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.

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.

13/5/17: Guro Terry Barnett seminar - boxing fundamentals and double stick fundamentals

Thanks to James for putting the time into to compiling the notes from the seminar today. Top quality instruction from Guro Terry Barnett to a room full of people wanting to learn, improve and evolve their skill set.

Boxing

● Hands by eyebrows, constantly moving.
● Elbows in.
● Rear heel up.
● Circle in both directions and move laterally so you’re not predictable.

Rhythm Drills:

1. J (partner catches), you catch partner’s J, J (partner catches). Then your partner initiates the drill. Vary distance - so at longer range you would move in as you J and move out as you catch. At close range there is less footwork. Aim for the face not the glove.

2. As (1) but add a RC after the final J.

3. As (2) but add a LH after the RC.

4. Do drill (3) but with a third person who stands behind your partner and slowly walks to the L. or R. and you use your footwork to ensure your partner remains between you and the third person.

Off the Final Jab of the Rhythm of 3 Jab Drill:
1. Catch the J.

2. Zone L. and RC to the chin (your L. hand can either cover the L. side of your chin or the R. side of your face).

3. Switch leads using female triangle footwork but done as more of a Superman punch and LC to chin.

Off the Final Cross of the Rhythm of 3 Jab, Cross Drill:

1. Catch the J, catch the RC.

2. Catch the J, slip outside the RC and RC down the middle (like a split entry).

3. Catch the J, slip deeper outside the RC and keep your R. elbow tight to his R. ribcage, LBH, recoil then LH, recoil, then pivot off clockwise.

Sparring:

● 20% of full power.

● Have a gameplan and stick to it. Decide what you want to work on in an environment where you need not worry about being hit hard.

● You can put a pair of focus mitts under your elbows to ensure they are kept tight to your body. It also forces you to use body mechanics when punching.

● Use your shoulders to create space when on the inside - same motion you would use for a J or a RC.

Double Stick

From Closed Guard

1. Heaven 6. From a neutral stance - point your R. toe (like a cat stance) when doing the first 3 strikes then shift your weight and point the L. toe when doing the next 3 strikes.

2. One side feeds heaven 6 then when they want to the other side uses the R. stick to hit a forehand, forehand, backhand then the L. stick to hit a forehand, forehand, backhand. These are quick shots with short retractions. The non-hitting stick can be chambered on the shoulder like in open guard or just by your side. This drill develops timing and rhythm.

3. Heaven 6 then Standard 6.

4. Heaven 6, Standard 6, Earth 6. When doing Earth 6, when doing the first 3 strikes bend your L. knee so you’re in a lunge position then for the next 3 strikes bend your R. knee in a lunge position on the other side.

5. Start doing heaven 6 standing then continue as your partner drops to one knee, then both knees, then drops his hip and lies on his back. Maintain the correct distance to allow you to keep doing the drill then start to circle him while he is on his back and he will follow you. He then makes his way back to both knees, then single knee, then standing. Then you do the same.

From Open Guard

Drill 1:

1. Partner hits an A1 with the R. stick, you gunting (scissor motion with both sticks hitting simultaneously, the R. stick is lower and would hit the hand, with an A1 the L. stick is higher and passes the stick) as you zone L. Your arms with be crossed in the finishing position. Then both sides backhand watik.

2. Partner hits an A2 with the R. stick, you gunting ( the R. stick is lower and would hit the hand, with an A2 the L. stick is higher and passes the stick) as you zone R. Your arms with be open in the finishing position. Then both sides forehand watik.

3. Both sides switch leads by moving their R. foot to the bottom R. of the triangle and their L. foot to the point of the triangle.

4. Partner hits an A2 with the L. stick (forehand), you gunting (the L. stick is lower and would hit the hand, with an A1 the R stick is higher and passes the stick) as you zone R. Your arms with be crossed in the finishing position. Then both sides backhand watik.

5. Partner hots and A1 with the L. stick (backhand), you gunting ( the L. stick is lower and would hit the hand, with an A2 the R. stick is higher and passes the stick) as you zone L. Your arms with be open in the finishing position. Then both sides forehand watik.

6. You then feed for your partner.

Drill 2:

1. Your partner feeds either an A1 or A2 with the R. stick or L. stick in a random order. You gunting based on the angle of attack, not on which stick is hitting. For example, you could treat an A2 with the L. stick (forehand) in the same way as you would an A2 with the R. stick (backhand). Be economical.

5 Count Sumbrada

Drill 1:

Exactly the same as empty hand but the second stick replaces the checking hand. If ever you’re unsure of the placement of the stick, think of where the checking hand would be. This should be practised on both sides.

1. Partner feeds A1, you roof.

2. You feed A1, partner inside sweeps.

3. Partner feeds A3, you either drop stick (other stick comes underneath in a sandwich motion) OR wing block and pass it with the other stick.

4. You feed A5, partner wing blocks (other stick should be horizontal on top of his wrist with the tip facing you).

5. Partner feeds A2, you shield then feed an A1 and the drill starts again.

Drill 2:

1. Partner feeds A1, you roof.

2. You feed A1, partner guntings.

3. Partner feeds A3, you either drop stick (other stick comes underneath in a sandwich motion) OR wing block and pass it with the other stick.

4. You feed A5, partner guntings (hits over the top with the R. stick and passes with the L.).

5. Partner feeds A2, you shield then feed an A1 and the drill starts again.

11/5/17: 8 angles of the knife, long range knife sparring and side control/scarf hold escapes.

KNIFE

8 angles of the knife
1: Downward forehand slash
2: Upward backhand slash
3: Upward forehand slash
4: Downward backhand slash
5: Stab to the abdomen
6: Backhand horizontal slash
7: Forehand horizontal slash
8: Backhand stab on the high line to the head

No wasted motions, keep it all tight and smooth. One person at a time working the motions on their partner.

Mirroring:
Facing your partner, using them as the focus for the knife and both partners performing each angle in sync.

Defanging:
Cutting the weaponised hand or wrist as one partner feeds the 8 angles, this was a long range practise.

Checking range:
Cutting and passing or cutting and checking the 8 angles. In this drill, footwork, controlling the knife hand, being zoned off behind the knife hand were key teaching points.

Long range knife sparring
8 or 9 rounds. The target in the early rounds was the knife hand and lead leg, in later rounds, the abdomen (if available). A constant mantra from Steve was keeping the knife out in front of you as well as always pointing it towards him coupled with staying edge on. High work rate and repeated change of partners made the drill both challenging and tremendous fun.

GRAPPLING

Back break fall:
Sit the hips low, rock back, keep the chin tucked and slap the floor with both arms.

Tactical get up:
Base out with the left behind you, have the right arm up in front defending the head space. Swing the left leg back to get both feet flat to the floor and keep that right hand up and extended. Now step back and around with the right to create distance between you and him.

Scarf hold escape to side control escape loop drill:
Building on the learning from the last two weeks but this time the drill was modified to contain both elements of practise.
Person A has Person B in scarf hold, Person B escapes with the T-bar then sweeps and moves into side control. From here, Person A escapes with the shrimping then bridging escape (Person B must drive back into Person A to receive the right direction of pressure) and once again moves into scarf hold. Repeat.

Scarf hold escape to back take sweep:
As you get the hips moving away from him whilst escaping the scarf hold, if he is canny, he will try to follow you to limit your space to escape. If you’re on your left side, throw the right leg over to get the hook in his inside thigh and put the right hand around his shoulder and take the bicep. From here, pull down and back on the bicep as this open his chest and torque his body which will enable you to simply sweep him over. He will end up face down on the matt. Apply pressure through his shoulders to stop him getting up as you take the leg out and get to the feet.

Back take sweep to face crank:
This is if he holds tight to the head on the above sweep. Step over with your leg that is at his hips, not his head, then pull it in tight to his abdomen. Adjust yourself to get tight behind his head and shoulder and use the blade of your forearm to grind into the jawline or cheekbone – imagine you are trying to press the forearm into the floor. But do try to regain a strong spinal posture as pushing his face through the floor. This will at worst cause discomfort and provide space for your next option, at best, he will give into the pain quickly and release his grip of your head.

27/4/17: single stick sumbrada, hubud and grappling positional work and escapes

The mighty Josh Barnett applying a devastating scarf hold

SINGLE STICK

3 beat high box sumbrada
Getting flight time on the drill. Extra teaching points were: zoning off; using the stick like a sword – flowing motions. This was aided by the no clicks version of the drill.

Flowing into punyo hubud
After the roof block on the angle #1, grab/control his wrist holding the stick and step in and strike to the head with the punyo of your stick. From here, because you are crashing from medium to short range, he will insert the initial hubud motion and the punyo hubud drill begins.

Snake strip off angle #1
Against the #1: use the roof and crash in, wrap the checking hand around his attacking arm, his arm will now be tightly held under your left armpit. You are using the arm to wrap his arm, not the hand – your left thumb is pointing up and your right elbow/forearm is covering in front of your face: ready to strike with the butt of the stick or simply to protect the face. To complete the strip, turn towards his weaponised arm and ‘punch’ his wrist (punyo up) to complete the strip.

Vine strip of angle #1
Against the #1: block and check, step to the outside of his stick hand as you stab on the outside of his attacking arm, sliding the tip of your stick towards his face. Ensure you have taken hold of his stick. From this position, lever the stick down for the disarm.

GRAPPLING

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 – 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.
Steve was very meticulous in his teaching as always, showing us how to move slowly through each position whilst maintaining pressure on the opponent and limiting their potential options to move or defend the positions being sought.

Josh Barnett showing the possibilties from the scarf hold position:



T-bar escape loop drill
Scarf hold escape using the T bar - upper forearm against the jaw sitting on top of the lower forearm which is acting as a support. The upper forearm looks like the top of a capital T, and the lower forearm looks like the spine of the capital T. This happens as you get on to your side, that lower elbow must be on the floor. Shrimp the hips out and tuck the head into his ribs, as his head is forced back, lift the leg over the face and reverse the position to take you to the scarf hold.

Side control escape and reversal
Get on your side, place your lower hand at the hip and upper hand at the neck. Straighten the arms and shrimp the hips out. If the arms are straightened, you’re using your structure to maintain distance control, the more the arms bend, then you’re relying on muscle power. We must assume that we are working against a bigger and stronger opponent. There is no way to out muscle someone bigger and stronger which is why straight arms is the preferred method. As he pushes back in to you to close the range and distance, drop the left hip to the floor and use his momentum to sweep him over.

JKD grappling mind-set this is not a sport grappling mind-set. We want to be able to escape damage, escape the position and get to our feet. This is something I need to focus on, because when I’m on the floor, my mind-set is still sport grappling (as my grappling background is based in competition and sport, not survival). Obviously, it is very easy in class not to consider the possibilities of the real world: concrete, shit on the floor, awkward clothing, more than one attacker, weapons, alcohol. These considerations are new for me and so time spent in the positions, whilst being cognisant of the mind-set, is something that I must spend more time practising.

20/4/17: single stick master class

SINGLE STICK MASTERCLASS

Downward figure 8 with female footwork. Steve likened the body mechanics for angle 1 like the jab and angle 2 like the cross and throughout the whole night, kept reminding us to use the body mechanics in all stick motions.

Upward change: After the backhand, for example with the right hand, insert the stick upwards alongside the outside of the left forearm. Catch the stick in the left hand, take a grip, make sure there is the punyo available then continue the striking family with this hand.

6 count plus change and footwork in the mirrors: Putting it all together by stepping out on the right to do a 6-count strike with the right, do the upward change and swap to the left. Repeat.

Against the stick: As previous but now against the stick that the partner was holding laterally. Now that impact was part of the drill, it was key to let the stick flow and for the motion not to ‘break’ or ’stop’ on impact. Or to be caught trying to hit the stick. Use the body mechanics and letting the stick flow was the mantra to stay focussed on.

Upward figure with female footwork: Whilst still considered a figure 8, both the upward strikes are very close to vertical. Lots of body mechanics once again, rhythmic fluidity.

Downward change: The Bruce Lee Nunchaku change – you pass the stick down past the outside of the forearm and catch the stick under the lower upper arm. Catching it in the position, allows you to go straight into the upward backhand strike smoothly.

You will notice both Bruce and Guro Dan doing said motion at the start of the video, then nice and slowly around the 1:10 mark.



6 count plus change and footwork in the mirrors: Same as the downward figure 8 practise.

Against the stick: Partner held it laterally, facilitating working the upward striking family.

Abanico in the mirrors: Upper arm parallel to the floor, lower arm vertical and the stick is mostly parallel to the floor (as he were working the high line abanico).

Against the stick: Feeder held the stick vertically to enable connection from the movement.

Angle #1 – half beat abanico on the high line– angle #2 in the mirrors. This was tricky and requires lots of work. We were working the angle 1 and 2 slowly to enable an explosive half beat abanico. Really challenging.

Against the stick

Numerada: Feeder feeds, slowly, angles 1 – 5, strike from long range using the angle #1 – half beat abanico – angle #2. Footwork, proper range, distancing – using the end of the stick to attack his hand.

4/4/17: hubud, pad rounds plus stick and knife sumbrada

HUBUD
Basic roll – left and right sides

Chi sau pass – arm on the inside blocking the attack to the neck, rolls out to in, back of the hand wedges onto the two arms, pak sau then hit to the neck to continue the roll. The lower hand also moves in a circular motion to enable the crossing of his arms for the wedging pin and control.

Dagger pass – as he attacks going for the neck, snatch the attack with same side arm by pulling it towards you, follow up immediately with the same arm, slide up his to attack the neck for the clinch. The partner then yields and folds his forearms back in a bong sau fashion to then enable the continuation of the drill.

Dagger pass to clinch – as above but he does not get the elbow up in time, and so you clinch on the near side of his neck, the rear hand monitors his other arm, pinning it to his torso momentarily before joining the other hand at the back of the head for full clinch.

Clinch defence 1 – lose the neck, drop the weight yet posture up as get the hips as close to his as possible and step a leg between his; interlock your hands behind his back just above the hips to enable control of his base.

Clinch defence 2 - Lose the neck, arms over the top compress and face push. Keep it all tight to allow no slippage or simple escape from him.

PAD TRAINING
Thai 4 counts

Lead switch kick to the front leg – cross – hook – round kick to the rear leg.

Lead round kick to the front leg – cross – hook - lead switch kick to the front leg.

STICK AND KNIFE
High box 3 beat sumbrada, using the knife to replace the checking hand

5 beat sumbrada – as above

Stripping the knife – building on the work of last lesson:
Application of the motions:
Person A: attacks with angle #1
Person B: zone off line, inside sweep with the stick and use the knife to check the weapon hand followed by angle #4 to the lower torso.
Person A: straight stab to the abdomen
Person B: zone right and drop stick right against the stab, maintain stick pressure on his arm as you stab over your arm to his ribs. Small redondo with the right hand followed by a stab over the top to the neck. From here, slide the knife holding hand down his arm to where the stick is monitoring his wrist, pinch the wrist and have the back of the blade against his wrist. Strip the blade out from this control position.

30/3/17: rounds and rounds of conditioned sparring; stick and knife

SHADOW BOXING WARM UP

CONDITIONED SPARRING ROUNDS
Even though numbers were smaller than usual tonight, everyone got to work with everyone in all the rounds.

1: Jab only

2: Lead hand only (any punch) – there might have been the occasional cheap shot with the right hand from a sneaky move to right lead. No names mentioned.

3: Body shots only

4: Lead hand v rear hand (both in left leg lead)

5: Both hands v both hands

The sparring rounds were constant hard work with very little rest. They were incredibly taxing as the rounds went on but bloody good fun. A true feeling of aliveness and being in the moment. A personal thanks from me to all the lads who were at training tonight as this was hard work that required trust and respect and thanks to Steve for facilitating so well whilst reminding us of:
• Footwork
• Head movement
• Hands up and chin down
• Control
• Pressure
• Being edge on
• Using the right pak to set up the right hand
• Controlling the range with jab
• Constant work rate
• Changing levels of attack

STICK AND KNIFE (KALI)

Footwork:
The right-hand side of the diamond – start in neutral, step out at 45 degrees with the right, the left then comes to meet the right but does not touch the floor, it moves out 45 degrees.

Drilling the footwork pattern and adding the stick and knife mechanics
1: angle 2 backhand strike (right-hand) with stick, while stepping off to the right
2: left hand high line stab with the knife, on the same 2 line, followed by
3: angle 2 backhand redondo (right-hand) with the stick
4: reverse stab on the angle #1 line

Drilling the 4-count pattern mirror fashion with a partner

Preceding the 4-count with other striking family patterns
1: Figure 8
2: Heaven 6
3: Angle#1 forehand – low backhand watik
4: Abanico

Application of the motions:
Person A: attacks with angle #1
Person B: Step off line, inside sweep with the stick and use the knife to check the weapon hand followed by angle #4 to the lower torso.
Person A: straight stab to the abdomen
Person B: zone right and drop stick right against the stab, maintain stick pressure on his arm as you stab over your arm to his ribs. Small redondo with the right hand followed by a stab over the top to the neck.

Steve illustrated the concept of hitting the hands regardless of what shapes the attacks take or when they come. Hit, hit, hit and hit; it’s the Filipino way.

28/3/17: boxing 3 counts, sumbrada plus stick and knife

BOXING 3 COUNTS

GLOVE WORK:
The following 3-counts were all about learning to develop and drill different options:
• Options to attack with variety in combinations.
• Options to crash range
• Options to fight at long range
• Options to break rhythm
• Options to attack from different angles
We need the different options so that we are not one dimensional or predictable or avoid getting stuck in doing our favourite attacks or strategies.

Long jab – long cross – long left head hook

Long jab – long cross – long left body hook – jab on the way out. These 2 techniques were worked with the longest punches you could throw; keeping the left shoulder forward and not being square. There was no stepping or moving the front foot as this would give him something to read. The image below is a good illustration of the length and body turn that Steve was requiring. Make the initial jab believable.

Jab – tight left head hook – right cross

Jab – tight left head hook – right cross to the body – jab on the way out. The tight left hook was all about sound body mechanics and tight hand motions. Once the jab was completed, (this time step in to throw the jab) do not retract as you would conventionally for the hook. The jab is completed and moves back a tiny amount so the arm can bend. From here, everything rotates as one for the hook. Make the initial jab believable.

Jab (slide and step to cover distance) – right body hook – right head hook

Cross – left body hook – left head hook. You must move in deep as either he jab or cross are thrown to get you in the correct position for the hooks. It was important to get deep next to, almost past them yet close enough to have the nearside elbow on him. This will minimise his ability to throw punches but also facilitate maximum positioning for your hooks.

Jab – right uppercut –left head hook. In between the jab and uppercut, bring the back leg in then lengthen the front leg to make sure you have a sound, short uppercut, not a long and looping one.

Conditioned sparring using the sumbrada idea – counter for counter
The first 4 in any order, 4 for 4.
Counter for counter – any 3 count whilst practising the different options.

STICK AND KNIFE (KALI)
The main flow of motions was a four-count using alternate stick (right hand) and knife (left hand) attacks. This might need some editing...
1: angle 2 backhand strike ( right hand ) with stick, while stepping off to the right
2: left hand high line stab with the knife, on the same 2 line, followed by
3: angle 2 backhand redondo ( right hand ) with the stick
4: reverse stab on the angle #1 line

In the mirrors and then mirroring with a partner.

Angle #1 (stick) - Angle #2 (stick) - Angle #1 (stick) - then 4-count pattern
Abanico backhand – abanico forehand – abanico backhand then the 4-count pattern.
Heaven 6 – Angle #1 (stick) - long backhand cut with the knife then into the 4-count pattern

23/3/17: jab and cross defences, high intensity pad rounds and guard passing into arm submissions

JAB/CROSS DEFENCES
Scoop and round kick
Jab: scoop right and cover with his right with your left hand, step out and round kick with the right leg to the outer thigh.
Jab-cross: catch the jab then scoop the cross as you round kick to the inner thigh with the left leg.
Three punches were then added as a follow up once the initial defence was given some flight time.

Split entry
Jab: parry right and split left followed by right uppercut then straight left.
Jab-cross: catch the jab then parry left and split right followed by left uppercut then straight right.
It was at this point Steve talked about how some of us were putting the brakes on our movements by either going slow and stiff. Steve was encouraging faster and lighter by letting the attacks flow.

Pak sau
Jab: right pak followed immediately by the right cross-left uppercut-right cross
Jab-cross: catch the jab, left pak against the cross followed immediately by the left jab-right cross-uppercut-cross

6 for 6
One person fed all six attacks and the other worked all 6 defence varieties. Lots of changes of partners and energies.

PAD ROUNDS

4 stations, 3 reps of each before moving on.
1: jab-jab-cross-body hook-head hook
2: uppercut-uppercut-uppercut-hook-hook
3: jab-cross-uppercut-cross-hook
4: jab- uppercut-uppercut-uppercut-hook

Tabata style rounds
1: jab-cross
2: cross-hook
3: uppercut-uppercut
4: overhand-uppercut

GRAPPLING – GUARD PASS TO ARM LOCK SERIES by guest instructor Marc Stock.
Guard pass
Grab the shorts at his hips and punch the hips down to the floor – one knee into the arse as the other leg posts out. Not too far away to lose balance and not to close so that he can grab it. Drive the elbow into the inner thigh of the posted leg - this will open his guard. As the legs open, drive the shin across his thigh and staple the leg to the floor. Pass the left arm under the neck and move into side control.

Americana (shoulder rotation)
With good chest pressure coupled with left shoulder pressure, take out the left arm and drive (GRIND) the forearm across the face or neck, he will want to defend this by pushing you away with the arm. As he does, clasp his wrist with your left hand, and with the aid of gravity, force it to the mat. The right hand slides under his bicep and clasps your right wrist. Rev the wrists straight then slide his arm down to the hip; then lever his elbow up with your right arm for the shoulder submission. Make sure chest pressure is maintained throughout.

Straight arm lock (elbow extension)
As you attempt the Americana, he will defend by straightening the arm. Maintain your figure 4 grip but modify by sliding the left arm under the elbow and using the right to turn his thumb to the sky. Additionally, your weight will slide forward across the chest, that is natural and will aid securing the position. To apply the submission, ensure the left arm is the fulcrum and add downward pressure on the right wrist to extend the elbow beyond it’s acceptable range of motion.

21/3/17: trapping, conditioned sparring and knife sumbrada

Great to see Marc back in the class after being away working is miserable Brunei…

Shadow boxing warm up.

TRAPPING:

Pak sau and punch, he covers the centre with a palm block, you then take centre control with the eye jab. Come under your own punch and replace with the eye attack. Make sure the elbow is down and not raised at all as this will keep your attack tight and afford him no gaps to exploit. Have the fingers pointing to the far side eye as this will ensure control of the centre.

Short lap sau and punch, pak sau and punch to eye attack.

Pak sau and punch – he sends the energy across the centre, you use this for the jau sau (hooking palm strike to the face or jaw trying to get the thumb to the eyes). Make sure to step off line to get outside the arm to have a better angle for the strike.

Lap sau and punch, he catches the punch at the shoulder, drive the lap hand forward off his forearm to trap the catching arm against the chest as you rip out your punching hand. As the punch comes out you also need to step behind (in contact) to control his leg and ultimately, his base and balance. With the forward pressure in your motion, chop to the neck with the arm you ripped out and then cover and chop to the neck with the other hand.

CONDITIONED SPARRING

One person jabs and the other person responds or attacks (depending on the timing) with a trapping method:
• Catch the jab
• Pak and punch before he jabs
• Pak and punch as a response to his jab
• Pak and punch as the jab retracts
• Lap and punch and step off line

KNIFE SUMBRADA (COUNTER FOR COUNTER)

Continuing to get flight time into the drill. Tonight, we were working smaller and tighter motions with the knife and increased control of the partner with the empty hand. As the motions become tighter, the ‘defender’ needs to move much more to get the body out of the way.
We revised the strip against the stab that was worked in the last class too; continuing to work it in the drill as opposed to a static technique learning situation. A further reminder was about not watching the knife as this will take your awareness away from all the attacking options and tools he has, not just the one you’re dealing with.

16/3/17: thai boxing fundamentals, knife sumbrada plus strips

THAI BOXING FUNDAMENTALS

Shadow boxing warm up - head movement, punch defences plus footwork patterns

Long guard drilling
Long guard: left arm out straight down the centre, right arm covers the right eye / right bicep is against the cheek / right forearm is diagonal across the face so that the right hand is at the top left of the head / chin is tucked / looking through the eyebrows
- by holding the structure
- by moving into the position from the on guard stance

Crush drilling
Standing leg is bent, 'blocking' leg is 90 degrees bent with the thigh parallel to the floor and perpendicular to the body, toes flexed, long arm of the same side as the standing leg which is simulating pushing into his chest/head/shoulder
- by holding the structure
- by moving into the position and combining this with the long guard

Kick for kick
Crush the kick and return, first against the switch kick off the left leg, then against the rear kick of the right leg.

PAD ROUNDS - Thai 4 counts
Lead round kick - cross - hook - rear leg round kick
Lead round kick - cross - body hook - rear leg round kick
Lead round kick - cross - lead uppercut - rear leg round kick

KNIFE SUMBRADA
5 count, building on the practise from last week. Trying to make the motions tighter and use the non-weaponised hand/arm to control his weapon hand.

STRIPS

OFF THE ROOF
Take control of the wrist and swing counter clockwise (with your left hand) so you finish with your palm up. Have your elbow pressing into your side for structural support and be off line of the line of attack. If he was simply stumble forward, the knife would be in you, hence being off the line of attack. Strip the blade out against the gap in his grip using the webbing of your right hand.

If this doesn't work, maintain wrist control with your left and use your right forearm against the flat of the blade. You move to being back on his centreline and feed the blade back to him by pushing your right forearm forward.

OFF THE STAB
Step the right leg back as you come down on his stab with the left forearm, reach over your forearm and clasp his writ with your thumb and put the blade of the blade against his wrist to secure the position. Use the left hand to quickly 'slide' up the weaponised arm for the strip.

What a great class as always. On the way to training, I was listening to an interview with Duane "Bang" Ludwig on the Drunken Daoist podcast, and he was talking about how we need to be honest yet respectful to our training partners - we must feed them the right energy; too much and it becomes silly, emotional and senseless injuries occur, too little and they don't get to work with a decent energy and thus get a false sense of security coupled with crap technique. That to me feels like essence of this group; hard work, honest attacking and safe work. Challenging yet supporting each other. Bloody brilliant.

9/3/17: Carenza, jab and cross defences plus knive v knife work

CARENZA
All the following were 2 minute rounds.

Double stick

Single stick right hand then left hand.

Stick and knife stick in right knife in left then swap hands.

Single knife right hand then left

Double knife

Empty hands

As above but adding kicks and knees

GLOVE WORK
Person A double jab with forward pressure and pentertration with both. On the 1.5 beat and light and fast. Person B catches both.

Jab cross on the half beat, person b just catches both as previous.

Person A attacks with double jab or jab crossPerson B splits on the second attack

Person B waslik (scoop) and short uppercut against the 2nd attack. Put a blanket on it then scoop rather than just scooping out of thin air

Person B responds with pak then forearm to the neck

Final round - put them altogether or in any order.

KNIFE V KNIFE
5 count sumbrada

Adding an extra challenge by inserting the feint on the stab then the angle 2 stab

7/3/17: kicking, Jun Fan counts on the focus mitts and lock flow.

A massive thanks to James for compiling the notes for the class tonight.

With partner - both sides in shin guards - one for one of the following kicks - strong eyes:

Rear leg thai
Inside thai (close the distance and kick with no telegraph) or put the jab in to hide the step-up before you kick
Rear teep to body or just above lead leg knee
Lead leg teep to body or just above lead leg knee (close the distance and kick with no telegraph) or put the jab in to hide the step-up before you kick
Rear leg side kick (chamber knee - use edge of the foot) to body or just above lead leg knee
Put the jab in to hide the step-up then lead side kick to body or knee
Oblique kick (stamp down) either to just above knee or raking down the shin
Spinning back kick to body (step lead leg across, turn your back and shift your other leg up so it’s almost parallel then kick out using your glutes. You should spot the target as you’re turning rather than spotting it then kicking)
Mix (1) to (8) above - one-for-one
Do any two kicks from (1) to (8) above in combination then other side goes

Focus mitts - jun fan 5 count:

Step-up lead leg round kick to body (flick kick using instep), cross, hook, cross, step-up lead leg round kick to body. Pad holder moves back the whole time.

Lock flow:

Numbers 1 to 16, left and right.
Lock to disturb - one side locks, the other side ‘disturbs’ the lock but doesn’t always use the same motion e.g. use shoulder, knee etc. so partner gets to used to locking out of a variety of positions.

2/3/17: knife v knife masterclass

5 ANGLE DRILLING
downward forehand - upward backhand - upward forehand - downward backhand - stab to the abdomen
on a partner
mirroring with a partner
The focus was keep the motions tight and nothing wasted or needlessly extended.

8 ANGLE DRILLING
as above but adding lateral backhand - lateral forehand - reverse stab on the high line
on a partner
mirroring with a partner
passing - slashing then stabbing after each attack. The key here is to be behind your blade and always zoning offline so you are controlling the centreline and he is trying to reclaim it with his attacks.

One person feeding the angles (do not allow the defender to grab the knife), the other defending

8 ANGLE SUMBRADA
any 8 angle non fixed sumbrada. This added an extra aliveness to the drill because he and you can attack along any line of your choosing so you are both on your toes and moving a hell of a lot more.

4 METHODS OF USING THE HANDS
- dagger pass against angle 1
- palm up pass against the angle 5
- bong sau to rolling forearm against angle 1
- palm stop / back of the palm to scoop against angle 2

Then any angle attacking and any defence and counter 1 for 1 sumbrada. Knife work certainly is physically and psychologically intense, it is also incredibly humbling. If we had been using markers pens, I know that my arms, neck and shirt would have looked like spaghetti junction. There is no hiding in knife work

50/50
Somehow, you both end up hold each other's weaponised hand. Here we practised having a strong grip but being lose through the arms and shoulders so you can feel the energy. If I go strong arm them I am gifting him the lock or break. We looked at using the knee to break the grip from the outside. The same type of motion used in catch wrestling to break his wrist control when standing grappling.

Yet another staggeringly great class.

28/2/17: double stick masterclass

The main principles that were reinforced all night were:
Eyes on his eyes
Keep the same level
Use the last 4 inches of the stick
Extension through the arms, be long
Use the stick like a sword

2 COUNTS
From the open position (stick on each shoulder)
forehand - backhand (R) then repeat on the left

or

high (R), high (R) high (L) high (L)

high (R) low (R), high (L) low (L)

3 COUNTS
From the open position (stick on each shoulder)
forehand - backhand - backhand (R), repeat on the left

or

high (R) low (R) high (R) high (L) low (L) high (L)

Upward figure 8s - upward forearm, upward backhand, upward forearm then repeat on the left

4 COUNTS
From the chambered position (both sticks on one side of the body, if the right side, right hand on the shoulder and left hand under the shoulder)

Do the following 3 times from the right chambered position, switch then repeat on the left
forehand (R) - backhand (L) - backhand (R) - forehand (L). The final backhand, after the hit, sits on the right shoulder. The final forehand hits through and finishes under the left shoulder.

ODD SERIES
From the chambered position
Forehand (R) - backhand (L) and right roof - forehand (R) then repeat on the left

Putting together the initial 2 count plus adding the odd series

HEAVEN 6
In pairs and in the square. People on the 4 corners of the square were solo drilling the heaven 6 pattern. The person in the middle of the square would start the paired version of the drill as they were 'swinging'. The person in the centre was dictating the speed but also the length of the drill before moving on to the next person occupying a corner.

7 COUNT
Initial 2 count on each side followed by a short series of 3 strikes, Person A with an angle 1, Person B responds with a roof, Person B then attacks with an angle 1 and Person A responds with a roof, finally, Person A with an angle 1, Person B responds with a roof.

Strips:
After the final roof, roll over his weaponised hand and abanico with the left to his neck/jaw/face, scoop down with the left as you zone off line to be out of the line from an attack with the stick in his left-hand. The right punyo goes over the wrist and scissor your hands with the sticks for the strip and finish with a heaven 6.

He then attacks with the left hand, intercept with your two sticks, roll over and abanico with the right hand, scoop down with the right as your left hand opens to capture his hand. Make sure you move the right hand down his arm so you can clasp the wrist using your thumb. Strip the stick out and finish with a heaven 6.

23/2/17: boxing off the jab, pad rounds and single stick sumbrada

BOXING OFF THE JAB
A: jab B, catch and jab. One for one. Lots of changes of partners. Most rounds with left lead then several with right lead.

A jabs, B responds with catch right then jab down the centreline then move offline to the left and jab again.

A jabs, B responds with catch and jab, right cross on the low line to the body (drop the weight and ned the legs and enter in to close the distance) followed by a jab on the high line as you exit back out. As Steve said, it was all about footwork.

A jabs, B responds with catch and jab followed by a left hook to the kidney. Make sure you step left and pivot for the hook.

Conditioned sparring rounds: A jabs and B responds with any of the 3 replies practised earlier on in the session.

PAD ROUNDS
Round 1: jab, jab then left hook to the kidney.

Round 2: jab - cross on the low line to the body - exit with the jab

SINGLE STICK SUMBRADA

Orange belts and below worked the following: (higher grades doing secret stuff on their side of the room)

A attacks with angle #1, B responds with roof then own #1

A attacks with angle #1, B responds with inside sweep and angle #4

A attacks with angle #4, B responds with drop stick plus left hand under his weaponised wrist followed by angle #5

A attacks with angle #5, B responds with wing block then responds with angle #2

A attacks with angle #2, B responds with shield block then angle #1

The work from the higher grades, many thansk to James for the notes

Roof the A1 then slice down with the A1.

Inside sweep the A1 then A4 across the stomach.

Pass the A4 - with the R. stick chambered on your L. rib and your L. arm resting in front (like you’re hugging yourself), drop your R. foot back and deflect his forearm with the back of your L. hand (push his arm into him, don’t just scoop it round) as you hit his stick (would be his hand in reality). Then hit with the A3.

Pass the A3 - either move both legs back and hollow your body as you deflect his forearm with your L. hand (push his arm into him, don’t just scoop it round) and hit his arm over the top then move into cat stance (R. toe pointed) and hit with the A2 OR just skip further back and hit over the top without deflecting the arm and hit with the A2.
Shield the A2.

Do (1) to (3) as a sumbrada flow - the person who starts with the roof should make a ‘Z’ shape with his stick as he roofs, feeds the A1 then passes.

Do (1) to (5) as a sumbrada flow.

Here is a series of images from JKD instructor, Steve Powell, from the second city in the north, Manchester.

http://www.jeet-kune-do.info/jun_fan/sumbrada/

We then put it all together in the 5 count sumbrada drill. First with stick then checking hand but later on no stick contact and just checking the hand.

21/2/17: Panantukan and single stick (redondo focus)

PANANTUKAN methods against straight punches (the jab and cross)

1: Against the jab: Parry right and hit to the body with the left, left hand slides back along the arm to monitor as the right shovel hook goes into the body, the right hand then slides back along the arm to monitor as the left hand hits straight to the body.
Repeat with the cross working on the other side of his body.

2: Against the jab: Parry right and split with the left down the centre. Dumog pull the left forearm into his elbow crease and clasp with the right to secure the arm. Continue to pull his arm in and down so that his elbow ends up on your body. Turn the left palm down and away from yourself (to the left) to put pressure on the shoulder and compress his structure followed by a right body hook then a right head hook. Keep the arm wrapped with your left as you strike.
Repeat against the cross working on the other side of his body.

3: Against the jab: split and stick - parry right and eye jab left, slide the left arm down his arm as the right eye jab goes in, right pak sau on his arm coupled with the left fist. Reach over with the left to take the crease of his arm, the right hand is going to wheel his wrist to the right as the left hand moves the crease in the same counter clockwise motion. Your right arm will now slide into his elbow crease, your palm is facing you, and the left thumb is in his neck to prevent turning back into you.
Repeat against the cross working on the other side of his body.

4: Against the jab: Upper gunting into the salute with the left. From the left salute, slide the left hand down for wrist control as use wrench/break the arm with your right elbow then follow up with the left horizontal elbow to the head.
Repeat against the cross working on the other side of his body.

5: Against the jab: left elbow destruction followed by a series of hammerfists (Left backhand, right forehand-right backhand - left forehand - left backhand). Keep the tight and fast.
Repeat against the cross working on the other side of his body.

6: Against the jab: Parry right and salute with the left then uppercut with the right or go for the arm wrench/break instead. He then throws a shot with the other hand, you will need to keep shifting away from his right hand, intercept inside his attack with your right hand and use the back of the hand to wheel his wrist (and thus arm) in a counter clockwise circle. You end up with both his arms crossed at the elbows and balanced terribly compromised.
Repeat against the cross working on the other side of his body.

7: Against the cross only as the left leg forward and the torque of the right cross allows the offsetting for the throw. This can't be accomplished off a jab with a left lead.
Right elbow destruction the go straight in over the top with the right hand fingers to the eyes. Step in (keeping control of the left arm) and get your left shoulder tight to the back of his, or as close to the top of the tricep as possible. This will already have his balance off, As you step through with the left leg, the left hand is going to clasp the outer side of the leg on the other side of his body. The 'block' of his leg coupled with your step through will have him off balance and unable to attack with anything.

SINGLE STICK

Solo drilling in the mirrors

1-2-1 (right hand) step back, feet together, swap hands and repeat with the left

2-1-2 (right hand) step back, feet together, swap hands and repeat with the left

1-2-1 Redondo

2-1-2 Redondo

As a whole sequence: 1-2-1-redondo-2-1-2-redondo

Numerada: Feeder gives the 5 angles with the stick, 'defender' applies the 4 hits whilst continuously moving. Each hit was targeted on the weaponised hand.

16/2/17: Boxing body mechanics and empty hand v knife

BOXING
Tonight, we were using the stick as a training tool.

Jabbing (singles)
Partner held the stick vertically whilst moving around the room, the puncher threw single shots at the stick. Aim was to have sound hands, always - elbows in, hands up, piston-like punches in and out, chin down, extending the jabbing shoulder and looking through the eyebrows. In this drill, the puncher was in control as it was up to them when they threw the punches. The stick holder could add occasional angle 1 and angle 2 (slip against it) or high line angle 3 or 4 (bob and weave)

Jabbing (singles and doubles)
In contrast to the previous drill, the stick holder was in control of when the punches were thrown. The stick holder was paying particular attention to the balance and motion of the puncher. His job was to call 1 (single jab) or 2 (double jab) whilst moving in all directions and trying to make the call when the puncher was in motion and not 'set' to throw the punches. Again, it was about sound body mechanics and punch delivery as well as snap to get the stick moving when contacted. Similarly, the stick holder could feed the 4 angles for the puncher to practise slipping and the bob and weave.

Hook and uppercut
The stick was held vertically at shoulder height; the puncher was pointing the shoulder to simulate the slip followed by the bob and weave with the body hook followed by the uppercut. The key was the bob and weave coming from the legs and sound body mechanics. The punches needed to be tight and integrated with the body motion, especially the uppercut. Each side was done alternatively.

Lateral motion plus two punches
The stick was now held at a slight diagonal angle with the tip above the puncher's head. This acted as the centreline for the puncher to continually move under laterally, just as we practised throughout the boxing section in Tuesday's class. Likewise, the punches being thrown were the long uppercut then jab/cross or the other way around; jab/cross then long uppercut. To emphasise, the key learning theme running through this class and Tuesday was body mechanics; the punches were an integrated body motion not just lazy arms making punch shapes.

Out of range sparring x6 rounds
The first thing we had to be cognisant of was motion, lateral motion. Steve has been explicit in his desire for us to develop the ability to move and hit simultaneously. Constant work rate coupled with throwing any punch combination at the person in front of us (as they punch at us too). Not all of the southern softies in the room maintained a high work rate for all the rounds #powerfulnorthernmonkeys. In all seriousness, there was a really positive energy and tempo in the room, everybody was pushing everybody.

EMPTY HAND V KNIFE
Ice pick grip knife tapping against the 5 angles
As Tuesday, getting off the angle of attack more than the hammer grip attacks. An additional point for me was the passing. Having partners giving feedback and critiquing your work is most valuable and luckily for me, working with Adam, he could feel gaps and errors when I was passing the knife. I need to ensure that when passing, his knife arm goes towards him as opposed to taking it around and then towards him.

Empty hand against any 5 angles
The knife feeder this time could feed any of the 5 angles, in any order. So, aliveness and alertness was key; dying was obligatory.

Strip against angle 1 ice pick grip
Intercept and eye strike as per usual but instead of passing the blade, rev the left wrist away from you and downwards ending either with his hand on your side or his elbow against his side. This motion breaks his structure considerably as his elbow is in his centre but the hands is outwards of the centre. This causes a breaking of the structure as he must bend laterally to ease the pressure on the elbow and shoulder. Your right hand comes up behind the crook of the elbow to 'salute' against your eyebrow then straightens towards his shoulder as you strip the knife with the left hand.

Strip against angle 2 ice pick grip
Get deep to the outside for the interception and eye strike. Slide the left arm under but along his arm and clasp your left hand over his knife hand; your hand will cover the whole of his grip. As this happens, your left shoulder is tight to his to ensure there are no gaps that the knife could 'slip' through. You now pivot right to end up facing him as you torque his arm so that the forearm is now horizontal (elbow over wrist), maintain the twisting motion as you take the knife from the hand. This is one of those moves where the person holding the knife wants to drop it due to the torqueing but can't because their hand is being clasped shut. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed lots of people holding knives, who at the end of the defender’s motion, were high on their toes. The signal that the twist was 'on'.

14/2/17: boxing body mechanics and knife work

BOXING:
The theme running through the boxing work was constant movement and learning to hit whilst in motion. A moving target is hard enough to work against but add in to the mix a striking and moving target, this will give the opponent much more to consider rather than a body in front of them.

In the mirror:

Lateral motion drilling: keeping the feet still but moving the torso like a pendulum - getting the head off the centreline, the ideal would be the Tyson style rocking motion.

Bob and weave drilling on both sides interspersed with lateral movement. Everything comes from the legs in the bob and weave.

Lateral motion plus a single slip, working slipping on alternate sides.

Lateral motion plus 2 punches - long uppercut and straight jab/cross or jab/cross then long uppercut. The first time was move laterally with the body then throw the 2 punches with the aim of working towards throwing the first punch on the lateral movement (simultaneously).

Then worked this in with a partner throwing jabs or crosses and using movement and the 2 punches to respond.

Partner then throws any punch, including long looping hooks, defender's job was to keep the constant lateral motion and reply with 2 punches. The feeder threw their punches slowly but consistently, this allowed the defender to always be working in motion.

KNIFE

5 angle slashing knife tapping: Steve mentioned several times the need to keep an awareness, a sensitivity or feel for where he is after each attack. Leave no gap.

Against #1 move inside, high block and strike to eyes and neck, backhand sweep the knife hand towards him, cover the elbow, strike to the eyes, head, face.
Against #2 stay behind it, high block and strike to eyes and neck, backhand sweep the knife hand towards him, cover the elbow, strike to the eyes, head, face.
Against #3 low block (like a bong sau) and strike to eyes and neck, backhand sweep the knife hand towards him, cover the elbow, strike to the eyes, head, face.
Against #4 low block (like a bong sau) and strike to eyes and neck, backhand sweep the knife hand towards him, cover the elbow, strike to the eyes, head, face.
Against #5 move inside, low block and strike to eyes and neck, backhand sweep the knife hand towards him, cover the elbow, strike to the eyes, head, face

5 angle stabbing knife tapping
As above but move more as the knife will be longer in its angle in relation to you.

Stab defences: for each of the stab defences we had to make sure that the eyes were on the opponent and not the blade and that we primarily moved and got the body out of the. As we were drilling, after each stab we would take the blade and return the attack, one for one if you will.

High straight stab defence: it's like a cut punch with the left as the high stab comes in. Cut across, so the your index finger points towards his eyes, you have extended through the left shoulder because you have pulled the right foot back and turned with the left hip. Capture the wrist with the right hand as you thumb to the eyes with the left, then come under the arm and strike to the face. Take two hands to one for an arm wrench then strip.

Mid line straight stab defence: pivot on the lead leg to get the body out of the way, grab at the wrist (thumb up and fingers down), extend his motion to just take his balance and strip by turning it back towards him.

Mid line stab defence version 2: get the legs and hips back as you drop the weight and use the back of the forearm, reach above with the other hand and use the back of the forearm to apply the strip.

Working against all 3 stabs in any order: partner feeds any stab; the aim was to get out of the way and apply a strip.