Prearranged Drills: The Importance of the Attacker

Prearranged Drills: The Importance of the Attacker

When I started training, I wanted to be the ‘Heroic Defender’ when practising prearranged drills. The concept that the attacker was a vital part of the proceedings eluded me for a long time.

What I finally came to understand was that a quick, powerful and intelligent attack in training will promote a similar response. The better the attack is, the better the defence will be.

On the other hand, an attack that has no passion, force or justification behind it promotes an equally lazy defence. As long as one trains to defend against third rate attackers, a sloppy defence may or may not work.

For myself, I prefer a more stringent approach. This means I train an attack as much as I train a defence. It means I need to know the timing and force necessary to make the attack work. I need to move slowly, at first and gradually build speed and power. As my attack improves, so should my defence.

I also need to know why someone would behave in such a reprehensible way. The usual reasons are greed, rage, drug addiction, a criminal mind set, insanity, mistaken identity, etc. However, what is most relevant is that a street attacker is utterly willing to inflict damage. Reasoning with such an individual is not usually possible. This leaves only conflict and/or evasion.

In Kisae Kempo (as in many other arts) the principle of justification plays a huge role. The principle is this (in a nut shell). A person will fight only as long and as hard as they personally feel they have the right and the ability to.

In terms of an attack, while I will not initiate an assault, I must be aware of how others could or would do so. I train my defences with this in mind. This part is more mental than physical. Being alert to danger gives one time to respond. Being confident that one can handle a dangerous situation shows in posture and body language.

Without prejudice

Prearranged Drills

Prearranged Drills

This essay is concerned with only one third of the overall training regimen of Kisae Kempo.


Prearrange may be defined as, ‘to plan in advance.’ Drills may be, ‘the constant repetition of a set pattern of movements.’


(For the purposes of this essay, I’m referring to two man stuff even though the principles apply to multi attacker drills, as well.)


In Kisae Kempo (and many other arts too), prearranged drills are those Martial Arts activities that allow the participants to start slowly, gently and gradually increase both power and speed (without damaging their partner). Both sides know what is to be done, when and where these things will occur, etc.


One phrase there bears repeating because it is often the most misunderstood. ‘Without damaging their partner’ means that the partner will be able to try again. It also means that there is neither hero nor villain in these drills. Both sides are of vital importance and both attacker and defender should be roles that can be taken on by either participant.

Prearranged drills eventually allow either participant to exert themselves with full power and speed, repeatedly. Done correctly, this series of drills builds ability and confidence.


At the same time that these drills are a safe method of applying skills there is also a paradox present. Prearranged drills should be challenging. There should be a feeling of danger and the realization that an incorrect movement may result in damage. Without this challenge, the drills are likely to become much less effective.

Without prejudice

Through Not To

When I was a beginner, all the punches and kicks I learned were to the other guy. Every once in a while someone would get hit but they were few and far between.


All the attacks and defences for beginners were based on that concept. They were to the point of contact not through to the point of finish.


Little by little I learned that a serious strike (or kick) goes through an opponent. The difference between the point of contact and the point of finish is about three inches.


That change in distance made all the difference. My concept of techniques and tactics changed dramatically. Suddenly I could land powerful strikes and my confidence rose proportionately.

p.s. I train in a no contact system these days. I save my full power for the heavy bag and focus mitts. When training two man stuff, I am always aware that a partner is much too precious to risk damaging.