve written over 115,000 words. The typical book is about 50,000 to 60,000 words, so I have written enough to fill two books this year.
All of this is such a surprise because I never set a goal for my writing. I didn't measure my progress in relation to some benchmark. I never set a word count goal for any particular article. I never said, “I want to write two books this year.”
What I did focus on was writing one article every Monday and Thursday. And after sticking to that schedule for 11 months, the result was 115,000 words. I focused on my system and the process of doing the work. In the end, I enjoyed the same (or perhaps better) results.
Before we talk about how to get started, I wanted to let you know I researched and compiled science-backed ways to stick to good habits and stop procrastinating.

Let's talk about three more reasons why you should focus on systems instead of goals.
1. Goals reduce your current happiness.
When you're working toward a goal, you are essentially saying, “I’m not good enough yet, but I will be when I reach my goal.”
The problem with this mindset is that you’re teaching yourself to always put happiness and success off until the next milestone is achieved. “Once I reach my goal, then I’ll be happy. Once I achieve my goal, then I’ll be successful.”

SOLUTION: Commit to a process, not a goal.

Choosing a goal puts a huge burden on your shoulders. Can you imagine if I had made it my goal to write two books this year? Just writing that sentence stresses me out.
But we do this to ourselves all the time. We place unnecessary stress on ourselves to lose weight or to succeed in business or to write a best-selling novel. Instead, you can keep things simple and reduce stress by focusing on the daily process and sticking to your schedule, rather than worrying about the big, life-changing goals.
When you focus on the practice instead of the performance, you can enjoy the present moment and improve at the same time.

2. Goals are strangely at odds with long-term progress.
You might think your goal will keep you motivated over the long-term, but that's not always true.
Consider someone training for a half-marathon. Many people will work hard for months, but as soon as they finish the race, they stop training. Their goal was to finish the half-marathon and now that they have completed it, that goal is no longer there to motivate them. When all of your hard work is focused on a particular goal, what is left to push you forward after you achieve it?
This can create a type of “yo-yo effect” where people go back and forth from working on a goal to not working on one. This type of cycle makes it difficult to build upon your progress for the long-term.

SOLUTION: Release the need for immediate results.

I was training at the gym last week and I was doing my second-to-last set of clean and jerks. When I hit that rep, I felt a small twinge in my leg. It wasn't painful or an injury, just a sign of fatigue near the end of my workout. For a minute or two, I thought about doing my final set. Then, I reminded myself that I plan to do this for the rest of my life and decided to call it a day.
In a situation like the one above, a goal-based mentality will tell you to finish the workout and reach your goal. After all, if you set a goal and you don't reach it, then you feel like a failure.
But with a systems-based mentality, I had no trouble moving on. Systems-based thinking is never about hitting a particular number, it's about sticking to the process and not missing workouts.
Of course, I know that if I never miss a workout, then I will lift bigger weights in the long-run. And that's why systems are more valuable than goals. Goals are about the short-term result. Systems are about the long-term process. In the end, process always wins.

3. Goals suggest that you can control things that you have no control over.
You can’t predict the future. (I know, shocking.)
But every time we set a goal, we try to do it. We try to plan out where we will be and when we will make it there. We try to predict how quickly we can make progress, even though we have no idea what circumstances or situations will arise along the way.

SOLUTION: Build feedback loops.

Each Friday, I spend 15 minutes filling out a small spreadsheet with the most critical metrics for my business. For example, in one column I calculate the conversion rate (the percentage of website visitors who join my free email newsletter each week). I rarely think about this number, but checking that column each week provides a feedback loop that tells me if I'm doing things right. When that number drops, I know that I need to send high quality traffic to my site.
Feedback loops are important for building good systems because they allow you to keep track of many different pieces without feeling the pressure to predict what is going to happen with everything. Forget about predicting the future and build a system that can signal when you need to make adjustments.

Fall In Love With Systems
None of this is to say that goals are useless. However, I've found that goals are good for planning your progress and systems are good for actually making progress.
Goals can provide direction and even push you forward in the short-term, but eventually a well-designed system will always win. Having a system is what matters. Committing to the process is what makes the difference.

25/7/17: knife masterclass and syllabus work

KNIFE masterclass

Defanging the 5 angles of attack.
The angles are the same for the single stick.
Angles #1, 3 and 5 involved defanging with a slash cut and passing the arm with the hand to get to the outside and zero pressure followed by a stab.
Against angle #2 - knife tip up and the outside of the forearm, fingertips up, against his weaponised arm then pass the arm towards and into him.
Against angle # 4, exactly the same as above except your knife is tip down now. Both angle #2 and 4 also had a stab to finish the technique phase.

Defanging in any order.
Steady consistent feeds bringing more aliveness into the drill as this required more awareness of his ‘whole’ to see the attack coming.

Adding slash attacks on the #1 and #2 lines between feeds
After each defence, we added continual movement by slashing on the #1 and #2 angles after the stab motion to the outside and rear of the body. This was to facilitate not stopping after the stab as that might not be enough and also to keep you moving with your attacks – never be stationary.

As an aside, one of the lads at the club tonight, reckoned he could take 2 stabs before being stopped; so long as the stab was not to the heart. I thought this was a really interesting consideration, simply because it was not something I had ever mused but also the reality of my job compared to his means that this is genuinely something worth understanding from his perspective. This also personified the potential need for multiple strikes with the knife, not just one. Shout out to the powerful Ben.

Feeder giving depth and penetration to the attacks
Now the feeder was trying to get his blade on to your body. The feeds were not necessarily faster, just had greater intent and penetration. This evolution of the drill really emphasised the need to move your body and to defang and pass with long arms.

Dagger pass loop drill into defanging the 5 angles
Slash on the angle #1 line as partner steps back (to get the lead leg out of the way) and does the dagger pass – clasp and guide the weaponised arm past and away from your centre. After a nominal amount of looping the motion, we went into defanging the 5 angles, in any order.

Low line stab loop drill into defanging the 5 angles
Stab on the low line #5 as the partner parries (fingers down, move your centre offline) the weapon hand and continues as above into the defanging practise

Adding secondary attacks (punches, kicks) after the initial feed
This then ensured we were aware of his whole body and teaches not to be fixated on the blade as he does have other weapons. The aim was to use your knife to defang these weapons too in addition to all the other learning points.

Stalemate 50/50 drill

Imagine the above image but each person is closer and holding the other’s knife. We looked at different ways of controlling him whilst extracting our knife. The intention was also to keep the arms low and not to be too passive or aggressive with our energy – if that was the case, he could feel it and use the energy to his advantage.

Syllabus work
Split into our grade specific groups and got on with our work.

18/7/17: Thai boxing kicks plus syllabus work

THAI BOXING – defending kicks focus

Defending the round kicks with crushes
Drilling in the mirrors to get reps in and refine the motion before applying it.
Key learning points were:
• Eyes up
• Hands high
• Hips high
• Short stance
• Maintain the same level – avoid bobbing
• Both hands on the centre when crushing
• Thigh is parallel to the floor and the knee is pointing sideways not forwards.
• Ankle is flexed.
• Whichever side of the body is raised, the arm on that side of the body covers the head.
• The standing leg side arm is long, looking to disrupt the opponent’s balance and base

Crush 1: Right leg to the right

Crush 2: Left leg to the left

Crush 3: Left leg low and across the centre (against the lead low kick)

Drilling with partners
Working the three attacks to enable the partner to work the three defences. Initially this was in the order which they were presented but after a few rounds, they were in any order. This was to develop aliveness in the drill and a precursor to the kick sparring later on in the session.

Teep drilling rounds
• Eyes up
• Hands high
• Hips high
• Short stance
• Maintain the same level – avoid bobbing
• Lift the knee high
• Push the hips through
• Use the ball of the foot as primary striking tool
• Aim for the waist band
When drilling with our partners, it was in the kick for kick style and either leg could be used and in any order.

Defending the teeps with scoops
Teep defence was same arm as kicking leg, this kept you on the Outside, Zero pressure, or certainly lessUse opposite hand to leg. If he kicks with left leg, scoop with the left arm. When scooping, lift the leg so the palm is facing up and away from you; the kick is on the outside of the forearm. Give it a little shove which will turn his centre and this can then be followed by a round kick to the back of his leg.

Kick for kick (lead or rear round kick, lead or rear teep)

Defend without reply
I found this really hard, I was thinking too much about what to do rather than trying to flow.

Kick sparring rounds
This was not one for one. You could kick several times in a row, use forward or evasive pressure and counter too. At all times, trying to maintain consistent basics outlined earlier on. This was most enjoyable

Syllabus work
We split off into our grade specific factions and worked on areas for development.

As always, another fun yet challenging lesson.

13/7/17: boxing fundamentals and single stick fundamentals

BOXING

Shadow boxing rounds
• Evasion (no hands)
• Jab only
• Forward pressure
• Two steps back and pivoting
• Pivoting
• L-stepping
• Moving around the outside of the opponents lead leg
• Pivoting inside the opponent’s movement
• 3 punch combo
• 5 punch combo
• Counters to straight punches
• Counters to hook punches
• Free flow – putting it all together

Doing the drill out of motion to make the drill have aliveness.
Person A – jabs
Person B – catches and returns with a jab
Person A – catches and replies with either a jab or a cross
Person B – counters with any of the following the options

Counters to the jab
• Catch and jab
• Pak and cross
• Inside parry and cross
• Outside parry and jab
• Cut punch
• Slip and uppercut
• Scoop and uppercut
• Split entry
• Outside deflection
• Lead hand salute to arm break

Counters to the cross
• Catch and jab
• Pak and jab
• Inside parry and jab
• Outside parry and cross
• Cut punch
• Bob and weave with hooks
• Gunting
• Lead high elbow into hammerfist
• Split entry
• Parry overhand right

In addition, we were working distance awareness; make sure that we started at least arm’s length when the initial punches in the jab-catch or jab-cross catch drill were delivered then moving in with footwork to apply the counters with short, relaxed and fluid hands. Steve talked about how a pro boxer will drill and practise punching – the arms stay bent, the punches are ‘let go, no brakes’ with lots of body motion. Furthermore, to make it more alive, we were doing the above drill alternatively but adding all the counters to jabs and crosses.

SINGLE STICK

3 beat high box sumbrada – exaggerating the motions:
• Dropping on the roof block
• Zoning
• Treating the stick like a sword and using sweeping and slicing motions
• 3 strips

Striking families:
Feeder gives angle #1 and #2, defang followed by:
• Downward figure 8s
• Upward figure 8s
• Abanico (4 variations)
• Redondo
• Cinqo-teros

6/7/17: fundamentals, fundamentals and more fundamentals

Jab loop drill
Person A jab, Person B catch and reply with a jab, Person A responds with the following counters
1: split entry (high or low)
2: outside deflection and shovel hook
3: slip and uppercut
4: pak and cross
5: scoop and lead elbow

Free play: working any response in any order

Cross loop drill
Continual alternate crosses by each person. Ensure that the proper mechanics for the croos were embedded into the practise to ensure quality repetition time.
1: shoulder roll
2: short parry
3: lead hook over the top
4: lead high elbow
5: gunting to the bicep
6: lap and uppercut

Free play: again, working any response in any order.

Carenza (boxing) conditioned sparring rounds (x7). Working the flow of hands and boxing movement with a person in front of but out of range of the strikes landing. During each round, Steve would call out reminders to keep us focussed. For example:
• Strong eyes
• Head movement
• Hands up
• Rear heel up
• Combinations
• Relax
• Flow
• Circle
• Pivot
• Edge on
• Work the defences
• Breathe


Syllabus work – lock flow and single stick

4/7/17: body mechanics (refined through Thai boxing)

Shadow boxing warm up:
Hands only, then adding knees, then elbows and finally kicks.

Round kick drilling in the mirrors (off the rear leg)

Hard ankle stepping into hip twisting

Doing the above set up x2 then doing a kick on the third count

Hip twisting without stepping

Doing the above set up x2 then doing a kick on the third count

The above sets were done with left then right leg forward – drilling both sides of the body

Conditioned sparring rounds:
Hips up, hard ankles, no set up or pre-empting given, using the shin, strong eyes, let the kick go, hands up, zone off line when kicking, make the punches count – aim for to land on the target, kick to the outer or inner thigh, TURN THE HIPS

1. Rear round kick
2. Rear round kick or lead round kick
3. Any lead hand/any target followed by rear round kick
4. Any rear hand/any target followed by lead round kick
5. Any lead then rear hand followed by lead round kick
6. Any rear then lead hand followed by rear kick
7. Insert committed feints
8. Lead round kick, rear punch, lead punch, rear kick
9. Rear kick, lead hand, rear hand, lead kick.

Conditioning rounds on the Thai pads

1. Hard ankle stepping followed by the kick x 2 rounds
2. Kicking from no stepping x2 rounds
3. Double kicking x2 rounds

Syllabus work.
Each group went off and worked on areas requiring further attention before the grading in a few weeks.

27/6/17: stick master class

Thanks to Adam for all the detail in the following notes. Whilst us minions were working away on our material, the big boys were working single and double stick.

Stick work:

All from open guard

1) (RH) High, high (fore hand back hand) LH HIigh, High (fore hand back hand) Heaven 6 count
2) RH low, low ( forehand, back hand -can either cut in a slightly upward motion of slightly downward), LH Low low, then Earth 6 count
3) RH high low high (forehand cutting through, back hand watik, backhand on high line) LH high low high, then standard 6 count
4) RH – high high – as you hit with the back hand the left hand follows through so you end up in the closed guard ready to do heaven sinwali motion. Then you do half of heaven (3 count), come back to open position and repeat with left hand (but this time the right hand follows through after the back hand)
5) RH low low –as you hit with backhand left hand follows through so you end up in closed guard ready for earth sinwali motion (3 count). The do half of earth (3 count) come nack to open position and repeat with left hand
6) RH high low high including follow through as detailed above, half standard, end in open position and repeat with left hand
7) Heaven 6 count into standard 6 count into earth 6 count (you and play any variation of these six count e.g heaven, earth, standard, earth heaven standard etc etc)
8) Odd series 6 count, pull back, roof block and umbrella (try not to hit your own funny bone.. it hurts, lots)

Try and make the 6 count a six count… not two sets of 3 (you can hear the gap when you are hitting sticks) – try and play around with foot work. I see a lot of people stepping forward doing the first 3 motions THEN changing leads for final 3 hits. I find if you start changing lead on your 2nd hit in the heaven drill you are ready to flow automatically into the next three without a pause as such (eventually it won’t matter what your feet are doing you will just flow)

Stick hubud:

Motion is the same as normal hubud, make sure blocking hand is covering the hand holding the stick like an octopus.. your fingers help to slow or stop sudden twisting motions of the stick

After getting a rhythm we started to experiment with various entries and hits, not competitive just playful and concentrating on the sensitivity aspect. Examples of these include:

Watik low line strike to thigh (flick your wrist when your partner has “trapped your arm” for a strike to the leg)

Cut through – you block partner strike then cut your stick across their belly then do your puno strike to continue flow

Cut stab cut –as above but cut across belly, stab eye with point of stick, cut belly again going back to start of drill

Wrist control disarm –grab wrist/thumb pull towards you and strike your stick down hitting partner in head while tearing stick form their hand with your forearm

Punch through strangle – using the hand that hits the stick, after you hit the stick use that hand to “punch through” hitting partner on the head with your stick, then (grabbing both ends of your stick)push down on the shoulder and punch the stick (still holding both ends) into partners throat. You then, keeping the stick on the throat, tuck one end under your shoulder, reach round behind their head to grab the far end of the stick, control there free arm with yours then Squeeze the stick (hard to explain better to show)

Throw away strangle – when you block strike instead of continuing with drill use your blocking hand to throw away there stick arm, radondo strike to the head then stab stick past one side of the neck reach round with free arm on the other side of the neck and squeeze.

Arm wrench – using your sensitivity, when partner paks your arm BEFORE THEY HIT remove/lop the arm that is trapping yours (pull then to you) radondo strike to the head (stepping off line a little to avoid follow up strike) use your elbow to guide there forearm onto your stick grab the top of your stick and then use a squeezing motion combine with stepping back and turning to drag partner to the ground (again hard to explain better to show)

Trapping – during flow hammer fist instead of usual puno strike, partner catches the hit, remove barrier on inside line and follow up with a hammer fist again to the head, trapping partners arms as you do it. IF partner blocks with a lot of force and pushes you over centre line lop the blocking arm radondo type strike to the head and you can flow into an arm lock/throw

There are loads more but they are all pretty tricky to try and explain. Please remember to zone and of set when doing all of these actions and keep an eye on the free hand!

RED BELT SYLLABUS NOTES

Jab defences
- Catch and jab:

- Cut punch:
dominate the line of his punch, step off line slightly.

- Split entry to dumog drag:
Don't bring him down but bring him towards you.

- Slip and uppercut:
Lead with the left shoulder, lose your neck and make it one smooth movement not two separate ones.

- Salute to arm break:
Affect his structure

- Scoop and lead uppercut:
Be dynamic

Cross defences

- Cut punch:
As above: shift off line and dominate his line and structure of the punch.

- Bob and weave, body hook:
Avoid just going under the punch, it is more like a forward corkscrew motion.

- Lead high elbow to hammer fist:

- Split entry:
Dumog pull needs to be in to your centre to affect his balance and base.

- Slip and uppercut:
Lead with the right shoulder.

- Parry and overhand right:
Drive the overhand straight down his centre.

TRAPPING
From an unattached reference point (gloved):

Pak sau and hit when the feeder throws a jab.
• Before – high he has a strong guard, you can’t see a route to the head clearly, use the pak sau to create an opening followed by the hit.
• During – very similar to a catch but use the pak sau on the forearm to clear a path for a hit with the left.
• After – he jabs and rechambers the arm, on the way back this is when you ‘go’ with the pak and hit.

Lap sau and hit when the feeder throws a jab.
• Before – as above with the pak sau and hit.
• After – as above when the punch is returning to his chest.

Classical trapping (no gloves) from unattached reference point
• Pak sau and hit.
• Lap sau and hit.
• Pak sau and hit into lap sau and hit.
• Lap sau and hit into pak sau and hit.

SINGLE STICK
Redondo drilling – consider recharging of the weapon to strike on the same angle

Abanico drilling of the 4 variations:
1: high – high
2: high - low
3: low - high
4: low – low

3 beat high box sumbrada
The strips – using the arm, they referred to as are ‘snakes’, using the stick, they are referred to as ‘vines’. More detailed notes are elsewhere, these notes here are acting as visual and visualisation reminders only.
Off the roof – snake under and strip with the turning thumb.
Off the #1 – inside sweep and vine along the outside of the arm to scissoring strip.
Off the #2 – drop stick and pick up the thumb and use the punyo strip, if not, vine to the outside of the arm to strip the stick.

22/6/17: Kali masterclass - empty hand v knife

At all times tonight, the defender had to:
• Weight is forward on the lead leg as well as keeping the heel of the rear foot off the floor to allow for evasive body motion.
• Edge on with the body so you present as a smaller target.
• Both hands up, the rear hand is always alive too.


INTERCEPTION AGAINST STAB TO THE HEART
Motion drilling – cut diagonally across the arm with the blade of the forearm (similar to a cut punch but on the inside of the arm not the outside) with the right

INTERCEPTION AGAINST DOUBLE STAB TO THE HEART
Motion drilling – cut diagonally across the arm with the right and then with the left; as you cut across with the left, go into the cat stance to allow the turning of the hips and shoulders. This will maintain your balance.

INTERCEPTION AGAINST STAB TO THE HEART
Cut diagonally across the arm with the right - capture his elbow with your left and eye jab right (keep it tight so there is no gap and he will not be able to turn into you with the blade) – lap right and hit left (have the right hand on you so it is not in you).

INTERCEPTION AGAINST DOUBLE STAB TO THE HEART
Cut diagonally across the arm with the right – cut diagonally with the left (remembering the cat stance) – step in shoulder to shoulder

This was then added to by adding 2 on 1 – right hand at the knife hand and left thumb to the eyes followed by the left hand clasping the bicep and his elbow on your body, and the elbow being the fulcrum of the hold. It is vital that you drop the weight on the arm to disrupt his base by owning that arm.

ADDING STRIPS and DEFENCES

INTERCEPTION AGAINST STAB TO THE HEART
Cut diagonally with the right - capture left and eye jab right – lap right and hit left (have the right hand on you so it is not in you, pass the knife towards him with the back of the left hand – strike the head plus adding a turning of the head the zone off to enable the capture of the elbow. The will greatly limit his ability to turn back into to you.

INTERCEPTION AGAINST DOUBLE STAB TO THE HEART
Cut diagonally with the right – cut diagonally with the left – step in shoulder to shoulder – 2 on 1 – right hand at the knife hand, left hand clasping the bicep – take the flesh of the thumb and step back, but without gaps, pull his hand to your left forearm and the flat of the blade is against your forearm, which is tight to the body. Step forward to return the knife by either raising up and give it back or strip with the left.

INTERCEPTION AGAINST STAB TO THE HEART THEN SLASH ON THE ANGLE #1
Cut diagonally with the right – lean back out of slashing range and follow straight back in – cover with the right hand and eye jab with the left – then same as above from stepping in shoulder to shoulder.

INTERCEPTION AGAINST DOUBLE STAB TO THE HEART
Cut diagonally with the right – cut diagonally with the left – circle after the left one and pick up with the right as he goes to retract the hand, circle the arm for the #4 wrist lock – maintain the grip with the right hand and strip with the left with a horizontal left arm – this will put the knife in your hand with a pick axe / reverse grip. Step on his foot and if the knife is stripped, move in for the 2 on 1 position as worked previously.

KNIFE SPARRING ROUNDS
Key learning tips:
keep the knife poiting towards them - they have to get past it to get to your
be like a fencer - edge on, light on the feet
use your footwork

15/6/17: the art of ripping and tearing limbs

Tonight, was building on the back sweep series from Tuesday in that each technique involved a finish with the opponent on the floor. Furthermore, we were practising by looking after each other to ensure the technique was correct but also because the intention is aggression and speed. If we practised in this format, there would be no one at training for several months.

The principle behind this series of techniques was always to complete the first one. If that fails then move to the second and so on.

1: Against the jab – parry and salute to move his 12 o’clock, step forward with the right to take his weight top heavy. Step back with the left then sweep with the right. He will go down onto a knee but get him belly down by dragging him into his void and away from his based out arm. Essentially this is a #4 straight arm wrist lock but on a different plane. Take the arm vertical (perpendicular to his body) and apply the small circle principle to the wrist – it goes up as it folds for full extension of the joint. Step over the shoulder to simulate a stomp to the head, have the arm braced against your calf for a finish.

2: Against the jab – same as above up until he is face down on the floor. Somehow the arm bends. Slide your right hand to tricep so that your forearms are parallel whilst pinning him with your knee. The knee pressure must be heavy as that alone is grim. Lift the tricep and rotate to the left, trying to get his hand to the back of his head. The finish is due to the rotation of the shoulder muscles.

3: Against the jab – as above but he steps back to avoid the sweep. Transition to the #3 wrist lock (figure 4) take down. As he hits the floor, pin with both knees – one across the ribs and the other across the ear. Again, sound base and lots of pressure driving him into the floor to ensure he can’t move. Your left hand is folding his wrist as your right hand is clasping your left forearm. In addition, his elbow and forearm are glued to your abdomen. Posture up, push the hips forward and lift the wrist for the wrist extension.

4: Against the jab – as above but you can’t get the #3 because he is strong and stable. Step over and behind with the left leg bent and straighten by stomping, almost against his hamstring, for the takedown. Also make sure you are using the elbow close to his chest to apply pressure and help with the leverage for the takedown. When he hits the floor, same finish as the previous technique.

5: Against the jab-cross – split entry followed by the left eye jab and straight into the dumog arm pull so that his arm is pinned to your chest and his balance and base are compromised. Take the flesh of the thumb and rotate using the #1 wrist lock into the takedown. As he goes down, kneel on the bicep, make sure your centre is pointing down his body as this is the safest place to be. If you kneel ‘inside’ the bicep, he can easily reach around roll you to your back. As you kneel on the arm, the upper arm is perpendicular to the body, the forearm is vertical and 90 degrees to the upper arm. Apply the small circle principle to the wrist – up and down and over!

6: Against the jab-cross – as above but as you go for the dumog pull the arm slips out. Change levels and drive straight for the ankle pick with the right and left forearm drive into the hip, drive the hip to the floor so he goes down not away from you as you scoop the foot up. Place the foot under his hip and rotate 180 degrees whilst keep the foot held tight. Wrap tightly with an overhook or underhook. Ensure the leg is close to you, extend by raising, this will ensure no gaps and rotate to your left for some horrendous damage to the knee.

13/6/17: the back sweep series masterclass

The back sweep series



Bob Breen is the foremost authority on JKD in the UK and in the above video, his demonstrates the application of a back sweep. First, the motions, then with implied aggression and torque.

The martial romanticism of silat – for me, there is something about the fluidity of movement that is very attractive about some styles of silat. I used to train in Harimau (tiger style) which was physically very demanding plus it hard all this amazing flow and one technique seamlessly moving to the next one. However, for us in JKD, the problem with this training methodology is the training partner’s role. What are they doing when you apply your techniques? YouTube is awash with silat videos where either the attack is unrealistic or not there at all. The class tonight was about functionalising the back sweep series of silat. So, we used a blend of tactics from Thai, Panantukan and Jun Fan to functionalise and add an aliveness to the silat material.

Footwork drilling and prep
Left lead stance – step forward with the right – pivot and step back with the left (still looking forward) – then long step back with the right (this is simulating the sweep or reap motion).
• Be fluid in the motions and ‘slide or glide’’ through each step
• Turn from the hips
• Don't look down as you sweep, be scanning for the next threat
• Slide your foot along the floor for the sweep, don't lift your foot/leg up as you would for a throw

The below video is a clearly classical example of the foot work pattern we were using and not a representation of what we were doing. It merely acts a simple framework to act as a reminder for all the drilling people will be doing in their gardens after work during this warm spell. It is taken from Aikido and called irimi tenkan (entering and turning). This clip does not show the final sweeping step with the right leg.



As you can see from the above bullet points in terms of our learning points, the Aikido practionner is doing those attributes, whereas our motions were on our toes with more leaning (not bending) of the spine.

Each of the 5 techniques were drilled in isolation and then as a group in that, by the end of the class, we were working all 5 methods consecutively.

Against the jab
Salute then step forward with your right leg as you arm wrench and continue the rolling and rotating motion on his arm to break his posture. Ensure you step between his feet (not in front of them as I was, thanks Marc and Adam for the reminders). Whilst maintaining the straight arm bar, step just behind his left leg with yours then immediately step back with the right for the sweep.

Against the cross
Split entry – left parry and split down the centre with the right hand. Maintain control by immediately following up with the left eye jab (Adam, thank you for the lumpy top lip) and then apply pressure to his right arm to clear a gap for you to control his right shoulder. As you push the right shoulder, this will bring his left shoulder forward but you enter with a high elbow cover on the right as you step into a right lead. Either overhook or underhook his arm, wrapping tightly, pivot and step back with your left followed by the right sweeping step. If you underhook you can slap the back of the head as you sweep.

Against the jab-cross-hook
Against the straight punches, use the long Thai guard covers and the high elbow cover on the right against the hook. As the hook is covered throw the left hand to his throat. Continue your forward motion by slipping the left hand from the throat to pushing the right shoulder away and wrap your right arm over his left arm as you drive the top of your head into the side of his neck/jaw. This tightness and positioning prevents any type of attack to the head from him. Also, make sure the eyes are forward and not down. ‘Putting’ the eyes to the floor will likely break the integrity of your spinal structure, so scan the eyes around. Step back with the left then the right for the sweeping action. Make sure the arm you have on him is used to guide or drive his body where you want it to go.

Against the rear leg round kick
Crush with left leg and reach with the right hand to begin the initial disturbance of his balance (this can also be a finger jab to the throat), step down with the left leg and push his right shoulder back with your left hand as you control his left bicep with your right hand (keep your head tilted down to prevent being headbutted). Wrap an arm (under or over) as you step with the right between his legs then pivot followed by the left back step then the sweeping right step.

Against the lead snap front kick
Attacker throws the kick and intercept with the jeet tek (Stop kick) and push his right shoulder back with your left hand as you step down with a hard left ankle and throw the long right knee (don't try to control his upper body as you knee). Wrap an arm (over or under) as you step down with the right between his legs then pivot followed by the left back step then the sweeping right step.

6/6/17: syllabus work

Nige was giving lots of excellent guidance for Ian and myself tonight, after each skill practised are the improvements for us.

GLOVE WORK:
In all the defences, ensure full body mechanics in the punches – extend the shoulder
defences from jab
1: Lead hand salute to arm break to ABC
• Check the capture connection
• IW: Salute and arm break to be one smooth move
2: waslik to lead hand uppercut to ABC
3. Rear hand cut punch to ABC
4. slip to the outside, rear uppercut to ABC
5. split entry, arm drag to ABC

defences from the cross
1: lead hand cut punch to ABC
• For me, use a higher Thai guard and drop the cut punch into his line of attack and just touch his face
2: bob and weave, body hook to ABC
• Hit the body off the weave
• IW: make sure you drop down at knees with guard up, and after body hook step off to attack from angle
3: lead high elbow, hammer fist to ABC
• Forward pressure on the hammerfist and make it one motion.
4: rear hand split entry, arm drag to ABC
• Pressure on and off his elbow to allow the torqueing of the body
• IW: Make sure the attacker arm is rolled into defenders’ body to break attacker shape
5: parry, overhand right, uppercut to ABC
• As the parry touches the overhand should at least on its way and close to completion

KICKING:
kick for kick:
• Break the rhythm
• Attack both sides of both legs plus the torso

TRAPPING
pak to hit
• As a loop drill or one person working both sides alternatively?
• IW: need to confirm with Steve... Speaking with Marc we were doing punching hubud with is an attached form, syllabus says unattached
lap to hit
• Check the length of the lap – is it short to not get a reaction or a full lap and long punch
• As a loop drill or insert the lap and punch out of the pak and punch drill?
• IW: need to confirm with Steve... Speaking with Marc we were doing punching hubud with is an attached form, syllabus says unattached

ENERGY DRILL
basic hubud:
• Keep it tight
• Keep the elbows in and control/monitor the elbow
• Finger tension
• Strike the neck as opposed to some general high hand attack on the initial motion
• Keep it high

1/6/17: grappling syllabus work

FANNING ROUND AN OPPONENT
Partner A is simply acting as a body on the floor for Partner B to practise and refine the fanning motions.
Scarf hold on the left (hip to the armpit) – to side control on the left – to reverse scarf hold on the left – to mount – to reverse scarf hold on the right – to side control on the right – to scarf hold on the right.

ESCAPING FROM TAKEDOWNS
1: Person A throws the jab, Person B does the outside deflection. Overlook the arm and step around to his 3/4. Person B’s head is now tight to the back of his shoulder and his right arm is around on his right trapezium. As Person B steps back with the right, he takes him down maintaining arm control and move to side control. Person A now needs to create space to swim an arm under Person B's side control. Person A will use the torso of Person B as a handle to assist pulling and swimming out to escape to then take side back control.

2: Person A jabs, Person B drop their level and strikes to the abdomen in the left. They then continue the forward motion as the clinch at the lower back and squeeze the lead leg of Person A with both their legs. Continue the forward pressure for the takedown and move into mount. Person B then simulates ground and pound. Person A passes the punches to one side and then wraps to clinch around Person A's body, thus giving no space for him to work. As the clinch happened, so did blocking one of his feet. For me, it was passing the punches to the right and blocking with the left foot. This left him empty on his right side. From here, Peron A bridges and reaches to the left for the reversal.

30/5/17: pre-grading syllabus work

RED BELT FOCUS (Paul, Nick and Ian): The work we did in our group was focussed and continually being refined with the help of Nigel plus video to see ourselves and mistakes in action.

Footwork: male and female triangles both open and closed, the hour glass, the pivot and the L-step.

Kick for kick: working on range, hands and eye focus, pace of response, variety of kick

Energy drills: pak and hit, lap and hit as well as hubud. Working the 'energy' aspect.

BLUE BELT FOCUS - Charlie and James

"Free work' - Adam working with Tom.

Notes kindly provided by Adam:

Footwork:

Box pattern (forward, backward left right) - focus on keeping feet same distance apart, back heel off the ground. Added jab and cross ensuring each punch landed with each step e.g jab when first step landed cross when second step landed.

Later in the session we used this footwork in a lead and follow exercise. Partner A faces partner B and moves in any direction (fwd, bck, L,R) Parnetr B mirrors that so if A moves fwd B moves Bck.

Female and Male triangles – focusing on spring and how you can use front hand or rear hand with each step (e.g jab/cross)

Pivot - making sure you end up balanced at the end of the pivot. If you can throw a solid cross after then your feet are in a good base, if you can’t then adjust your feet.

L step

Jab defences:

Catch jab

Slip and uppercut (in one motion – you may have to slightly adjust your rear foot for balance and to enable your uppercut to “reach”)

Cut punch

Salute – (drive saluting elbow fwd to take jab off the line.. same with cross)

Split entry - into dumog drag, hooks to the ribs and push away

Slip salute and split entry need to utilse slip footwork

Cross defences (same as jab):

Catch parry - don’t over commit parrying hand or you leave centre line open.

Catch, slip –upper cut then any follow up

Catch, Cut punch

Catch, Salute

Catch, split entry

Single stick:

Figure 8 (then inc female and male triangles)

Cinco terros (5 angles)

1) Down down across across stab (for, back, for , back, stab)
2) Down, across, across down stab (for, back, for, back, stab)
3) Down up up down stab (making an X shape - for, back, for, back, stab)

3 count sumbrada – focus on footwork and checking hand and maintaining distance.

For fun: Tom asked to clarity some knife work, so we worked on defanging (cutting) on an 8 count feed, using the monitoring hand to pass (open and closed scissor motion)

We finished with a quick lock flow (first 4) and hubud

25/5/17: syllabus focus for all

SHADOW BOXING WARM UP (ALL)

RED BELT SYLLABUS FOCUS

Jab defences:
1: catch and jab

2: slip and uppercut

3: cut punch

4: outside deflection

5: split entry into dumog pull

6: lead high elbow cover into hammer fist

Jab-cross defences:
1: catch and jab

2: bob and weave

3: outside deflection

4: split entry into dumog pull

5: parry left and overhand right

6: cut punch

PAD ROUNDS: (ALL) the focus was defending the clinch then striking
1: against the single arm clinch - shrug off with the elbow followed by cross-uppercut-cross

2: against the single clinch - inside gunting - followed by cross-uppercut-cross

3: against the double clinch - bob and weave - followed by cross-uppercut-cross

4: against the double clinch - drop the level and push up against the triceps - followed by teep-cross-hook-cross

5: against the double clinch - arms over and push against the chin - followed by overhand-uppercut-overhand

6: THAI PADS - right rear leg round kick-left hook-right cross- rear leg round kick

SINGLE STICK:

Downward figure 8

Upward figure 8

Cinqo teros patterns:

1-2-3-4-5

1-4-3-2-5

1-upward backhand-upward forehand-2-5

Putting them all together in a loop drill

ADVANCED SYLLABUS WORK

As always, thanks to James for the detailed notes

Thai 4 Counts

Partner steps in to J, as he steps in front leg teep, step down with a hard ankle and rear leg thai (RLT), LH, RC, step-off inside leg kick (ILK).
Partner steps in to J, as he steps in rear leg teep, step down to the R. and ILK, RC, step-off LH, RLT.

Clinch

Cover the J with R. forearm (L. elbow cover your face) and immediately move R. hand to the crown of his head (hit his neck with your forearm on the way in) and the L. hand to his R. bicep or his forearm if his guard is tight, then put L. hand on top of R. (palm to palm), before the forearms are completely pinned together your partner bob and weaves out (keeping the forearms low and horizontal to cover the knee) then RC, step-off LH, RLT.

Cover the J with R. forearm and cover the C with L. forearm (R. elbow cover your face) and immediately move L. hand to the crown of his head and the R. hand to his L. bicep or his forearm if his guard is tight, then put R. hand on top of L. (palm to palm), and bring forearms together and sink weight down, your partner moves his hips in tight to yours then shrug his shoulders up to trap your arms, brings both arms over the top and pushes against his chin (one hand on top of the other) as he straightens his arms and brings his elbows together then pushes out and RLT.

Double Stick

From open guard step out to the right and A1, A2, swing the L. stick under your R. armpit then do heaven 3 (alternatively, you can swing the L. stick at the same time as you A2) & go back to open guard; step out to the left and A2, A1, swing the R. stick under your L. armpit and heaven 3 then go back to open guard.

Do drill (1) then step out to the right and A1, A2, step out to the left and A2, A1 then heaven 6.

From open guard step out to the right and A1, low backhand watik; step out to the left and A2, low backhand watik, then standard 6.

From open guard step out to the right and A1, low backhand but this time follow through and at the same time swing your L. stick under your R. armpit then heaven 3 & go back to open guard; step out to the left and A2, low backhand follow through and at the same time swing your R. stick under your L. armpit then heaven 3 & go back to open guard.

From open guard step out to the right and A1, A2, step out to the left and A2, A1 then heaven 6 and go back to open guard; step out to the right and A1, low backhand watik, step out to the left and A2, low backhand watik, then standard 6 and go back to open guard; step out to the right and A1, low backhand watik, A2; step out to the left and A2, low backhand watik, A1 then earth 6 and go back to open guard.

23/5/17: syllabus focus plus humility on the Thai pads

Red belt syllabus group

Below are extra or further refinements in terms of learning points that Steve was exemplifying.

Jab defences
- Catch and jab:

- Cut punch:
dominate the line of his punch, step off line slightly.

- Split entry to dumog drag:
Don't bring him down but bring him towards you.

- Slip and uppercut:
Lead with the left shoulder, lose your neck and make it one smooth movement not two separate ones.

- Salute to arm break:
Affect his structure

- Scoop and lead uppercut:
Be dynamic

Cross defences

- Cut punch:
As above: shift off line and dominate his line and structure of the punch.

- Bob and weave, body hook:
Avoid just going under the punch, it is more like a forward corkscrew motion.

- Lead high elbow to hammer fist:

- Split entry:
Dumog pull needs to be in to your centre to affect his balance and base.

- Slip and uppercut:
Lead with the right shoulder.

- Parry and overhand right:
Drive the overhand straight down his centre.

Humility on the Thai pads
My first time on the Thai pads and learned many valuable and ego shredding lessons. The beauty of them, they expose, very quickly, gaps. Here are just a few that I noticed within 20 seconds of hitting them after doing the four count (lead leg round kick - cross - hook - rear leg round kick).
Structure is poor and unsound - there was no turning the hip over in the kicks
No flow - I was throwing 4 techniques and not a flow of 4 as 1.
Barely any power - bouncing off the pads.
Hands were dropping after each 4 count.
Staying in range after each 4 count.
Shot my load very quickly - as Conor McGregor would say, I was inefficient with my energy.

Pad rounds alongside the Thai pads had a clinch focus
1: Pad holder puts right hand on shoulder of puncher, simulating the single arm clinch, puncher shrugs off the clinch with the left elbow/shoulder shrug then follows up with a cross - hook - cross.

2: Pad holder puts right hand on shoulder of puncher, simulating the single arm clinch, inside gunting followed by cross - hook - cross

3: Pad holder puts both hands on shoulders of puncher, simulating the double arm clinch, puncher bobs and weaves followed by cross - hook - cross.

4: Pad holder puts both hands on shoulder of puncher, simulating the double arm clinch, puncher drops their level and pushes up on the triceps of the pad holders then follows up with cross - hook - cross.

3 count sumbrada plus 3 strips

STRIPS:
Snake against angle #1
Roof and shoot the left-hand arm/hand straight and wrap from there (rather than trying to cover the hand and wrap). Wrap with the left thumb up and high. Your hand and his should be at eye level. Add the rotation and hitting his stick arm for the strip.
If it does not go, insert your stick to the other side of his wrist as you slide you left hand down his stick. Continue the opposite direction motion to strip the stick and flow with a combination of strikes.

Vine against angle #1
Inside sweep and check the stick, moving to the left and away from the empty hand that could strike, jab to the eyes with your stick and lever his stick vertical. This angle was key for an effective strip. If this doesn’t work, take your stick out and put the tip in your left hand, you will now have his and your stick tips in one hand. Using the right hand, use the similar rotating motion as in the snake strip to take his stick. We were also shown a nasty variation where the hand is trapped and crushed between the two sticks.

Vine against the angle #2:
Drop stick and check the hand but control the hand by grapping the thumb. Insert your punyo over his hand and affect his structure by extending his arm. If this does not work then jab to the eyes with the stick then loop under and behind his forearm for an elbow extension and stripping of the stick.