Summer Kung Fu Self-Defense Intensive: 28 June 2008
Day 5
Summary
The focus of today’s class was to work on increasing basic strength and body conditioning, coordinating multiple punches directed at different targets located in different directions, and reviewing some basic blocking theory (specifically the lower and outward blocks).
Basic Strength and Body Conditioning
As per the macro-theme of the summer intensive, we are working towards increasing overall martial body strength and striking conditioning. Slowly but surely we are increasing the time and depth of the stances and by the end of the summer you should notice a significant increase in your capacitive strength.
Multiple Punches Directed at Different Targets
In a variation to the isolated punch routines, we practiced a straight punch/back fist routine from the horse stance position. The most obvious scenario for this combination is when one wishes to strike an opponent in front and one at the side. Normally this is not a big deal; however the switch between the forward straight punch to a back fist that strikes to the side carries an inherent complication wherein retracting the straight punch and launching the back fist is concerned. The tendency to go from an extended straight punch to a “back fist,” without retracting, changes the back fist into a whipping punch - which is not wrong, but it requires different body dynamics to throw the punch effectively.
Those familiar with the whipping punch will immediately recognize the advantages and disadvantages of using a straight punch - whipping punch combination as opposed to a straight punch - back fist combination. Because it would carry my summary down a tributary I do not wish to travel now, I will not discuss the nuances between whipping punch and back fist now. Suffice it to say, that if you practice the two different combination, you will begin to see what I mean.
The primary points to take away from the straight punch - back fist combination are as follows:
1- The change in mental attention between a target in front and a target at your side;
2- The extension and retraction of each punch, and;
3- The switching of the fist itself - from horizontal to vertical and strike points.
Again, I do not wish to get into an elabourate explanation - I will leave that for you students to discuss in the comments to this summary.
Basic Blocking Theory
Lower, Cross Body and Outward Block
Lower, Cross Body Block
Following up on the blocking/forearm training routine, I introduced a bit of theory as to how the lower, cross body block is uses and how it is effected. Insofar as the lower, cross body block is concerned, its application is best evinced in a hermetic training environment where the opponent throws a certain punch at a certain target that impels one to choose the lower block as the block of choice. As the lower, cross body block moves across the lower part of your body you have two choices as to how your body will move: either you will move the blocking hand’s shoulder into the block, or you will move the non-blocking hand’s shoulder away from the block. Sounds complicated?
Moving the shoulder of the blocking hand into the block invites a different mental state that is characteristic of an attack on the attackers punch (or grab, or seizing hand, etc.). The change in mental states, your mental state, shift you from a defensive ontological state, wherein you are the object being aggressed against, to you occupying the same ontological state as your attacker. If an attacker is unprepared for an “attacking” block, and the shift in the “roles” that each of you occupy in the conflict (him/her being the attacker, you being the defender shifts to you both being the attacker), if the attacker is unprepared for the shift in roles then you may catch the attacker off guard and your follow up might have a greater chance of success.
When I demonstrated the lower, cross body block with my shoulder moving in, you saw the change in my attitude and the reaction of the attacker, even though he was prepared for the move. To properly shift your mental state into the attacker mode you must almost adopt an air of being indignant that your attacker has aggressed against you. The expression of indigence and the force of your block should help form the proper “air” for your counter attack. I will not go on much further given that those who saw the demonstration should be able to put the words to the picture. I invite any questions you may have.
Moving the non-blocking shoulder out is a more relaxed block that its part evasion, part counter-attack preparation. Having said that, you should immediately notice that the nature of the attack being blocked is different. In the “shoulder in” block the attack can be either incoming or static; in the “shoulder out” block, the attack is in bound and closing fast. Rather than get into a lengthy explanation, I ask that you imagine the following:
A punch is coming in, you effect the lower, cross body block while stepping back into a horse stance and the attackers punch continues on its trajectory but your body is not there. Ostensibly, there is no real need to block since you have moved back; however the lower, cross body block is a measure of insurance that prevents the attacker from redirecting the attack into your body (i.e. by stepping in and using the elbow). When I demonstrated the difference, the “atmosphere” between the attacker and me provided lots of room for many different counter attacks that only increase in effectiveness and power by incorporating your attackers motion into your counter-attack. This block is clearly a defensive block and you remain in the defender “role” until you reverse the tide with your counter-attack. Hence, notice the change in my language of attacker/defender in comparison to the “shoulder in” block’s explanation. The shift in explicative intonation reflects the difference between the two ways of effecting this block. Complicated fine movements, complicated explanation, sorry.
Outward Block
The outward block is one of the most complicated, if not the most complicated block out of the basic block. There are several moments during the outward block’s execution that merit freezing and intricate analysis, but this is neither the forum, nor the time for doing so. In its simplest form, the outward block is executed by sweeping the forearm up to cover an attack to either upper quadrant of the upper body. The main points to remember are not to use only your hand to block, and that the final position is with your palm facing you, or even slightly over rotated outwards. It is sufficient to carry an attack to a point just outside the corpus of your body and not too far beyond. One the attack is deflected or redirected away from your body, the immediate danger from that attack has been averted - but watch out for the follow ups.
During the class, I introduced the notion of a final wrist flick once the block reaches its final point, an additional slight flick of the wrist creates a micro-tremor up the opponents arm which gives you a micro-second advantage to effect your counter attack. Even so, you should note that this “flick” is less effective on jab type attacks, but it can delay or mis-align the trajectory of the attacking hand so that a follow up attack from the same hand is delayed for a moment or thwarted entirely. Do not feel secure in the notion that a rapid puncher will be put off by this fine movement, but a less experienced fighter will be briefly affected; probably without knowing why - too bad. Here too, a discussion of the “flick” merits a treatise, but this is not the time for that.
Executing the outer block is most effectively done by using the elbow, and it is imperative that your palm be facing you and not your opponent. As I explained class, if your palm is not facing you then the force behind the block is your outer rotator cuff as opposed to your body itself. For stronger opponents, the body is a better support for your block than your outer rotator cuff - especially if you need to pressure the attack outwards.
In summation, there has been some improvement, even in such a short period of time. However, you need to resist the inclination to vary the moves I tell you to practice and focus on exactly what I tell you to do. Do not worry, later on in the course I will give you time to experiment- actually, I will demand that of you.
Comments are welcome.
Troy Marquis, Sifu
Tai-Mar Kung Fu Self-Defense
Training Location
Title: Training Location
Location: Angrignon Park
Description: We will be training at the same location as last Sunday.
Please do not be late.
Start Time: 09:00
Date: 2008-06-29
End Time: 10:30
Training Location
Title: Training Location
Location: McGill Shatner Bldg
Description: Todays session will be held in on the top floor in the Club lounge. Please do not be late.
Start Time: 09:00
Date: 2008-06-28
End Time: 10:30
Summer Kung Fu Self-Defense Intensive: Blocking Discussion
Students: Please post your comments about blocking here.
Summer Kung Fu Self-Defense Intensive: 22 June 2008
Day 4
Summary
The focus of today’s class was to review the back fist as well as to examine some of the finer points of the straight punch. Also, we looked at the blocking routine in solo, partner and with trees. Finally, we looked at a self defense technique involving an outward block to an oncoming straight punch (opposite hands), a wrap over with the opposite hand moving into the contemplative position, ending with either an outward block strike or an expansive forearm strike across the opponent (depending on your mood).
Straight Punch - Further Observations
Overall, your technique is improving. However, it is IMPERATIVE that you do not lock your elbow out, EVER. I think I have explained this point ad nauseam and to that end, you should be able to gauge the value I put in your mastering this finer point of the punch. Furthermore, the elbow should not be facing outwards, but rather it should be facing 45 degrees down/outwards. As I demonstrated with some of you, if your elbow is facing outwards, it can collapse easily and your fist will remain facing forward if you bend your wrist. However, if your elbow is 45 degrees downward/outward then collapsing it must involve the shoulder, which is a proof that although your straight punch is thrown with your arm slightly bent, the architecture and stress points of the punch, at its fullest extension, are the two knuckles and the shoulder. To test this, put your two knuckles on the wall and lean on them; you should feel very little pressure in your elbow; if you wanted to push, then you would feel the push coming from your shoulder. This is the training form of the punch.
When the punch is in flight, and you have made contact with your target before you punch is fully extended, which is the preferable scenario because you want to have room to penetrate your target), you arm will be bent. In this case, your intention should be to extend to the training punch position.
PLEASE PUT ALL COMMENTS IN THE POST FOR STRAIGHT PUNCH… THIS WILL KEEP THE INFORMATION ORGANIZED.
Blocking Routine
The movements of the blocking routine are:
1- across lower portion of the upper body;
2- upwards and outwards across the upper part of the body, and;
3- downwards and outwards across the lower portion of the upper body.
These cover three of the four upper body quadrants. Insofar as the hand positions and their tensile effect on the forearm, I will leave it for you to discuss in the comments. However, I will give you one hint: practice each move with your hand facing various directions and observe…
Trees
As I promised, the tree will be your ultimate and unforgiving corrector. If you have ignored me, or perhaps more correctly you have not been paying attention to what I have been telling you about arm/wrist/hand position, the tree will support me in our education. There is not much to say except that if you do not do it right, the tree will hurt you. If you have any special observations you would like to share with your classmates, please feel free.
PLEASE PUT ALL COMMENTS IN THE POST FOR BLOCKING… THIS WILL KEEP THE INFORMATION ORGANIZED.
Self-Defense Technique
I will not comment on the technique except to answer your questions. I strongly suggest that you write out the technique in detail, with the variation, so that you can refer back to it later on in the course. There is a LOT of theory in the movement and you do not want to forget it.
PLEASE PUT ALL COMMENTS IN THE POST FOR SELF-DEFENSE TECHNIQUES… THIS WILL KEEP THE INFORMATION ORGANIZED. BEGIN BY DETAILING THE ATTACK AND THEN MOVE TO THE DEFENSES AND COUNTER ATTACKS. ENSURE YOU WRITE YOUR OPINIONS.
As always, I look forward to your comments about the class, and the location.
Sifu Troy Marquis